Alright, lets kick off the start of Volume 6. There will be a few changes this chapter, in regard to the Argus Limited that train in the first episode. Now, I'm the kind of guy who loves trains, but I prefer rails and sleepers compared to what the actual thing is powered by. So, for my sake, I'm going to change it up a bit. Mostly the locomotive. It will be Japanese based, more specifically the JNR Class D51 2-8-2 steam locomotive, passenger cars will remain the same as the actual Argus Limited with all the armor plating and turrets. I just prefer steam locomotives.
Anyway, it's time to return to Remnant, but what does the Empire have planned for Remnant? And who was that individual that fought Galen on Tatooine? Well, I'll give a bit of an explanation on those pieces, but not everything.
First up, the reviews.
Jack Smith1: Thanks. You'll be surprised at what I have planned for this volume and volume 7.
Luffy L Deathwalker: Things will be bad, but not as bad as you think they will be.
Darth Cody: Thanks for idea about March proving himself and an idea for the Brunswick farm part. That helps me out a lot. I'm also glad you haven't lost interest in this story, thanks for sticking with me for these last couple of years.
Sorarocks531: No, Pyrrha didn't return to Remnant. If she did, that would be going AWOL on both her squad and her duties to the rebellion armed forces. Besides, it's still to dangerous for her to return and everyone thinks she's dead. For the moment, she is still with the rebellion.
54godamora: I agree, the Apathy is one of the most dangerous Grimm, but an orbital strike on the farm is a little on the overkill side.
Spartan-626: Thanks.
BlindFaunusGirl: You're welcome. Now as for the realism, I know that the Empire didn't find Yavin abandoned after the Death Star was destroyed since I looked it up on the Star Wars wiki site and know this from watching a video of some guy's walkthrough of Rogue Squadron 3, Rogue Leader. That and also the Star Wars Battlefront games from 2004 and 2005. Ruby will get her chance to be the gunner of a Y-Wing some time down the road, I promise you that. And thanks again for the review.
Silverfox3456: I've got plans for those Coruscant Guard troopers in the future, plus a little extra help never hurts anyone. Pyrrha is still with the Rebellion, and I agree, the AT-AT is one hell of a walker to take on, especially singlehandedly. Well, unless you are in a mobile suit like the Strike Freedom or a mech like the Blood Asp.
Alright, reviews done, lets get started. Oh, and before I forget, a certain kid will be appearing this chapter.
Disclaimers are the same as before. Please enjoy.
Chapter 84: Argus Limited
Exiting hyperspace over the imperial capital of Coruscant, an imperial shuttle left the Executors lower hanger and headed for the surface of the planet, it's destination the Imperial Palace. The moon shined over the bustling city as the shuttle landed at one of the landing pads. Exiting the shuttle, was Darth Vader who was greeted by Mas Amedda, one of the Emperors oldest allies and a servant of the Sith. "The Emperor awaits your arrival, Lord Vader." The Chagrian told the Dark Lord.
Vader acknowledged his words, but said nothing as he ventured into the palace, past the various Imperial Guards that protected the palace from intruders while servants went about cleaning the massive structure, which was constructed like a maze to protect the Emperor from anyone who would threaten his life.
Vader knew the way to his master's throne room and reached it in a matter of minutes, where he found his master sitting on his throne. Vader kneeled before his master and then spoke. "What is thy biding, my master?"
"It appears the planet of Remnant is becoming more of a nuisance then originally believed." Sidious began as his apprentice remained kneeled. "Though primitive, they are more resilient then we were led to believe."
"Ozpin is dead, as Salem confirmed." Vader answered. "Yet, Maul serves her as an advisor and ally. You believe that she will betray us?"
"No." Sidious replied. "But Remnant must be punished for their interference and their harboring of Jedi fugitives."
"What do you have planned, my master?" Vader inquired.
"Rise my apprentice." Sidious ordered as he got up from his throne and walked towards his apprentice. "First, we must know where Ruby Rose and her friends are heading next. We will plan our next move from there."
"And what is your plan for the rest of the planet?" Vader asked.
"Leave that to me, Lord Vader. For now, continue your hunt for the rebels and destroy them. We will deal with Remnant when the time comes. I assure you; they will suffer for their actions." Sidious told his apprentice who soon left the throne room. He wasn't alone for much longer as shortly after Vader left, the same individual from Tatooine entered the throne room, this time their mask removed to reveal the face of none other than the former Jedi Padawan of Luminara Unduli, Barriss Offee former Jedi Knight and now an Inquisitor. "Ah, you have returned."
"Yes, my Emperor. I regret to inform you that I was unable stop the Demon Lord and his allies from fleeing Tatooine. I ask for your mercy." Barriss said as she kneeled before the Emperor.
"Rise, Barriss. You have nothing to regret, such an outcome was inevitable." Sidious said, much to the surprise of Barriss. "I'm sure you know by now, Ahsoka Tano is alive and on the planet Remnant. You and her share a history. Tell me, does she mean anything to you?"
"She is dead to me. She made her choice as I have made mine. If she will not join us, then she will die." Barriss answered.
"That's what I had expected you to say." Sidious responded with a smile. "I have a new task for you. My sources tell me that the planet of Remnant is in a very precarious state. With the attack on Beacon and the failed assault on Haven, the world has plunged into further chaos. This is the opportunity we need to take back what was lost during our first invasion. You are to go to Remnant, assess the situation of the planet and make ready for our return. Do not reveal yourself unless absolutely necessary."
"As you wish, My Emperor. However, there is something I must report to you. It appears that one of your hands has betrayed us." Barriss reported.
"Which one?" Sidious asked.
"Mara Jade. My Lord. It seems she has discovered that you were the one who killed her parents when they refused to give her up. She killed many guards in her escape and fled the planet, I don't know where she went." Barriss answered.
"It matters not, she was an experiment and I have no doubt that she has traveled to Remnant. Our paths will cross again in the future, but for now you have your mission. See that it is done." Sidious told Barriss, who soon left the throne room for another landing pad where her ship a prototype of a new version of the TIE fighter was waiting for her. She climbed into the cockpit, powered up the fighter and left the planet in a matter of minutes.
Meanwhile on Remnant, one of Mistral's train stations was bustling with activity. People were going about their business, buying tickets, eating, shopping or other things. Several holographic screens showed the several other locations, including Argus, Wind Path, Kuchinashi, Shion and Vale, the latter of which was crossed out with the message 'Out of Service'. Qrow had just finished writing a letter to General Ironwood, detailing the events that had occurred over the last several weeks. The attack on Haven, the truth about Leonardo Lionheart, the new type of Grimm and their origins, Maul, Cinder's death, the transfer of the Maiden powers to Kara, the death of Bail Organa, the Empire's former newest weapon and everything else happened while Galen and Ruby were away. He even mentioned that one of Salem's followers had defected after learning the truth about his sister's death. Qrow knew there was the chance that he and the kids would arrive at Atlas before the letter would arrive, but he knew that as long as the Relic made it to Atlas, nothing else would matter.
Qrow put the letter in a mailbox when his niece ran by and bumped into him. "Hey, what's with the running?" he asked.
"And what's with the standing? It's almost time!" Ruby shouted before she activated her semblance, grabbed something and flew through the gate where her companions were sitting on the bench on the platform where their train, the Argus Limited was steaming up. She smiled and hummed before showing off the bag she had just bought from one of the stalls she passed earlier.
"What an absolute waste of time—" Weiss began before Yang interrupted her.
"What did you get me?" the older sister of Ruby asked.
"You'll have to wait and see!" she answered in a singsong voice, much to the disappointment of Yang even sticking out her tongue before her sister tried to snatch the bag from her younger sister.
"Uh, can someone explain to me why we're taking a train pulled by two old steamers? I mean, I thought this was a premier train and state of the art." Wrecker asked.
"The cars are state of the art, but the locomotives are the symbol of the Argus Limited." Jaune answered. "The line between Argus and Mistral may be infested with Grimm, but it's the service of active steam locomotives that attracts the riders, especially during the tourist season."
"Oh, I can't believe we're taking the train to Argus! The beautiful northern coastline… You really think it's too early for beach season?" Nora asked, daydreaming about a shirtless Ren holding a beach ball by the sea.
"Unfortunately, but we will be one step closer to Atlas." Ren answered.
"I'm still bummed out that I got to miss seeing Luke blow up the Death Star. I knew when I sneezed that I missed something important." Nora pouted, remembering what Galen and Ruby told them what had happened in Galen's home galaxy. "Still, it's good to know that Pyrrha is alive.
"Well, I'm glad you're all excited. But I don't think you appreciate the trouble Arthur, Hevy, Hardcase and I went through to leave Atlas." Weiss said unamused.
"Let's just be glad we won't have to do it again." Arthur said to the former heiress. "Last time we were taken down by the Grimm before we could reach the city and Weiss was captured by the current Spring Maiden and her tribe."
"I know you're worried, Weiss, but trust us. Teams RWBY and GARM won't leave your side for a second! I promise." Ruby exclaimed.
"No one's gotta be worried with us around." A voice from behind spoke up. The large group turned around to see a pair on Huntsmen, one carrying a spiked club and the other a large hunting rifle approached them. Boba, Faye and Kara were unimpressed by their proclamation, especially Boba who caught sight of them eyeing the kids.
"Aaaand you are?" Nora questioned.
"Why Dee and Dudley of course. The Argus Limited's very own Huntsmen. We'll be keeping everyone safe as we pass through Grimm territory." Dee answered.
"But for a generous tip, we can make sure your passenger car gets extra special attention should things get dangerous." Dudley added, winking at the girls who gave unamused looks.
"So, you plan to give them extra protection while the rest of the passengers can fend for themselves? More like you're just trying to flirt with the girls." Boba pointed out, walking towards the two Huntsmen. "Let me give you some pointers. First off, don't flirt with girls younger than you. You do that and I'll castrate the two of you." He started, causing to the two to cover their groins with one of their hands. "Second, it seems that Mistral is really scrapping the bottom of the barrel these days, as Qrow would say. If you really were professional huntsman, you wouldn't have left the staff entrance to the last car open."
"So, take a hint and buzz off!" Wrecker added, smashing his fists together. The two Huntsman walked away from the group, ignoring the rest of the group as Galen and Rex finished securing Galen's personal Shark onto the flatbed car attached to the train.
"I hope those two weren't Beacon graduates." Rex hoped.
"I doubt it. They look more like they were graduates from Haven or Shade." Galen said in agreement.
"You know sometimes the burden of saving the world feels overwhelming." Oscar said as he sat on the hood of the buggy. "But then people like them come along and make me grateful that it's our jobs and theirs." He added, looking towards Ruby and her friends. His eyes then turned to a special case in the passenger seat of the Shark. "Do you really think that case will keep the relic safe?"
"It's made out of pure Beskar. The Grimm won't be able to detect it as we travel along the line. The less Grimm we have to deal with, the better and that includes the droids as well." Cody answered as he, Walker, Boil, Stone, Thire, Jek, Rhys and Stone joined the three. "We just finished helping Yang load up her bike onto the train and we checked the route. There's a large blizzard on the way and chances are that we'll hit it just after we leave the city. Perfect cover for the enemy to attack."
"Are you sure you three don't want to go back to Vale? I mean, after what…" Jek began.
"The general would want us to keep going with the mission." Cody answered.
"Well, I won't stop you three from leaving if you wanted to. You follow your own paths and if those paths have you sticking with us, that's fine with me." Galen told the three 212th troopers, cinching the cables holding down his vehicle a final time. He then looked up to the walkways above them. "Looks like we're still waiting on Blake. She can take as long as she needs."
On the walkway above the platforms, Ilia and Blake were conversing about the recent events. "You and I both know that Adam is still out there and there is a good chance he will be hunting you or he might go after your parents. I'll do everything I can to keep them safe, I promise Blake." Ilia promised.
"Well, Ilia. Saving Haven made a huge impact on how the Faunus are seen in Mistral. It's up to all of you to take the progress and keep running with it. Besides, you won't be alone. Hanzo, Ryu, Kasumi, Gungi, Katooni and my parents will be right with you every step of the way." Blake assured her friend.
"Right. But there are other factions of the White Fang still out there, some who will operate on their own, some ever more dangerous than Adam ever was. But with your father starting up a new movement, I've got more faith than ever before." Ilia agreed, giving Blake a big hug. "Blake, I want to thank you, for everything. I just wish you didn't have to go."
"I know, Ilia, but my team needs me. We're going to be tracking down the rest of those responsible for the attack on Haven and the fall of Beacon. Besides, if you ever need anything you can just use the commlink I gave you." Blake said to her friend.
"Always trying to save the world." Ilia said with a giggle before she looked around. "I know your parents already saw you off, but where's—?"
"Sun? Oh, he's right here!" Sun said a few feet away from them. "What? You didn't think I was gonna miss your big send off, did you?" he asked just as Neptune appeared behind him.
"He definitely overslept and absolutely almost missed this." The blue-haired member of Sun's team said, which said leader growled at his teammates words and shushed him, getting Blake to laugh before Neptune shoved Sun forwards. "Now would you two hurry up? Need I remind you we have our own trip to plan." He added before he noticed Ilia. "Oh, I didn't know Ilia was…" he began before he felt something hairy on his shoulder. He looked back to see Gungi smiling and dragged the boy away.
"He was barking up the wrong tree. Eh, he'll figure it out." Sun said with a shrug of his shoulders.
"So, you're really going back to Vacuo?" Blake asked.
"That's right! Seeing you reunited with the rest of Team RWBY really made me realize something – I'm like the worst team leader ever. Me and the boys were cool with a little hiatus, but we gotta make up for lost time. Shade Academy's not dealing with any problems like Haven right now. Plus, that means I can show the guys my old stomping grounds! Who knows, maybe I'll run into some other faces from Beacon." Sun admitted.
"I have to admit, I think I was kind of getting used to having you around." Blake admitted.
"I go where I'm needed! And… you don't need me anymore." Sun said while Blake frowned. Sun saw this and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I didn't mean it like that. Look… despite the drama and the fighting and the numerous attempts on my life, I had a lot of fun! But you're with those who you're supposed to be now. You're still working things out, I know. But you can do it with them. And in the future, who knows? I've got a feeling you haven't seen the last of me."
"I certainly hope so." Blake said with a smile before she was bumped and unexpectedly kissed Sun on the lips. Both of teens faces turned red before they pulled back and tried to brush off the whole thing before Sun walked away with Neptune, the latter of whom was teasing his team leader about the kiss.
They weren't the only ones having a talk. As a 2-6-4 tank engine marshalled several freight cars for another train on a different platform, Ahsoka and Sienna Khan, both dressed in their Mandalorian armor were seated on a bench and watched as the tank engine reversed backwards to collect more cars. "So, you're also of Mandalorian blood? I can honestly say I never once considered that Mandalorian's ever came to this planet." Ahsoka said impressed.
"My father always told me stories about the ways of my people when I was a little girl. He told me about the days of old when his ancestors traveled the galaxy as bounty hunters and mercenaries, even working alongside the Jedi when matters required them to." Sienna chuckled. "I once thought they were just stories he made up, but then he showed me the armor and I believed him and I'm not the only Mandalorian from Remnant. Ray, Neo, we are all Mandalorian's and Jedi by one way or another."
"First time I've ever heard of Mandalorian's being Jedi, considering that most Mandalorian's despise the Jedi Order. Not that I can blame them." Ahsoka agreed, thinking about the time she was betrayed by one she thought was a friend. "I'm sorry that Adam took the White Fang from you. I know that…" She started to say but Sienna held up her hand.
"You don't need to say anything. You were betrayed by one you once trusted as well. Someone you once considered a friend." Sienna said. "Katooni and Gungi told me all about this Barriss Offee you were once close with. She was your friend; someone you could trust and how did she repay you? By framing you for a crime she committed and making the rest of the Jedi, save for a few believe you were truly guilty."
Ahsoka sighed at the memory of her former friend. "I just… I don't understand it. How can anyone just give themselves to the Dark Side and claim they are fighting for peace? Sidious, he's ordered the deaths of probably millions of innocent people in the name of 'peace' and how can so many people just accept this way of life?"
"Its because they are afraid." Sienna answered. "Many of the Faunus, like myself at one point were afraid of humanity. We were afraid that if we 'stepped out of line' they would hunt us down like 'animal's' and claim it to be for the greater good of the world. While there are many humans who respect us, they are outnumbered by those who see us as inferior and use us as slaves, like the Schnee Company." She then cast a glance at Weiss and her friends. "That doesn't mean I think all of humanity is our enemy, not when someone like Salem and Sidious exist."
"So, what will you do now? Ghira said that he would gladly welcome you back to the new White Fang." Ahsoka asked.
"I think it's time I help repair the damage that Adam has inflicted upon Beacon. The Gelb Team and I are returning to Vale, to assist the forces in retaking the school and city back from Salem." Sienna answered, holding her helmet in her hands. "But what about you? Vader will return and you will have to face him once again. Are you prepared?"
"Anakin may be gone physically, but his spirit, the real spirit of my master will always be with me in my heart. It's not my destiny to bring him back to the light, that I believe rests with his son, Luke." Ahsoka answered.
A whistle from the Argus Limited's platform echoed through out the station which told both women the same thing. "Guess that's my train." Ahsoka said before she got up from the bench and grabbed her own helmet, putting it on her head. "Take care of yourself, Sienna. May we meet again." She then stared to walk away from the former High Leader of the White Fang.
"Ahsoka, wait!" Sienna called out, causing the Togruta teen to turn around. "May The Force be With You." She said with a smile.
Ahsoka smiled under her helmet and waved to Sienna as she climbed aboard the last car. The train jerked forward as the powerful 2-8-2 steam locomotive gripped the cold rails before it began its journey to the coast. Their departure was also watched by Hazel, who after making a full recovery was prepared to turn himself over to the authorities for the huntsman and huntresses, he killed over the years on Salem's orders but decided to go to Vale and assist in taking back both the city and the school knowing it's what his sister would want him to do. 'Gretchen, I will make you proud of your older brother, and I will atone for all the lives I have taken.' The muscular man thought to himself as the train disappeared into the distance.
Hours later, the Argus Limited was steaming through the snowy countryside along a mountain. Clouds of steam and smoke billowed from its funnel as it chugged through the snowstorm that Cody had mentioned before they left Mistral. At the last station they stopped at, the crew picked up a snowplow which was used by the locomotive to push the snow out of the train's way. Inside one of the passenger cars, Rex, Fordo, Alpha, Stone, Jek, Rhys, Thire, Thorn, Cody, Waxer, Boil, Fives, Echo, Hevy, Hardcase, Jesse, Kix, Hunter, Crosshair, Wrecker and Tech walked past an elderly woman with a large backpack on their way to the flatcar while Team's RWBY and GARM were sitting in their room which was reminiscent of their old dorm room at Beacon.
Weiss and Arthur were reading books, Yang was reading a magazine, Rose stripped and reassemble her rifle, Ruby and Galen were meditating and Blake was looking out the window, as was March who was surprisingly focused on the passing landscape as if he knew something was out there. "The sooner we're out of this area, the better." The Rabbit Faunus said.
"Did something bite you in the ass, March? You seem to be awfully focused on the outside." Rose observed.
"There's something out there. Out in the snow, something dangerous." March answered.
"Relax, will you? We got plenty of time before we reach Argus. So why don't we pass the time with a video game tournament?" Yang offered before she went for her scroll, only for Blake to help her get her bag, much to Yang's dismay who still having a hard time of forgiving Blake for running away after Beacon. Yang assured her that things were fine, to those like Zett, Galen, Ruby, Ahsoka, Faye and Kara knew that things weren't fine for her.
As Qrow passed by the room with a cocktail in his hand, the train suddenly jolted, and he dropped his drink while the passengers began to scream in fear. "So much for an easy trip to Argus." Galen said aloud and pulled out his commlink. "Grab your weapons! Rex! We got Grimm inbound! You and brothers better get to the roof!"
"On it!" the 501st captain replied over the commlink. The kids grabbed their weapons as they raced out the door, exited their car and climbed to the top of the train as a group of Manticore's approached from the back. Dee and Dudley were already on top of the car and prepared their weapons as a larger Grimm, a Sphinx arrived and landed on the train. The clones were already starting to fire at the Grimm, knocking several of them off the train as the rest of the kids arrived.
Dee charged in with his club and charged forward to attack, but the Sphinx roared as a Manticore swooped down and snatched Dee. "Dee!" Dudley shouted as his partner was dragged down to the forest and killed. The Sphinx roared again and all of the Manticore's charged forward but appearing through the storm were several dozen droid gunships that hovered over the train and dropped off dozens of Super Battle Droids on the entire train's length.
"Shit! That's the last thing we needed! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST ATTACK US SOMEWHERE ELSE!" March cursed as he raised his heavy blaster and fired at one of the gunships, but his heavy blaster didn't damage the craft as it pulled off towards the forest.
"Well, that was something." Thire observed.
"What's the plan, Ruby?" Blake asked.
"Don't let anyone else die!" Ruby answered and charged towards the Grimm and droids. Her teammates and friends following her. "Rex! Have Cody take some of your brothers up to the front of the train! The rest of us will hold them off here!" she shouted, slashing a Manticore's head off with her scythe.
"You heard the little lady! Get up there and protect the passengers!" Rex ordered as he fired his rifle at the enemy. Fordo, Fives, Echo and the Bad Batch stayed at the rear of the train while Cody took the rest of troopers up to the front of the train, which Oscar noticed as he opened up a window to see what the commotion was, a Manticore barely missing him.
The rest of the passengers screamed in fear as Jaune, Oscar, Nora, Ren, Kara, Faye, Boba and Zett joined the battle. Their lightsabers ignited, Zett, Kara and her master deflected the fire from the Super Battle Droids as Boba fired his EE-3 carbine at Salem's forces. "Kara! Mind if I power that gun of yours?" the son of Jango Fett asked the daughter of Zhima Lah. Kara deactivated her lightsaber for a minute to throw Boba her new modified weapon. Unlike before, the spin up rate for the mini-gun barrel was increased but Boba shifted the barrel to its rifle mode and unleashed a volley of bullets that tore through the Grimm's skin.
Faye dashed forward and slashed apart several Grimm and droids before she leapt up, landed on the back of a Manticore before she thrusted her saber into the creatures back, killing it instantly. Several Super Battle Droids were equipped with a cannon which they fired towards the front of the train, but Faye reached out with the force and redirected the projectiles into the Grimm or sent them into the forest. "Watch those cannons! Don't let them hit the cars!" Faye shouted to her padawan.
Zett leapt over Faye's head and slashed apart several droids that were trying to blow a hole in the roof of one of the cars. Twirling his lightsaber around and deflecting enemy fire, he slashed more droids to ribbons before pushing the remains back towards the rear as improvised projectiles. "Anyone want to take a guess as to how they knew where we were?" Zett asked.
"Maybe they traced the purchase of our tickets? I mean, didn't you say that Cinder tried to place a virus into the CCT at Vale?" Kara asked, trying to keep the urge to use her new powers down, especially since she didn't know how to use them.
"Whatever the case, we can't let them stop us!" Thorn shouted from behind as he, Hevy, Hardcase and Jek opened up with their rotary blasters, tearing through multiple droids and Grimm. "Time for the Hammer to kick some ass!"
"I like this guy already!" Nora exclaimed, smacking a Grimm on the head and swatted it back into Rose's rifle sight. The cowgirl of Team GARM nailed that Grimm with a headshot, blowing bits of its brain out before it dissipated into mist like all the rest. "It's always something around here. I'm going to make up for missing the destruction of the Empires death thingy!" Tossing her hammer into the air, she shifted the weapon into its ranged mode and fired off several grenades.
"Nora! Check your fire! You might end up hitting the kids ride!" Hunter shouted, slashing a few droids with his knife in one hand and firing his pistol in the other. "We're trying to keep this train on the rails, not derail the damn thing!"
"This almost reminds me of when I was protecting that train when Coruscant was attacked!" Stone said as he fired his pistols, standing beside Rhys, Thire, Cody, Waxer and Boil. "Only, we didn't have to deal with these damn things!"
"Protect the passengers!" Arthur shouted as he drew his families sword and slashed apart several hostiles with a single swing, twirling it around several times before she sliced a Manticore right down the middle of it's stomach. "It appears as if the Grimm are drawn to something on this train. The question is, what?" he said to himself. He didn't notice another Manticore was about to attack him from behind, but Weiss launched several large shards of ice that sent the monster crashing into the mountain.
"Thank me later!" she shouted to her boyfriend who smirked under his battle mask as she took down two more Manticores.
Blake used her weapons kusarigama form to swing into the air, wrapping the ribbon around the neck of another Manticore which gave Yang the opening to punch right through the creature. Both of them landed back on the train, standing next to each other. "Good to see you're not rusty." Yang said to Blake before they both proceeded forward.
The Crocea Mors in one hand and his new lightsaber in another, Jaune used his blades the block the blasts from the Super Battle droids, slicing the cannon arms off a few droids while Ren fired his submachine guns at the droids using lightning dust.
A droid gunship circled around the train and positioned itself for an attack run but was grabbed by an unseen force and thrown into another gunship, blowing both of them up while a third one suddenly shutdown and crashed into the close to the tracks. Landing back on top of the train, was Galen who used the Force to take down the gunships. As he landed, a horde of Manticore's and Super Battle Droids surrounded him. Calling on the force, he unleashed a massive telekinetic explosion that tore through the hostiles surrounding him. As he landed back on the train, he noticed Dudley running towards the front of the train and pulled out his scroll, activating the trains defensive systems. "What the hell is he doing?"
The train's armor activated with a reinforced plating covering most of the train as metal bars crisscrossed the windows, followed by a series of turrets that rose above the train and began to target the airborne Grimm and droid ships. "Ah, yes!" Dudley exclaimed, pumping his fist.
At that moment, Qrow and Ahsoka were engaging the Sphinx. The massive Grimm tried to crush them both, but Qrow was able to escape by transforming into his avian form and landing an attack from above. Ahsoka was able impale one of the wings, but it shook her off as the turrets fired from behind the creature, causing it to roar loudly. Two more Manticore's flew down, one of them rolling into a turret while the other blaster another turret, destroying two of it as the passengers in the turret car screamed as the car jolted. "Hey! What are you doing?" Qrow shouted to Dudley.
Oscar ran over to Qrow who started to shoot the Grimm and told Oscar to get Dudley to shut the turrets off which were drawing the Grimm towards the passengers. Oscar ran forward, dodging Grimm attacks and droids as he approached Dudley who was firing at the Grimm with his own rifle. "Stop! You've gotta shut the turrets off!" Oscar shouted.
"Are you crazy? No way in hell!" Dudley snapped as another Manticore was blasted out of the sky, along with a gunship. "Yes! Another one down!"
Boba noticed Oscar and had a good idea at what Oscar was trying to get Dudley to do and decided to give him some help. "Hey! Hutt Slime! You're just luring the Grimm to the front of the train! You're putting the passengers at risk! We need to lure them to the back!" he shouted angrily.
"What does it matter if they're dead?" Dudley questioned, shoving Oscar down to the roof as the Grimm soon started to back off, along with the few remaining gunships. "Where are they going?"
Oscar realized why they were backing off. "TUNNEL!" he shouted at the top of his lungs as the fast-approaching tunnel came into view. Oscar was quick to get below the train as were the others, but Dudley wasn't quick enough and left his arm stretched out as it impacted the wall of the tunnel, breaking the bones in his arm.
"I told you, turn those damn things off! They maybe keeping us alive, but what about the passengers? You're putting them in danger! You maybe hired for the job, but you and your partner haven't exactly reassured us. You've been shaking down the passengers and now he's dead!" Boba argued. As he argued with Dudley, Ruby noticed the Manticore's had entered the tunnel, continuing their pursuit of the train. Some of the Manticore's were blasted out of the sky by the Bad Batch who ran towards the flatbed car along with Fordo and Rex, but more Grimm kept coming after the train.
She looked to the passengers and heard a baby crying before she walked to Boba, Dudley and her uncle who had joined in the argument. "Please just shut the turrets off." She asked Dudley as Jaune activated his semblance and healed Dudley's arm, finally getting the huntsman to shut the turrets off.
"We're not going to be able to protect the entire train all the way to Argus, we need to keep the Grimm busy." Ahsoka pointed out.
"Ozpin told us himself, the Grimm are drawn to the relic, but it's the negative emotions that are attracting them to the train." Galen agreed before he turned to Ren. "Ren, think you can use your semblance to mask everyone on the train?"
"Hm, I never attempted to affect this many people." Ren admitted.
"Jaune can help you by amplifying your aura." Galen added before he turned to Cody. "Cody, take the others and stay with Jaune, Nora and Ren. The Grimm won't be able to track you, but the droids are a different story. Zett, Boba, go with them. The rest of us will try to keep the Grimm at bay. The moment you get to Argus, send out a search team to find our half of the train. Every second we're still onboard, we're putting everyone else in danger. Get the passengers to the front cars, mask the emotions and kill the turrets. We'll handle the rest."
"Just make sure you come back in one piece!" Cody shouted, tossing several magazines and power packs for Rex's and Fordo's weapons to Galen as the others began to evacuate the passengers into the front of the train, save for the elderly woman and a strange set of brown eyes that peered through the backpack.
Outside the train, the turrets were shut off as Blake jumped from the roof to decouple the sections of the train, allowing the front section to continue down the tracks. When she looked up, she saw a hooded figure on the next train car that made her think of Adam. She prepared herself for a fight, but she realized no one was there. Sighing, she jumped back to the top of the train and drew her weapon, as did Weiss, Kara, Faye, Ahsoka and Yang.
Several train cars down, Ruby and Galen had ignited their lightsabers while the girl checked her scroll for the signal of her friends scrolls, which were low. As the Manticore's and Sphinx exited the tunnel, Ruby shouted back several cars down, signaling Jaune and Ren to combine their semblances to the point the front half of the train was grayed out in the raging storm. Oscar watched as the disappeared into the storm before he was attacked by a Manticore. He managed to fend it off temporarily but was struggling against it only for Ruby and Galen to send another Manticore flying into the other.
Meanwhile, Qrow, Ahsoka and Faye were struggling against the massive Sphinx while the six remaining clones continued to hold off the droids. Ruby and Galen noticed this and rushed to their sides with Kara and their teams. "We need to ground it!" Ruby exclaimed.
"On it! Yang!" Blake shouted to the blond brawler who took out another Manticore before she charged at the Sphinx, dicking underneath it. Blake leapt into the air, throwing her sword which Yang punched several times, wrapping the ribbon around massive creatures torso. A final punch from Yang's fists embedded the blade into the trains roof before she and Blake pulled the ribbon, keeping the creature down. Kara, Faye and Ahsoka helped them keep the creature pinned down with the use of the Force, allowing Weiss to use her Glyphs to freeze the creatures wings.
Qrow, the clones, Arthur, Rose and March fired at the wings, shattering them before Galen and Ruby launched forwards, spinning their lightsabers together rapidly and bisected the creature's torso, finishing it off for good. "That's got it!" Rose cheered.
But she was wrong. Just as the creature died, it launched a one last fireball that destroyed the tracks ahead of them. Weiss saw this and casted a black Glyph that held everyone in place as the train derails and crashed into the snow. "Oh crap! This is going to hurt!" Wrecker shouted.
The train cars left the rails and smashed into the snowy ground. Galen's Shark was thrown clear of the wreckage, but incredibly wasn't damaged at all. The crash knocked everyone to the ground, but they soon got back to their feet. "Everybody in one piece?" Rex asked as he surveyed the damage.
"I'm fine." Weiss said.
"Yeah." Blake agreed.
"Talk about a wild ride." Rose confirmed.
"Let's not do that, ever again." Arthur said.
"I'd be better if we weren't stranded in the one place we shouldn't be in!" March exclaimed.
"We're fine." Ahsoka said, pulling Kara to her feet.
"I'm covered in snow and feel it dripping down my back, but other than that, I'm okay." Kara replied.
"Still alive!" an unknown voice said from the wreck of the train. The group looked up and saw the same elderly woman from before stepping out of the train. "That sure was a close one, huh? The little one didn't seem to mind."
From behind one of the old lady's legs, a strange small green little creature with brown eyes and white hair peeked out from behind and smiled at the group. "Grogu!?" Ahsoka and Faye said at the same time.
And that concludes the start of Volume 6.
Bet you all didn't expect to see Grogu from the Mandalorian in this story, did you? Well, I took a que from Avengers: Infinity War's and decided to include the little guy. I can't help it, he's cute and just makes me smile.
The mysterious attacker from Tatooine is revealed to be Barriss Offee, who has fully given herself to the Dark Side and is carrying out a plan to bring the Empire's wrath down on Remnant. What could it be?
Mara Jade, the emperor's hand and Luke's future wife has fled from the Empire, knowing the truth that it was Sidious who killed her parents. Sure, nothing has been mentioned about her parents fate in the legend's universe, so I winged it. Besides, it sounds like something Sidious would do. I mean, he did kill his master in his sleep. She'll appear later on and play an important role in the future.
Anyway, those of you voted for the Bad Batch to be the ones going with them to that certain place, you got your wish, but I decided to include my boys Rex and Fordo. Trust me, the extra firepower will definitely help out with what comes next.
But what is it that March doesn't like about the area? We all know what it is, but does he know what it is? Only time will tell. Any who, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Until next time, please read and review and I'll see you all next time.