Hey! I'm alive and finally tore away from Monster Hunter Rise to do some chapters! Plenty of stuff happening this chapter, and with maybe one more chapter after this to bring Season 2 to a close.
So without further ado, let's get going!
Chapter 25: Our Second Mission Begins!
Title Song: Follow Our Brothers - Halo 3 OST
The day following the ball, everyone was up bright and early. It was the start of the huntsman shadowing assignments. Students would be assigned to one huntsman or huntress working either in or out of the kingdoms.
In the office at the top of Beacon tower, Grey Fuchsia sighed as Glynda and Ironwood bickered back and forth. "Ozpin, they were here!" Ironwood growled.
"We are very much aware of that," Glynda sighed.
"Oh, fantastic, you're aware," James snarked. "Now are we going to let this happen, or are we going to do something about this?"
A pair of beeps stopped the conversation, signifying someone was waiting to come in. "Come in," Ozpin spoke up.
Grey watched as Ruby Rose entered the office. She really does look just like Summer… He thought with a sigh. "Sorry I'm late, someone hit all the buttons on their way up here. I swear it wasn't me," Ruby said.
"Thank you for coming so early this morning Ruby," Ozpin said. "How are you feeling?"
"Ok, I guess. I'd feel better if my bad guy record wasn't 0 out of 3," The girl said.
"Don't feel bad about that kid," Grey spoke up. "Whoever you faced last night, as well as master crime bosses like Roman Torchwick aren't going to be easy to catch."
"Sure…" Ruby sighed.
"Ruby, I want you to know that what happened last night is exactly what I expect from a huntress. You recognised a threat, you took action, and you did the best you could," James said.
"Thank you, sir," Ruby smiled.
"Although… you could have made a call for backup as you advanced to stop said threat," Grey pointed out.
"Yeah, you have a point there… I was just so focused on stopping that woman I didn't think about anything else," Ruby admitted.
"Now. The general has already informed us of the events that … transpired last night, but now that you've rested up, we were wondering if there was anything you wanted to add to the report," Ozpin asked.
"Was there anyone with her? Did she seem familiar at all?" Glynda asked.
"I… I don't know… she wore a mask and didn't say a word as we fought. I know she fought with glass. I don't think it was her semblance though, and her clothes lit up whenever she attacked," Ruby described what she remembered.
"Save for the glass…" Glynda mused, "That sounds a lot like the woman I fought the night we met Ruby and Mr Maru."
"Embedding dust into clothes is an age-old technique, it could have been anyone…" James said.
"Wait… you think this girl could be connected to Torchwich and the White Fang…?" Ruby asked, causing everyone to look around.
"It's possible," Ozpin said. "But we still lack enough solid evidence to link the two together."
"Actually… now that I think about it… she did say something. She was speaking to someone, maybe on an earpiece? She said something about a hideout in the south-east," Ruby spoke up. "If I hazard a guess, maybe just outside the kingdom where they can hide their airships."
"Interesting. We'll arrange something to investigate these 'south-east' rumours you speak of. Thank you Ruby. Why don't you head back down to relax with your team? You've got a big day today," Ozpin smiled.
"Anytime," Ruby smiled, heading for the elevator.
"And Miss Rose?" She paused, looking back at Ozpin, Glynda, James and Grey. "Please do try to be discreet about this matter?"
"Yes professor…" Ruby smiled, leaving the office.
"Wait up kid, I'm coming down too. I'm leading one of the missions, so I need to go get everything prepped," Grey said. "Fill me in later." He said to the others, who nodded.
"Man… you'd think they'd let us sleep in a bit following such a night, but nah, back to work for us," Lilo yawned, sipping her coffee as she headed for the auditorium along with the rest of her team and the pups.
"Tell me about it," Koa groaned, "I feel like a sack of bricks… but I guess this is the concept of a true huntsman. Sometimes you'll get back from one job just to be thrust right into the next without rest."
Jasmine yawned beside him. "Too early…" She mumbled.
"I know. We can go back to bed after we get our job," Koa smiled, pulling her into a one-sided hug.
"Depends on what's available, it's first come, first serve," Onyx pointed out.
"I'm sure we can handle it either way," Lilo shrugged.
Entering the auditorium, they were greeted by the sight of all four schools standing together. "Quiet, quiet please!" Goodwitch was on stage, and next to her was Ozpin. "Professor Ozpin would like to say a few words before we begin."
She stepped aside, while Ozpin stood sentinel on stage. "Today, we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about more than just where borders fell and who traded with who, but about the very idea of individualism itself.
"We fought for countless things, one of which was the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something that many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself.
"Colour. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse this oppression, but neither would the generations to come. And it is a trend held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand united, but this bond cannot exist without effort.
"Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, huntsmen and huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you shall be tasked with shadowing a professional huntsman or huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week.
"But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best." With that, he left the stage to a smattering of applause from the four bodies of students.
"Alright then team, let's go take a look at the request board and see what needs our help," Koa suggested. Heading over to one of the holographic boards, Koa spotted one job that popped up. "Perimeter defence?" He asked.
"Eh… sounds like glorified guard duty. Any search and destroy?" Asked Lilo.
"I kinda don't want to do S&D. Maybe… let's do this escort mission. A family needs to cross quadrant 2 to come into Vale, we can use the Genesis Dawn," Onyx suggested.
"Well, Jasmine, you're the tie breaker. Anything you see?" Asked Lilo.
"Um…" Jasmine scrolled through the list and spotted something different. "This?" She asked, pointing at a bounty mission.
"Wanted: Carmine Shade. The target is wanted for questioning as a business partner of Roman Torchwick, as well as a leading figure of the underground crime network in Vale," Koa read out. "He looks like a small-time crook compared to some of the stuff we've done."
"Maybe, but at least we'll get out and about," Lilo shrugged. "Well. Four options. How do we settle this?"
"If I can offer a slice of wisdom?" All four turned to see Sapphire Maru approach, along with Grey. "Don't look for something too crazy."
"Although, us staff and official huntsmen are taking bets on which team of you or that team of all girls is going to find the crazy first," Grey said. "Since you got the last crazy, what with what happened to Cherry, I'm putting my money on Summer's girl."
"Honestly, they can have some madness, I'm perfectly content to just do something calming for our mission," Onyx chuckled.
"Yeah. Maybe this instead?" Asked Koa. Everyone turned to see his option.
"Oh yeah. That'll do," Lilo smirked.
"I'll take it," Onyx nodded.
"Good choice," Jasmine smiled.
The four stared at the task. 'Signal Academy requesting older students to come and teach'.
"Starts tomorrow," Koa said. Entering his team name, a message hit all four scrolls. "Alright, looks like it'll have something for all of us. Onyx, how about you gather material for the theory classes? Lilo, you're on combat classes. Jasmine, we'll work on Aura and Semblances. Yours will help a lot in that sense."
His team nodded back at the orders. "Right. Dismissed then. Go and get your classes ready," Koa smiled.
"Teaching?" Sapphire asked as the team went their own ways.
"There are two reasons. One: Jasmine can go catch up on her old classmates, she hasn't had a chance to go back and see them in a while. Two: It's calm, with just the right amount of crazy," Koa said.
"I'll let Tai and Brick know you're coming," Sapphire grinned.
"Oh yeah. We'd better go tell Ruby and Yang that we're stopping by Signal, see if there's anything they want from the neighbourhood," Koa realised.
"Well you'd better hurry to the landing pad. They're off with Barthy to quadrant 5 today for Grimm clearing," Grey said. "Meanwhile, I need to prep for my own mission, I've been asked to do one of these for a second-year team. I think you know them. Team MPRL?"
"I think you'll like them Grey. Especially that Leva girl, just don't step in front of her when the fireworks start," Sapphire chuckled.
Koa left those two, heading for the pads. He soon saw the blend of red, white, black and gold strolling towards one bullhead. Before he could say anything, a student passed in front of them, "Hey, Team CFVY's back!"
Koa's eyes widened, Team CFVY (Coffee), was Velvet's team. Jasmine and Lilo, not to mention Blake, had all bonded well with the rabbit Faunus, so to hear they had returned was good to hear.
"Velvet?" Blake was first to reach them. "Are you ok?" She asked, as her team and Koa all came to check up on the second-years.
"I'm fine, I had Yatsuhashi to look out for me," Velvet smiled.
"Hey Yatsu, how are you doing?" Koa asked the behemoth of a student, with a large orange sword as tall as he was on his back.
"Tired. I'm hoping to get a lovely warm shower, then bed," He said.
"That's fair enough. Carry on big man," Koa held up a fist, which Yatsuhashi bopped with his own.
"Your mission was supposed to end a week ago. What happened?" Weiss asked the duo.
"Nothing happened," Velvet said. "It's just… there were just so many…" She looked tired also, and leaned on Yatsuhashi, who held her up. "But don't worry, you first years are just shadowing huntsmen, you'll be fine."
"Riiight…" Yang wasn't convinced.
"I'll let the girls know you're back Velvet, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you again," Koa said.
"Thanks Koa. I should go before I fall asleep on my feet," Velvet smiled.
"Ruby, Yang," Koa said, before he forgot the original reason he was out here. "My team's mission is down at Signal. Anything nostalgic you want picked up from Patch?" He asked.
"Yes! Please, I'd love if you could check for any weapon magazines down at the bookstore," Ruby pleaded.
"I need some parts for Bumblebee. I don't trust a lot of shops, but there's one a couple of blocks away that I always got repairs and parts from, I'll send you a list before we get going," Yang said.
"Parts and magazines, cool. Ruby, any classmates you want to pass on a message?" Koa asked.
"Just a hope that they're all doing well," Ruby smiled.
"Gotcha. Well, I've got lesson plans to make, so I'll just wish you girls good luck. Come back safe and all that," Koa said.
"Thanks, hope everything goes alright at Signal Academy," Weiss nodded.
With that, Koa headed back inside, as Team RWBY got on their way.
"Right. Checklist time," Koa said that evening. It was 11pm, but the team had stayed up to confirm their lesson plans. "Combat?"
Lilo smiled. "I'm going to give them a taste of Goodwitch's classes, with a Lilo special," She said.
"Just don't hurt them too badly," Koa chuckled. "Theory?"
"I'm going to quiz them on what Grimm types they know. Then brief them on weak points on each that they do and don't know," Onyx said.
"Good," Koa nodded. "And Aura and Semblances?" He asked.
"We'll work with ways to…" Jasmine started, pausing to clear her throat. "Improve their semblances and test their aura."
"Right. Ok. Then we turn in early and get sleep for tomorrow," Koa said. "We'll drive over in the Genesis Dawn."
The next morning, Teams KOLD and JNPR were walking through the halls. "Hey Koa, did you get anything from Ruby last night? I got a strange call from her which left nothing but static."
"No. Nothing," Koa muttered.
"I'm sure they're fine Jaune," Pyrrha said.
"You think?" Jaune asked.
"Probably a butt-dial," Nora chirped, skipping along.
"Maybe. But Ruby doesn't usually put her scroll in her back pockets," Lilo shrugged.
"Team RWBY has always performed exceptionally in the field," Ren said. "We should focus on our own missions."
"True," Onyx said.
"We're gonna be deputies!" Nora cheered.
"I just got this… feeling. I-I don't know," Jaune sighed.
"Jaune…" Pyrrha worried for her leader.
Stepping out onto the front courtyard, the eight students stopped as a loud siren blared from Vale. "Oh no…" Lilo muttered. Smoke was bellowing from one spot in the city.
Suddenly, Beacon answered the call of alarm from Vale with it's own. "That's our cue. Team KOLD, we're changing our mission to whatever that is," Koa said.
"We're changing ours too," Jaune said with determination.
The eight students raced towards the nearest Bullhead, all jumping onboard, "Pilot! Take us into the city!" Koa called.
Team JNPR jumped off first. "We need to make sure the Grimm don't get too far into the city!" Koa called to his team.
"Wait a minute… the hospital's near here! Cherry!" Lilo gasped. "Permission to-?"
"Granted. Go! Onyx, you go too," Koa said. The two leapt out onto the rooftops, leaping towards Vale General Hospital. "Pilot, where do you see the most concentrated gathering of Grimm aside from the plaza?"
"I'm seeing a large bunch by the school! King Taijitu, plus the smaller ones," The pilot said.
"We'll drop there! Get us in that direction ASAP!" Koa yelled.
They were soon over the school. Grimm were trying to get over the security measures, such as electrified fencing. Staff were holding the line at the open gate, which had been bashed down by the white head of a King Taijitu, while the black head was hissing threateningly.
"We'll drop here pilot! Safe flying!" With that, he leapt out of the ship, flipping as he shot down, bouncing with hardlight platforms as he descended.
Behind him, Jasmine had a more direct means, pulling out Kitsune's Kickback and firing a few times to slow her fall as she dropped. As she fell, her shells blasted a few of the smaller Grimm.
Koa pulled out his boomerangs, swiping a few lightning arcs that zapped a few more, before coming to land on the back of an Ursa, blades slicing through it's neck.
Meanwhile, Jasmine landed with a massive crack on one of the heads of the Taijitu. The force of impact was enough to shatter the white, bone armour on it's face, and it slammed to the ground with a mighty thud.
"We'll take care of this! Stay inside and watch the kids!" Koa said to the staff, who were armed with some basic rifles and swords.
One nodded, "Come on!" He said, and the faculty headed inside. Jasmine blasted the concrete above the door, hastily barricading them inside.
"Alright. Now… let's get to work. There's a lot left, and we don't let them in," Koa said.
Lilo was quick to spot Nevermores flocking around the hospital, drawn in by the fear and pain that patients were experiencing. Onyx arrived behind her. "I'll clear the skies, make sure none of these guys have gotten into the building," He said, his weapon already in his hands.
"Thanks. I'll be back once I've made sure the hospital is safe," Lilo nodded. She then leapt off the building, stabbing her claws into the wall to slow her descent.
She and the pack got to work, ripping through Beowolves and Creeps. As Lilo ripped through a Creep, she saw a few of Vale Police Department hunkered down by the doors, an assortment of weapons in hand. "You guys doing ok?" She asked them.
"To be honest? We're in over our heads," An officer said. "The Sarge is inside with a claw slash in his hip, and I've got two KIA."
"I'm sorry we weren't here sooner. We just scrambled from Beacon. I'm sure more students and faculty will be here soon," Lilo said, mourning the losses. "I need to head inside, my sister is in there. I'll also sweep the building for anything that might have gotten in."
"Way ahead of you. Before he was injured, Sarge sent up a few guys, but we haven't heard any signs of combat inside," The officer said. "But you're welcome to head up and check on them. We'll work with your buddy up there, make sure nothing gets inside."
Lilo nodded and pulled up her scroll and brought up the team comm line. "Onyx, work with the PD down here and don't let anything in. I'm going to check on Cherry."
"Copy, good luck in there," Onyx replied.
Lilo dashed inside, heading for the stairs. Cherry's three floors up. Shadow, get there. She ordered.
Depend on it Alpha! The Beta will not be harmed! Nodded the black wolf, diving into the nearest shadow.
Outside, Onyx blasted at some small Nevermores that were flocking the tower with his rifle. "How'd they even get in over the Atlas fleet?" He muttered.
"It's possible they came in with the rest of the Grimm," An officer said, firing his weapon.
"Yeah…" Onyx frowned. His eyes widened as he spotted a more challenging foe approaching. "Griffon incoming!" He yelled. "Leave it to me! You guys cover me."
"Sure you can handle it?" Asked the Corporal.
"I'll be fine. Watch my back!" With that, Onyx charged towards the Griffon, firing shots at the head, getting it's attention. The Griffon shrieked at him, not pleased at the assault. It swooped down, trying to lash at him with it's wings and paws.
Onyx ducked under each, and shot at it as it flew back up. However, his rounds were just aggravating the beast more than injuring it. When the Griffon banked, swooping back in for another attempt, Onyx transformed Obsidian Guardian into it's axe form, using the long weapon to vault into the air, slamming the axe down.
The Griffon screeched, black mist sprouting from the impact, but no sign of a fatal impact. Onyx growled, levelling the axe. While like it was, if he charged the shots, it released electrified dust bullets. He was by no means a sniper though, unlike Ruby, so several missed the banking Griffon, but others did hit, and this time, it buckled and yelped from the pain.
"Jackpot," Onyx breathed, firing again. Evidently, the Griffon really did not like this, the repeated fire infuriating the beast, as it lunged straight at Onyx. The student in black quietly noted that even if this was a small Griffon compared to studies he'd read, it still was big enough to gulp him down in a single snap of it's beak.
The black winged-beast tried to do just that, but Onyx spun, momentum guiding the axe head around to slam into the neck, cleaving it off completely. "And stay dead," Onyx panted.
Alpha, I have arrived at the third floor. A lone enforcer is doing his best to hold back Creeps! He has put all the patients, including the Beta behind him! Shadow reported.
Creeps on the third floor, how'd they get up there? Asked Lilo.
There are several broken windows as well as some holes in the wall, I estimate that Grimm broke through and the Creeps climbed in. Shadow said.
It seems like a Grimm thing to do, Snowfall concurred with the guess.
Shadow, you have permission to engage, try not to seem a threat to the officer though. He might mistake you for a Grimm. Lilo ordered.
It shall be so! Shadow nodded, lunging from the shadows, his collar lighting up purple as he slashed at the nearest Creep. Shadowy claws ripped through, then passed on and sliced up the next one as well.
Shadow turned on the pack of monsters, his dust collar active as he blasted an orb of shadowy energy at them. One instantly died to the attack, and the resulting low-power explosion was enough to knock the others off balance, allowing Shadow to charge, his fangs and claws crushing and slashing at the necks whenever he could.
His ears picked up gunfire, and bullets hit and killed two more. I see five left. Alpha, please advise Onyx and the outside enforcers to take out any Creeps climbing the building.
I can do that. You just rip up everything that shares your colour scheme! Lilo ordered. We're almost there!
Shadow's eyes narrowed, the pupils becoming primal slits as he glared at the Grimm. Howling at them, he made his challenge. All five rushed at him, and he did the same, but just before the first one struck, he dipped into it's shadow, coming up behind the rearmost Creep, ripping it's arm off with a claw before stabbing right through it with another.
His collar lit up again, and he howled, purple energy forming at his mouth. Umbral Breath! He bellowed, releasing a black/purple fire that washed over the remaining Grimm, causing them to disintegrate.
"Make sure no more Grimm get in," Lilo's voice was heard, not in his head, but coming towards him. "Thanks Onyx," She smiled. Putting her scroll down, she rushed over to the officer and his corner. "Everyone ok?" She asked.
"Tired, but alive," The man said. "Private Cloud, I'm the only cop left in here. My buddy got jumped while getting some patients back here."
"Well Private, if I was your boss, I'd be giving you quite the payrise," Lilo grinned. "You saved everyone here, my sister included." As she said that, she walked over to Cherry, who was shaking with terrified awe.
"Shadow… that was awesome!" The Beta cried out. "You just leapt out of nowhere and tore them apart!"
Shadow gave a bark of happiness from the praise from Lilo's sister. "So the black wolf is with you?" The officer asked.
"Yup. This is Shadow, and his sister here is Snowfall. Believe it or not, they're part of my semblance," Lilo explained.
"Well. He showed up at just the right time. I'm down to my last magazine," The cop sighed with relief.
"Glad I could help," Lilo grinned. "Onyx, how's the outside?" She asked into her scroll.
"We're doing ok out here now. Look out a window," Onyx's voice came through the speaker.
"Huh?"
Koa threw a boomerang, the weapon bouncing off multiple Creeps before impacting in the chin of a Beowulf. His eyes narrowed as he slashed his other into an Ursa that tried to catch him off guard.
Nearby, Jasmine was blasting shells into a Nevermore that had decided to hover over, barraging the area with quills. "This isn't going well!" She frowned, the Nevermore refusing to die.
"Where is everyone else?" Koa asked, raising a barrier to block a quill that was shot at Jasmine. "We're not going to last much longer!"
Jasmine's ears soon picked up on a sound that was getting closer, the sound of an engine. Blocking a Creep, then stabbing it, she glanced up, spotting two Bullheads flying over. Her eyes widened when she saw who was in the troop compartments.
Team MPRL, as well as Sapphire Maru and Grey Fuchsia leapt out. "You kids ok?" Sapphire asked, landing on an Ursa.
"Mom?" Koa asked. "Wait, I thought you had a mission."
"We did. We were about to clear Vale airspace when we got the alarm," She nodded. "My team leapt out elsewhere."
"Same here, but my team is right here!" Gray grinned. Reaching at his back, he pulled his weapon to bare. From the scabbard on his back came a massive rifle. However, the two plates on the side of the gun were large blades that resembled a huge slab of steel more than a sword. A handle was halfway up the barrel and Grey pulled back the bolt of his weapon.
"Right… which of you grizzly jerks is first?" He twisted his neck, feeling it click. A Beowulf was brave enough to be his first challenger and charged.
Grey blocked the overhead hammer blow the Grimm launched at him. "You first huh? Your funeral!" He said, pulling the trigger. Half the Beowulf's face abruptly disappeared, and he then drove the blade through the rest.
Gripping it by the stock, he turned to face the rest. "You face the captain of Menagerie's guard! Come at me!" he yelled, charging at the Creeps with vigour. His weapon was a blur as he slashed the Grimm, often catching their numbers two at a time. Spotting some Nevermores, he pulled the trigger, heavy bolts shooting free, clipping the birds wings.
He wasn't the only one working either. Mari was standing ready to draw her revolver, before doing so, fanning the hammer and shooting as many Grimm as she could see. Persia was standing on the roof of the school, her arm cannon blasting an Ursa and a horde of Creeps. Reggie was using his semblance to teleport up to the Nevermores flying from a distance, bashing them in with electrified bashes from his wrench. Leva had leapt out onto the street, throwing her buckler at a Deathstalker, the flaming pinwheel ripping the stinger off, then on Leva's return pull, it melted through one set of legs.
Sapphire was also working strong, her lightning spear making quick work of Jasmine's problem Nevermore, then skewering three Creeps on her weapon, then using them to bash an Ursa down.
Koa glanced up, hearing the sound of powerful engines, and spotted Atlas' warships moving into position. "Well… it's about time," He heard Grey mutter.
Alongside the larger cruisers, several Atlas Bullheads flocked the skies. Their autocannons went to work, mowing down anything in the skies. At the same time, they started airdropping the new Atlesian Knights into battle, the autotroopers landing and beginning to battle the Grimm, blasting any monsters they could detect.
"Huh… I guess his toy soldiers have some use after all…" Sapphire sighed.
"But they're nowhere near perfect," Grey pointed out. He took a knee, providing cover fire for the robots as they took to the streets. "But I think it is pushing them back!"
He was right. And he then received a call on his scroll. "This is Professor Goodwitch to all Huntsmen and Huntresses. The entry site has been sealed. Clean up the Grimm and come to the plaza when you're able."
"Copy that Glynda," Sapphire said, her own scroll active.
"We're at the grade school in downtown Vale. Team MPRL, Koa and Jasmine are with us," Grey said.
"Copy. What numbers remain?" Asked Goodwitch.
"Not much. We're pretty much wrapped up here thanks to James' toys," Grey said.
"Then I'd like you and Professor Maru to lead clean-up in that area while the students come back to the plaza," Goodwitch said.
"Hear you loud and clear Professor," Mari said, holstering her revolver as she approached the huntsmen. "We'll head back your way."
"Let me check in on Lilo and Onyx. They went to go check the hospital when Lilo realised how close the incursion was to that area," Koa said, calling them.
Lilo was first to answer. "Hey Koa, just checking in?" She asked.
"Yup. I'm sure you spotted the Atlas reinforcements?" Asked Koa.
"A bit late to the party if you ask me, but better late than never," Lilo sighed.
"That's what Gray said," Koa laughed. "How's Cherry and the hospital?"
"There's a few holes here and there, but the police fought with their lives to save these patients. A few lost their lives though…" Lilo reported.
"We'll honour their actions. If the Atlas forces arrived at your location, then I'd like you and Onyx to join us at the plaza where this all went down," Koa said.
"Roger that boss. I'll grab Onyx and we'll be headed that way in a bit," Lilo replied. "Catch you later!"
The call ended, and Koa nodded to Jasmine and Team MPRL. "We're good," He said.
With that, the group headed back towards the plaza.
Onyx sighed with relief as he set eyes on his friends once they reached the plaza. Teams RWBY, JNPR and CFVY were standing around, along with Professors Goodwitch and Port, Doctor Oobleck, Mercury and Emerald. Sun and Neptune were also nearby.
"You guys ok?" Asked Yang, spotting Teams KOLD and MPRL approach.
"We're fine. Just a little exhausted from the number of Grimm. What happened here anyway?" Asked Lilo.
"Torchwick happened. He led Grimm to the city using the old train tunnels from Mountain Glenn," Weiss said.
"Mountain Glenn?" Asked Lilo and Onyx. Being from other kingdoms, they weren't as educated on the term.
"Mountain Glenn was the first proper attempt to expand Vale in the south-east area of the Kingdom. However… it didn't have the same natural defences against the Grimm as Vale did. Thus, Grimm attacks began to increase in frequency and eventually, the city was overwhelmed," Oobleck said.
"The survivors tried to shelter in the tunnels that would become the subway, but an explosion occurred, flooding the cavern with Grimm," Goodwitch continued. "The survivors were doomed, and the project was cancelled, the tunnels sealed up."
"That's awful…" Pyrrha gasped.
"Agreed," Onyx frowned. "And Roman Torchwick rammed a train into the tunnel barriers, derailing the train and allowing Grimm to surface in this plaza."
"Unbelievable…" Koa sighed.
"Please tell me you caught him this time?" Asked Lilo.
"Oh, we got him alright," Emerald smirked.
"The robots took him into a ship, heading for one of the Atlas airships," Mercury said.
"Outstanding to hear. With him behind bars, that's one less threat to the people. And with the Vytal Festival just around the corner, that's a good thing," Koa grinned.
"What about…" Jasmine began, coughing. "The White Fang? Did you grab them too?"
"We caught as many as we could, Miss Diali," Port said.
"Um… Jasmine? We… we ran into that brute with the chainsaw. The one you and Koa told us about…" Weiss said. "I tried to stop him… bring him to justice… but he was too strong."
Jasmine began to breathe heavily. Her eyes narrowed at the sheer thought of her family's murderer being involved again. She then took a deep breath. "It's ok. I promise, I will bring him down for slaughtering my family, but I'm relieved that you're ok."
"Ok isn't the term I'd use… he's stronger than he appears. And smarter too," Weiss sighed. "If it wasn't for Blake getting me to safety…"
"You're welcome," Blake gave a wry smile.
"This 'brute' you speak of," Goodwitch spoke up.
"He's a lieutenant in the WF. In an attack on our home village, Jasmine's family were slaughtered by this monster. I'm not certain of his traits, but I'd assume he's a bear faunus, or something similar," Koa said. "His weapon of preference is a chainsaw."
"We didn't recover anyone of that description. I'm sorry," Oobleck shook his head.
"But we shall keep an eye out for this monster and bring him to justice. No one should have to go through what you did," Goodwitch added.
"Thank you," Jasmine smiled.
"Students," A sharp voice cut across the plaza, and everyone turned to see General Ironwood himself walking towards them, two of the Atlas robots escorting him. "I must commend each and everyone of you. You recognised a critical threat to this Kingdom and took action. Taking initiative like what you did is just what Remnant needs."
"Thank you General. We just happened to leave for our own missions when the alert reached Beacon. We just happened to be in the right position at the right time," Koa said.
"Right. They were seeing us off to our own mission out the kingdom, when this all happened. We're glad to have helped," Jaune agreed.
"Well done. You kids can head back to Beacon for some well-earned rest. My forces can work with the official huntsmen to clear up any stragglers and search and rescue. Civilians were caught in this attack, so we shall make sure they are found," Ironwood said.
"Of course. We'll leave this part to the professionals. Professor Goodwitch, once we've rested, we'll be ready to carry out our actual assignment," Koa nodded.
"You've done more than enough Mr Maru. You and the rest of the students should rest. And if you are serious about the assignment, then I shall contact Professors Brick and Xiao Long and notify them that you'll be by tomorrow," Goodwitch nodded.
"Same with us Professor. We've still got energy for our own assignment," Pyrrha said.
"I'm sorry Miss Nikos. Due to the urgent request for that task, a team from Haven answered the call first," Goodwitch replied.
"Hey, we've got extra room in the Genesis Dawn if you want to tag along with us," Lilo shrugged.
"You sure? We don't want to intrude," Ren asked.
"Hey, the more the merrier. I'm sure Signal would love to have you," Onyx smiled.
"If you're certain we won't be a burden, then we'll accept your offer," Jaune said, after glancing between his team, seeing their nods.
"Glad to have you. Ten o'clock in the vehicle hangar tomorrow," Koa grinned.
That evening, Team KOLD headed up to the rooftops. "Grey called it about Ruby finding trouble," Lilo noted.
"She certainly did find trouble. An entire operation of White Fang operating underground," Onyx snorted.
"So we're next? Or will JNPR get some excitement?" Jasmine asked, coughing slightly.
"Dust I hope nothing happens for a while. Excitement is nice but can we please just… be normal?" Onyx asked.
"Onyx, this is the life we chose. The moment you applied for Beacon, you kissed 'normal' goodbye," Koa shrugged. He sighed, looking up at the evening sky. "Why did you guys choose to start this life? The path to being a huntsman?"
"I don't really have a valiant reason… you'd say it's pretty selfish…" Onyx sighed. "I chose this life because it would help my family. We may live in Atlas, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows… my family were rather poor… so they got jobs. Mom worked in the SDC, while Father worked in the mines as a foreman."
At the glances from Lilo and Jasmine, he clarified. "He treats all his workers well, with utmost respect. Faunus and humans alike get the same treatment.
"But I chose this life to take jobs and earn a living to help them," Onyx shrugged.
"Admirable. Risking your life can have quite the hazard pay," Lilo nodded.
"What about you? Fuchsia Silk not the life you wanted?" Koa asked.
"No way. I love wearing the stuff, but my mother and father can handle that stuff. Grey works with Chief Ghira and the guard, so my own options were rather open. I sometimes helped the guard with clearing the outer islands, and that's where I met the pups," Lilo said, stroking the two sleeping wolves in her lap.
"I chose my path. Like Grey, I wanted to help people, but I wanted to think further than just Menagerie and the surrounding islands. I wanted to train to help all of Remnant," She grinned.
"I can respect that. There's too much injustice in this world. Some people life at the top, while others are at rock bottom. Its why people like the White Fang formed their groups," Onyx nodded. He turned to Koa, "What about you and Jasmine?"
"I wanted to be a huntsman because of what happened to Melodious. Like you said, too much injustice and not a lot being done about it," Koa said. "The White Fang must pay for their crimes, but there are all sorts of shady folks out there that need to be stopped. And there's the Grimm."
He then glanced at Jasmine and smiled, watching her smile back. "The other reason I want to be a huntsman is to make sure that what happened to Jasmine doesn't happen ever again. What she went through was inhumane and should never be experienced ever again," He said, pulling her into a hug.
"Understandable. No one should have to be put through that…" Onyx agreed.
"Amen to that," Lilo nodded.
Everyone then glanced at Jasmine. The fox girl sighed, frowning as her ears drooped. "…" Her attitude worried Onyx and Lilo.
"Go on. They trust you at this point," Koa said, rubbing her back to soothe her.
"… Revenge…" Jasmine sighed. "That's the reason I applied to Signal…"
"Is this to do with Adam Taurus and what he and the White Fang did to you?" Asked Lilo.
"…" Jasmine silently nodded. "I can't forgive him. For what he and Chainsaw did to me and my family…" Lilo and Onyx glanced at each other. "I'm going to kill them both."
The surprising amount of fury coming from Jasmine shocked Onyx and Lilo. Even the pups woke up, glancing at each other.
"They have brought nothing but pain and suffering. They can't be reasoned with. I have a long way to go… but I will kill Adam Taurus and his minion," Jasmine spat.
Behind them, Mercury Black silently watched. What happened with her… what caused her to be like that?
He'd been assigned by Cinder to watch Team KOLD. Their leader, Koa Maru, seemed to have recognised Cinder, so she had Mercury watching the blue haired leader. The group seemed to be having a wholesome moment together, but Mercury had to be careful to avoid the senses of the two Faunus and the dogs. Fortunately… he was the son of one of the greatest assassins there ever was.
Emphasis on was. Mercury had seen to that personally.
Cinder's pet bull did something that ruined her… what happened…? Mercury frowned. He wasn't one to be all teary eyed, but there was something about that girl that resonated with him and his own past. Foxy hasn't been betrayed by her own family… she got betrayed by one of her own kind. I thought Faunus had a pretty unbreakable unity…
He wasn't going to get much more intel tonight, so he slipped away silently, his thoughts constantly drifting to what Jasmine Diali had said.
Lilo: What's that thing with Mercury going on about?
Koa: Not sure, but we'll see something about that in the future, maybe?
Onyx: Forget him, what about this chapter?
Koa: It's got plenty of action, and I love Ozpin's speech at the start. The tale of how the war ended is one of my favourite stories in Remnant's history.
Jasmine: Mine too, and the action was pretty good too. I notice that Shadow got an extended fighting moment to showcase him fully, which is pretty awesome, and Grey got a moment of action as well.
Koa: Just one more chapter to end Season 2, what's next?
All: Next time: Something to Fight For!