Chapter 19. A Nightmare
Loud shrieks of terror, the stomping of feet from fleeing civilians and the piercing roars coming from the creatures of Grimm. Standing alone Naruto watched and listened to all the chaos around him. Then suddenly the bandit's mind started to drift to every town he had watched burn. He recalled every person he had watched get slaughtered by a creature of Grimm. It was just like all the times before, but the key difference this time was that his family was in danger.
"Naruto, Naruto. . . Can you not hear me?" Ren yelled loudly inside Naruto's mind, his voice filled with distress.
Shaking his head and focusing, Naruto saw Ruby off to the side. "Yeah I can." The red eyed boy began, while he looked up. Seeing a massive Nevermore slamming its body into the barrier that protected the stadium. "What's the matter?"
"I've been trying to stop you, but you wouldn't listen! You were shouting on about Salem and killing her, but she wasn't anywhere. Then to make things worse you killed Penny. . . Could you not hear me?"
Naruto frowned and rubbed his head. "No I couldn't. . . Our enemy must have the ability to tamper with someone's mind or senses." The bandit explained in a low voice, while he tightly held onto his weapon. "It would explain what happened with Yang and why I saw Salem. . . Our enemy used me and my sister to cause panic. I'm such a fucking idiot!"
"That's truly a frightful ability. I mean to tamper with your mind too such a degree where I was shut out from communicating with you." Ren began in a low voice. "You need to keep on your toes from here on out. It's clear that I cannot assist you with any attacks from our unknown enemy."
"They aren't unknown." Naruto mumbled in an angered voice, as he started to walk over to Ruby. "I wasn't sure at first, but after seeing Mercury. I'm certain the voice was Cinder and she along with her little sidekicks are working with Salem. I'm going to kill those bastards!"
Ruby hearing her brother looked over to the bandit with tear filled eyes. Naruto saw this and instantly frowned at how heartbroken the youngest of the two looked. In fact he didn't know what to say, so he simply walked over and engulfed the small girl into a hug.
"I'm sorry kiddo." Was all Naruto managed to get out, while he felt the girl teighten her hands onto his clothing.
"It's wasn't your fault. . . I couldn't make it in time. Mercury he- . . ."
"I know kiddo." Naruto cut in, surprising the crying girl. "I figured everything out when it was too late. I'm sorry I couldn't do so sooner, I was blinded by my emotions and couldn't think straight. I wish I could go back and stop all this from happening."
"Me too." Ruby replied in a soft voice, while she backed away and rubbed her eyes. "What are we gonna do?"
Naruto didn't know what to say, he wasn't the leader type. Hell he wasn't even that great at making up plans. Though right now was a moment of crisis and he needed to do something.
"I'll tell you what we do." The voice of Nora spoke up, while both brother and sister turned around. Allowing them sight of Nora and the rest of Team JNNP, but the three teens were not alone. Since they were flanked on all sides by Team SSSN, Team CFVY and Team CRDL. "We fight back."
"You got a plan?" Naruto asked in a low voice, while he looked at his girlfriend for guidance.
Nora smirked and held her hands to her hips. "Yeah I've got a few ideas, but it's going to involve all of us." The Winter Maiden began, but stopped once the Nevermore along with a wave of Grimm broke through the stadium's barrier. "But before we talk strategy, let's secure the area."
Everyone present watched Nora turn to the Grimm and hold her hand high into the air. Causing numerous ice spikes to materialize in the air around her. Then by giving the Grimm a wink and snapping her fingers. The ice spikes flew forward at lightning fast speeds and impaled the entire horde in seconds. Killing all the invading Grimm before they could cause any damage to the arena or people within.
"Damn with you here this will be easy!" Sun shouted in shock, as he along with everyone else was amazed by Nora's power.
Coco lowered her glasses and smiled. "What is Ozpin teaching you first years? You are amazing!" The leader of Team CFVY complimented, while Velvet snapped a picture of Nora.
The orange haired Maiden sighed. "Those were merely the scouts. . . Trust me, more will come." Nora began, while she turned to Naruto. "Besides I can't waste time and energy fighting Grimm. I along with Naruto have to focus my power on the real threat."
"Real threat?" Jaune asked, voice the concern of everyone in the group.
"Are you talking about the chick on the speaker?" Cardin asked, while he narrowed his gaze at Nora. "Are we under attack by more than just Grimm?"
"That's not important." Naruto mumbled, while he saw more and more Grimm flying over the stadium. "We need to evaluate the situation and think of a plan."
"An excellent idea Naruto! I only wish you applied yourself in the classroom like you do in the battlefield!" The voice of Dr. Oobleck spoke up, while he along with Professor Port made themselves known to the group.
"You children need to leave and assist outside of the arena." Port began, while he readied his weapon. "You cannot waste time defending this area. Leave that to me and the Dr."
Dr. Oobleck nodded in agreement. "Take Taiyang's example, he already rushed off to defend the city. Leave this area in our protection. We will ensure the safety of the area and any straggling civilians."
Naruto and Nora nodded at the two, while everyone else rallied behind the two bandits.
"Alright just don't die." Naruto began, while Nora started to lead the group of students out of the arena.
Quickly and with no issue the group found themselves on the outskirts of the arena. Where they found many evacuation ships gathering civilians and escorting them to safety. However, they also saw a large mass of Atlas military robots defending the evacuation zone from Grimm.
"Branwen!" The voice of James Ironwood yelled out, earning a sigh from Naruto.
"Jimmy." Naruto called back, while he watched the general run over to his group.
"I don't have time to ask what happened." Ironwood began, while looking the group over. "Grimm are invading, I'm losing troops left and right. Meanwhile someone has hijacked one of my flagships and his shooting down my other ships along with the evacuation ships. Now to make matters even worse I'm getting reports that the White Fang is also attacking! We need to take action and fast."
Nora stepped forward and looked at Naruto and James. "Well let's take action then." The Winter Maiden declared, while she waved Jaune over to her side. "Jaune come here."
"What is it Nora?" Jaune asked, while he looked at the girl with confusion.
"Listen we need to stop that hijacked ship, push the Grimm and White Fang back, secure the area and most importantly escort Pyrrha to the bunker." Nora began in a serious voice, while glancing over to Pyrrha. "I'm sorry Pyrrha, but times up. Like it or not we need you to make the choice."
Pyrrha nodded with confidence. "Don't worry I'll do it."
Nora sighed and looked back to Jaune. "Alright leader you heard all that and you're the best with making plans on the fly. What do we do?"
Jaune looked around nervously, as everyone was looking to him for orders. The pressure was on and it didn't help that the boy had a dozen questions for Nora. Though Jaune was suddenly calmed by Pyrrha, who placed a confronting hand on his shoulder.
"You can do this, I believe in you." Pyrrha began in a soft voice, which filled Jaune with confidence.
"Alright we need to retake that ship first off." Jaune began with determination behind his voice. "We need a small and elite force, Naruto that's you. I'm positive you alone can retake the ship and clear the air space for our evacuation and combat ships. After that I want you taking out any Grimm and White Fang you cross."
Naruto did a quick flourish with Fox Flower. "Consider that ship ours leader." The Fox Sin of Greed declared in low voice, while his eyes flashed bright red. "And I'll gladly take out some mindless beasts when I'm done."
Jaune nodded and pointed to James, causing the man to lift his eyebrow. "Okay General Ironwood we need you to coordinate a rescue effort into the city. I'm sure your men along with other huntsmen are doing their best. However, you and Team CFVY can be more useful as backup for the ground forces. There is still a large amount of civilians that need our help. And we all know people in distress only lure more Grimm. We need to fix that issue before it gets out of hand."
"You're quite the tactician Mr. Arc and I agree." James replied with booming authority. "I'll take a ship with Team CFVY down the to the city."
"Good." Jaune began, while the blond looked to Nora and sighed. "Listen Nora I have a million questions, while most involve this bunker you mentioned and why Pyrrha has to get there. I only need one answer. How important is it that we get Pyrrha to this bunker?"
"It's priority number one." Nora answered instantly, while Jaune rubbed his head and sucked in his teeth. "Also I'm most likely one of our enemies targets. So to ensure Pyrrha's safety I should stay away from her and be a distraction."
"Damn It, okay Pyrrha do you know how to get to this bunker?" Jaune asked.
"Yes I do." The redhead began in a soft voice, while she sadly glanced to her best friend.
"Okay in that case I along with Team CRDL will escort Pyrrha to the bunker. After that we can adjust our objective once our mission is complete." Jaune explained, while he looked over to Cardin. "Can I count on you guys?"
Cardin along with his team all smirked at Jaune. "Yeah buddy, don't worry we got your back." The reformed bully declared, showing the once enemy was now a dependable friend.
Jaune smiled and looked at Team SSSN, Nora and Ruby. "Okay Team SSSN I'm going to need you four at the west side of Beacon. Save students, defeat White Fang and take out Grimm. Nora with your strength it's fine for you and Ruby to go together. I need you both to protect the east side of Beacon. Remember Weiss, Blake and Yang are out there somewhere. We absolutely have to work together to make sure they are okay."
Sun pumped his arm forward. "Don't worry Team SSSN will save the day!" The monkey Faunus shouted with passion.
Ruby looked down nervously, as the thought of something happening to her sister and team filled her with dread. Nora saw this and rested a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Don't worry Ruby, Yang and the others are fine." The Winter Maiden began, while smiling softly. "Me and you will make sure of that."
Ruby looked to the older girl with a smile. "Yeah you're right!"
Jaune looked around with a serious expression. "Everyone know what they have to do?" The natural born leader asked, while everyone nodded their heads. "Good than let's move out!"
Naruto watched everyone run off, but he instead walked over to Nora and Ruby. Then by grabbing his girlfriend's hand he brought the girl in close.
"Stay safe. . . You know the danger." Naruto began in a low voice. "They will be coming for you."
Nora wrapped herself around the red eyed bandit. "Yeah I know and the same goes for you." Nora replied in a low voice, while slowly reaching up to kiss her boyfriend. Though as her lips almost touched Naruto's she backed away and tapped the boy on the nose. "Boop."
Naruto chuckled and looked at his bubbly girlfriend. "Is that how you really want to say goodbye to me?"
Nora winked in response. "Consider it a reason for you to come back to me alive."
Naruto smiled and nodded his head. "I didn't plan on doing otherwise." The Fox Sin of Greed replied in a cocky voice, while looking at Ruby. "But keep an eye on Ruby for me, I don't like her being out in danger."
Ruby puffed her lips, crossed her arms and started to pout. Though before she could voice her annoyance with her overbearing brother, Nora giggled and ruffled Ruby's hair.
"I'll watch her back just like she will watch mine. Your little sister is quite the warrior after all." Nora replied in a honest voice, one that swelled Ruby's confidence and made her smile at Nora.
"Thanks Nora." The smallest of the group mumbled softly, as she truly appreciated the older girl.
Nora grinned wide. "Don't mention it, you're practically my little sister at this point!" The Winter Maiden declared boldly, while Naruto blushed a deep shade of red at the implication of Nora's declaration. "So I gotta be a good big sister!"
Ruby giggled and hugged the older girl, a sight that made Naruto's heart grow warm. "I love you two." The young bandit admitted with care behind his voice.
"And we love you." Nora replied, while Ruby nodded in agreement. "So go kick ass my Fox Sin of Greed."
Naruto grinned wide and turned his back to the girl's. "And you raise some hell my Boar Sin of Gluttony." Naruto laughed, while he quickly ran over to an empty transport ship.
Ruby raised her eyebrow in confusion. "What's with the nicknames anyway?"
"Oh nothing really." Nora answered with a small giggle, while she and Ruby started to walk off. "Though I see you're a little envious of me and your brother's names for each other? Maybe I'll give you one after this is over."
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(With Blake and Weiss; west side of Beacon)
One moment Blake and Weiss were walking down the open and peaceful courtyard. Then not a moment later they were back to back fighting off a horde of Grimm. Neither knowing where the beasts came from or what was happening. However, for the moment both girls seemed to be relatively fine despite the large number of Grimm.
"What in the world is going on?" Weiss asked loudly, while stabbing a rampaging Beowulf in the head. "How did Grimm get this far into Beacon?"
Blake frowned and her Faunus ears twitched. "I don't know, but we have to meet up with the others."
Suddenly a loud explosion detonated and fire began to engulf one of the dorm rooms. Blake and Weiss witnessed this destruction and feared the worse for anyone that might be inside. Then matters were made even worse once the sounds of terrified students began to pierce the chaos.
"Blake." Weiss began in a low voice. "People need our help."
"Yeah I know." The Faunus replied, as more Grimm began to swarm their location. "We really shouldn't, but we need to split up and help as many people as possible."
"I'll go left towards the other dorms." Weiss explained, while turning her body to run.
Blake nodded. "I'll see if anyone is hiding out by the cafeteria."
"Alright stay safe." Weiss instructed in a caring voice.
"You too." The Faunus replied before taking off towards the cafeteria.
Weiss ran forward at her fastest pace possible, while slicing through as many Grimm as humanly possibly. She hoped that she would find Yang or another friendly face, considering the amount of Grimm seemed to be growing by the second.
The young huntress in training ran for what felt like hours, but in reality was only a few minutes. However, as Weiss finally made it to the other dorms she did spot a group of familiar faces. Ones that filled her with joy and hope.
"Neptune, Sun, Sage and Scarlet!" Weiss yelled with relief in her voice.
Team SSSN all noticed Weiss and ran over to the girl's side. Making sure to finish off any Grimm that was between their path to Weiss.
"Weiss you're okay!" Neptune shouted happily. "Thank goodness!"
"For now." Weiss called back, while she hunched over and took a deep breath. "What is going on?"
"Long story short- . . ." Neptune began, but was silence when Sun jumped into the conversation.
"Where is Blake?" The monkey Faunus asked.
"She went to check the cafeteria for people in trouble." Weiss answered and was about to ask again for her own answers, but instead Sun blew past her and ran towards Blake's location.
The remaining members of Team SSSN along with Weiss watched the boy run off. Neptune simply shook his head, as he knew his best friend had it bad for Blake. So he was obviously worried for the girl during this crisis situation.
"Man that idiot." Neptune mumbled. "He's crazy for Blake."
"Tell me about it mate." Scarlet added in with a chuckle.
Weiss tapped her foot, showing her impatience. "Can someone please tell me what is going on?" The rich girl from Mantle asked.
Neptune sighed. "Like I was saying earlier, it's a long story. The shortened version is we are under attack by Grimm, White Fang and about everything else under the broken moon."
Weiss's eyes grew wide. "Where is everyone else?"
"Doing their part to fight back." Sage explained in a serious voice. "We need to do the same."
Neptune nodded his head in agreement with his teammate. "You're right Sage, so let's- . . . " Suddenly the blue haired boy froze, while he looked down to the three blades that were slammed into his body and poking out of his chest.
Weiss brought her hands to her mouth in horror, while Neptune slowly brought his shaking hands around the blades. Meanwhile a sizable amount of blood was already building up around where the blades were protruding from.
Sage and Scarlet both turned on their heels and faced their surprised attacker. Finding a man with medium length grey hair that was slicked back and bore the most sadistic purple eyes they had ever saw. The man wore no shirt, but had bandages wrapped around his stomach, while also having a pair of maroon pants with long, black sandals. Though by far his most defining feature was the large triple bladed scythe, which was currently buried into Neptune's back and stuck out from his chest.
"Neptune!" Weiss shirked in terror, while she saw the man jerk his weapon up and out of Neptune. Resulting in the boy falling forward dead into the embrace of Weiss, whose white dress was quickly stained red by Neptune's blood.
Sage and Scarlet saw their friend fall and gripped tightly onto their weapons. "You bastard!" The remaining two shouted out in anger, while they attacked the man in unison.
However, displaying amazing speed and reaction time the man jumped backwards and created a large distance from the group. "Oh how I've missed craving up young huntsmen." The man declared in a sick and pleased voice, while he inspected the blood dripping from his scythe. "Her excellence was so kind to let me come and participate in the merriment!"
Sage and Scarlet both prepared themselves for a fight, as they could tell the man standing before them was powerful. Weiss on the other hand was too stunned to even move. Though she was hoping that Blake was having a better time than she was.
Speaking of Blake the young Faunus was currently making her way to Beacon's cafeteria. Though while she made her approach Blake could tell the building was in a complete ablaze. However, a loud cry for help forced her to push forward in the direction of the voice. Though the moment Blake arrived to the cafeteria, she peered through a broken window and instantly regretted her actions.
"No." Blake mumbled in fear, while she watched Adam Taurus pierce his sword right into an innocent Atlas soldier.
Adam's ears twitching, the Faunus turned to where Blake was with a twisted grin on his face. "Well if it isn't my beloved." Adam began darkly, while he started to slowly walk in Blake's direction. "You're not going to run away this time."
Blake slowly stepped backwards, as she was getting herself ready to flee. However, she froze once Adam stopped and hovered his sword overtop another downed, but alive Atlas soldier. Then without any regard for herself, Blake dashed forward and clashed blades with Adam.
"Always the righteous hero Blake." Adam taunted, while he slowly pushed the girl back. "That will be your undoing my beloved."
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(With Nora and Ruby; east side of Beacon)
Running at an even pace, Nora and Ruby were slaughtering Grimm left and right. The youngest of the two was using Crescent Rose to slice apart any Grimm that got too close. Meanwhile Nora was using her Maiden powers to dispatch her foes at a large distance.
"Ruby do you see any survivors?" Nora asked in a serious voice, while she held her hands forward.
Ruby watched the Winter Maiden freeze a cluster of Grimm and shook her head. "No I don't see anything besides Grimm!"
"And that's what worries me." Nora admitted.
Ruby raised her eyebrow in response. "What do you mean by that?"
Nora sighed softly. "I was half expecting someone to come after me. . . I'm not gonna lie Ruby being around me is dangerous. However, I was hoping to draw attention away from Pyrrha."
"Don't worry about me Nora! Like you told Naruto I can protect myself!" The smallest of the two declared, while giving the older girl a confident smile. "Besides someone has to watch your back!"
Nora grinned at Ruby, she really appreciated the girl more than she would know. Though the sound of a gunshot caused Nora to react on instinct and created an ice wall around Ruby. Then as the protective layer of ice shielded Ruby from a sneak attack, Nora turned in the direction of her attacker. Allowing her to see two of the few people she absolutely despised.
"Mercury and Emerald." Nora seethed in a low voice, while she watched Mercury lower his leg.
"Come quietly and nobody has to die." Mercury instructed in a firm voice, while the boy cocked a smirk. "Well nobody besides you."
Nora cracked her knuckles. "Or how about you go fuck yourself."
Emerald chuckled and shook her head. "You've really taken after your boyfriend. Though you should listen to Mercury. There is no sense of getting little Ruby killed." The green haired girl threatened. "After all, we are one for one with taking down Maidens."
Suddenly the air around the teenagers dropped to dangerously cold temptations. "You three were responsible for Amber." Nora mumbled in shock.
Mercury took a bow and laughed. "Guilty."
Poking out from behind Nora's protective layer of ice, Ruby pointed at the two Mistral teenagers. "And they were behind what happened to Yang and Naruto! Penny is dead because of them!"
Emerald shrugged her shoulders. "Guilty again."
Ruby gritted her teeth and was about to jump forward and attack, but she was stopped by Nora. The latter of whom held her arm out to contain Ruby from making a mistake.
"Calm down Ruby, they are just trying to provoke us. Don't do anything brash like Naruto or Yang would." Nora instructed in a stern voice. "You're better than that."
Ruby hung her head. "I'm sorry Nora."
Nora sighed and patted Ruby on the shoulder. "Don't apologize kiddo, just let me handle this one. . . I've been wanting to break these assholes apart since I met them."
"So that's a no on coming peacefully then?" Mercury asked, while the boy slowly dropped into a fighting stance.
"That's a poor choice on your part." Emerald declared, while the green haired girl started to multiple.
Nora sighed in response and held her hand outward, while an explosive force of icy cold wind knocked both teens backwards. Mercury went rolling onto his back, while Emerald's illusions faded. Revealing only a single girl downed and beside her teammate.
"The only poor choice was your own, as you'll learn I'm far more powerful than Amber ever was." Nora began in a superior tone, while Ruby watched a strange red marking etch itself onto Nora's neck. "To you I'm just the Winter Maiden, but Raven helped me realize who I truly am. . . I'm Nora Valkyrie the Boar Sin of Gluttony. Though I must admit, I've never went all out with my abilities before. So you two shall be perfect little guinea pigs to practice on."
Ruby's eyes grew wide, as she saw a crimson boar marking appear on the older girl's neck. Though the marking heavily resembled the one that Naruto had, but she remembered her brother's resembled a fox. So it made the girl wonder what the connection between the two animal markings were.
"Just what is that marking?" Ruby mumbled in a low and unheard voice.
Meanwhile Mercury and Emerald were standing onto their feet. Both teens already prepared to take on the full power of a Maiden. Though they were soon going to learn just how outmatched they were.
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(With Yang)
Running out of her dorm building, Yang looked left and then looked right. She had watched her brother's match with her scroll and saw the outcome, but she was still confused by the sheer number of Grimm that had invaded Beacon.
"What is going on?" Yang asked herself, while she debated on where to go. Though she momentarily stopped and punched a Grimm that rushed her location. "Why is there so many Grimm at the school!"
"Yang!" The familiar voice of Sun Wukong yelled, grabbing the girl's attention.
"Sun!" Yang called back in relief, while she watched the Faunus run to her. "Please tell me you know what is going on?"
Sun groaned. "I don't have time to explain, but listen. My team and Weiss are in that direction." The teenager explained, as he pointed to the left. "You should go group up with them and make sure they are okay."
Yang tilted her eyebrow. "And what are you going to do?"
Sun pointed past Yang. "Weiss said that Blake went to the cafeteria to search for people in trouble. I'm going to go find her and take her back to the main group."
Yang nodded and placed a hand on Sun's shoulder. "Alright monkey boy, you take care of Blake. I'll go meet up with everyone else and hopefully get a real explanation."
"I'm sure Nep will fill you in." Sun chuckled in an upbeat tone, while he started to run off. "But stay safe out there Yang!"
Yang waved the Fauns off and started to run in the direction of Weiss. "The same goes for you monkey boy!"
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(With Naruto)
Jumping out of his transportation and landing on top of the hijacked Atlas flagship, Naruto watched the ship he borrowed slowly crash down into the city below.
"Well I hope nobody on our side was hit by that!" The bandit chuckled in a nervous voice.
"How you even made it here is beyond me." Ren commented in a surprised voice. "You might be the worst pilot in all of Remnant."
Naruto rolled his eyes and looked around. "Whatever Ren." The blond grumbled, while dozens of flying Grimm circled from overhead. "Right now I gotta figure out my next move."
"I suggest actually getting inside the ship." Ren mumbled.
"And I suggest you go fuck yourself." Naruto retorted before grabbing his weapon and grinning like a madman. "Let me worry about everything else."
Naruto then took a few steps forward, but a loud screeching noise caused him to flip backwards. Moving with just enough time to dodge a glowing red projectile.
"Well if it isn't my least favorite little bastard." The voice of Roman Torchwick seethed, while the man slowly walked in Naruto's path. "I can't wait to repay you for what you did to me!"
Naruto smirked and noticed Neo standing by the man's side. "Well if it isn't the punching bag and the half and half bitch." The bandit began, while he glanced down to his weapon and tightened his hold. "You two picked the wrong people to side with and I must admit. . . I'm pretty pissed off right now, but I'll vent some of that out on your mangled dead bodies."
Roman and Neo both twitched, while they watched Naruto glance up at them with a burning red glare. Then without any warning Naruto sprinted right at the two criminals with the intent to kill.
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(With Jaune, Pyrrha and Team CRDL)
Leading the group forward, Pyrrha made absolutely no stops to their destination. Sure along the way they crossed plenty of Grimm, but with their groups size and skill. These were only small roadblocks and didn't halt their efforts in reaching the bunker.
Jaune was currently running alongside Pyrrha and was slightly winded. Since the young leader wasn't as athletic or strong as his partner. So trying to keep at her pace was challenging to say the least. Regardless he somehow managed to not lag behind and be a burden to the group.
"Pyrrha are we almost there?" Jaune asked in an exhausted voice, as he was slowly reaching his limit.
Pyrrha glanced over to Jaune and even further back to Team CRDL. She could tell all the boys following her were slowly growing tired and needed to stop and catch their second wind. However, she knew how serious their situation was. So Pyrrha needed to make sure securing the Fall Maiden's powers above everything else.
"It's right up ahead Jaune, just push yourself a little further. I know you have it in you." Pyrrha explained softly, as she continued onward.
Jaune nodded and kept pace with Pyrrha, but still had questions swimming around his mind. It was something that Jaune didn't like, so he decided to speak his mind.
"Hey Pyrrha, what is so important about getting you to their bunker anyway? And what is really going on with this attack?" Jaune asked seriously, while Pyrrha remained silent and didn't look back.
Team CRDL all looked to Pyrrha, as they too wanted answers.
"Listen Jaune it's a long story and the less you know the better." Pyrrha began softly, which caused Jaune to frown. "For now trust me and keep on your toes."
"Okay Pyrrha. . . I'll trust you." Jaune began, but his eyes quickly grew wide. Since off in the distance he saw Ozpin waiting outside of an entrance to a tower. "What is Ozpin doing over here."
"Waiting for me most likely." Pyrrha mumbled in response, while she and the rest of her group approached the headmaster.
Ozpin looked over the students and sighed. "Are you ready Pyrrha? It's now or never."
"I'm ready Ozpin, I've thought over this too long. Now it's time I make my choice and become the next Maiden." Pyrrha replied confidently, showing that the girl was set in her decision.
"Very well." Ozpin mumbled softly, while pointing to Cardin. "Mr. Winchester can I rely on you and your team to guard this entrance?"
The orange haired teenager nodded softly. "Yeah we can lock this place down."
"Good, Pyrrha you and Jaune can follow me down into the bunker." Ozpin instructed in a hurried voice, as he turned his body to the teenagers. "I'll need Mr. Arc in case something unseen may occur."
Pyrrha glanced to Jaune, who was looking right into her eyes with worry. Since he really wanted to know what was going on and he didn't like the tone of Pyrrha and Ozpin's voices. However, instead of getting any answers from his partner, Jaune instead reached out and grabbed her hand.
"I'll stand by Pyrrha no matter what." The leader of Team JNNP declared softly, which caused the girl to smile.
"Thank you." The normally proud and confident warrior mumbled softly.
Ozpin let a small smile pass his lips, as he whiteness the young duo. "Let's head down into the bunker. . . And Team CRDL don't let anyone pass you, but please be careful."
Team CRDL all nodded, while Jaune, Pyrrha and Ozpin descended down a hallway which lead to the bunker. Then as the trio approached the elevator, Ozpin held his scroll up to a panel, causing a green light and small ding to sound off.
"Let's hurry." Ozpin instructed before motioning for Pyrrha and Jaune to enter the elevator.
Jaune and Pyrrha both walked inside the elevator and turned to Ozpin, who began to type on a keypad within the elevator. Then once the man stopped the door closed and the elevator made its descent into the bunker.
Pyrrha's nerves growing worse, the young redhead slightly shivered in anticipation for what was to come. However, Jaune who was still holding her hand felt this and gave the girl's hand a reassuring squeeze. This caused a small wave of relief to sweep over Pyrrha, while the elevator stopped and opened its doors.
"This way." Ozpin spoke up, as he started to walk into the bunker.
Pyrrha and Jaune followed after their headmaster into the bunker. However, Jaune was shocked by what he was seeing, since he didn't envision such a massive structure being right under his feet all this time.
"What is this place for?" Jaune asked in wonder, while his gaze drifted all over the place. However, no one spoke up and answered the boy's question. "Is it. . . What is that!"
Pyrrha frowned, while Jaune was looking at the two tanks at the end of the hall in shock. His mind going in overdrive trying to figure out why a woman was being stored in some secret underground bunker. Though something that Jaune managed to find out was that the woman appeared to be on some sort of life support system.
"Pyrrha please get in the pod." Ozpin instructed in a low voice, while the headmaster hurried over to a terminal by an empty and open pod.
Pyrrha removed her hand away from Jaune and slowly approached the pod. Her heart pounding with each step she took forward. Jaune on the other hand watched Pyrrha with worry and confusion.
"Pyrrha what's going on!" Jaune yelled with concern behind his voice, as he could no longer just trust Pyrrha for everything to be okay. "Who is that woman?"
Pyrrha slowly entered the pod and looked at her partner with a saddened expression. "Jaune whatever happens. . . I want you to know. . . I want you to know I- . . ." Pyrrha tried her hardest to speak her mind, but instead she bit her lip and looked to Ozpin. "I'm ready."
Ozpin nodded and pressed a button. "I'm sorry Pyrrha, but thank you." The headmaster replied, while the hatch to the pod closed Pyrrha in .
"Pyrrha!" Jaune shouted out.
"Mr. Arc please keep a lookout for anyone that may sneak into this chamber. I promise Pyrrha will be okay." Ozpin reassured, even though the man wasn't sure what was about to happen.
Jaune gritted his teeth and turned his back to Pyrrha, then by drawing his sword Jaune started to watch for anyone else.
However, as Jaune had his back turned to Pyrrha and Amber. The pods started to activate and a strange glow was seen around Amber's body. Then a loud whirring noise began to echo throughout the bunker and an intense amount of reddish yellow aura slowly left Amber's body and went into the tubes connecting the pods. What came next could only be described as pure pain, as Pyrrha shrieked in anguish. While the aura that had left Amber's body quickly forced itself into Pyrrha's body.
"Pyrrha!" Jaune shouted in fear, while turning on his heel to look at his partner.
Ozpin who was looking over a monitor held his hand out to Jaune. "She's fine, her vitals are stable and the conversion is almost finished."
Jaune tightened his fists in anger, while he watched his partner suffer. He didn't like any of this and he had half a mind to stop what was going on, but he didn't want to cause Pyrrha any further harm.
However, after a few more moments the aura vanished into Pyrrha and the machines died down. Then the monitors connected to Amber flatlined, showing the former Fall Maiden was dead. Then slowly the hatch to Pyrrha's pod opened, which caused the girl to fall outwards and collapse towards the ground.
"Pyrrha!" Jaune shouted out, while rushing to the girl and catching her before she could hit the floor.
Ozpin stepped away from the monitor and hovered over Pyrrha. "Are you okay? Can you hear us?"
Pyrrha slightly groaned and her eyes slowly opened, but what came next shocked Jaune to his core. Since the moment her eyes opened, Pyrrha's right eye began to glow with a strange aura around it.
"I feel different, but I'm okay." Pyrrha began softly, tears fighting their way out of her eyes. Then releasing a genuine smile she reached her hand up to Jaune's cheek. "I'm me."
"Of course you are." Jaune declared in a happy voice, while he held on tightly to the girl. "Who else would you be?"
"Nobody." Pyrrha answered, while she lunged forward and hugged Jaune tightly.
Ozpin watched the two for a moment, but he knew they didn't have time to waste. "Listen we must keep moving." The headmaster instructed firmly. "This was only the first step of many. Now we must retake our city and school!"
Pyrrha nodded and stood to her feet. "You're right."
Jaune stood by his partner. "What should we do?"
"Follow me and I'll explain." Ozpin began, as he lead the duo back into the elevator. "Jaune I'm going to need you to stick by Pyrrha and keep her safe at all costs. Pyrrha I want you to find Naruto, he's the strongest huntsmen we have. He will be able to keep you even safer. A new Maiden is an easy target and we cannot lose you."
"I don't know what you mean by Maiden, but what about Nora?" Jaune asked, while the elevator closed and started to ascend. "She's strong and probably closer than Naruto."
Ozpin shook his head. "Until things are safe it's best to keep Pyrrha and Nora separated. They are both too large of targets."
Jaune frowned in response, as he really didn't enjoying being kept in the dark so much. "Okay well we do know where Naruto is, but once we find him then what?"
"You'll fight back, but if things get too bad. . . Have Naruto escort you to safety." Ozpin explained in a grim tone, as the elevator stopped and opened its doors. "Cities and schools can be rebuilt, but Pyrrha is now too important to lose."
"I'll keep her safe no matter the- . . ." Jaune began in a determined voice, but a familiar cry of pain and plea for help caught his attention. "Cardin?"
Ozpin's eyes grew wide, as he heard the desperate cry of his student. Then along with Pyrrha and Jaune the trio made their way out to where Team CRDL was, but the sight they found wasn't pleasant.
The bodies of Cardin's teammates Russell, Dove and Sky were in pieces and scattered around the area in a bloody mess. Meanwhile the familiar face of Cinder Fall wss standing in the midst of the dead bodies. Then to everyone's surprise her left eye began to glow just like Pyrrha's eye had done earlier.
However, the most frightening sight of all was the woman standing near Cinder. She was a woman with deathly white skin, covered with deep red and black veins that run up her arms and face. The sclerae of her eyes were jet black and her irises had a familiar red glow to them. Meanwhile she wore a simple black and red bodysuit that seemed to form around her body. Though gripped tightly in the woman's hands, was Cardin Winchester. Who was being effortlessly lifted into the air and strangled by the woman.
"Salem." Ozpin mumbled in fear, while he slowly grabbed the relic on his hip. "Put the boy down."
"Well if it isn't the other half of the Fall Maiden and one of the four Relics!" Salem chuckled in a dark tone, while she crushed Cardin's neck and dropped the boy onto the ground. Though a frown quickly covered her face, while she glared at the symbol on Jaune's shield. "And an Arc. . . I thought I killed your putrid family centuries ago. You and the Branwens are a resilient bunch."
Jaune and Pyrrha both backed away in fear, as the sight of the butchered Team CRDL made them both uneasy. Then it didn't help that Salem looked like something right out of a nightmare.
"Jaune." Ozpin began in a serious voice, while forcing the relic in his possession into Jaune's hands. "Change of plans, find Naruto and give him this and tell him to get you two and Nora as far away from this place as you can."
"But wha-. . ." Jaune began, but Ozpin quickly stepped in front of him and Pyrrha.
"Go now!" The headmaster ordered at the top of his lungs. Leaving nothing up for debate or discussion.
Slowly grabbing onto Jaune's arm, Pyrrha started to pull her partner away. "Come on Jaune let's go." The Fall Maiden began softly, as she had heard enough about Salem to know she had to escape with Jaune. "We need to find Naruto and Nora."
Jaune was reluctant at first. "But Cardin- . . ."
"Is dead." Pyrrha cut in, as she pulled Jaune away and ran off.
Salem watched the two flee and turned to Cinder. "Don't let my Relic and the rest of the Fall Maiden get away." The woman began, while her eyes flashed a bright red. "But bring the Arc boy back to me alive. . . I want to make sure I finish that family off once and for all."
Cinder nodded her head and was about to chase after Jaune and Pyrrha. However, Ozpin quickly ran forward and blocked her path.
"I won't let either of you harm my students any more." The headmaster declared.
Salem grinned wide. "Oh you won't stop me." The vile woman began, as she and Cinder both squared up against the headmaster of Beacon. "However, you're free to try Ozpin, but know that you will die."
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(Chapter end)
Well here is the next chapter and I have a few things to say.
First I've said this a lot but this story is a lot different than the actual story of RWBY. Now Salem has recently got an origin story and other things have happened. . . My story will be doing something completely different. I've had my one idea for this story since chapter one. So I wanted to say that. So keep that in mind.
Second as of now this story is almost at 2,000 follows. . . That's absolutely fucking wild and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has read this story and supported me in these last almost two years…
Third I'm doing a new story, it's in the works and is a rewrite. Read the latest chapter of Fairy Tail's Crystal Guardian by Fairytail Ninja for more info. However, I'm almost halfway through editing and completely rewriting the first half of the story. Should I slowly release what I have? Or do you guys who care to read it want me to wait till I have the majority done and then publish it?
Finally I wanted to ask some questions because I'm curious.
Q: We have already lost a few characters, who do you think will survive Volume 3 and who is going to die?
Q: Who are the characters you don't want to die at any cost?
Anyways that's all I have for now, thanks for reading and I hope to see you all soon!