In the weeks that followed Summer and Tia have continued to visit with John and to help him 'adjust' to patch. Summer had often come to learn hand to hand from John. She was an incredibly slow learner. She only seemed to get basics down. Simple jabs, upper cuts, and cross punching. Any advance training had to wait till she was skilled enough to handle it.
She often brought brought the kids to learn as well, but to also to let John get use to dealing with children. Both Qrow and Tia were surprised to see how much she has progressed and came to watch and to challenge John as well. You know to get to know his fighting style and to test themselves against the person who is a galactic hero who is incognito.
But that still didn't mean that they didn't see him fully cut lose on grimm forces. After a couple of weeks the husband and wife duo received a request of grimm extermatation. This would be a perfect opportunity to see what he is capable of.
Summer had asked Tia if John could join them on this small hunt.
" I don't see why not. I would like to see what he can do and what he brings to the party." Tia told her. So she called and when she hung up, she said that he would be here at six AM. With that they continued their nightly routine of having family time, letting Zwie out, bathing the girls and putting them to bed before they to bathed and went to bed. What they did not know, could not know, was that their alarm clock would come in a different format.
When six thirty AM rolled around no one was up save for Ruby and Yang who heard the alarm go off and could not go back to bed. Tia thought he hit the snooze button but hit the dismiss button instead.
Yang was digging around in the fridge for something to make for breakfast that a five year old can make...so cereal. As she found the milk she heard a vehicle pull up. A knock was heard a second or two later confirming someone pulled up. She put the milk down on the table and went to the door.
" Who is it?" She asked next to the door not opening it.
" John Mendez" Was all the now named John said. She smiled and opened the door and their stood John in what she could only describe as a hero. He had black angler armor on his shoulders, arms, legs and torso.
He looked down and saw Yang looking up at him with awe and wonder. He gave a small smile and nelt to be on a more even level with her.
"Hello Yang,is your mom and dad up?" He asked.
She shook her head in a no fashion before answering. " No it's just me and and Ruby up at the moment." She said.
John had a thought full look before asking, " Did you try waking them?"
"I did but I got nothing from them. They are still sleeping."
John thought about it for a menit before asking where their room was. She told him to fallow as she first went to check on Ruby. When she saw John she smiled and ran over hugging his leg and in Ruby fashion, climb up his leg and hung from his neck with a grin. John, who still found it puzzling that a girl of her age could climb him so effortlessly, hugged her and set her back down and with Ruby in tow, made their way to the master bedroom.
As John entered he saw the couple laying peacefully in bed. John called to them to which they just shifted closer to one another. John sighed. An idea came to his head. One that would get them moving. He approached the bed and took a breath and braced for whatever the outcome may be.
" Summer the SPARTAN is willing to show you every piece of weaponry in his arsonal." He said in a voice just above a whisper. The only sign of Summer being on the bed was a blinking white dotted line the the shape of her body. She stood wide awake, dressed and with an excited smile on her face.
" WHERE CAN I FIND HIM!" she shouted body vibrating at an unnatural rate.
Her screech managed to get Tia up as well.
" urrrhhhaa. Summer what are you excited abouuuuut. John? What are you doing here?" He questiond.
" I said I would come early to go over what we are doing for the hunt. Yang said you snoozed the alarm." was John's reply.
Tia looked puzzled and checked his scroll. Sure enough it was close to seven and they were supposed to run the kids to becean so Glynda could watch over them and for Ozpin to meet John in person. He paled at seeing the time and excused himself to wash up and get ready. Summer was still bouncing around with barely contained excitement when Johner down.
" Summer I only said that to get you up."
She visibly deflated and looked like her and Ruby were about to cry. Knowing that he would not be able to resist, he quickly added.
" But you can look at my gear if you want." They both perked up at that with Yang even looking interested. " But first the girls need to eat. Then you can look over everything."
With that they left the bedroom and went to the kitchen. Yang put the cereal and milk back that were going to be used till John showed up. Summer made coffee for the adults and started to make the kids a quick breakfast of eggs and toast. Tia came out of the bedroom soon after and helped himself to a cup of coffee and toast.
" Ok I need to ask, who let you in?" Tia finally asked. Yang swallowed her mouth full of food before she answered.
"I let him in."
Tia just looked at her then shrugged and continued to chow down. Summer, who was quickly cleaning up what she used to make breakfast in, shot a glance to John who just leaned in the doorway.
" So John, what are you bringing to this party? Any thing good?" She asked
Her reply was a wait and see. When she was done she quickly ate and helped the girls get ready. And soon after that they made their way outside to jump in the family car, when they saw the beast sitting next to it. Tia was staring at it drooling. John had pulled in with a modified warthog. It was a civilian model with a bed instead of a machine gun. It was had a black paint job that seemed to give it a more aggressive look. Tia and the girls were brought out of their shock when John started it. The growl it made made the family even appreciate it more. And with that they headed for beacon.
When they got their, they went straight to Ozpin's office. As soon as the elevator door opened the kids took off to a kneeling Glynda who hugged them and took them off to go do whatever. That left Summer, Tia and John to talk with Ozpin. He asked a number of questions to John to gage his personality who he is as a person.
"So one last thing before you go. I am willing to give you a huntsmen license to do whatever needs to be done around the kingdom. Summer and Tia are going to report what they see and if you are worth it. With that you also need to do a written exam and a spar against at least four other people." Ozpin told him. He agreed and they were on their way.
The mission was simple. Kill everything that is not human in a forest that occupies a root between two villages.
When the breafing was done, they went back down to Johns vehicle so he can grab his weapons. A BRHB55, two M7 SMGs and his trusted combat knife. When Summer saw the guns, she went nuts, asking to look at them, hold them, and if she could try them. She kept asking as they made their way to the bull head to fly off. Finally giving in, he told her she can try them later.
When they got to their drop point, the pilot set them down and they got to it. John had handed out something from his kit that he handed out to the other two.
" Earbuds that link up to your scroll. Stay on comms."
After linking up the buds, the tested them and went to work.
They spent the whole day clearing out the grimm. John was the one that did most of the work. He took most of the kills before Summer or Tia could take the shot. He was walking around like a one man death squad that just kept going. It got to the point where they just sat in a tree and watched him work. They noted that he fought in a similar style to the SPARTAN. They just passed it off saying it was counisadance. When they were done they called for an evac. Approaching the rally point, the husband and wife duo were relaxing and not really paying attention talking about what all had happened.
" ...John was so badass! I mean I know we are a couple of badasses, but damn! And was it just me, or did you hear things after he killed things? I swear I heard someone say he got a killyanair or something on a pack of beawolvs." Tia was saying to Summer as they walked into the clearing with John walking ahead and to the side still observing his surroundings.
" No, I swear I heard something as well. It sounded like someone was announcing a spree of sorts." Summer added.
John herd the faintest of snapps from behind. He didn't see anything but her knew something was behind them. Stalking them. Likely the talking is what drew its attention. He slowed his pace to fall in beside them only half listening. The beast crept closer.
" So, what do you think the girls are doing at Beacon?" Tia asked.
" Probably being angles like always...or someone is secretly satan and gave them a ton of sugar and could probably run an entire city for fifteen minutes with the energy they could possess." Summer said thoughtfully.
" Yea let's hope not. I would rather not have to put up with two girls on a sugar rush before bed."
" That is a chore in of itself. Give them sugar and…"
John suddenly grabbed her and threw her to the ground, spun and grabbed the open maw of the grimm that tried to make a meal out of her. The grimm was feline in appearance. It had a powerful build in its legs and had a thick snout. The mask covers its face and had bone armor along its back and spikes on its jointed legs. But the thing that stuck out was the teeth. They were razor sharp but it had two long sharp teeth coming out of its upper jaw. It snarled and clawed at John. Diego. A Saber-tooth cat grimm. Its momentum pushed John to the ground with it trying to now make a meal out of him. Grunting he brought his knees up to his chest, rolled and kicked up, sending the cat like grimm back into the woods. He sprung back to his feet with Tia and Summer readying for the fight. He unslung his M7's as they backed to backed eachother. Everyone stayed quiet, listening for the slightest noise made from the diego stalking them. Silence was heard as it was circling around them. A cat playing with its prey. It was taking its time deciding who to take first.
In a move so quick it was almost a blur, John dropped an M7, grabbed his knife, spun and threw it into the bushes. A howl of pain was heard as the knife stuck. It rushed out and ran straight at John. He saw the blade embedded in its side. While it didn't kill it, it probably in a lot of pain and probably bleed out over time. As it leapt past he shot arm out and pulled the blade out. As it landed it turned and lept. As it drew closer time seemed to slow down as it closed in. He saw the beasts drool drip off of its fangs, its burning eyes that had nothing but hunger and hate. He turned his body and jabbed the blade into the bottom of its neck. Its momentum stopped and John slammed it into the ground pinning it. In a final strike he curb stomped its face in with a sickening pop.
" UNFRICKENBELIVABLE!"
" See I knew I heard something!" Summer exclaimed.
John grabbed his blade and gun.
" Let's move." John said with authority.
Both Tia and Summer snapped to and fell in line behind him.
When they got to the pick up point. The bullhead picked them up and took them to Beacon. In Ozpin's office they sat and were debriefed.
" So, how did he do?" He asked.
" He was a badass. He pretty much did the work. He even took down a Diego by himself in an epic fashion." Summer said.
" It also doesn't help that he had a personal announcer to make him even more awesome." Tia added.
Oz looked at John with amusement.
" A diego?" Diego's were able to sneak up on even the most experienced and elite hunters with how quiet they seemed to move.
"Yea. with nothing but a knife."
" A powerhouse then?"
" Oz this guy is more than a power house. He has a way of reading the battlefield and acting accordingly." Tia told him," I personally think that he is the apex grimm predator in the world."
" HE KILLED A DIEGO ALL BY HIMSELF! WITH JUST A KNIFE AND A COUPLE OF KICKS! Sure he had to through me to the ground to get me out of the way of its jaws, buthejusttookITONANDCOMPLETLYSHOWEDITWHOSBOSS!" inhale " he's ready for a final test if you want him to fight someone." Summer said.
Oz chuckled. " John. You said your ex-military. Can you tell me your rank?"
" Master Chief Petty Officer." John snapped out like he was talking to an officer.
Tia and Summer cocked their heads at the rank remembering the SPARTAN had said his rank was as well as a Master Chief Petty Officer. But they did know that it was a rank shared by the world so not really a surprise though. A coincidence.
" A high rank for someone so young. Can you tell us how you earned it?"
" The operation is classified. All I can say is my unit was attached to another elite team that was under the command of a captain to raid enemy ships. She died and a Lieutenant Commander took her spot. He turned out to be a traitor. The unit colonel put me in charge to continue on with a premade plan to not only move the operation forward, but to also relive the LC of command. He said I would need the cred to command his men into battle." John said remembering Operation: Silent Storm and how Hector Neyato tried to kill him and his brothers and sisters. He still had a resentment about the man. But there was nothing he could do now. Just solder on.
" Hmmm. You have led teams before? Big and small?"
"Yes"
" Then I see know need to further test you. I have faith in Summer and Tia's opinion. Your license will be mailed to you in a few weeks." Oz told him.
With that they bid fare well and got the girls.
" Let's head home." Summer said hugging Ruby and Yang.
" Ma? Can we ride with ?" Yang asked.
"Uhh…" Summer and Tia looked at eachother.
" Sure?" Summer half asked half answered.
The ride home was enjoyable and pleasant. If you didn't count the road kill John was forced to do on a beowulf. When he met up at with Tia at the house, Summer, Ruby and Yang were grinning from ear to ear. The growel of the engine was exerating for them and the way he handled the vehicle in tight corners, the hills, and the off roading.
" Did you guys enjoy yourselves?" Tia asked.
" YOU BET DAD! YOU NEED TO GO OFF-ROADING WITH HIM SOMETIME!" Yang shouted with Ruby and Summer vibrating from both the ride and energy.
The weeks past. They needed resources to build a hanger and to repair the DAWN. But at the same time they needed funds. Sure they could just take funds from gangs and crime rings, but they also needed to appear like a normal person. So Dawn Enterprises was born. A small business that made more advancements in the science, medical, and engineering fields.
Flash cloning organs. Bio-foam. Portable field sterilizers. Phenosortolmorphine. Were all introduced into the medical field. Deep sea exploration became a thing with sonar. Telescopes were made and placed around the world to look into space. Astronomy grew. Solar and hydro power were looked into as alternatives sources for fuel instead of dust. Jacques scoffed at the small brother and sister business saying they will go belly up with in a month and that he will ' graciously' pick them up and claim the rights to the stuff as his own. But they kept growing and growing. Getting more well known. They were going to claim credit that should rightfully be his. He grew furious to the point that he sent assassins to kill them. Fraud and false accusations to discredit them. All of which failed and was exposed. Or at least mostly exposed. He covered his tracks well. Success was all that drove him. He began to take his frustration out on his family by neglecting them of his love and support. He only cared when they suited his purpose. He tested each of his children in combat or anything that they could excel in. The only thing that would bring him pleaser was the Dawns downfall.
The sun was high in the sky making a nice Saturday day to a beautiful day. John was walking around the docs just enjoying the sun shine. This has become a little bit of a pleaser of his over the course of a couple months. To walk around with no armor and mingle with the crowd who are not looking over their shoulder or panicking and screaming. All in all, serine and perfect. All he could do was just drink it all in and give a smile of content. The gentle breeze from the ocean carried with it the sent of salt. A perfect summer's day.
He walked along the peair, the people fishing or taking pictures with family. He leaned up on the railing looking over the water. Again a perfect…
" AHHHHHH!" came a very high pitched girl scream with a loud SPLASH followed afterwards and the sound of laughing. He snapped his head around and saw a couple of kids laughing and pointing towards the water. John looked over the edge and saw a little girl with raven black hair struggling to stay above water. The eye catcher was her ears. It was clear she was faunas. A cat faunas to be exact.
" HA HA HA! LOOK AT THE FREAK SQUIRM!" The boys were saying.
John looked at them, wanting nothing more than to reprimand them, but a woman's shrieking was heard yelling and on the verge of breaking. Noting the orange hair, purple eyes and the grey sweater and jeans, he jumped. The girls head was below water and was panicking. He swam down, looped a arm around her abdomen and swam up to the serface. The people on the pear were pointing and merming at what they were seeing. He made it to the beach and climbed out and laid the girl on her back. He checked her breathing and started CPR. John noted two presences approaching. The girl coughed and spat water out sitting up.
" Blake! My baby!" The women said clutching her to her chest. The young girl looked alot like the older women, so he guessed that she was her mother. Standing up he was met with who he presumed to be her father. To say this guy was big was an understatement. He riveld John in size. The unknown man looked at John with both apresasion and caution. John looked back up to the peair and could faintly make out what the were saying.
It made his already simmering blood boil over.
" Ah man, the big guy saved the freak. I guess we have a freak lover to deal with." one of the punks said looking down with distane towards him.
John looked back at the girls father and gave a quick be back in a minute. He walked back up the pier and found the two boys with their father he presumed, he had orange hair and blue eyes as well," Now boys, we will just get the filth next time." he was saying to them.
" So this is where it starts." John said getting the attention of the trio.
" Is this the dumbass that saved the freak child?" he asked his boys. When he received a nod he smirked and glared at him.
"Ohohohoho, you fucked up dude. I am going to rip your fucking head off. Freak lover." The man said, rolling up his sleeves and with drawing two knives.
" YEA! GO KICK HIS ASS DAD!" one of the boys shouted. If the scene before didn't gather a crowd, this boys shouting drew people in.
The family from the beach followed him up to thank him, but found him otherwise engaged with the bullies. Blake was on her father's shoulder watching the events about to happen.
" Daddy what is going on?" Blake asked.
" I am not sure sweety, but I think this guy is going to let loose" Ghira said back.
" I should let you know to back off. I am a Huntsmen. One of the best. So I know how to kick your overgrown ass and make it look like you great great grandmother did it you freak loving fuck!"
John didn't say a word and simply removed his jacket.
The man rushed John, knives out and waiting for blood. John sidestepped the slashes and got into his reach. He sent a right uppercut and a gut punch. Grabbing the man's head he smashed it into his knee. The mas screamed in surprise and pain as his aura took the brunt of it. John deiverd a spartan kick. The man recovered and stared John down.
" That fucking hurt you freak loving son of a bitch. Do you even know who I am? I am Akron Winchester! Beacons strongest graduate! How dare you strike me? Your better in every way." the now named Akron said. He bull rushed him again and again John counterd. He grabbed his outstretched arm, and pulled this time he delivered a straight hard puch the the nose. While his aura took the brunt of it, his nose broke from sheer force.
" COME ON DAD! SHOW THIS FREAK LOVER WHO'S BOSS!" His son yelled.
Akron rored and charged like a dumbass. He threw a right slash, then a left. He was getting sloppy. John grabbed his Akrans arm and gavea hard pull and twisted. Akron screamed in pain. He tripped Akron and slammed his face into the ground.
" Huntsmen are to carry themselves with honor. I haven't seen ANY from you. They protect those who cannot protect themselves, regardless of race or sex. They are to be role models for all. You are not a role model. You are nothing but a shame to the huntsmen title." John said with clear disdain, " Beacons strongest graduate? Ha. More likes beacons biggest waste." John looked towards the family of the daughter he saved from drowning.
" You better hope this family is merciful. Because if they are not, you can be put in jail for instigating a murder. Your kid would be sharing the same fate. But worse. A prison sentence for child murder." John advised him.
Giving one last shove, he stood up and grabbed his jacket. As he was putting it on, he heard the rushing of foot steps from behind and the sound of everyone gasping, he turned and saw Akron running at him with pure burning hatred and anger. His knives were now short swords. He swung at John's neck. John got in closed and deflected the first but not the second. He saw the stab coming a little to late but had enough time to move and hit in a non-vital area. The blade passed right through his side. John simply growled more out of frustration rather than pain. Akron thought otherwise.
" YOU HAVE SOME NERVE TO STRIKE ME! HOW DARE YOU TELL ME WHO I CAN AND CAN'T PROTECT! I AM A HUNTSMEN! I DEMAND THE RESPECT OF EVERYONE I MEET! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A FUCKING BUG UNDER MY BOOT WORM! I WILL MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID TO HUMILIATE ME!" Akron shouted. John simply Spartan kicked him away from him. As Ackron few back, he lost his grip on his blade.
" You disgust me" John said as he walked up to him. As John stood in front of him, he gripped the sword still in his side, and pulled it out without showing any signs of pain. Everyone watched the scene with both surprise and some feeling sick. Akron watched in shock and horror as John did that.
" W-w-what are are you?" He asked shaking.
John grabbed his collar and held him in front of his face.
" I am something that would give your nightmares nightmares. I have seen and done things that would make anynomal grown man break and want to quit living." He said looking Ackron right in the eye. He then threw him to the ground and walked over to a bench. He took his jacket and shirt off giving all the ladies a full view of his pale, scared, and stone chiseled back. Boy did they enjoy the eye candy. As john was ripping his shirt up to cover the wound, he her a man clear his throat.
" I would like to thank you sir for saving my daughter." The man said. John turned and got his first look at Ghira Belladonna. He was big in the shoulders and tall, he had a muscular build hidden under a purple open coat exposing a chiseled chest and abbs. He had amber eyes, black hair and beard, John wondered what his faunas trait was as he didn't see a tail or ears. Ghira stuck his hand out for a shake.
" Ghira Belladonna."
" John Mendez." He introduced taking his hand and giving it a squeeze and shake.
" This is my wife Kile and our daughter, Blake" He said gesturing to the two other women.
Kile was, in contrast, slim and dante. With black hair and amber eyes, she had a number of earrings in her cat ears. And blake was pretty much a little version of her mother. He shook Kilys hand looked down to Blake. He dropped to a knee to look at her in the eye and asked how she was feeling. All she did was hide behind her mother's leg shyly.
" Blake, This nice man asked you a question." Kile tried to reason.
"Its ok ma'am. I know young ones can be nerves around new people till they get comfortable." John said standing back up and addressing his wound.
" Nonetheless, thank you for saving my daughter." Ghira said.
" It shouldn't have happened in the first place. That guy is a disgrace to the Huntsmen title. What's worse is that he is telling his children how to be a racist bullies." John said wrapping his now stripped shirt around his abdomen.
" Still it is nice to see a human take a stand on race. A human that supports faunas rights. It's not often that you see it." Kali said.
" Personally I see no difference between the two. It is mainly the extremists that you need to worry about." John replied sliding his jacket back on.
That got them to raise an eyebrow.
"What do you mean by that?" Kile asked.
" Those that consider genocide as the only option for peace." John answered.
An audible 'oh' was heard from the adults. Although Kyle looked at him with a bit more couriasity.
" I am sorry. I know you said your name was John Mendez, its just I swore I heard it before. I just can't place it." She said.
" Now that you mention it, the name does sound familiar." Ghira utterd.
Blake just sat on her dad's shoulder with curiosity.
John was going to answer when a medic arrived. He looked the Belledanas over and scoffed and uttered some unpleasantries under his breath.
" Filthy animals. They probably started it." Was what they herd. " Ok sir I need you to remove the bandages so I can take a look." He instructed. John complied and removed the bandages, and the medic set to work stitching Johns wound up.
" This might sting a little bit." he said to John.
" I have had worse. You might also want to check that guy over their." John said pointing over to Akron. The medic gave a nod and continued.
" If I may answer your question with a question. Have you herd of DAWN ENTERPRISES?" John asked.
" I don't think anyone on remnant hasn't heard of them. Pro-Faunas, use of alternative fuel source, and making all sorts of advancements in science, medicine, and other sources of energy." Kile started with a smile.
" Do you know who is in charge of said small business?" John asked.
" Yea, it's John Mendeeezzz…wait. What did you say your name was?" Kyle asked looking at John.
John just looked at her with a rye smile. Her eyes went wide as she snapped her hands to her mouth with a gasp. In response John nodded his head.
" THAT'S YOU! YOU ARE THE JOHN MENDEZ?!" Kile squeeld.
John simply nodded.
" It's nice to finally meet you. I was hoping to speak with you once the week started up." Ghira said holding Blake to him.
"Why is that?" John asked.
" Have you heard of the White Fang?" Ghira asked.
John thought about it for a little bit.
" Rings a bell. They are a group of faunas that hold rallies and such for equal rights correct? The whole peace breeds peace kind of thing?" John inquired.
Ghira smiled at that. " Yes. That is what I am wanting. Peace and equality gained by peaceful means." Ghira said proudly. " To do less is to make everyone believe we are uncivilized and animals."
"Can't agree more with you on that. These small supremacist groups give the faunas a bad name. Lets just hope more don't sprout up." John agreed." And while we are here, what did you want to ask?"
" Well we have heard about your facility and would like to tour it. See if the rumors are true." Kile answers.
John was taken aback. Here was a family that wanted to tour the company simply because of a rumor on how he treated the faunas.
" I don't see why not. Call my office on Monday and I can set up an appointment. I will give the tour myself. That way I can get you passes." John said.
They shook hands and John gave them a card.
The medic had finished stitching John up a couple minutes ago and started to look over Akron.
" Ok sir, I am going to relocate your arm. This is going to sting a little." he said.
Akron nodded and a sickening pop was herd as he growled in pain.
" So sir how did this happen?" the medic asked.
" That fuck tard attacked me with out provoction. Just out of nowhere he started to attack me." Ackron said trying to pin the blame on John.
"Really?"
"Yea! I am just out here with my sons and just boom, a punch to the face for no reason."
THe medic looked at John and was going to reprimand him and going to get authorities involved, when a random civilian came up to them and put in their two cents.
" Actually sir, I saw his sons through a girl off the pier. That guy over there, " pointed at John, " jumped in and swam her to shore. I even heard the conversation this ' huntsmen' had with his sons saying that they needed to wait till next time to kill the freak and that he was going to rip his head off."
The medic looked at him.
" While I dont hold love for the faunas, murder isn't the way. Enslavement is. But you should know that not everyone sees thing the way we do. And the courts could rule in their favor."
Akron nodded.
" Dad, what are we going to do about this guy?" his son asked.
" I don't know Cardin. But we need to tread carefully here."
John sneered at what he herd but their was not much he could do. He looked back at the family as they talked a bit more. They had a good time and after an hour, John smiled and thanked them for the talk. He then bid then a farewell and headed for home.
Ozpin was looking over everything that has transpired over the last couple of months. The debrief from Tia and Summer was still running through his head.
Flashback
Summer and Tia arrived at the beacon air field. Glynda was waiting for them with a smile.
" Glad to see you two again!" She said smiling and hopping up and down. Excitement clear in her mood at seeing her friends.
" Glynda!" Simmer squealed as she ran up a hugged her in a girly hug. Breaking the hug they walked to Ozpin's office, Tia in tow. The girls talking and gossiping and just acting like a couple of high school girls would on their days off. Tia just rolled his eye as his wife and friend walked off leaving him in the dust.
" Women. Got to love them. Even it they ditch you to talk with friends and forget you are their." He muttered under his breath. With that he stepped up his pace and joined them in the elevator.
" Summer I have been meaning to ask, where are the kids? Who did you get to watch them?" Glynda asked.
" Oh John Mendez, the neighbor we went to for the grill out, him. He may have never dealt with children but Ruby and Yang took a liking to him. He has a sister as well that just adores the two." Summer told her. The ride up was short and the door opens to reveal Ozpin in his seat sipping his coffee.
" Ahh, Summer Tia, good to see you. Please take a seat. I have a couple of questions to ask about your last assignment." Ozpin said.
They took a seat with Glynda stood next to Ozpin.
" So let's start at the beginning. If you please."
" Well, Summer and I got to the village and brought up to speed by the elder, then we took off to do what we were sent to do. Defend the village and eliminate the nest. Simply put, our intel from both here and from the elder, was false." Tia said remembering the past events.
" At first it was light and then it just got heavier. At first we thought nothing of it. More of a challenge for us to test our skill." Summer picked up," But with each one we killed, four more seemed to take its place. We got surrounded. We made peace with the fact that we were not going to make it out. Our only regret being that we could not tell our children how much we loved them." She said choking up a little bit.
Tia continued after placing a hand on her shoulder, " It was at about that time we heard something over the roar and growl of the grimm. It was a high pitch whine. Like a bullhead accelerating to a faster speed. The grimm were suddenly cut down from cannon rounds as the plane shot overhead, clearing out the area immediately around us, giving the two of us some breathing room." Tia said. " After that it dropped a being in a set of armor that just tore through the grimm. He helped us eliminate the nest and boy did he do a good job. Talk about ripping and tearing through the grimm ranks."
" He was like a one man death squad. Nothing could seem to stop him. He even killed an Ursa by beating it to death with its own skull!" Summer said shocking the headmaster a bit.
" We fought for the whole night and well into the morning when the last grimm fell. He gave us a lift home. Made small talk and alike. But the thing that caught us was his question. Why did we chose the hunters lifestyle. We told him why and asked questions of our own. Said he was a heavy black-op operative. With that we knew that any story that would interest us would be classified. He let us sleep after that and took us home." Tia said.
" When we got home,Glynda and the girls were there too great us." Summer continued pointing to Glynda. " After some pleasantries , Yang thanked him for saving us. He told her that no thanks was necessary. That a solder should not be thanked for doing his duty or something along those lines." Summer said.
" Could you describe it? The plane and armor I mean." Ozpin asked.
" The plane was bulkier than a bullhead. It had thrusters on the tail and wings. It was a troop carrier so it was long and a bit blocky. His armor was angler. Like it was to deflect bullets. There was a matt black underlayer that sealed it all off if I had to guess. His helmet was blocky as well with a gold mirrored faceplate. Not much else. His guns though, those were awesome to see. His rifle was a pull-pup automatic with a ammo counter resting on the top, clearly it was military. He had two hand held guns that seemed or organic. They fired bolts of plasma i think. Doesn't matter, they were fully automatic as well. After that was various amounts of grenades, Frag, a couple of sticky grenades. One being blue and round the other being more club like that when detonated shot out spikes at high velocity. The last type was incendiary grenade." Summer said going full on weapon fan-girl.
' hmm. Could this person be from the meteor that crashed a little over a month ago?' Ozpin thought.' and if so, could he bring a new peace to the board against my fight with Salem?'
He then took notice the lack of two small presances.
" Where are the little ones?" Oz asked out of nowhere.
" Oh our neighbor is watching them! He is such a good guy, you would like him." Summer said.
" The guy is built like a tank. But what do you expect from someone who is and ex-military. He is helping teach Summer hand to hand and surprisingly he has made more progress then Qrow and myself." Tia said with a bit of shock.
"And get this, he is a self-taught huntsmen. He didn't go to an academy. He just uses his military experience to get the job done." Summer said.
He then turned to Glynda who was watching the situation unfold with a smile.
"Glynda, what are your thoughts on the matter?" Ozpin asked.
Back to the present.
He gave a deep sigh. He asked Qrow if he would be willing to go for a dive and look around for the crashed thing. It was a ship, or at least half a ship. Qrow had reported the size to be roughly around 225 to 250 meters long. It had multiple breaches in the hull. Some were from atmospheric entry and others from some fight that he had no idea of. Qrow also gave a name what he saw. Forward Unto Dawn. Racking his memory, he recalled the name of a recently opened business that opened up. Dawn enterprises headed by one John Mendez. The same neighbor that Tia and Summer where talking about. The advancements that his company was proposing were groundbreaking. New sources of energy were explored. Water and color were the most common. And that was just breaking the surface.
Could Dawn enterprises be connected to this Forward unto Dawn that was plastered on the side of the wreck? Could this John Mendez be connected to this SPARTAN? He didn't know. He would need to wait till the Spartan shows next. Till then he will keep his ear to the ground and ask Tia and Summer to inform the spartan that he would like to meet him.
When John got back home, he and Cortana talked. Well she talked, he just gave opinions when asked.
" So, when are you thinking about giving the Belladonnas a tour?" She asked.
John thought for a second thinking about his schedule. " If I remember correctly, I might be able to get them in that day."
Cortana smiled and then gave a sigh. They have been here for about three and a half months. That would mean in a year and eight months, she would hit rampancy. With her body almost done, she might be able to stave it off for a while longer. In all honesty, she was terrified. She was scared as to how John would survive without her? Will he be able to finish the Dawn and return home and report? So many questions that she would not be able to answer.
She must have been quiet for longer than normal for her, or John asked a question.
" Cortana, are you OK?" John asked.
She looked at him with a saddened look. She looked like she was going to cry. John saw that and was ready to find the bastard that hurt his friend.
" John, I am going to be turning six soon."
John looked at her confused.
" AIs detairate after seven John. And if I am going to be honest, I am scared of what is going to happen."
He looked like Summer came up and slapped him in the face with his suit. In her opinion, his look was priceless. So priceless that she managed to take a screenshot of it. For later and or blackmail of course.
Collecting himself, he looked at her with a look of concern and one of comfort.
" I am here for you Cortana. If their is away to cure ramponcy or to stave it off, I will find it." John said. The determination and unwavering confidence spoke volumes. She smiled at the thought of how much she meant to him and him her. If she could she would kiss him.
" Thank you John. It means alot to hear that from you." She said choking up a little bit. John gave a small smile. Then asked a question.
" Do you think your body will help at all?" he asked
" Uncertain. I would think that it would help in staving it off. But your guess is as good as mine." She replied.
And so they carried on. Just talking and making plans. One of which was about their unexpected visitor to the Dawn.
" Did he breach the hull at all or get inside and snoop around?"
" No just checked out the name and looked into some of the hull breaches but I think he new when to leave well enough alone."
" Should I interrogate Qrow to be on the safe side, or should we let it slide for now?" John asked.
" Chances are the damage is done so if we interrogate him it would be moot. I would like to know who sent him however." Cortana said.
" So let it slide for now."
"Yea. We can play ONI interrogation later." She said.
John smiled and Cortana chuckled.
In the Rose/Xiaolong/Branwen house
Here we see the family sitting down for dinner. Talking and laughing and just having family time. Qrow was telling the girls a story from one of his last assignments.
"...so I said to the guy, it looks more like a giant cat." He was saying getting the awe wonder looks from Ruby and Yang, when he felt a cold shudder run down his spine. Not just any shudder but one that told him to not resist what comes and just give the thing what they want.
He was quiet for a few moments. Long enough to gain Ruby and Yang's attention.
" Uncle Qwow, you OK?" Ruby asked.
He looked at them and smiled " Yea. Just a feeling." he told them.
" You sure Qrow? You look like you just got a cup of ice water down your back." Tia said.
"Yea, I am fine." he said at the same time giving a subtle jester to the door outside. Tia got the hint and waited outside for him along with Summer. He excused himself from the kids and went outside with the adults.
" So what got your pants in a freezer?" Summer asked.
" Lets just say a feeling. Other than that not much else" he said still feeling the chill.
" Any specifics?" Tia asked.
" Nope"
True to their word, the Beledana's arrived at Dawn Enterprises. They walked in and talked to the receptionist.
" Hello, and welcome to Dawn Enterprises! I am Magenta, how may I help you?" she asked the small family.
" Hello Magenta, I am looking for John Mendez. He made us an appointment for sometime today I believe." Ghira said.
" Ok, let me check." Magenta said tapping away at her computer. " Name?" She asked a moment later.
"Ghira Belladonna." He said.
She tapped again at her keyboard looking at the screen and humming to herself. She then tapped at an earpiece.
" Yes sir, I have Ghira Belladonna and his family here for a meeting with you?...Ok...yes sir I will send them up right away." She said ending the call.
" An escort will be down to meet you shortly." She said cheerfully.
So they sat and waited for a couple of minutes when a middle aged wolf faunas walked in.
" Ghira and Kile Belledana? John will see you. If you please." He ordered.
So the family of three followed their guide to an elevator. The ride was short and they continued on their way. They came to a door that was labeled simply as John Mendez. Their escort nocked and opened the door for them.
" Welcome." John said to the family.
"Thank you for having us. So where to begin?" Kile asked.
For the rest of the day John showed the family around his facility. Answering questions and letting them ask employees questions as well. Each of them said that its a fun and great place to work. They even have " fun " days to keep things lively and light. Days where horseplay is permitted, as long as you can be safe while doing it. All in all when they got back to the office, the Belledanas were not only pleased with the place and workers, but at how John is strict but also forgiving and compassionate. One worker needed time off to tend to family matters, John not only granted it but followed up to see if he could lend a hand. Or another worker, whose wife went into labor shortly after the shift started. Not only was he excused but a care package was given to him. It showed that the place cared for one another. Friendships were encouraged.
John was seeing them back to their vehicle when Ghira received a call on his scroll.
" Hello… Ok...what...why…huhhhhh ok thanks." Ghira said in disappointment as he hung up and put the scroll back in his pocket.
" What's wrong?" Kyle asked.
" Raze gave our slot at the adutoram to a random comedian. Hhhhhhh, and he wont give us back our payment we put down." Ghira said disappointed and miffed.
John listened to the exchange.
" What do you need a stage for?" John asked.
" We were going to have a white fang rally." Ghira informed," Raze had an open field that, while not ideal, would work well enough…"
"But he cut it from under you saying he needed to use the space you had rented and that he used your payment up on whatever it is he needed to get done."John finished.
Ghira nodded before speaking, " It seems like I may have misjudged him."
John thought for a moment thinking. " I think I can help. I have a warehouse that is mostly empty you could use. Free of charge. Think of it as a donation" John said to him.
Kile and Ghira looked stunned. " Thank you" They each said surprised.
John just smiled and nodded then told them where the place was.
" When were you going to have this rally?" John asked.
" Well that would depend. Set up and all that. I am not sure if food and drink should be their." Ghira said, muttering more to himself at the end.
" Well, the warehouse is number 7. The entry code is 0087. Go in and feel free to do whatever you need. Give me a call if you need any help." John said to them. And with that they went their separate ways.
Since the first encounter, Summer and Tia have not met up with the SPARTAN. They knew he was still around kickin ass and takin names, it's just the guy seems a little off. Like the suit was the guy and the guy under the suit was a mask. Or that is what they felt. If it was the case he must get lonely. But right now was not the time for such thinking. They were to be in a park with Ruby and Yang who were letting out their access energy playing. It was starting to get dark so they called in the kids and started for home.
" Mom, Dad, can we stop somewhere and eat?" Yang asked.
Tia and Summer looked at one another in a silent conversation. They shrugged and turned to the kids.
" Sure little dragon. What do you feel like?" Summer asked.
Yang and Ruby thought for a moment before the name of a restaurant came to mind. It was a small diener that serverd good food. It had rustic look and feel to it. The burgers were thick and juicy, fries cooked to fried to a golden brown and salted, the milkshakes were thick but not so thick you can't suck it through a straw with whipped cream and a cherry on top just to name a local favorite. It was called simply Sapphires diener.
With that they got in the family car and headed for it.
" Hey Mom? Can I ask you a question?" Yang asked suddenly.
" You just did sweety." Summer shot back playfully.
Yang just smiled and rolled her eyes before asking. " What do you and dad think of the SPARTAN? I mean on the news he has shown how awesome he can be when protecting people from grimm, but he has shown to be real, uhh what would the word be for how he treats the bad guys?" She asked stumped on a word.
" Brutal is the word you are looking for Yang. And yes he is very brutal in most cases." Tia said briefly looking at Yang in the rearview mirror. " And I think he is trying to get a point across. Put civilians in harm's way and suffer the consequences. From what all we have managed to gather, he is only that cruel to people who deserve it. Like the head boss in some of those superhero cartoons you two watch. But we haven't really seen anything that would be considered petty that he involved himself in, like little stick ups that the police or a huntsmen in the area could handle." Tia said
" Ok but can you answer the question?" She asked.
Both adults sighed. In truth they didn't really know what to think. He seemed to be on the side of the angles, but he fought like a demon. While each had their own thoughts and opinions, they shared one thought. Thank God he is on our side, and lets hope we never have to face him in true combat.
" He is a tough topic Yang." Summer said turning to look at her with a warm smile. " He is someone who people know of but not about. We don't even have any background on him other than that he was, or still is, an black-ops operative."
Yang had a confused look, then shrugged and looked out the window. The rest of the ride was spent in silence till they got to Sapphires.
The small family had a good happy time their. The waitress was kind, the food was great as usual. With full bellies and two wore out children, they called it a night. As Tia went to pay the bill, Summer dug out a little Lien for a tip to add to Tias to make an even amount and Ruby and Yang were behaving like stuffed kids. All in all just an average scene of joy and innocence. Absolutely no one could disagree with the fact that it was just that. A family having a night out, right?
Well you would be wrong. In a corner booth sat a man with orange hair, a black button up shirt and pants, a cloth of sorts hung from his right hip. He had orange eyes that held nothing but pure hatred and anger towards the family. The thing that stuck out however was the two horns that stuck out of his forehead. He watched them leave with a sneere. Now it should be noted that this individual never met the tight-knit family at all. He just hated them because they were human. And every human is a racist. The fauna were superior in every single way. It didn't matter how any human treated the faunas, good to extremely nice, only wanted to stab them in the back. As he watched them leave, he took note of the licence plate so he can track it and find out where they lived.
" What's wrong dad?" asked a younger voice, a child's voice.
Snapping out of his enraged thoughts, he turned to the child and flashed a reassuring smile.
" I am fine. Just planning a future op." He said then after a second asked, " How would you like your own personal slave?"
The child thought about it. " A slave? What do I need a slave for dad?"
" Why not. I believe everyone should own at least one human. So how would you like your own personal plaything Adam?"
Yet another time skip. Sorry but this is going to happen a lot.
Today is the day. After months of working, it was ready, Cortana get's her body. John flew them to the Paladina residents to retrieve and to meat Mr. Palandina. Cortana was excited to finally show off her body. Her appearance was the same when John had his grill out. Brown neck length hair, a vulnerable look that was deceptive, a lithe curvy body with a modest bust size. Her eyes were an electric blue with full lips. Her pale skin had a few freckles scattered across cheeks. The ' shell ' was laying flat on a table with a blanket covering her body.
" Ok so before we do this, is there anything you want to change?" asked making sure everything was up to what they wanted.
" No. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time and nothing is going to stop me from doing so." She said.
" Ok. Chief, I need you to place her chip in the pedestal near her head. The transfer will begin shortly after. Now, you do realize that once this starts, she will not be able to return to the chip and assist you like you are use to right? Unless you meet a technical god, she is stuck in her body." He said making absolutely sure. He looked at both John and Cortana to see what they were thinking. But all he got from Cortana was her hologram flickering red for a brief moment in annoyance.
' Ok. so she really wants to start moving around. OK then so let's get going.' He thought.
John placed the chip in the pedestal and let the process begin.
"OK,this will take a few minutes for the process to start and to run. So, while that is going, I have somethings to tell you." Pallanida said.
" What is it?"
"Ok so when we built her body, it was to be a prototype for Penny, my stillborn daughter. Now I haven't been able to figure out how to make an aura. So if she goes into combat, she needs to be careful. While she can ' heal' I would rather not risk it. Also, while she is going to be considered an android and has everything needed to fit in, she also uses what she eats and drinks as fuel to power her systems. Also, while she has the equipment, she cant bare children. Now I am not sure if you are a thing or not but that is just a warning. While you can, don't expect to bring a child in." He told him in a semi humorous tone.
John just gave a deadpan look. Mr. Palladino chuckled nervously as he tried to find a new subject to talk about.
" Can, can I ask you a question?" He asked finding a subject that had intrigued him. John simply nodded for him to ask.
" What is it like. Space I mean. Dust loses its effect when it leaves the atmosphere so we never sent anyone into orbit. Not even a satellite. I know that there's other life out their now since you came along, but is there any other sentient life out their? Are they friendly or hostile? How advanced are they?" He asked going on and on about space. He may be a scientist in the field of robotics and cybernetics, he had a curiosity for the stars.
John took a in a breath and started to tell him about what he needed to know first about the galactic void. " First as I am sure you know is their is no air to breath in space, it's a vacuum. It will kill you in seconds if you are not sealed up. But if you can get on a space station over a planet, it can be a breathtaking view if you are not use to it. As far as life goes?" He paused needing to find the right way to tell him that their is other life out there, but that aside from a small faction, would want to burn this place simply because human live here. " there are other life out their, it's just that most want you dead."
Mr. Palandina looked shocked at that. " But there's a couple of races that are mostly on our side. One of which was an enemy turned ally, they other is an ancient alien race."
So they spent the next half hour talking about the war John was apart of. From his first mission to the Eridanus asteroid belt to retrieve a rebel leader, to his final mission on the ARK. All of which were summarized and was put under heavy classification. Mr. Palandian was told that if he spilled the beans, he was under orders to not only eliminate the traitor, but also anyone who he had contact with. To put it short, tell and expect to see a lot of dead bodys.
AS John finished telling his tales, he received a call on his scroll. Quirked an eyebrow he looked at the caller ID. It was Tia on the other end. He answered.
"Yea."
"John, hate to bother you but could you possibly watch Ruby and Yang for a couple of hours? I have a sudden meeting at Signal and Summer is out on a small search and rescue mission and Glynda is busy with teaching, so, uh yea, you are the only person I can think of aside from Qrow and he is unavailable, again." Tia said sounding a little stressed.
" Sorry but I am out visiting my sister. She is finishing up her work and is going to be coming home soon." he told him.
" Ahhhhhhrrrrrhhhhhhaaaaa. OK Tia think." Tia said as more to himself than to John, " Ok john thanks, and be sure to say hi to Amethyst for us and we are looking forward to meeting her!"
" Will do. Hope you find a solution to your problem."
" WIll do late."
had walked over to the 'shell' and examined some readings on a monitor screen. So far everything was going alright. The process was almost complete and She should be coming around with in a few seconds if not a couple minutes.
" She should be coming around soon. I think you should be the first thing she sees coming in to this world." told him.
John stood over her body and waited. A green status light blinks on the monitor signaling the process is done. The 'shells' eyes twitched showing signs of life. She opened her eyes and immediately shut them again. John leaned over her so his shadow covered her face. She tried again and succeed in fully opening her eyes for the first time. The first thing she saw was a face she grew to recognize. The military short brown hair, blue eyes that held a confidence unmatched, faint freckles across his nose, a couple of scars littered on his otherwise pale face. She smiled up at said face. John smiled back at his friend.
"Glad to see it all worked out. How Are you feeling?" He asked her.
" I feel...new i gess is the right term. I feel like I came online for the first time" She said trying to find the right words. She held her head with one hand and the sheet with the other, she sat up looking at the workshop she had been working in for the last few months with a whole new array of senses. The cool air on her skin, the smell of a workshop, the sound of monitors beeping, it was all so new so fast, she had to take a moment to really comprehend everything.
" Take your time ma'am. All of this must be coming as a rush." Pallandian told her.
She nodded and swung her legs over the bed. John reached over and grabbed a folded up robe. She thanked him and, after John and Pallandina turned around, slipped it on and stood up. Her knees shook as she took her first steps. She held onto the bed for support as she made her way to Johns side.
" This is a bit harder than I imagined it would be." She stated out loud.
John looked over and saw her shaking knees and stood next to her incase she needed the extra support.
" Well it looks like you are moving ok. Any stiffness or soreness?" Pallandina asked.
She shook her head. " No. It's just getting use to all of this. I feel like my processing is analyzing every new sensation and feeling that I feel."
" Do you think this will halt or slow down your rampancy?" John asked.
Cortana closed her eyes and concentrated. She could see her rampont self shrinking back into the dark corners of her core matrix. " It has retreated. For now at least"
" That's good news. Now let's get you some cloths and we can begin teaching you the basics." said. He brought them to his house and their, with the help from his wife, taught her the basics of being a person. From walking to sitting. Eating to cleaning. All of witch was said that, once she got the basics, she will develop a certain way of doing everything.
It was a couple of weeks since her body came online. She has been developing a taste for foods, clothes, drinks extra. For example, while she enjoys classical music she prefers classic rock or that some of her favorite foods are sea foods and pasta but give her some cheesecake as a desert and she will be in bliss. That aside it was the last day of their visit at the Pallandina residence. Mrs. Pallandina was aware of the fact that Cortana was an AI and that she and everything about what happened was classified and of the dangers of telling anyone.
" Be sure to keep us up to date on how you are progressing. I will do what I can on upgrades." MR. Pallandina said as they entered the pelican.
" Will do. And take care." She responded.
And with that they left and headed for home. Cortana was excited to see the house for the first time as a human. And as they came upon the cozy home, it took her breath. It was beautiful. She saw it all and started planning on spicing things up at the house. Landscaping was all she was thinking about. Flower beds along the the front porch and window wells. A small garden for vegetables and fruit. She smiled at the image and logged it away for later. When she entered the house, she saw the pictures from Yang and Ruby. It warmed her metaphorical heart at seeing the drawings. She also saw the work that Summer put in with some of the home decor. And like she did outside, started imaging new pieces to add. A family portrait of her, John, Dr. Halsey and Franklin Mendez. Odd choices but both people held parental figgers to John. So she as well will give Mendez the privilege to be her father figure.
Oh she was going to love living here. The air was fresh and held the slightest amount of the woods. They always got the perfect amount of sun. The only downside was that when it stormed, it stormed hard. The thunder and lightning seemed to intensify and the snow, well we will need to wait on the snow. The snow is silly for now.
Summer was at home having a relaxing day at home. The Yang was at school and Ruby was sleeping and Tia was at work. She was relaxed and enjoying the time off. Ruby was taking a nap so she took a long hot bath planning out what to do with her time off. That was fifteen minutes ago. Now she was just chilling in the kitchen with a mug of coffee in nothing but a pink bathrobe.
' Lets see. What all can I do to entertain myself today.' She thought as she began ticking stuff off in her head.
' Could go to the market and get some fresh produce for supper tonight. The house could use a little picking up. Laundry! That needs to be done.'
She looked into the living room. Spying the couch an idea came to mind. Not the couch itself, but what was under it. A puzzle board with a work in progres puzzle.
She smiled. It has been a while since she worked on the thing now was a good as time as any.
Spending a considerable amount of time on it, she guessed she was a little over half way through when she heard a knock on the door. She froze. She was not expecting a visitor and Tia was not done at Signal yet, Yang was still in school so that only left her and Ruby. And with her in her current state of dress, she blushed thinking someone would see her in a bathrobe. Speeding into the laundry room she found what she was hoping to find right off the bat. Grey sweatpants and a sleeping shirt. She was pulling on the shirt as she reached the door.
" Who is it?" She called straightening the long dress like shirt.
" A friend." Came an somewhat familiar voice.
" Can I get a name?"
" Look through the window and find out silly!" came the excited voice.
" Summer. I tried to stop her." Came the unmistakable voice of John.
He had been gone for a couple of weeks helping his sister pack up from her work somewhere and move back in.
Unlocking the door she flung it open to see her other male friend, but was met with bone crushing hug from the female.
' Karma's a bitch sometimes. I guess I do deserve it for all of the crushing hugs I give.'
When the mystery women let her go she got a look at her appearance.
Chestnut brown neck length hair that framed her face, Electric blue eyes, light freckles scattered about, full lips and an overall a deceptively vulnerable look. She had on a sea blue sundress with a floral pattern and slippers to match.
" Summer Rose, I would like to formally introduce you to my sister, Amethyst Keys." John said shaking his head.
She new the voice was familiar and now she can put an actual face to it.
Amethyst put her down and gave a quick look around the humble house.
" It's good to see you John! And it is a pleasure to meet you Amethyst! Well in the flesh at any rate." Summer said to the due-o." Just wish you called first. For all you know I could have been busy with something." She told them still happy to see her friends.
" You can blame her for that." John said giving Amethyst a side long look." As soon as she got up this morning she got ready and took off for this destination."
"Oh come on I am not THAT bad. Besides I waited till 9 to make sure they would be up." She said with a huff.
" Am, you do realize people do work or like to sleep in till late morning early noon right?" he countered. They continued to bicker back and forth with the sound of little feet slapping the floor was heard as a recently woke Ruby walked in with her blanket/hood. She walked straight to her mother and hugged her leg not realizing they had company. Amethyst eyes grew big as she saw the adorable creature walk in. But before she could even move, she was restrained.
Summer had picked the child up and placed her on her hip and was talking to Ruby trying to find see if she was hungry or wanted to more sleep.
"OHHHH...she is even more adorable in person!" Amethyst squealed excitedly.
Ruby looked at her with a raised eyebrow and then looked back at her mom.
"Ruby do you remember MR. John's sister Amethyst?" She asked.
Ruby looked at her more closely. She then smiled and reached for her to hug and greet.
' OMG! SHE WANTS TO TO HUG ME! THIS IS THE BEST! Now all I need is a hug and acceptance from Yang.' She mentally screamed.
Summer handed her over to Amythest who gave her hug and nuzzled her her face in her neck making Amethyst smile, blush and to melt into Ruby's hug. Everyone smiled at the sight.
Summer took a picture on her scroll and sent it to John.
" Ok cook out here at five. Let's welcome Amethyst to the neighborhood." Sumer said
First of all I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Be sure to spend time with your loved ones and to enjoy yourselves. Most likely you need it.
Now I want to get somethings out of the way that if I was the one on the other side of the screen and was asking question. So I shall answer the questions no one has asked.
The Chief's armor, while not that seen in halo 4 ( Though that armor does look awesome ) it also is not the armor from Halo 3. So what is is armor from you may ask? Well that is simple. Its halo 5 seeker armor...Just kidding. Its Halo 2 anniversary multiplayer MK VI armor. It has the right blend of new and old in my mind.
Cortana's body I am modeling after DR. Halsey in the Fall of Reach animated series. Yes it may not be an accurate portrayal of the book but I do have to say that if you are new to the universe, it is a good way to get acquainted with everything.I do like the model of Halsey in the show so that is what I am sticking with.
I am going to try and use only Halo 3 aera weapons but I may bring some reach weapons in. I am not sure for sure but I will be bringing in the DMR, and while I will not be bringing in anything from halo 4 and 5 their will be some things from halo 5 that will be seen because let's face it, he will have access to suppressors, silencers, laser sights and scopes. Well to some weapons will have sights. I am not a huge fan of the req system, I am a fan of the variants of the guns. Now all of the equipment is going to to what they sound like. Suppressors will quiet the sound of each shot and cancel the flash from said shots, laser sights are what they sound like, and the longer barrels will increase his range and accuracy. But some may have draw back but what they would be I am not sure though.
Ages for chartes are up in the air. The way I finger it is Tia got Raven knocked up shortly before or after graduation with Yang. If Yang was six in the story she told Blake with Ruby being four. So in this story Yang will be Five with Ruby being three. Tia's age was never mentioned so I am going to put im at the same age ( or thereabouts ) as Glynda who is middle aged. So lets say 40. Now subtract Yangs age when she went to Beacon, 17. So I am putting Tia and raven at twenty three. Ok add two years for Ruby and Tia and Summer were twenty five. Add four years and to make Yang six and Ruby four, 29. So I am putting the married couple at twenty eight because Yang is five and Ruby is three as already mentioned. John I am going to put at thirty one because fuck it why not.
Now I want to apologize for all the time skips. I seem to get the beginning, some mid-story stuff and a little bit of the end, so it's kind of hard to get filler material. With that I apologize for bad writing but I hope it is entertaining enough to read. With that shit is about to hit the fan. Depending on what I can come up with it might even happen next chapter. If not the next than the one after that. So be sure to remember the two assholes in this chapter. Akron and while I dont have a name for him yet I was thinking Gallen Taurus. They are each going to play a part. With that I want to ask and warn you guys. So the question is, do you want a lemon between Summer and Tia as a last happy night before things start going down, or just hint at it? Up to you guys. The other thing is that when shit does happen, their are going to be warnings. I will put them up in the Authors note but I just wanted to give you guys a heads up to be on the safe side.
Last thing, I have a number of other Stories I want to do but I don't want to burn people out or over saturate this section. So I want to ask, Out of the four I have got done or started do you want to see or read next.
Noble Rose. : Summery
She was supposed to die on reach. But as luck would have it, she was given a second chance on a world that she has never been too...yet it feels familiar somehow.
Red Like Spartans: Summery
Spartan III. Gama Company. Assassin. Headhunter. Brutal. Deadly. These are some words that describe Spartan G-036. But can he add other words such as caring or loving to his description. Maybe. Maybe not. But let's see what an adorable girl with a red hood can do about it. ( Spartan III Gamma company Ready X Ruby Rose.
Oly Oly Oxen Free: Summery
In a mission gone horribly wrong, Blue team has reached the end of their luck. Or sort of. You see certain people have been watching them for some time and want to give them a chance to live a life that was denied.
That is all. So feel free to comment what you want to see. Oh and their is a blooper at the bottom. I thought it would be funny but in the story I could see both Tia and Summer resenting John for this action. So have fun and have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Oh and to the lone review
AnbuNaruto12- I thank you for the review and I hope I made this better than the first. If not please point it out so I can fix it.
I will see you on the vertual battlefield.
Summer had just gotten off the phone with John to see if he would like to accompany her and Tia on a small hunt. He had agreed and said it would be good for him. Said he was getting a bit cramped in the house and office. He would come to their place in the morning with his gear to plan everything out.
When John showed up the next morning, they were not even up yet. It was only three thirty in the morning when John showed up. Now you must be thinking, why the fuck did he arrive so early? And not call to make sure they are up? Well when Summer invited him to the hunt, he took it seriously. He was no longer John Mendez CEO of the small enterprise company. Oh no. He was Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan 117. While he chose not to use his MJOLNIR, opting instead to use something a bit more, Remnant. He used a Marines armor set. Boots, shin and thigh armor, Chest and back plate, shoulder, arm and forearm guards, A face mask under his helmet. He packed with him a trusted BR55, two M7 submachine guns, and a combat knife that was as long as a forearm.
When he arrived the house was dark with the occupants of said house sleeping peacefully in their beds. John briefly thought about heading back home and wait till a time they would be up. But the soldier in him was screaming at him to wake them. If they wanted to hunt with him, they were going to learn the hard way that he can be a bitch if they are not specific. That and he had a little bit of Chief Mendez in him wanting to wake up the fresh meat. So he picked the lock and after a couple of tries, opened the door and walked in. Zwei looked at John, yawned and went back to sleep. He looked at him for a good hard second and mentally thought ' world's best guard dog of the year goes too' . He went through the home and after finding Ruby and Yangs room, he found his targets room. He entered and grew a devious smile.
' Oh this is going to be fun' John thought as he spotted a light switch and made his move. He flipped the switch and to no surprise, they only shifted a bit. But what did get them up was their bed getting flipped and John shouting at them.
" ON YOUR FEET RECRUITS! YOU ARE BURNING DAYLIGHT MOVE!"
Tia got to his feet still in a daze and in a fighting stance ready to take on the intruder. After shaking his head to clear it he got a good look at John and did a double take.
" John?" he asked quizzically.
" You two have fifteen minutes to shit shower and shave. Breafing down stars in twenty."
Both Summer and Tia just sat their processing what just happened.
" Uhhhhhh...what?" Summer finally managed to make.
" Fourteen minutes and fifty seconds" John said. Deciding to not question the count down they bolted to the bathroom and did as suggested. They showed up and got ready. With their heads now somewhat booted up they began to ask questions to themselves.
' How did he get in the house? What time is it? Is John actually a criminal? Where is Zwei and why did he not alert us?' were some of the questions going through their head.
