Lumina sighed as the Bullhead slowly lift off the ground and made its way out of Vale. Her eyes traced it as it flew further until she could no longer see it.
"Interesting how one could change so much in such little time," Lumina reminisced about her first encounter with Hero, as she turned back towards Beacon's entrance. "Now it is a matter of if it's for the best, or for the worst…"
She thought on how the Hero described his Semblance, and she agreed with her choice of words that he needed to be a light. However, it then reminded her of a folk legend back in her home village. Of another human who could see someone's soul but the story did not end well…
She did not believe much in the power of prayer, but in her mind, she hoped for the best and for the Hero's and his team's safe return. However, there was a part of her that knew everything would be alright and that lifted her spirits.
She stepped inside Beacon and looked around as students went from class to class. She had made arrangements to meet with Ruby and Yang to go to Amity Colosseum together to watch the spars, as well as participate.
However, something caught her mind as she saw Ozpin conversing with General Ironwood, who seemed annoyed. So much so that she could hear their conversation.
"Oz, you are a friend, but I have to point out the disappointing state of your Academy," Ironwood said as he looked around and Ozpin likewise took a look around the room.
"I don't see what the problem is," Ozpin said with a smile. "The students are heading to their classes as they should."
Lumina stepped closer but kept out of sight as she hid behind a pillar and continued to listen.
"The students are not in uniform," Ironwood started to list. "Time between classes is not used for study; instead, it is used for leisure. No order in the halls. No morning drills."
Ozpin chuckled.
"This isn't one of your boot camps, James. Best you remember that." Glynda replied, and that made Lumina smile a little.
"All I am saying is that you need to be strict as Headmaster," Ironwood continued, seemingly ignoring Glynda's comment. "You are too lenient with your students. You treat them like children."
"They are children," Ozpin countered.
"You know what I mean," Ironwood replied, and Lumina could tell he was a little frustrated. "These are future Huntsmen and Huntresses, and they need to act as such."
"In due time, James, the students will come into their own," Ozpin said, and Lumina couldn't help but admire the calm in his voice throughout the exchange. "I am not eager to turn them into soldiers. They are still people, and as such, they should still enjoy a normal life for as long as they have it."
"We both know that none of this is normal," Ironwood replied. "They know the life they have chosen, Oz, and we don't have the time to wait for them to assume their responsibilities."
Then, Ironwood looked down at his Scroll before turning his attention back to Ozpin.
"We will continue this discussion later," Ironwood said. "I made a deal with the Council to showcase the latest innovations in automated weaponry Atlas has manufactured to the people of Vale."
"Good luck to you then, James," Ozpin said as he bowed his head and Ironwood likewise, silently bowed before leaving.
Both he and Glynda watched as he left.
"Calm yourself, Professor," Ozpin teased.
"I haven't said anything yet, Headmaster," Glynda replied through her teeth.
"You were about to," Ozpin continued.
"Where does he get off telling the Headmaster how to run his Academy?" Glynda said.
"I will admit, he does get results, even if I don't agree with his methods," Ozpin replied as he turned towards Glynda and quirked a brow. "Kind of like you."
Glynda for a moment turned red and was left speechless all while Ozpin chuckled playfully. This moment came to an abrupt halt as Glynda noticed Lumina stepping towards them and she then cleared her throat.
"I will go ahead and check on the students before we head to Amity for the sparring matches," Glynda said calmly before she turned to walk away.
"You have a loyal staff, Headmaster," Lumina said as she stopped behind him and he turned to face her.
"Oh? And whatever gave you that idea?" Ozpin said playfully.
"They all speak highly of you and work towards their best to teach the students," Lumina continued. "Even Professor Goodwitch seeks your approval."
"You got that much from such a small encounter?" Ozpin asked.
"From my little experience, I have learned that even small encounters turn out to not be so small," Lumina answered.
"Perhaps," Ozpin replied as he looked over Lumina and she could feel his gaze as he tried to assess her. "Lumina, correct? Headmaster Lionheart has mentioned you in one of our talks."
"Yes Headmaster," Lumina replied.
"He sings your praises," Ozpin said with a smile as he looked into her eyes. "You are as inquisitive and attentive as he says you are. Too much for your own good."
"Oh? And you got that from such a small encounter?" Lumina joked.
"I'll have you know that I am likewise very attentive," Ozpin smirked as he motioned towards the pillar behind her. "Like how you have been hiding there and eavesdropping."
"Forgive me, Headmaster, I couldn't help but listen in," Lumina said, her smile wavered slightly.
"It's alright," Ozpin said with a smile that she recognized as sincere which only made her beam that much more. "Just some disagreements between friends and fellow Headmasters."
"I wouldn't pay any mind to Headmaster Ironwood's concerns," Lumina said. "Headmaster Lionheart speaks very highly of you, and I can honestly see why. You understand the situation these students are in, but you are still mindful of your position as Headmaster. They need to have the room to grow on their own, but you still provide a sense of direction and purpose. Like a parent."
"I have always said that the students who come here will be like family," Ozpin replied, and he motioned for her to follow. "I think it best to also treat them as such."
"And it works," Lumina said with a nod as she walked beside him.
"How are you enjoying your time at Beacon?" Ozpin asked.
"Its wonderful, sir," Lumina replied. "Your students have welcomed the rest of Haven with open arms and we are grateful for your hospitality."
"Think nothing of it," Ozpin replied. "Beacon's doors are always open for friends and fellow Huntsmen."
Lumina nodded, and she noticed that he was leading her to the school's auditorium, where students are meeting to leave for Amity Colosseum.
"Oh, that's right!" Lumina said. "I had planned to meet with one of your teams here."
"Then you better get to it then," Ozpin said as he turned to bow his head to her. "Thank you for walking with me."
"And thank you for your time, Headmaster," Lumina replied.
"My pleasure," Ozpin answered, and he turned to leave.
Lumina entered the auditorium, where Glynda then took the stage to make an announcement.
"I have received word from the construction workers that Amity Colosseum is operational and should be safe to use for our sparring matches," Glynda announced to which the students replied with excited murmurs amongst themselves.
Lumina pushed through the students, peering over the heads of the other students as she searched for bright golden hair.
"However, we are restricted to just the arena, and we are asked to leave the workers alone as they finish their work," Glynda continued.
Before long, Lumina found her target, and she quickly made her way to them. Carefully, she made her way through the crowd and stepped next to Yang.
"Sorry I am late," Lumina whispered, to Yang's surprise.
"Yeah, we missed you over at the dining hall," Yang replied then noticed Lumina's armor. "I see you are ready."
"Yeah, I hope to show everyone what Haven and I are worth," Lumina said with a grin. "Hopefully, Pyrrha will be coming too."
"Pyrrha always tries to keep in shape, so she will most likely be there," replied a member of team RWBY that was standing next to Yang that Lumina recognized as 'Blake.'
"Then I can't wait," Lumina replied.
"It will be the same as every spar with her," Weiss said. "She always goes for the win."
"It is just the kind of person she is," Lumina commented. "She always strives for the best which means she does not hold back. Which is exactly what I want."
Lumina missed the last part of Glynda's announcement but realized that whatever it was, it concluded her announcement as the students began to make their way out towards the schools landing pad.
"Where is the rest of your team?" Yang asked.
"They decided to sit out the spars for now and work on their other assignments," Lumina replied.
"I heard one of your teammates also likes to fight up close and personal," Yang commented with a grin.
"Yes, but unlike you, Yang, she doesn't use shotgun gauntlets," Lumina replied.
"These babies haven't failed me yet," Yang commented.
"I would assume not," Lumina laughed but then noticed that RWBY was one person short.
"Where is Ruby?"
0-RWBY-0
Celise quietly set aside the books and folders on the shelves where Ossea told her to put them.
"I appreciate your help, Celise," Ossea said in a monotone voice.
"Appreciation?" Celise mocked with a grin. "Impossible."
"I am being sincere; see?" Ossea replied to which Celise turned to look only to see Ossea's usual stone-faced expression.
"Ha-ha, very funny," Celise laughed. "Your welcome, though."
The room went silent once more as they both did their work, Celise trying her best to stay quiet.
"So, what happened to your plans with Ruby?" Ossea asked.
"I was hoping you wouldn't bring that up," Celise said with a shiver in her voice.
"Why not?" Ossea asked.
"Now you are curious as well?" Celise half-joked.
"I am only concerned," Ossea replied.
"Careful, Ossea, or else I may think you can actually feel," Celise said and went silent once more.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ossea asked.
Celise did not answer.
"Are you worried about Ironwood?" Ossea asked.
"No, - I mean, kind of," Celise replied.
"You told them everything you knew about Ash's operations," Ossea replied.
"Not everything," Celise said.
She turned to Ossea, and Ossea could see that she was now visibly upset.
"Is this about Ruby?" Ossea asked to which Celise nodded.
"I am afraid to be around her," Celise replied.
"No one will find you or her here," Ossea assured.
"That's not it," Celise objected. "I feel… guilty."
"About what?" Ossea asked.
"You know what," Celise exclaimed.
They both went silent, then Ossea nodded and stepped closer to Celise, who was now sitting on the steps of the lecture hall.
"I wish you had told me about Umbra sooner," Celise said as she brought up her knees and hid her face.
"I tried to find the best opportunity," Ossea said and sat down. "I wanted to keep you away from that."
"I know," Celise replied. "But now I have Sarah's blood on my hands."
"You cannot be blamed for that. You had few choices in that situation," Ossea replied. "One of them would be that Ash would kill you. I would prefer to keep you alive."
"There are days where I wish it was me," Celise said. "But I was scared."
"I know," Ossea said.
"Now I worry that if Ruby realizes what happened, she will hate me," Celise said as she hugged herself more. "I was taught the world was a dark and cruel place. That everyone would betray one another at a moment's notice and would turn into animals; but when I met Ruby, I just knew that it couldn't be true."
"It is not true," Ossea said. "Remember that."
"I try," Celise replied.
"From what I have seen from Ruby, I know she won't hate you," Ossea said. "She doesn't have it in her. I believe she would understand."
Celise laughed a little.
"Maybe," Celise said softly then lingered on another question. "Does anyone else know we are here?"
"During your time at Signal, Ash was still marked for death by Umbra," Ossea said. "There would be no one else that he would have reported your presence to."
"But now he is with Umbra again," Celise said. "Will he tell him? Won't they hunt us down?"
"Perhaps," Ossea said. "But from what I know of Ash, he doesn't care enough about you. To him, you were just my protégé and nothing more. Nothing too much to think about. I doubt he would bring you up to anyone."
"Gee, thanks," Celise joked.
"But you mean a lot to me," Ossea replied, still in the monotone voice.
"I can't tell if you are being serious," Celise joked once more. "Thank you."
"For what?" Ossea asked.
"For listening to me," Celise said with a smile. "And for coming back for me."
There was a pause.
"I promised I would come back for you," Ossea said. "I would never leave you alone with Ash. At least, it wouldn't be my intention."
Then there was a knock on the door that startled Celise; Ossea abruptly stood and faced the door.
"Enter."
The door opened slowly, and a little red-haired girl peered through.
"Ms. Rose, class is not in session," Ossea said and beckoned for her to enter. "How may I help you?"
"I was looking for Celise and thought she would be here," Ruby said as she stepped in and looked down to see Celise sitting on the floor. "Is everything ok?"
"Celise was just helping me with some chores. Then she stubbed her toe," Ossea replied.
"Yeah, I need to be a bit more careful," Celise joked.
"I am starting to agree with Yang," Ruby said as she stepped forward to offer a hand to Celise. "We need to get you some shoes."
Celise chuckled as she took Ruby's hand and stood up.
"Don't worry about me, Sis," Celise said and hugged Ruby, who was surprised for a moment but then returned the hug.
"Come on," Ruby said excitedly as she pulled away and took Celise by the hand. "We are about to leave for Amity. I wanna see the other students fight."
Celise turned to Ossea, who nodded approvingly, and the two students quickly made their way out of the classroom.
0-RWBY-0
Ruby had asked Professor Goodwitch if it was alright if RWBY, CNBR, and Lumina would ride together to Amity, which she agreed. JNPR had already gone ahead of them. The ride to Amity was long and quiet which gave some of the student's time to calm their nerves.
"What do you have to be nervous about?" Blake asked Weiss.
"Everything," Weiss said as she sat, twiddling her thumbs. "We have to represent Beacon in these spars."
"They are just sparring matches, Weiss," Byeli said. "They don't mean anything yet."
"That's not it," Weiss replied. "If we can prove our dominance over them, maybe it can make them nervous for when the actual tournament comes."
"Oh yeah, psyche them out before the real tournament starts," Yang agreed and grinned at the idea.
"I think you two are putting too much thought into this," Blake commented.
Raine yawned and slumped in his seat, everyone then could hear him snore.
"I think its best to take these few days to see what the other teams bring to the table," Nadira chimed in. "We can't go in blind."
"I agree," Weiss said. "And we can't let them see what we got. I am sure they will do the same."
"Ummm, we have a member of Haven here with us," Ruby said, and everyone turned to Lumina, who was just smiling at them.
"I find your discussions fun, so don't mind me," Lumina said. "However, keep in mind, I won't hold back if I am to spar against one of you."
"I have seen your fights before," Weiss commented. "During the tournaments in Haven, you fought against Pyrrha alot."
"Same here," Byeli said. "Mistral churns out a lot of good fighters. I would say she is second to Pyrrha."
"Not even close," Weiss said with a scoff. "Although she does seem to match her move for move, Pyrrha has always won."
"I have known Pyrrha since combat school," Lumina said. "Never won a fight against her yet, but that hasn't stopped me from trying."
"Well, I am rooting for both of you," Ruby said.
"Thank you," Lumina replied.
Everyone looked out the windows in amazement as they got closer to Amity. A giant floating stadium. There were still some construction workers on site on scaffolding and with Bullheads, but the landing area has been cleared for the school's use.
As they descended onto the platform, the ship shook a little as it touched down with the ground and the doors opened. They stepped off to see students all grouped up at the entrance and leading them was Professor Goodwitch who had landed before them with another group.
Ahead of them was JNPR, who was already there waiting for them.
0-RWBY-0
"Woah," Ruby exclaimed as she and her friends entered through double doors under the bleachers and saw the arena before them.
"Pretty big arena," Yang said. "Just how big are these fights supposed to be?"
"Have you never seen a fight live before?" Weiss asked.
"Only on tv," Yang replied. "You never get the sense of scale because the cameras are usually secretly planted inside the scenery."
"Students, please take your seats," Professor Goodwitch announced.
Without a word, they all made their way up to the bleachers and sat down. JNPR, CNBR, RWBY, and Lumina all sat down together.
"Welcome to Amity," Professor Goodwitch continued. "We have permission from the Council to perform our sparring matches inside, so when we leave, I expect everything to be as it was when we arrived."
A student then raised his hand.
"Will we be able to utilize the environmental system of the arena?"
"No," Professor Goodwitch replied. "The technicians are still working on the quirks."
The class went silent.
"Now then," Professor Goodwitch continued. "Who shall volunteer to be the first group to spar?"
At that moment, Lumina stood up.
"I volunteer for the first round," Lumina announced and Professor Goodwitch paused for a moment as she dialed onto her Scroll.
"Alright, Lumina," Professor Goodwitch said to herself. "And who wants to be her sparring partner?"
"If you don't mind, Professor, I would like to challenge a student," Lumina said as she turned towards Pyrrha who was already standing at attention. As if she knew that she would be called first.
"Of course," Professor Goodwitch remarked, not needing to ask who.
The two walked down the steps together, side by side and walked past Professor Goodwitch and onto the stadium. Pyrrha stopped at one end while Lumina walked over to the other end.
"Ready your weapons," Professor Goodwitch announced, and both contestants quickly drew their weapons. Lumina sporting a longsword and buckler in the shape of a kite that extended just past her elbow.
Lumina narrowed her gaze at her opponent and reminisced at the weapon she used. Her style had not changed as she had perfected it as she used a sword that doubled as a spear and can turn into a rifle. Her defense was a shield, Lumina remember also was utilized as a weapon if used properly.
Both opponents stared each other down, ready to lunge at any moment.
"Conditions for victory are as follows: Lower your opponent's Aura or deal an attack that otherwise would have been a killing blow," Professor Goodwitch announced but the two contestants remained silent; instead, they smirked at one another.
But then, something pinged in her mind.
Watch the shield.
"Begin!"
The two lunged at one another, their attacks almost identical as their shields collided into one another. Lumina thrust her sword low which Pyrrha sidestepped with ease and swung her shield arm, using the edge of her shield to bash her opponent, aimed for Lumina's head.
Duck and parry.
Lumina went low, and she could feel shield just pass over her head; she then brought her sword up which blocked Pyrrha's follow-up attack. The energy from the hit allowed Lumina to then bring up her sword and she swung down, but the attack failed to hit.
Sidestep.
Using the momentum from her attack quickly stepped away from Pyrrha's counter attack as she kicked at her. Her opponents back exposed for just a moment, Lumina thrust her sword, but then something pinged her mind. Her reaction was a bit off, as Pyrrha quickly spun around and swatted away her attack with her shield.
Block!
Lumina quickly brought up her shield and blocked a barrage of fire from Pyrrha's rifle, which quickly morphed back into her sword.
That was close… now hop.
Lumina planted her foot onto the ground and jumped over Pyrrha she attempted swept her leg under her. As she came down, Lumina turned to strike at her opponent once more, but she had already turned towards her and was preparing for another attack.
They swung, but their strikes only failed to hit their intended target. The arena was likened to a blacksmith as metal struck against metal.
"Huh," Yang said, surprised.
"They can't get a good hit in," Blake commented as she watched. The battle occasionally pulsed as each combatant hopped away from each other only to lunge back in.
"I have seen this before," Weiss said, to which Byeli nodded.
"It's the same every time these two fight each other," Byeli added. "They both can match each other's speed, but it's all about endurance."
But then, her fox ears flattened.
"I am not sure how Lumina can keep up but eventually she will get tired and will slip," Byeli said her voice was drowned out as Ruby cheered on.
Something pinged in Lumina's mind once more.
Up high!
Lumina was confused, as Pyrrha's body language suggested her attack would be low but then suddenly she feigned her attack and instead threw her shield.
Lumina only managed to bring up her shield, but the impact threw her off balance as she frantically began to backpedal.
Low!
Lumina deflected her opponents attack with her sword.
High again!
She brought up her shield again, and the impact threw her balance off even more.
I need to steady myself!
Once again something pinged, and Lumina braced herself and went low, her shield raised over her head, and the strike forced her onto one knee. When she opened her eyes, she noticed Pyrrha's exposed torso, and she realized this was her chance.
She pushed her enemies attack away and pointed her shield at her enemy. She saw the surprise in her eyes as two small barrels came out from under the shield and Lumina opened fire.
Bright blue tracers flew across the arena as they ricocheted and exploded off Pyrrha's shield. With her shield covering her face Pyrrha back away and began to run around Lumina, who stood and lead her fire as she continued to fire.
Lumina began to close the distance as she ran towards her opponent while using the barrage as cover. When the magazine was spent, she lunged towards Pyrrha who went defensive. The two continued to attack one another to no avail, a counter met with a riposte, which was met with a shield bash which was then met with a dodge.
The battle seemed to last forever to Lumina; however, she knew that only minutes had passed by and she could feel the fatigue set in.
Block!
Lumina raised her shield-
Dodge!
Lumina heart skipped a bit as something then hit her in the chest.
"Oh no," Byeli said her ears flattened. "Its just a matter of time now."
The teams began to watch as Lumina's defense began to slip.
Parry! Block! Dodge!
Lumina tried to listen to her instincts but the pinging only kept coming, and she tried to keep up.
Dodge! Parry! Block!
Her breathing became heavy. One blow after another came her way, and while she blocked one, another seemed to hit.
Block! Parry! Dodge!
Pyrrha then swung her sword against the tired Lumina, who managed to block the attack but it pushed her shield away, her only defense.
Look up!
Lumina blinked as Pyrrha was mid-spin, winding up as she then threw her shield at her, which struck her in the cheek. Lumina could feel herself being launched off her feet as she spun in the air and landed on her back.
Pyrrha didn't even need Professor Goodwitch to announce that the match was over.
"She tries so hard," Byeli said.
"Pyrrha just fights harder and faster," Yang said.
Lumina looked up at the ceiling as she lay on the floor. She kind of liked it, and she giggled to herself as she took the moment to rest.
"Come on," Pyrrha said with a chuckle as she offered her hand to Lumina.
"You have bested me yet again, Pyrrha," Lumina said as she looked over to Pyrrha as she took her hand and was hoisted to her feet.
"Was a good fight as usual," Pyrrha said.
"Was it?" Lumina asked.
"Mhm, the guns are a new addition?" Pyrrha asked.
"They are," Lumina said as they both walked off the arena together. "Thought they would take you off guard."
"They really did," Pyrrha said as she stretched her arm over Lumina's shoulder. "I missed these spars together."
"Me too," Lumina said.
The teams could see the two talk and laugh with one another as they finally made it off the arena.
"Seems like everything is alright," Blake said assuredly, which made Byeli's ear perk up again.
"You were always a quick thinker," Pyrrha commented.
"Yes, but in the end, you move faster than I can think," Lumina replied and they both sat down.
"Now, who is next?" Professor Goodwitch announced.
0-RWBY-0
Ash stalked through the marshy woodlands of Mistral with a group of soldiers behind him, all dressed in White Fang uniforms. Next to Ash, was the commander leading the forces, Thueban.
"The men are in position," Thueban said.
"Are you aware of what we are doing?" Ash asked.
"We have briefed it numerous times," Thueban replied. "We are to bust out some White Fang prisoners from a recent raid. At least that is the first part…"
"Good," Ash said.
In the distance, was a prison that was kept outside of the walls of Mistral. Walls, guard towers, and armed patrols protected the prison. This is where the most dangerous people were kept, those who were to be hidden from the public.
Ash raised his arm and signaled for the rest to join him as he ran towards the walls. As he approached, he dodged the spotlights that shone down on them until he finally reached the walls, with the rest of his men joining him soon after.
"Follow me," Ash said, the soldiers nodded as they planted a charge onto the wall and watched as Ash scaled the wall. As he reached the top, he pulled out his bow and as he pulled on the string, his Semblance activated, creating a fire arrow.
He let go of the arrow which struck the guard and set him ablaze. As he frantically tried to put out the flames, he fell over the rails and to the ground below. The soldiers below Ash took that as their cue to continue as they detonated the charges and brought down a significant portion of the wall. Enough for them to enter.
Taking advantage of the chaos and the lack of preparation from the guards, the soldiers swarmed in and began to fire. As a single unit, they all rushed towards the prison and began to set charges on the steel doors with a contingent of men to watch their backs as it was placed.
A few men watched as Ash gleefully began to kill every guard that he saw. He would fire a few arrows up on the towers before splitting his bow into two swords, and he cut down a couple guards who rushed him.
"Psycho," Thueban said with a shake of his head. "Remember, get the prisoners and leave. We can't stay too long."
Another explosion and the walls to a cell came crumbling down to the surprise of the prisoners inside. They were not the ones they were looking for, as they walked past them and shot out the locks to their cells before kicking them open. It didn't matter to the prisoners, however, as they took advantage of the chaos to escape.
In groups of two, the soldiers split up to quickly search through the different wings of the prison. Eyeing each cell as they passed them and before long, their earpieces crackled.
"I found them."
Just like that, they all converged on one another as they met up in solitary confinement. One by one, they shot out the doors to see White Fang soldiers and officers staring back at them. They were lead outside of their cells where they then made a quick headcount.
"Leo?" Thueban announced into the crowd.
"I am Leo!" A tall Faunus replied happily. "I knew that Adam would send help!"
"Yeah…" Thueban replied. "That is the plan."
"Forgive me, if I am intruding on your happy reunion."
Everyone turned, weapons raised at where the voice originated. The soldiers that were guarded their rear were either knocked unconscious or were outright killed. Stepping over a body, was a man Thueban knew and recognized as Penumbra Lipesce.
"But those are my prisoners," Lipesce said, his hands behind his back as he looked down upon the intruders.
"Shit," Thueban said as he dropped his rifle, only to pull out a pistol and a knife; which signaled the rest of his team to train their weapons on Lipesce.
0-RWBY-0
Ash gleefully killed any guards who stood in his way, even those who were simply trying to run. He relished in the scent of iron and burnt flesh as he walked down the halls of the prison. It only annoyed him that he was not allowed to kill any of the prisoners.
The thought of what they had done to land themselves in here angered him, and he wanted to rid the world of this filth. However, he understood that his main objective was the White Fang captives, as killing any of the other prisoners muddle their plans; and so, he held back from simply torching the prison to the ground…
"Ash!"
Ash paused, then pulled back on the string of his bow as he turned quickly and fired up at a guard who thought he had Ash unaware.
"Ash! Come in!"
"I am busy," Ash replied.
"We are pinned down by a Mistral Intelligence Agent: Penumbra Lipesce!" Thueban said over the comms.
Ash didn't say anything; instead, he simply ran towards the solitary wing. He wanted to see who it was that halted their break-out.
0-RWBY-0
Thueban rushed his opponent, he weapons hugged close to his chest as he ran over the rubble and jumped into the air and over Lipesce. While overhead, Thueban took aim and fired, only for Lipesce to quickly sidestep out of the way; and as quickly, he pulled out a tonfa from behind his back uppercut Thueban with the end just as he came down.
Thueban flew back from the force of the hit and over another mound of rubble and landed with a thud; he quickly got back onto his feet, and he could hear gunfire, probably from his from his forces and Lipesce's as they ignored their fight.
He looked up to see Lipesce already making his way to attack as he jumped over the rubble and noticed that his tonfas double as pistols and he began to rain down fire.
With a twist of his body, Thueban narrowly dodged the shots, and he can feel the heat and hear the whistles as they passed by. Lipesce rolled forward as he landed and then there was a pause between the two.
In a heartbeat, the two attacked one another as Thueban alternated between attacked with his pistol and his knife. He kept his weapons close, allowing him to not only protect himself but for better aim in close quarters combat.
He fired once, then attacked with his knife before he then fired again. Likewise, Lipesce alternated his attacks, using the butt of his tonfas for quick jabs and shots then flipping them in his hand to use the longer end to swipe.
The battle pulsed between the two, both of them rushing in to land quick jabs at one another before backing away, then coming at one another once more.
Thueban went in and fired once more, forcing his opponent on the defensive as he closed in and slashed his knife. The attacked was blocked, but quickly, Thueban wrapped his arm under Lipesce's arm and pulled him close as he headbutts him; while staggered, Thueban then let go, allowing Lipesce to reel back from the hit and he brought his pistol in again to fire.
A few rounds splashed against Lipesce's Aura, the scent of ozone overwhelmed him which caused him to quickly regain composure. He kicked off the ground and thrust the end of his tonfa at Thueban who dodged but didn't see the follow-up attack from Lipesce; with a backhand, Lipesce swung the long end of his tonfa which made contact with Thueban's cheek.
With quick strikes, Lipesce kept forcing his opponent back, even more, giving him no chance to recover. Alternating between his two tonfas as he continued his attacks, a quick jab to the ribs, a shot to the shoulder, a swing to the back of the knees and a thrust to the forehead.
Thueban fell to the ground, dazed, and Lipesce stood over him as he brought his foot down onto his wrist, pinning him.
"Good effort," Lipesce said as he looked down upon Thueban with cold eyes. "But not good enough."
He then surveyed the prison to see that his forces were converging on the insurgents, who were now falling back towards the other end of the wing.
But then, flashes of blue streaked over him, and his men began to scream as they fell to the ground, convulsing.
Lipesce looked up to see a sickening grin looking down at him and pointed right at him, was a pulsating arrow that began to fly at him.
He dodged out of the way and readied himself to defend as Ash landed in front of him, charging at him as he broke his bow into two swords.
While deflected, as was able to use the momentum of his attacks to keep swinging, not allowing Lipesce to counter, the strikes coming at him from the sides.
Lipesce examined the attacks as they came at him and when he began to sense a pattern, he prepared a counter as he then blocked once more and instead, pushed the attack away.
He saw that it threw off his opponent's momentum and began to bring down his tonfa on Ash's head. However, with a quick pivot on the balls of his feet, Ash regained his balance and combined his swords once more, this time into a double-edged blade.
He paused as he had realized he left himself open and abandoned his attack but his defense didn't come quick enough as Ash slashed at Lipesce.
He could feel the force of attack more so than before as he Aura quickly began to wane. He backpedaled as Ash twirled his weapon in the air and attacked once more.
Lipesce blocked it once again but it only began to have an even more negative effect on his Aura, and it was at this point that he knew he had to fall back.
He crossed the tonfas over his head and caught Ash's blade as it came down and he quickly stepped under Ash's arms; he brought his elbow up into Ash's chest and flung him over, only for Ash to land on his feet.
Lipesce whistled twice, signaling his forces to fall back as they were now losing ground against the insurgents. He aimed one tonfa at Ash and began to fire to provide cover to his men as they ran past him. As the ammunition depleted, he lifted the other tonfa and continued his barrage of fire while he reloaded the other.
Ash slowly made his way towards Lipesce, smiling as he twirled his blades in front of him and blocking the incoming fire. However, unlike with Thueban, the rounds didn't just splash off of Ash's Aura. Instead, it appeared as though the rounds began to disappear.
Then Ash stopped.
Lipesce looked curiously as Ash twisted the handle of one of his khopeshes, once more turning it into a bow.
From behind, Leo grabbed Lipesce and put him into a bearhug. He struggled to get free, but due to his size and strength, it was hard to do so.
Lipesce looked over to Ash once more and saw as he began to draw back on his bow but noticed something about the arrow that formed. It was the same shade as the fire Dust that Lipesce used in his rounds.
Ash grinned as he took aim.
As if instinctual, Lipesce rammed his head back into Leo's nose, once, twice and then three times. Enough for Leo to loosen his grip just a little to allow Lipesce to wriggle himself free. He then kicked Leo behind his leg and onto his knees but then noticed a flash of red.
Lipesce stumbled as he dodged out of the way of the arrow and he fell to the ground. He watched as it flew and struck one of his men and it exploded on impact, leaving a smoldering body behind.
Lipesce, wide-eyed, looked back at Ash who grinned at him as Thueban and Leo ran past him.
"Ash, let's go," Thueban said. "We have been here longer than planned. Mistral forces will arrive any moment."
Ash heard him but continued to grin, but it faded slightly as he continued to stare at Lipesce, who was now standing up.
"This way, Delta Squad!" They heard down the hall as the reinforcements were on their way and that was Ash's cue to leave, as he continued to look at Lipesce while he turned away from him. He fired another arrow into the other side of the wing which allowed the insurgents and captives to escape.
At this point, it was not wise to pursue, and Lipesce realized he had to cut his losses and let them go. He gritted his teeth as he realized the enormous report he would have to write for the days to come, but he banished the thought from his mind as he turned to tend to his wounded men.
0-RWBY-0
After a few hours of running, Ash and his group and finally made it to the rendezvous with a Bullhead waiting for them. Leo, as well as the other captives, followed him to the VTOL.
"Its good to see a friendly face," Leo said gladly.
"I can't say the same," Ash said. "I came to rescue a lieutenant who only proved to be a coward who hid while others fought."
"I helped, didn't I?" Leo said defensively, but Ash only narrowed his gaze.
"I wouldn't say that," Ash said. "You were captured by a bunch of kids; students from Beacon, no less."
"We had no idea that our plans were leaked to Mistral Intelligence," Leo said defensively. "We told them nothing, I promise you that."
"From what I heard about you, I ask that you forgive me if I say that I don't take you at your word," Ash said. "I am sure a coward like you sung like a bird."
"You-!" Leo hissed, but then the rescue party raised their weapons up at him, much to the surprise of the other captors; Leo then noticed as Ash's lips curled to a smile, which he tried to hold back.
"Let me indulge you in a little secret…" Ash said. "As I recently did a little singing of my own: I informed Mistral Intelligence about your plans to attack Mistral."
"What?" Leo said, stunned. "Adam will hear of this!"
"Actually, he won't," Ash said. "Instead, he will hear of our heroic attempt to rescue you only to find your cells empty. During our escape, we came across your bodies not far from the prison…"
Ash's grin grew wider as Leo's face contorted into horror as the realization dawned on him.
"Brutally executed without trial and left to rot in the middle of nowhere; we did the honorable thing and brought the bodies back to be buried."
Leo then noticed as their rescue team began to remove uniforms, revealing that they were not Faunus, but human. "Traitor!"
"Oh, not at all," Ash said, his grin growing wider as his voice was now mixed with excited giggles. "Adam wants a reason to reignite the Faunus War, and I will give him that reason!"
Ash backed away slowly, his eyes fixated on Leo as he and the captives began to look for a way out but with the wave of his hand, the rescue team fired.
All the while, Ash watched with glee.
"Now," Ash said as the firing stopped, and the rescue team marched past him and onto the VTOL, the bodies slung over their shoulders and laid on the bed of the VTOL. "He also has a reason to attack Beacon."
He walked into the VTOL and turned towards the pilot. "To the Forever Fall woods, we must inform Adam of this tragic news."
He then thought about Cinder and whether she and her disciples had made it to Beacon. The next phase of their plan was to begin…