Well, another birthday has come and gone for me, only it feels a little less happy. Probably because I won't be seeing my grandparents anymore. Last time I had a birthday, many members of my family went down to her house and we had pizza and cake from a bakery in Boston's North End. I even managed to get that day off for the party. I can't remember all the times my Grandma loved seeing all her daughters and grandchildren together in one place.
But lately, I feel like I took all the times I visited her for granted, seeing as there were several times I didn't want to go down to her house for various reasons. I do remember promising her to take the train and come visit her, but those plans never fell through. I miss her, I really do but that is natural for everyone.
Anyway, I'm about half-way through Naruto Shippuden and I really wish I started watching that series long ago. Then again, it sucked that Cartoon Network put that on Toonami and moved it to Adult Swim rather than showing it earlier. Seriously, I remember when they aired Robot's In Disguise and the other seasons of Pokemon at like seven in the morning or earlier when people were still sleeping, in my region of the country anyway. Seriously, you think they would move it to a later time when viewers aren't still sleeping.
Alright, onto the continuation of Volume 7. Things are going to get worse before they get better.
But first, onto the reviews.
Monster King: Thanks
Jack Smith1: Thank you. If anything, I wanted Wrecker to toss Jacque around like a ragdoll.
Darth Cody: That's why I had him not wear it and thank you.
Luffy L Deathwalker: Well, I guess you can consider it an early birthday present for you. Whitley will warn Weiss and her friends, but he doesn't know the full extent of what his father and Watts have planned for them.
Blind Faunus Girl: I always love writing it when Jacque gets his ass handed to him. Even if he is a fictional character, greedy bastards like him bring out the worst in humanity and honestly, I can't blame the White Fang for targeting the SDC, but to go after the entire board of directors, Weiss, Winter, Whitley, Willow and those not directly responsible for the treatment, there are plenty of lines I wouldn't cross if I were with the White Fang and I would probably be Sienna's confidant, guiding her down the path of justice and not vengeance or war. Yes, Ironwood is hiding something and of course, Jacque will be doing anything to win, even if it means cheating.
SunPhoenix90: Thank you. I actually not only got the idea from the Avengers, but those Gundam Seed/Transformers Prime stories by lyokoMarvelanime we both read. Particularly, the part where the big bad Grimlock tosses a certain seeker around like a ragdoll during the final battle in the second story.
Silverfox3456: No need to be forgiven, I was actually hoping someone would actually laugh at what Wrecker did to Jacque. That was the point and I agree completely about Jacque. Yes, Kalani is a member of the Pack and the name of the droid Galen fought with is named R4-P22. It would be very cool if this story was made into a game. Sounds like you've got all the playable characters, DLC characters, bosses and acts down. But what about vehicle combat and would the combat system be like, EXP based or force points?
Spartan-626: True, having Camilla and Sleet know about Salem will help Ironwood out, but with Harriet's ego, that's going to be a challenge for her, especially with what I have planned for the elections. Now as for Tech, he will be a huge pain for Watts to contend with, but who's to say that Watt's hasn't stepped up his game since his virus was removed? But it does give me an idea.
Alright, reviews are done. Disclaimers are the same as before, let's start the intro.
(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)
Chapter 102: Lighting the Spark
A week had passed since the teams were granted their Huntsmen licenses and the teams couldn't be happier. They had achieved what they had set out to accomplish and had taken their first step into a bigger world. Of course, there were plenty of speedbumps along the way, Salem, the Empire, Maul, the Fall of Beacon, and countless others, but by getting their licenses they were ready to take Salem on.
Today was the start of another day as the sun rose over Atlas Academy, with Team Ruby still fast asleep and snoring in their beds after a long day of training the previous day. "Salutations!" Penny shouted, starling the team in the middle of their dorm room. "Good morning, Team RWBY!" she said in a sing-song voice.
"Ugh, Penny. What time is it even?" Yang groaned, her body still sore from the previous training.
"Time to be Huntresses, of course!" Penny said cheerfully, striking a pose and winking. Weiss, Blake and Yang all groaned while Ruby excitedly got to her feet, although her muscles were still a little sore from yesterdays training.
Once everyone had gotten some food in their bellies, Team RWBY walked into a briefing room where Jaune, Ren, Nora and the Ace Operatives were sitting. Once they had taken their seats, Clover began to brief them of the situation.
As expected, their top priority was protecting both the site of Amity Tower and the supply runs from Grimm and bandits. Of course, with construction resources being diverted to Amity, meant that there would be gaps in Mantles defenses, meaning the Grimm would take the advantage and attack the lower city, meaning that there would be plenty of perimeter defense missions and other duties that required a Huntsmen, but Clover reminded them that when they weren't out on a mission they had plenty of time to do whatever they wanted to take the edge off.
But these tasks wouldn't be falling onto them alone. The Packs clone allies were also working on protecting Mantle, along with Kara, Faye, Lop and Zett who had a bigger impact on the people down in Mantle, especially when the Grimm that managed to break through the lower cities defense perimeter. Some of the mission would take them out of the kingdom out into the tundra where they were to assist the remote settlements that lived close to the railroad with track repairs, Grimm elimination and supply runs.
New aircraft were being developed and still had to be flown in mock dogfights to record the combat data and plans were being discussed about the possibility of using a network of old railguns further to the west to use in another Imperial Invasion or if Salem used another one of those Flying Fortresses or other starships she might have in her possession. Galen volunteered to fly one of the aircraft when it was finished and was given the specs of these aircraft, downloaded onto his scroll which he would take a look at later on.
Today was his day for supply convoy escort along with Ruby, who he noticed seemed to be only getting these kinds of missions where she was in the presence of one of the Ace Ops or someone who could keep an eye on her. She never went out on many missions, as if Ironwood was afraid that she would be eliminated by Salem's forces, which still had yet to reveal themselves. It was like, the General wanted to keep Ruby close to his chest and in the eyes of those he trusted and not those he didn't trust. That didn't sit well with Galen, who voiced his concerns to the General, but he was given the same answer 'it's for the safety of the Kingdom of Atlas.' An excuse if Galen ever heard one.
Thankfully, Artoria was able to convince the General that keeping Ruby confined to the Academy would hinder not only her growth as a huntress and Jedi, but also her trust of the General, so she was cleared for missions where she was under the watchful eye of one of the Ace Ops, but that didn't stop The Bad Batch from taking her out on missions where she could cut lose and kill some Grimm. Ironwood had yet to find out about these 'excursions' but when Galen found out he wasn't angry but decided to go with her.
"Does Ironwood really think keeping Ruby under his watchful eye will make her trust him? It limits her experience. You wouldn't do this, would you Ozpin?" Galen asked the reincarnated man who was in control of Oscar's body. The two were currently standing in vehicle bay down in Mantle, besides Galen's Shark, waiting for the trucks to be loaded up with the supplies for this run.
"I would be concerned about Miss Rose's safety, yes. But I wouldn't keep her from undertaking missions. James is obviously concerned that if Salem takes out Ruby, then she will deny him a critical piece in his plan to counter her offensive. James does not know Ruby, not like you or I do. I don't even think the late Bail Organa would bar her from undertaking missions. She's not a child anymore, neither of you are. You're all becoming fine young men and women who are capable of making their own decisions. Still, I will talk to James about this." Ozpin said. The horn of the truck blew, telling Galen it was time to leave.
Hopping into the Shark, he turned the key and started to vehicle but before he could leave, he found a certain little green passenger sitting beside him, munching on a cookie. "Oh, alright, Grogu. You can ride with me." Galen told the little guy, buckling him up before he and the convoy headed out into the tundra, leaving Ozpin/Oscar and the hidden Fox behind.
Sometime later, in one of the training rooms in Atlas Academy, Nora, Jaune, Ren and Oscar were sparing with Flynt, Neon and their other two teammates, hand-to-hand combat fighter Kobalt and whip used Ivori. Jaune blocked a blast created by Flynt's semblance with his lightsaber while Neon skated past with Nora chasing the feline Faunus around the room, the later of whom was saying her catchphrase. "Never miss a beat, never miss a beat. Excuse me!"
She turned around and pulled her bottom eyelid down, sticking her tongue out and blowing a raspberry at Nora before turning and weaving around a set of pillars and laughed while Nora smashed through the pillars with her mighty hammer. "Come on, lightning bolt, aren't you supposed to be fast?" she teased, skating around while noticing Ren occasionally firing at Ivori. "Wow, your boyfriend's actually holding his own!" she praised before she leapt over Ren and knocked his guns out of his hands, encasing them in ice as well as Ren's hands. "Where's all that energy when he's around you?" she teased again, pointing at Nora while she skated away.
Ivori used the chance to raise his whip and was about to attack, but Nora fired a grenade at him, knocking him down before she hopped on her hammer and flew after Neon, speeding past Oscar and Kobalt. Oscar attempted to attack Kobalt with his cane, but the dark blue haired student caught the cane, took a hit from and tossed it away before he grabbed Oscar and lifted him up, only to be kicked in the chest while opponent flipped away. All this was being watched by Ironwood from an observation room.
Flynt was then suddenly slammed into a wall while Kobalt was flung to the other side of the room while Neon kept skating and laughing, only to find Jaune standing in of the doorways of the room-like area that her teammates were fighting in. Ren and Oscar stood in front of the second and third doorways but the fourth one was seemingly clear, but Neon was proven wrong when Nora leapt over a wall and slammed her hammer into Neon's face.
The only injuries from the training session were a black eye Oscar received from his fight with Kobalt which soon healed. "Wow! That was amazing! You guys really improved since the Vytal Tournament. And that cute farm boy had a few surprises for us, too." Neon compliment, winking at Oscar with a cat-like smile that made Oscar blush with a shy chuckle.
"Well, you really had us on our toes. Thought you had us there for a second." Jaune admitted. "Then again, you two never faced a Jedi before."
"Yeah, heard a few more of you are Jedi. Kind of surprised, but then again things can always become unexpected. I mean, whoever thought that we'd end up fighting against an Empire from another galaxy. Talk about a wild ride." Flynt said, blowing the saliva out of his trumpet. "Kind of a surprise that one of them is the daughter of Remnant's greatest weaponsmith. You guys busy? Wanna grab some lunch?" he offered.
"Do we? I could eat a sandwich the size of Kobalt!" Nora exclaimed, imagining a giant six layered BLT dropping on Kobalt, who removed the toothpick. But their promise of lunch was interrupted by their Scrolls buzzing, indicating they had an urgent mission. "There's still time for sandwiches, right?" Nora asked as they walked away from Team FNKI, leaving the room empty.
The room wasn't empty for very long as entering it was Lop, Kara, Faye, Zett and Ocho, the latter of whom now wore the standard Atlas soldier armor with two swords on her back. "Remind me again why you asked us here?" Lop asked her sister.
"It's like I said, Lop. I want to see if your skills with a sword have improved, especially considering you are a Jedi and wield the weapon gifted to our family by a Jedi. I want to see how much you've learned from father." Ocho explained.
"Father was always sad that you joined the military instead of leading the family, but he did have faith that you would return one day, even before he died." Lop said, remembering the day when their father died. "You should have been there when they attacked. The White Fang, they claimed father was holding me as a slave and they just cut him down without a second thought, everyone in the clan is dead and you weren't there when he needed you the most."
"I didn't even know the White Fang would target father or they thought you were a slave. I had duties to the military as a Captain in the Atlas army, duties that are just as important." Ocho said in defense.
"Even more important than family?" Lop asked. "Maria took me in when you weren't around. She helped raise me where Father couldn't, and she became like a grandmother to me. But you, you choose to abandon your family for the military."
"You hate me, don't you? For abandoning the family? Well, show me what you've learned after I left." Ocho challenged, drawing her swords while Lop ignited her lightsaber. Both sisters waited for the other to strike.
Ocho made the first move, dashing towards Lop with her swords held high and pushed Lop onto the defensive early on. A series of dual strikes from Ocho's swords pushed Lop back into the same room that Team JNR and Oscar were fighting in just before they arrived. "If this is the best of your abilities, what hope do you have of restoring our family?" Ocho demanded, pushing Lop into the wall.
"I will restore our family!" Lop shouted, swinging her lightsaber at her sister using Makashi to put her sister on the defensive. "I've learned much from father, but I never learned everything he taught me before he was murdered! The White Fang, they took our father from us, and I will avenge him! But I can't do it alone! I need you, Ocho!"
Ocho smirked at Lop's statement, locking the hilts of her swords together and created a double-bladed sword similar to Maul's lightsaber, but without the laser blade. "That's what I hoped you would say sister. Now, show me what you've got!" Ocho challenged, twirling her weapon around and gestured for Lop to come at her with everything she had. Lop was more than happy to oblige and their blades clashed again, but Ocho was disappointed. "Stop using such standard attacks. Use the unorthodox."
Lop actually found herself listing to her sister and did use the unorthodox in her attacks, swing her lightsaber rapidly but Ocho dodged. "How many times must I tell you, control my central line." Ocho instructed, dodging an attack from her sister who moved in to attack again. "Faster, destroy my focus." Lop engaged her aura as she continued to fight her sister. "You're holding the saber to tightly."
That was when Lop loosened her grip allowing Ocho's next strike to send her lightsaber flying out of her hands. "Now too lightly." Ocho said, catching the lightsaber. She then noticed the number of marks on the hilt. "It seems you've used this in quite a few battles." Ocho observed.
"I've had my fair share of tussles with the occasional bandits and of course all the Grimm I've had to fight. I always make sure to keep the saber clean and polished, it's sort of a way for me to remember father." Lop admitted.
"Don't let your attachment to the lightsaber cloud your judgement, Lop." Faye said as she walked over. "If you focus on the weapon, then you will lose your focus on the battle. You must have focus, surprise and intimidation on your side. If anyone of them is lacking… you must retreat and focus more on defense rather than offense." Faye advised.
"I still have a lot to learn." Lop admitted, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. Her sister gave her the weapon back and the two were prepared to spar once more. "It seems you've improved quite a bit, sister. I could barely keep up with you." Lop praised.
Ocho smiled and started talking with Lop while Kara looked on, smiling at the sight. "Well, it looks those two have a sisterly bond to work out." Kara said before she turned to Faye. "So, Master. What are we going to do?"
"You are going to spar with Zett. It's time you sparred with someone you've never sparred with before." Faye told her padawan as Zett walked forwards with his lightsaber in hand. "Remember, you are not fighting to kill one another, this is just practice." Faye reminded as the two ignited their lightsabers and began their match.
Back out in the tundra, Ruby and Penny sat in the front seat of one the supply trucks with Ruby staring out ahead sleepily as an AK-200 drove the truck. Ahead of her, she saw Galen's vehicle kicking up snow. "Not that I'm bored, but why can't we just use an airship to take these supplies to Amity?" Ruby asked.
"The components for Amity Tower's construction are far too heavy. All the weight would require precious Dust we should be saving for the launch itself. And the Grimm will come after." Penny explained, while Ruby was starting to nod off.
"It just makes for long… very long… supply runs." Ruby yawned again while Penny smiled and looked out the window, saying the tundra was scenic. "Totally." She said unimpressed and started to fall asleep, but Penny startled her, waking her up and saying she was excited that she was working with Ruby in a professional capacity, but Ruby was too tired to notice until Penny mentioned relationships. "Speaking of friends… Have you been able to make any new ones?"
"Well, I suppose Artoria is one, but now that I'm the official protector of Mantle, I don't really have a team anymore. General Ironwood says I don't have time for friends. Though, I do feel like I wish I could do both the things I need to do and want to do. Is that normal?" Penny answered.
"That's about as normal as it gets, Penny." Ruby answered before Qrow spoke up from the back of the truck asking if things were alright. "Just fine, Uncle Qrow!" Ruby answered, giving her uncle a thumbs up.
In the back of the truck, Qrow, Rex and Clover were playing a card game, the latter of whom set the cards down on a supply crate like it was a table. Clover won another game, but while he shuffled the cards, Rex thought about what Penny said about Ironwood telling her she didn't have time for friends. To him, it was like looking at a spitting image of General Krell who saw the troops as expendable and saw them as only tools. It was like the General saw Penny as another tool, one that would be discarded when her service was no longer needed. His thoughts were interrupted when Clover got his attention. "Hey, Rex! You still with us?" Clover called to the 501st captain.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm still with you." Rex answered as Clover dealt out the cards to his opponents.
"Your niece sure is one of a kind." Clover said to Qrow.
"They all are. Been through a lot together." Qrow answered.
"It's a good thing they had someone to look up to and get them through it. Not everyone is so lucky." Clover said.
"I don't know about all that. Thanks, by the way. For looking out for 'em. You and your team." Qrow thanked.
"What good is saving the world without another generation waiting in the wings? Hopefully they'll leave Remnant better than we left it." Clover replied.
"Once upon a time, I'd have drank to that. But I gave that up long ago." Qrow said.
"Those kids wouldn't be where they are without you. You've had more of an effect on them than you realize. That goes for you and your brothers too, Rex." Clover said.
"Then maybe you can explain something that's been bothering me for a while. Why is General Ironwood preventing Ruby from going out on missions unless she's accompanied by one of the Ace Ops? She's not a kid anymore, she's a seventeen-year-old girl who's had more than her fair share of fights than any of your men. She doesn't need a babysitter." Rex asked.
"What are you talking about?" Clover asked.
"Wait? You didn't know?" Qrow asked. Before Clover could answer, the convoy had come to a stop, forcing Clover and Qrow to get up and head for the front of the truck where they spotted Robyn and Fiona standing in the middle of the road in front of a small canyon that led to the mine, with Triggers dog sitting right by Robyn's legs. Clover ordered Rex, Ruby and Qrow to come with him while ordering Penny to stay behind and watch their rear. He didn't give Galen an order as he was already getting out of the Shark to meet her.
"Alright, ladies. Remember why we're here, we just want to talk. Don't go causing any trouble." Robyn said to her huntresses as Clover walked over.
"Robyn! Well, if it isn't Mantles hometown hero. Is there a reason you're blocking an official military transport?" Clover asked.
"Clover, I'm so glad you're here. Maybe you can help me understand why this truck that's supposed to be taking construction materials to fix Mantle's outer wall, is on its way to the middle of nowhere? Are you lost?" Robyn asked, but she already knew the answer.
"It's pretty easy to get turned around out here in the tundra, everything looks the same when you're not near the railroad. Thanks for checking up on us though. We'll be on our way now." Clover answered with a laugh and started to walk away.
Robyn sighed before she spoke again. "I was hoping you'd play it straight with me. What's Ironwood doing with Amity at the old SDC mine?" she demanded, getting Clover to stop in his tracks.
"There something going on between you two that we don't know about?" Rex said aloud as he walked towards Clover.
"Well, it looks like one of those guys from the 501st is here. I was wondering when I would get to meet one of the boys in blue that Ray talked a lot about." Robyn said, noticing Galen. "I take it you're the Demon Lord Ironwoods been using as a recruit piece for his militaries air force. Let me give you some advice kid, don't trust the General. He may look like he has the best intentions for Atlas, but he and everyone else have forgotten all about Mantle." She warned.
"To answer your question, Rex. We used to date when we attended Atlas Academy." Clover answered. "As for your question about Amity, we're just giving her an annual checkup." Clover told his ex.
"The Next Vytal Festival isn't anytime soon. Only automated drones and a few select Atlas scientists are allowed out here. And Amity's getting invaluable resources we need in Mantle to protect against the Grimm. Seems like more than just a checkup." Robyn pointed out.
"You've been scoping it out." Clover said, a bit impressed by Robyn's skills.
"We can't fix the wall without the supplies on these trucks. I don't personally care what Ironwood is doing out in the middle of nowhere, but I think Mantle deserves to know what they're being used for. It doesn't have to be difficult. Just tell me and give me my supplies." Robyn demanded.
"Your supplies?" Galen asked.
"What? You didn't know? I purchased supplies from a contractor in Vale. A contractor I already arranged with when I went to check on Ray's condition." Robyn began while. "I paid that guy almost a million lien for the supplies since it was clear that Ironwood wasn't going to do a damn thing for Mantle, just like the rest of Atlas."
"I would appreciate it if you didn't say the General, was a thief." Clover asked politely.
"I call them as I see them. Even after Beacon, I was still getting the supplies Mantle needed but now I hear from Whitman and Wally that before the supplies are even offloaded from the train, the military comes in and takes eighty percent of them as part of some kingdom emergency and leaves us with barely anything to repair Mantle's walls with." Robyn continued. "So, I ask again, Clover. Tell me what is going on." She then extended her hand and smiled as she walked towards her ex with Onyx following her before the dog spotted Grogu sitting in the buggy.
"I'm going to have to pass on that." Clover said.
Robyn frowned before she turned to Ruby, Qrow, Rex and Galen who was walking towards Clover. "What 'bout you, pipsqueak? Five o' clock shadow? Either of you want to tell me why Mantle's being put at risk for Ironwoods pet project? I'm also talking to you, Demon Lord, and you… I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
"My name is Rex. Captain Rex." Rex introduced before Ruby tried to explain about the tower.
"That's enough Robyn." Clover spoke up, interrupting Ruby before she could say anything about the tower. "As a potential Councilwoman, you should probably focus on the election instead of harassing Huntsmen. Now, it's time to let us pass." Clover demanded.
"I think you've misjudged the situation. I only want answers, I'm not here to cause any trouble. But one way or another, my supplies are going to get where they're supposed to go – Mantle. Ironwood can have this load, just make sure he doesn't steal anymore supplies." Robyn warned.
"It that's a threat, then you've changed since we last saw each other. And if you want these supplies, I suggest you do that through the proper legal channels as a Councilwoman. If you get elected." Clover challenged back.
Everyone became tense and was ready to reach for their weapons when Onyx barked, smelling something out in the tundra approaching them. What was approaching them was a pack of Sabyr's that sensed the tension in the air and were about to pounce. That was until Rex pulled out his pistols and pushed Robyn out of the way from one of the Grimm that would have pinned her down. His twin pistols flared as he pulled the triggers, blasting the Grimm before they could get close enough.
Some of the Sabyr's managed to get through, but Galen fired his guns shotgun mode that ripped the head off one Sabyr before Joanna could even react in time. His shotguns pan magazine was filled with fire dust shells that burned the Grimm to ashes before he grabbed the last one with the force, slammed it into the ground and sent it flying through the air before it hit the ground and died. He then holstered his weapon before whispering into Robyn's ear. "I can tell you everything you want to know when we have our meeting. Just deal with the situation for now and I'll explain everything."
Robyn smirked before she called off her huntresses and allowed the convoy to continue on their way. "Clover, you tell Ironwood that he may have given Mantle a protector, but unless he actually does something personal for the lower city, then I will never trust him, and he better not take anymore of my supplies." Robyn shouted to Clover. "And you two, thanks for saving my life. Look me up next time you're in Mantle, I want to hear everything my nephew and his sister have been up to."
Clover stopped and looked back at Robyn as the others got back into the truck while Galen returned to his own vehicle. "Robyn. Good luck at the election." Clover told Robyn before the truck drove through the canyon.
"What now?" Fiona asked as the convoy drove away.
"I want to know why Amity Colosseum is suddenly so important. Whatever it takes. Contact Whitman and find out when our next order is coming in. I want to make sure we keep the military from taking any more supplies." Robyn told Fiona.
"Robyn!" May shouted. "We just got a call. It's from the Fox, he said there's something in Mantle you need see. It's not good."
Back at Atlas Academy, Weiss and Winter had their Arma Gigas and Beowolf summons battling each other. The two summons wrestled each other, trying to overpower the other as the Gigas kicked the Beowolf away.
The Beowolf leapt out of the way as the Gigas tried to slam to its sword down onto it, missing its target. The Beowolf then leapt onto the Gigas and grabbed hold of its opponent while the two sisters concentrated on the battle before finally, the Beowolf charged the Gigas and beheaded the Gigas with its claws, but at the last second the Gigas had impaled the Beowolf with its sword, resulting in a draw between the two sisters.
They weren't the only family members sparring with each other, Arthur and Artoria were also dueling, but with their lightsabers out and were countering each other's moves as they had sparred with each other dozens of times before the present day. Their sabers were locked once more before Arthur smiled under his battle mask and kicked his cousins' feet out from underneath her, knocking her to the ground and forcing her to drop her weapon. "That's the match." Arthur said, sheathing his weapon before he helped his cousin to her feet.
"Your skills with that weapon have improved." Artoria said, picking up her weapon and clipped it to her belt. "I must admit, I was very surprised to see that you have found a weapon like that in the world. It appears that the Jedi have had much more of an impact on Remnant than once originally thought."
"I have to agree." Winter said as she and Weiss joined the conversation. She then turned to her younger sister. "However, your technique still has those maddening sloppy touches. But you've learned how to make them work for you. You've made them your own."
"Wow, that was very close to a compliment." Weiss answered with a smile.
"I didn't intend it to be that way." Winter admitted.
"Perhaps it would be best for you to be honest with your sister, Winter. Sometimes it feels like you constantly belittle your sister as if you are telling her to give up." Artoria stated.
"I never once intended it to be that way." Winter admitted. "But perhaps I should try to be more supportive of my sister." She then laughed a little before she turned to her sister again. "You've grown up a bit, haven't you? You're not the little girl clinging to the family name anymore."
"Since Beacon, I haven't really had a choice. Father's view of the world no longer matches with mine." Weiss answered.
"The views of the parent should be their own. The views of their children should also be their own. One should never force their views onto their children, they should learn to make their own views on the world." Arthur said.
"Whatever the case is, I am glad to see you've moved on. Distancing myself from the Schnee name is the most beneficial thing I've ever done. We can move forward without him, together. All of us." Winter said, putting a hand on Weiss's shoulder before he turned to Arthur. "That also includes the boy my sister has come to love. I know General Ironwood would have a place for you two."
"I would be grateful to him if he did, but I'm not sure I could accept." Weiss said, taking a seat on a block. "It's just… Our kingdom isn't supposed to be like this. Fearful, and withdrawn. We should be opening our borders to help the world, not closing them down." Weiss finished.
"We will, though. Once we've weathered the storm, we will. I know the General hasn't done everything perfectly, but he's doing what he thinks is right." Winter stated.
"I'm not so sure." Artoria said. "The teams still have much to learn and diverting all those supplies to Amity, even the supplies that Robyn had purchased for Mantle, leaving Mantle to fend for itself and recalling our troops from the other kingdoms, it feels as if Atlas is becoming more of a target than it already is. The kingdom is a powder keg, waiting to explode as soon as someone lights the fuse and when that fuse is lit, the explosion will be devastating, even if one thinks it's the right thing to do."
"Everyone thinks what they're doing is right, but usually, they're just looking out for themselves and their secrets. That's why we told the General about Salem, her past and her weakness. Ironwood may not be keeping secrets, but those who do will only do more harm than good. How can we be sure that Ironwood isn't keeping secrets from us?" Weiss asked.
Winter thought for a moment before she spoke up. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you both. You as well, Artoria." She said, taking them to a hospital in the floating city.
The four of them soon walked through the hospital, noticing it was heavily guarded with guards posted at the side of each door while at the end of another hallway were four AK-200's guarding the door. Winter led the three into an observation room overlooking a patient's room with a one-way window. The room had a small kitchen and a machine with the same pods that were underneath Beacon while an easel with a painting on it next to bed where an elderly woman was resting.
Winter soon walked into the room and was soon talking with the woman who seemed to have gaps in her memories, asking about the weather, thinking it was morning and other things. It was then that the three of them realized that the woman who was named Fria was the current Winter Maiden.
"She could pass any day now. Until that happens, I'm the only person Fria's allowed to see." Winter explained when she entered the observation room.
"Ironwood's chosen you to be the next… W-When she dies. How long have you known?" Weiss demanded.
"Since Beacon fell." Winter answered.
"Doesn't it bother you? He practically groomed your entire military career." Weiss countered.
"It did at first, when the General first proposed it to me. But the more I thought about it, the more I saw it as a privilege, a chance to do some real good for Atlas. For Remnant." Winter answered with determination.
"But your destiny was chosen for you, without your input." Kix said as he walked into the observation room. "First off, as a medic I can do a lot of good for those who have been injured fighting the Grimm, even if most of them are just Ironwood's clanker knockoff army."
"I'm not sure what you are implying." Winter said puzzled.
"You know that Amber was Triggers sister. He didn't know about his sisters' powers, the Maidens or anything because Ironwood decided to keep it hidden from him. He traveled all over Remnant looking for his sister and had he found her, she might still be here." Kix began before he turned to Fria. "If Ironwood had his way, he would have forced the Maiden powers onto Pyrrha, and she would probably have been killed before the transfer could be complete. That woman, she doesn't have a lot of time left, yes. But the fact that Ironwood was grooming you to become the next Winter Maiden, it's a bit concerning, he's probably keeping you from taking on missions like how he's barring Ruby from taking any missions where his Ace Ops aren't present."
"He's what?" Artoria exclaimed.
"I can't speak for the General about Ruby, but I am now choosing the destiny laid out for me. I've made it my own. I take great pride in it. This has nothing to do with Father or the General. That belongs to me." Winter said firmly.
"But keeping Ruby from taking missions? What is Ironwood thinking?" Wiess questioned.
"I don't know, but I'll look into it." Winter assured her sister, boyfriend, cousin and the medic. Her scroll soon beeped with a message from Ironwood who had sent her a link to the current news feed. "Speaking of family."
The video was of Jacque, stepping up to a podium in front of the Schnee manor. "What is he doing?" Weiss questioned as below the feed was a news ticker with the highlights about another missing journalist found slain in their midtown apartment, the damage to the wall in Mantle, the stalling of funding and resources, increase in Grimm attacks and other highlights.
"If I'm elected Councilman, I've made it no I will be opposing General Ironwood and his senseless embargo that is crippling all of Atlas. It is my belief that these measures are not only reckless but criminal." Jacque began.
Down in Mantle, the Fox was watching the broadcast from the window of a bar. "With no shipments allowed to enter or leave the kingdom, I know many of you are suffering. And my family has been weathering the same storm as many of you." Jacque continued.
"You haven't been weathering the same storm, not with the black market deals you've been conducting." The Fox snarled before he turned around to see that an SDC building was now closed. "That bastard!" he cursed before his own scroll beeped before a message from one of his informants was received.
"Effective immediately, I am forced to shut down all nonessential SDC operations. Until further notice all operations will be suspended. If elected to office, I will make the changes necessary to fix what Ironwood, and by far the rest of the Council have broken. I hope you ask yourself before you vote, can you trust anyone else to stop Ironwood? Will Robyn Hill be able to get your jobs back? And for those who have been suffering from the abandonment of Ironwoods protection, my own private security force will be sent in to keep the peace." He finished before the broadcast ended.
The worst was yet to come as Mantle citizens began to shout angrily before someone tossed a trashcan into the news screen, shattering it as the crowd began to shout louder and louder. Atlas soldiers stationed in Mantle became nervous and ran away as citizens tipped over a car. A pair of bullheads soon landed in the city revealing the SDC's private security force which was more heavily armed than the standard Atlas army marched onto the scene and had already busted out the riot shields, braving the bricks and objects being thrown at them before they began to 'keep the peace' by beating down a rioter with their batons. "He's gone too far." The Fox said, tipping his hat and then hopped out his ATV to intervene.
And the chapter is finished.
I will be taking a break from the story for some original chapters.
These chapters will involve air-to-air combat, with Top Gun songs, possibly even the return of Mara and her new allies.
Galen's first meeting with the Fox.
Finding more of the murderers handywork in Mantle, be warned, it will be graphic as I got the idea from Ghost in The Shell, the series.
A double date with Ruby, Galen, Arthur, and Weiss with a bit of magic, action and some romance. What color ballgown should Winter wear and do any of you have an idea for a semblance that magicians could use and what would its name be? I really need that idea.
And then finally, we will return to the main story with a bit of a twist involving Jacque's victory. But which should come first? Leave your suggestion in the reviews.
Seems that Ironwood has been taking supplies that Robyn purchased legally and is barring Ruby from undertaking any missions without the company of the Ace Ops. What could he be planning? Well, you'll have to wait until next time.
On the plus side, I've posted this on my birthday so consider this a present from me to you all. Until next time, please read and review and please give me your suggestions about the semblance I asked about. I really need it.