Author's notes:
Going on a week hiatus for a creative break and to dig in on pokemon sword dlc.
But chapter four is written and will be posted after editing.
Team DEAT's semblances won't be discusses until a lot later.
Chapter Three: Oath
It's been two weeks since the Dwarflandia mission. The increased number of Grimm and proportionate increase in pay has gotten many incumbent huntsmen off their lazy lifestyles and back into the fray. With the influx of huntsmen back in the game, missions have been scarce for D rank teams RELM and TUSA. It is why Tabitha and Ronin are at the mission board wrestling over the latest D rank mission.
"It's my team's mission, Alister." Tabitha pushes him away and tries to sign up, but Ronin jumps on her back, steering her away from the board.
"I need it more. You have your old man's wealth to fall back on. Also, you're a beautiful girl, so just get married and stop taking jobs from starving huntsmen like me." Ronin argues. It's an archaic argument for sure, but whatever convinces her to let him get the mission. Also, Aldin did make a killing at his convention, so Tabitha isn't strained on cash at the moment.
"You have an abnormal metabolism. It's not my fault you're always hungry. And I would be married to you if you didn't leave our team." Tabitha blurts out.
"I told you I can't tell you why I left. Now, give me the mission." Ronin demands.
"I'll give you the mission, if you tell me why you left the team." Tabitha offers. Ronin falls off her back. The deal caught him off guard. He composes himself. Tabitha guards the mission board in an instant. One false move and Ronin loses that mission to his ex. So many zeros on the bounty for killing Goliath Grimm. And they're so easy to kill too. Just like the good old days, she has him wrapped around her finger and not by choice.
"You don't even have a fourth member. You can't take a mission with just three people." Ronin mutters. Tabitha threatens to sign up for the mission.
"Oh, but we do. And my hand might just slip if you take any longer to answer my request." Tabitha says.
"Who is it?" Ronin asks.
"Someone we went to school with. Your answer please, Alister." Tabitha urges. Ronin grits his teeth. He can't tell her without endangering her life. He wanted to resolve his problem and then tell her, but she is forcing his hand. His team is nearly broke from the lack of work for two weeks. Hotel rent isn't cheap, even split between the four of them.
"I'll tell you after I return from the mission." Ronin says.
"Who's to say that you won't run off or die on the mission, just to avoid telling me?" Tabitha glares at him. He was her man. The only reason he isn't now is because Sylas forbids her from dating him again unless he tells them why he left the team.
"Nothing, but your faith in me." Ronin says, calling her bluff. Tabitha trusts him. He wouldn't lie to her without worrying about the consequences. Maybe one day Grimlock will "break" the next time he swings at a Grimm. Or maybe he might take one swig too much of arsenic spiked beer. Tabitha was his crazy ex, but no doubt that she loved him. He has no choice but to prepare for war after this mission. Tabitha pulls him in. She whispers in his ear.
"I accept, Alister." She nibbles his lobe. She moves him in front of the mission board, so he can sign up. Tabitha walks away.
"I'll be waiting for you to return. I'll tell Sylas and Undine you said hi." Tabitha says. Ronin slouches in defeat. He's never won an interaction against Tabitha. She is manipulative and knows how to press his buttons. No one knows him like she does. RELM is signed up for the mission and Ronin returns to the hotel.
"How'd it go?" Elena asks, not looking up from her book. She's asked that every day that Ronin went out to find a mission. Most days his response was the same.
"I got a mission." Ronin sighs.
"That's good. It means we won't get evicted." Elena says.
"Tabitha blackmailed me to tell her why I left the team after the mission." Ronin says. Elena puts down her book. She knows what it would mean if Ronin told her.
"Why would you let yourself be blackmailed?" Elena asks.
"I eventually planned to tell her, but only after my old comrades and Salem were dead." Ronin mutters.
"So, you were never intending to tell her?" Elena guesses. Ronin nods.
"What are you going to do?" Elena asks. Melody and Lucas barge into the room from their semblance training session. Lucas has a stupid grin on his face.
"I did it." He says with glee.
"WE did it." Melody corrects. A yellow crystal hovers in Lucas' hand.
"It's my semblance." Lucas brags, showing it to his teammates. They seem unimpressed. Ronin plops on the couch. Elena has seen bigger and better semblances.
"It's cute." She comments deadpan.
"What's it do?" Ronin feigns interest.
"I'll tell you, since you're asking so nicely. My semblance, Illumination, generates light crystals that have various properties. For one, I can make a bunch of these little guys and fuse them up to make a crystal sword." Lucas generates twenty crystals and combines them into a solid crystal sword. Melody gives him applause for not messing up the technique. He swings the crystal with a whooshing sound.
"His semblance is a creation type with a light affinity." Melody says.
"It seems to be the opposite of Ronin's. His semblance is a control type with a dark affinity." Elena says. In the stories she's read, this contrast means that Ronin and Lucas are fated to battle. Polar opposites, two sides of the same coin. Both sides cannot exist without the other, but they cannot help but try to defy fate and fight to the death. Lucas' blade dissipates along with his aura.
"It lasts about three minutes." Lucas says.
"That's what she said." Ronin chuckles. Melody sprits him with a squirt bottle for his snide comment and then tells him to sit in the corner. Ronin kicks the dust bunnies in frustration, muttering inaudible and likely sexist profanities towards Melody. Ronin never learns, but has grown obedient. Elena snickers. Ronin glares at her. Melody hands Lucas an energy drink to recharge his energy. Even though the advertisement says it recharges aura, Lucas' aura bar app would beg to differ. No change is seen. Great, that's a waste of eight credits. He thinks.
"Ronin got us a job." Elena reports.
"Finally! We can stop eating poor people's food!" Melody rejoices. Due to their mission dry spell, they had to stop eating at the hotel diner. One more ham and cheese sandwich and Melody was going to vomit. The scents of Ronin's various discount sandwiches have left their scars on her.
"They weren't that bad." Elena says. Melody shudders at the thought.
"They can't hurt you anymore." Lucas comforts her.
"We should get ready for tomorrow." Elena says.
"Yes, Ma'am." They salute.
"Elena isn't the team leader." Ronin mutters. Elena acts like she is.
Lucas had not only repaired their gear, he upgraded them to be compatible with his semblance. Lucas hands Melody a metal suitcase. No longer is the scenario where she has to wear a bulky suit of armor around, it forms around her when she opens this compact and easy to carry suitcase...yes very easy to carry. Melody strains to lift it.
"It weighs a ton!" Melody digs her feet into the carpet to get a better grip, but it won't lift.
"Your biometrics aren't coded into it yet. Only the intended owner can lift it." Lucas has Melody place her thumb on the suitcase handle, which scans her fingerprint. The case gleams green and Melody is able to lift it.
"Try it on." Lucas urges. Melody opens it. Portions of the suit detach and latch onto Melody. Metal creeps along her limbs and body until the suit is fully formed.
"It smells like a new airship." Melody says with an auto tuned voice.
"I had to reconfigure the hud and most of the suit. It lacked a lot of important functions like channeling aura and not interfering with your semblance. So now, it should be stronger and you can freely use your semblance without worrying about damaging it. Also, it shows how much aura and dust you have." Lucas explains. Melody hugs him.
"Thank you. I love it." She says. Lucas blushes.
"Now, how do I take it off?" Melody asks. Lucas steps behind her, moving a panel and placing his thumb on the biometrics scanner on her lower back. It scans his retina.
"Deactivate." He says. The suit compacts back into a case.
"Any reason why you have to do that just so I can take off my suit?" Melody asks.
"Well... When I designed that function. I thought that we weren't going to be separated for whatever reason. If we were in the battlefield, you might say a key phrase like deactivate and accidentally remove your suit." Lucas says.
"Is there any way I can remove my suit myself?" Melody asks. Lucas slouches.
"I'll configure an easy way for you to do so by tomorrow." Lucas says.
"Thank you." She gives him a smile as she hands him her suit. Another night of coding for Lucas. Good thing he has a bunch of spare parts. Lucas sits besides Ronin with his laptop and spare parts laid out on the ground. A timer dings. Ronin escapes the corner.
"Freedom!" He plops in his bed.
"Ronin, I have something for you." Lucas hands him his gravity bracelet. Ronin has been looking for it since their last mission. He had wondered where it went.
"I had to borrow it to learn how to make the gravity dust upgrades. It's pretty advanced, even compared to most Atlesian tech I've seen. Where'd you get it?" Lucas asks.
"It's my dad's. He gave it and Grimlock to me when I last saw him." Ronin fits his bracelet. He calls Grimlock to his hand. 0.5 seconds faster. Ronin nods impressed at his upgrade.
"When you see him-"
"He's dead." Ronin says casually.
"I'm sorry." Lucas says.
"He dug his own grave. Mom knew when to leave. I wouldn't be alive today if she didn't." Ronin says. This is news to his team. His parents are separated and his dad is dead. Lucas changes the topic.
"Do you like the upgrades?" Lucas asks.
"It's faster...what are these bars?" Ronin asks.
"Your aura and dust reserves. Light refraction makes it only visible to you." Lucas says.
"Neat." Ronin says sheathing Grimlock.
"Do you have anything for me?" Elena asks, not wanting to be left out. Lucas rifles through his things.
"I knew I had it somewhere…Here it is." Lucas hands her a limited edition Cuddle Bear sticker collection. Lucas had noticed Elena bidding on the collection and got it for her.
Elena's eyes glitter with amazement. Her fifth season collection is complete.
"This. Is. The. Best. Gift. Ever." Elena says. She runs to her things and meticulously fits the collection in her enshrined album. She purchased a special binder that wouldn't warp the collections as she turned the pages. Everything is in mint condition.
"My life is now complete." She hugs her complete and discontinued Cuddle Bear sticker set. It's been a hard journey of twelve years, but she finally completed it.
"I'm glad you all like the gifts." Lucas says.
"Next time, dinner is on me." Ronin offers.
"I'll hold you to that." Lucas says. They all laugh. They get ready for the mission. Elena ensures her dust reserves are up to par. She doesn't want a repeat of the spider cave scenario. Melody sharpens Virtuoso's Duet. Ronin sharpens Grimlock. Elena looks at her team. She smiles for the first time in a while, until her semblance activates. She can see images of them on the ground, nearly dead. She fumbles Destiny's Misfortune. Ronin picks it up for her.
"Are you okay?" Ronin asks. Elena nods. She shakes the idea away. They are going to be fine. Nothing bad will happen to her team. Not if she has anything to say about it.
"It's nothing." She says. Ronin scowls at her, skeptic that it really is nothing.
"You'll tell me when it's important for me to know." Ronin sighs.
"Tell Ronin what?" Melody butts in.
"I said it's nothing." Elena asserts.
"Elena...is it possible you have butter fingers?" Melody falsely deduces.
"No, that's not-" Elena stutters as Melody places her arm around her teammate's shoulder.
"It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm a bit of a master class klutz myself." Melody brags all too confidently.
"Master class is an understatement." Lucas mutters. Melody throws her shoe at him.
"Why do you think I'm banned from Aldin's shop despite being in Haven for only a month?" Melody says with a raised eyebrow.
"I thought it was because Lucas called him an incompetent caveman." Ronin says.
"I didn't call him a caveman…" Lucas corrects.
"Oh right it was incompetent ape." Ronin says. Lucas slouches.
"He had no 3-d printers or a machining station. 'Good ol' anvil and forge is all I need.' That disgusted me. We live in a technology filled world and he sticks with analog smithing." Lucas shudders.
"Oh no, whatever are we to do without technology?" Ronin says deadpan.
"ANYWAY. Elena if you get harassed by these two for your klutziness, call me, your best friend." Melody says. Elena forces a smile. They were teammates, but in Elena's mind, the two of them being best friends was a stretch. For Melody, all the female girls her age were absolute stuck up bitches. This is why she opts to hang out with solely Lucas. Even her sister isn't that nice to her, being an Altesian model.
"Thanks." Elena says with forced gratitude.
"Don't worry about it. I got your back, sister." Melody says with a twinkle in her eye.
"It's getting late. We should get some rest." Ronin says.
"Night." Melody yawns as she snuggles up in her sheets. Elena lays in her bed. Ronin lays on his couch. Lucas is the only one still up as they drift into sleep.
The next morning, in the airship, Team RELM develops a strategy against the Goliaths. Two hundred reported Goliaths. Fifty for each of them. But even that would be an overestimation for Elena, Lucas, and Melody. The three of them are confident that Ronin can surpass that number. Instead, they plan to set up a trap and have Ronin pick off stragglers that diverge from the path. At least that was the plan on paper.
"Why am I the bait?" Ronin sprints through the forest, leading the herd of Goliaths to the rendezvous point. Elena is snickering through the intercom.
"Sorry Ronin, but Elena had to tell us you were a Grimm magnet." Melody says.
"It's not my fault!" Ronin narrowly dodges a Goliath trunk swipe.
"Almost there." Lucas notifies.
"Roger." Ronin leads them to the pitfall before shadow traveling away. The Goliaths trip over each other as they fall into the massive hole. Melody, Lucas, and Elena unleash dusty punishment from above the Grimm. The hole is empty. That takes care of half of them, at least according to Lucas' count. They reload.
"I don't sense any near us." Ronin says.
"They must have separated." Lucas deduces.
"I'll scout the area." Melody deploys her wings and jets into the sky. Elena activates her semblance, no visions appear, which is odd. At least she can see like animals scurrying, but not this time. Lucas plants down his new command tower. A complete tent set up forms around it. A hot chocolate and coffee dispenser brews in the back. Four sleeping bags are on the polymer floor.
"For now, just relax. Reserving your strength is important in case anything goes wrong." Lucas says. Elena sips hot chocolate. It's lactose free. She reads her book.
"Lucas, I don't see anything." Melody reports.
"Nothing on my end either. Where could a herd of Goliaths have gone." Ronin says.
The ground trembles. Lucas deploys the earthquake anchors, but this is no earthquake.
"What the hell is that?" Melody sees one goliath, but it is the size of a small mountain.
"D rank mission, my ass. Why do we keep getting these missions?" Ronin whines.
The Giga Goliath bellows. They nearly pass out from the ringing in their ears.
"I think we know what scared the other half of the Goliaths away." Lucas says.
"This is no time for jokes." Ronin says.
"Regroup." Elena orders.
"Roger that, boss." Melody says. They return to base. Every few seconds, the ground tremors. Lucas' Grimm alarm is going haywire as the Giga approaches, but he has long since muted it.
"Any super cool powers that would help us take out the Grimm?" Lucas asks. Ronin nudges Elena. He mimics lasers coming out of her silver eyes. She punches him in the arm for joking around.
"We have to call for backup." Elena says.
"I did the math and they'll be too late. We'll get squashed by that thing before they get here. We have to deal with this thing here and now." Lucas says.
"LET'S HIT IT TIL IT DIES!" Ronin charges outside the war room, but Melody suspends him by the shirt collar.
"Hold it, Leeroy." Melody says. Lucas pulls out his database. Giga Goliaths are entirely armored. The only viable way is to let it eat you and kill it from the inside? Who the hell wrote these tips? Oh...alternatively, a silver eyed warrior can decimate it and then their team can attack the armorless sections.
"There is good news and bad news. We need a silver eyed warrior to weaken it or one of you is going to have to jump in its mouth and give it a stab buffet." Lucas says.
"I'm a silver eyed warrior." Elena says.
"I vote that Ronin jumps in its mouth because he is chewy...Wait, what did you say?" Lucas asks. The two Atlesians stare at Elena, who removes her hood. Low and behold, she has silver eyes.
"You're a silver eyed warrior?" Melody and Lucas question in unison. She nods.
"You guys didn't know?" Ronin questions.
"No, Elena's always wearing her hood. Even in the shower!" Melody says. She once tried sharing a bath with her and Elena sat in the bath in her cloak. Melody has seen Elena's face as she slept, but not her eyes.
"Go take out that Grimm. Chop chop!" Lucas urges.
"It's not that simple." Elena says.
"Well, figure it out and take out that Grimm. I don't want to die here." Lucas says.
"I don't mind trying out plan b." Ronin says.
"No...You aren't sacrificing yourself. Just give me a minute." Elena says.
"You're lucky we have ten minutes before that thing reaches us." Lucas says. Melody hauls him over her shoulder, carrying him out of the tent. Elena starts hyperventilating.
"I never learned how to use my powers. My mother never taught me." She panics.
"You're in luck. Tabitha told me how her and by default your powers work." Ronin says with a smile. Elena stares at secret he was expelled for..Despite his past and allegiance, why does he help the silver eyed warriors?
"Now what you're gonna do is think of the happiest memory you have ever thought of and then multiply it by six. That is the level of happiness you have to be at to activate your flashlight eyes." Ronin says, flickering Lucas' lightsaber on and off.
Elena thinks back to any semblance of happiness she had in her past, but most of them were corrupted by death or loss. She's distrusted so many people and ran away from her problems that she doesn't have any genuinely happy memories…Flashes of her time with Team RELM fill her mind. Melody conditioning Ronin. Lucas working on his gadgets. Ronin protecting her from Salem's forces...tears stream down her eyes. She couldn't admit it until now, but she holds feelings for Ronin. The question is whether it is a strong enough catalyst to defeat the Giga.
"Lock that memory into your mind. And hold onto it until we face that thing." Ronin says.
He picks her up and shadow travels to the Giga Goliath. The massive Grimm nearly stomps on them.
"Do it!" Ronin shouts over the crumbling of the earth. Elena focuses as hard as she can, but her powers won't activate. Ronin pushes her out of the way as the Goliath nearly stomps on her. With all of his aura, he stops the Goliath with his semblance. His arms are violently trembling. Blood drips down his arms and legs. He steams rapidly.
"Get out of there!" Elena shouts.
"I can't." Ronin strains to say. His aura dissipates. He screams in pain. His shadow evaporates bit by bit as his control wanes. Elena creates ice pillars under the Giga's foot and uses wind to pull in Ronin. She catches him. The shockwave of the Giga's stomp knocks them out.
Elena wakes up in their relocated camp. They are a mountain's distance away from the Giga, but it is stomping towards them. Her body aches all over. She and Ronin are wrapped in bandages. He is radiating steam. Lucas sits at the command station. Melody sips coffee to stay alert. She hands Elena a cup of joe.
"I couldn't activate my powers." Elena says as she takes a sip.
"Reinforcements aren't coming. The Huntsman Guild is shorthanded as it is. Similar events are happening all over Remnant. We're on our own." Lucas says.
"If we abandon this mission, who knows what will happen to the towns and villages around this area? Forget the pay. It's our jobs as huntsmen to take out threats like these. If we can't take this thing out, I don't think anyone else can." Melody says.
"I may have silver eyes, but I don't know how to use my powers." Elena says.
"Isn't it just like having a second semblance?" Melody asks.
"According to the records, silver eyed warriors can decimate Grimm just by looking at them. A pure light that can eradicate the darkness. Its power is an unrivaled weapon against the Grimm. However, that's all we know about it. No information on how they use this power or how the knowledge of using it passed on." Lucas says.
"Ronin said it was an emotion of pure happiness…" Elena says.
"Why does Ronin know how you can unlock your powers?" Melody asks. Elena remains quiet. She's said too much. Ronin wakes up.
"What memory did you pick?" Ronin asks Elena. He gets in her face.
"Well...I…" She stammers. She can't very well say she thought of him. Ronin sighs.
"You used a person as your memory didn't you?" Ronin asks. She nods.
"People are fallible. Faulty by design. Pick memories that won't hurt you down the line. Otherwise, you might lose your ability to-" He stops himself.
"Understood." Elena says.
"How do you know about silver eyes?" Lucas asks.
"My family hunted them for sport." Ronin says casually. Melody spitakes.
"What?" Lucas and Melody question.
"Key phrasing: my family. I have no intention of slaying silver eyed warriors." He says.
After all the time they spent together, if Ronin had any semblance of hostile motive towards Elena, he had a million opportunities to carry them out, making it much easier to digest the idea he was from a silver eyed warrior hunter line, but has since defected.
Melody recalls the time Ronin performed the heimlich maneuver on Elena because she ate one too many carrot sticks. Come to think of it, they do spend a lot 'alone time' together. He's never left Elena alone. Melody puts two and two together.
"But you intend to lay silver eyed warriors." Melody mutters, pointing to Elena. Lucas jabs her in the side.
"Melody don't be weird." He scolds.
"I'm all out of ideas for taking down the Grimm." Ronin says.
"What about plan B?" Lucas asks.
"The inside of the Goliath's mouth is lined with millions of teeth. If that monster so much as closes its mouth while I'm inside, I'm skewered." Ronin says.
"Pull up information on the Giga." Elena orders. Lucas does so. It's stats are deadly. No known weakness, Huntsmen approved alloys can't penetrate the shell.
"Don't bother. Grimlock can't pierce a hide that thick." Ronin says.
"And Virtuoso's Duet won't handle too many strikes either." Melody says.
"I guess it is up to me, the hero of this mission." Lucas brags. They just stare at him.
"We're doomed." They say in unison. Lucas slouches.
"Just watch." He forms a light crystal and loads it into his turret. The crystal explodes on the Grimm as it bellows in pain.
"Light is effective on Grimm." Lucas says. The Giga heals off the damage. Melody gives applause for the brief light show.
"That isn't going to kill it." Ronin says. Lucas removes a lead cased cartridge from his belt. He presses the button on it, revealing a condense light crystal.
"This will cause it to bleed if it doesn't ill it." Lucas says. Ronin hides behind Elena, snarling at the glowing gem. Black dust radiates from his exposed parts.
"I've been storing up a crystal every ten minutes since yesterday. We need to use this at the right moment to kill that thing. I hadn't mentioned this yet because it simply wasn't ready a few hours ago, but now it is." Lucas says. Putting away the crystal.
"What's the plan?" Melody asks.
"First, we need it to stop moving. I can't fire a stable shot if the earth is trembling every few seconds. I might miss my shot. So Ronin needs to immobilize it. Elena, stay with him and carry him when his aura runs out." Lucas explains.
Elena is waiting behind the Goliath, ready for pickup. Ronin stands before the Goliath, Grimlock in hand. Lucas' upgrades allowed for Ronin to channel his semblance into Grimlock, giving him a new ability Lucas calls "Shadow Slice". Ronin's eyes gleam red as he envelops Grimlock in his aura. He strikes the leg, expecting to recoil from the armor, but his shadows cleave straight through the leg. It's a mixed sensation of tearing through a durable substance and slicing through butter. He can feel the drag, but it's not enough to stop him from slicing. Black goo gushes from the Grimm. Leaping from limb to limb, he cleaves the Grimm's legs, causing it to stumble. Ronin's aura dissipates. Elena catches him with a tornado, running like hell to safety. She has no intention of being squashed by a Giga. It bellows in pain as the mountain of a Grimm falls. A tidal wave of dirt and earth ripples through the land.
"While it's stumbling, Melody will unleash her Sonic Scream 2.0 to create an opening in its armor. The records indicate the Goliath's armor wraps over its skin, so that means there should be enough space for vibrations to occur." Lucas says. She dodges the Goliath's trunk swipes. A metal hummingbird beak forms around her mouth. Melody unleashes her hyper sonic cannon, reverberating against the internals of the armor. Her aura dissipates. Moments later, a chunk of armor explodes off the Goliath's head. A barrier protects Melody from the recoil as she returns to camp. The Goliath bellows in pain, thrashing on the ground. It begins to regenerate new hooves and its armor.
"When it's armor is shattered, I'll fire my crystal inside before it heals. Hopefully, it's enough." Lucas explains. He arms his sniper rifle, loading his thirty six hour crystal. He takes the shot, lodging the crystal inside it's bare skull just as it heals over it.
"Three...two… one…" The Goliath tries standing up, but stumbles. No signs of internal damage, but it certainly isn't dusting. Light radiates from internal cracks in its armor until the armor shatters. Millions of explosions of light erupt from its body. Lucas activates the barrier around the camp just as a massive chump of armor bounces off the shield. The Goliath trumpets its final moment in this world. A massive explosion decimates it's skull, eradicating the rest of its massive body in a storm cloud of dust. A wave of its remains buffeted through the forest like a black sandstorm.
"We did it…" Lucas mutters. His teammates are all on the ground of the camp, exhausted. Ronin is snoring. Elena hasn't run that hard since her grade school. Melody reaches for a cup of joe, but cannot obtain her energy juice. They are otherwise too preoccupied to celebrate their victory.
"Let's never do that again." Elena pants.
"I don't like almost dying." Melody agrees.
"Rest up." Lucas says. They knock out while Lucas keeps watch.
Reports of several teams coming together to take out the Goliaths spread like wildfire. A-rank teams worked together to lead the Goliaths to areas without any civilians and made it rain dust. It took several days, but in the end, all of them are taken down. Team RELM was the only team to solo the Goliaths, but the four of them as a team chose not to report it. It wouldn't sit well with the guild that a D rank team claimed to have defeated a Grimm of that size, while it took several A rank teams to take down one. Ronin and Elena have their own undisclosed reasons for not wanting to claim the glory of taking down the Goliath. RELM returns home without so much as a fanfare, while every huntsmen that participated in the Goliath missions were given parades for staking their lives on the line. Many had lost limbs and sustained permanent injuries. They were honorably discharged from the Guild. Ronin and company only care about getting paid.
Elena is in the hotel packing up her stuff. Their team contract ended and she's returning home to visit her parent's grave and possibly visit her grandmother. Lucas and Melody are returning to Atlas. They've had enough of adventure and want to enter the cushy lifestyle of aristocracy. Lucas had obtained his semblance and became a strong huntsman, at least in Melody's report. It's more glowing than Lucas remembers, but he doesn't intend to have her dull down his 'achievements'. Lucas and Melody are already packed. Their airship leaves this afternoon.
"Now, if you ever need anything, I'm just a scroll call away." Melody hugs Elena.
"I'll keep you updated." Elena says. She is going to miss her teammate.
"We wouldn't be here without you, Lucas." Elena says. Lucas turns red from the praise.
"That deserves a goodbye hug." Lucas says as he joins them.
"Ronin, come on get in on this team energy." Melody says.
"I'm meeting with Tabitha in a bit." Ronin says, grabbing his stuff. He's colder than normal. Elena places her hand on his shoulder.
"It's going to be alright." Elena says.
"I've paid for my part of the hotel room, so you guys don't have to wait up on me." Ronin says. Lucas and Melody block the door.
"Not saying goodbye to your friends is a crime punishable by hugs." Melody squeezes him in her arms. Lucas his arms around both of them. Elena jumps on Ronin's back.
"Okay, guys. I'll be here in Haven if you ever want to hang out. But I really have to meet up with Tabitha." Ronin says. They let him go.
"Stay safe, Alister Ronin." They say in unison. He leaves.
Ronin is going to miss them, but this chapter of his life is over now. He must now move onto the next phase in his plan. He walks down the streets of Haven. The same old buildings and sketchy folks. He wasn't broke anymore and he's solidified his skills as a huntsman. He sighs to himself.
"I miss you, Mother…" Ronin mutters.
"Alister!" Tabitha tackles him.
"The reports had me worried. You didn't answer my calls!" She sniffles. Sylas and Undine follow her. They seem glad to see him alive.
"Since you didn't run out on Tabitha, I take it you are intending to tell us why you left our team and formed team RELM." Sylas says. Ronin nods.
"But not here." Ronin says.
"Let's head back home." Tabitha says. The four of them return to team RUST's base.
The base hasn't changed much, but Undine and Sylas had fused their sides of the base together. A mix of frog green and ocean blue adorns their walls, drapes, and carpet. In the common room, a single bald man sits on what used to be Ronin's couch. He watches cartoons. Ronin recognizes the man as his comrade. He draws Grimlock.
"Azrael." Ronin glares at the man. Several scars cleave through his face. His back is against the wall. Tabitha tries to pull Ronin away, but he won't budge.
"Alister, stop. That's our fourth member." Tabitha says.
"Better listen to her, Al." Azrael says. Ronin scowls at him.
"If you want me to tell you who this piece of shit is, I'd be glad to." Ronin says. Sylas and Undine block Ronin's path.
"We won't let you do that. He's a trusted friend." They say. Azrael grimaces.
Ronin won't win any confrontation here. Azrael isn't touchable in this base. But that makes Ronin all the more aggravated. Why is a servant of Salem with his old team?
He sheathes Grimlock and storms out.
"Where are you going?" Tabitha asks, grabbing his hand.
"If you want me to talk, get that piece of garbage out of my sight." Ronin says. He slams the door behind him. They remain quiet.
"Your old teammate is...interesting." Azrael fakes a genuine smile. Sylas and Undine are still shaken by Ronin's violent outburst. Maybe he's changed since they last knew him. Tabitha chases after him.
"What's wrong with you? Why do you hate Azrael? You never even met him." She scolds. She grabs him by the shoulder, but he brushes her off.
"I knew him before the academy." Ronin says.
"That doesn't make any sense. You told me you were from the eastern isles. Azrael is from northern Mistral." Tabitha argues. Tell her, Alister. He hesitates. He knows they're being watched. One more word out of him and she'll be compromised. Why does he continue to hide from them? Images of his mother dying in his arms flash through his mind. Never again. Especially not Tabitha.
"Go back to Sylas. You'll be safe with them." Ronin says.
"You're going to break your promise with me?" Tabitha says. He walks.
"If you walk away, I'm never going to talk to you again." Tabitha threatens. They both shed tears. Ronin refuses to face her. The thought of abandoning Ronin when he's been alone all this time hurts her, but she will never trust him again if he breaks his promise to her. Ronin wants nothing more than to protect Tabitha. Even if it means sacrificing his relationship with her. He continues to walk.
"Alister! You liar!" Tabitha screams before breaking into tears. Alister silently sobs as he walks away. He can feel his comrades' presences fade.
"Goodbye, Tabitha Azalea." Ronin says. Undine and Sylas bring her back to the base. Ronin returns to the hotel room. He has one more night before he has to check out. He lays in a bed, expecting no one else to be in the room, but he lands on Elena.
"Ow. Watch it." She pushes him off. He doesn't even react as he lands on the ground. He's too busy moping about his relationship bridge burning with Tabitha.
"Oh...you're still here…" He says with a far too depressing tone.
"That bad huh?" Elena inquires. He blubbers into the carpet.
"They infiltrated my team and they were watching us the entire time." Ronin sniffles.
"Are they going to be safe?" Elena asks.
"What's not safe about being in the vicinity of Salem's forces?" Ronin retorts.
"Well, I was on a team with you." Elena says. Ronin throws a pillow at her.
"You know what I meant." Ronin says.
"Why don't you tell them about their fourth member?" Elena says.
"They want something from Tabitha...I just don't know what. They won't be able to extract the information about silver eyes from her that easily and I doubt Salem is offering her a job." Ronin says.
"Well, I have to leave in the morning and you know how I get when I'm sleep deprived."
Elena snuggles in her bed.
"I'm going with you." Ronin says.
"What? No. I can't bring a man to my home." Elena says.
"They already have Tabitha under close surveillance and know about you. I'm not letting you travel by yourself so long as my old work buddies breathe. Just so you know, they're stronger than me." Ronin says. Elena can't imagine someone being stronger than Ronin, let alone that threat level wanting to kill her. She doesn't loathe the idea, but having Ronin around can ensure she arrives at her home.
"Congratulations, you have been upgraded from my team leader to my bodyguard. I trust you will guard my body adequately." Elena says. Ronin climbs into bed with her.
She pushes him out, he won't budge.
"What are you doing? There's another bed right there." Elena scolds.
"That one smells like Lucas' funky foot stank." Ronin whines. No arguments there. She sighs in defeat. It would be cruel to have him sleep on his couch. And she supposes it would be the best way for him to protect her body...is what a skank would say. Remember Elena, don't share a bed with a man unless you're married. Her mother's words ring in her mind.
"You have a perfectly nice couch to sleep on." Elena kicks him out of the bed. Ronin grumbles as he lays on his couch.
"I hate the smell of coconut and this stupid couch. I'm writing a formal complaint in the morning." Ronin mumbles. Elena and Ronin get a good night's sleep.
The next morning, Ronin helps Elena with her luggage. Why she has more luggage than him will always be a mystery to him. He only has two sets of clothes and his huntsmen gear. Everything else, he mooched off complimentary utensils. They check out and head to the airship field. A butler-pilot waits with a sign 'Elena Vizier'. The ship is top of the line aircruiser. The fastest yet air turbulent resistant ship on the market. This thing is at least a million credits. And it has a custom Vizier airlines logo. Ronin stares at Elena. She shrugs.
"Miss Vizier!" The butler chases after her. She tries to avoid him, but he blocks her path.
"Your grandmother sends her regards. Your journey must have been harrowing. If she had known the struggle you had gone through, she would have acted sooner. I am Mrs. Vizier's butler, Jedidiah Wolfrich." Jed is wearing a suit over his faunus features, but he is definitely a middle aged grey wolf faunus.
"Nana has been looking for me?" Elena asks. Jed nods. Ronin scowls at him because he's not very good at reading faunus. They have so many feral emotions that his shadow sense is thrown off when he tries to see if they are lying or not. He doesn't seem like a bad guy though.
"If you will it, I shall take you directly to your grandmother." Jed says.
"You didn't tell me your grandma was rich." Ronin whispers. She jabs his gut.
"My mother blew off her inheritance. So what makes you think any of it will be mine?" Elena asks. Ronin rubs his sore stomach.
"Where will you be taking us?" Elena asks. Her eyes gleam blue. Jed is telling the truth in regards to taking her to her grandmother, but she cannot see past that.
"Western Vale of course." Jed correctly reports Nana Eleanor Vizier's address.
"Jedidiah, this is my valet, Alister. Show him the ropes." Elena says. Ronin glares at her.
"First things first, never show anger towards your master. It's unbecoming of a valet. I know we are human, but you must bury that anger and resentment deep down to a point where you cannot feel it." Jed says. Ronin forces a smile. Elena buckles herself into her seat while Ronin loads her many Cuddle Bear limited edition plushies. He's been breaking his back on these things? Elena had stored them in military grade carrying cases, which weigh far too much than it should, considering it is protecting stuffed bears. Jed enters the pilot's cabin as Ronin buckles himself in.
"Now, listen Ronin. Normally, you are not allowed to stay with her Mistress, but seeing as you are strong, you can evacuate Miss Elena in case of emergency. The reports of Grimm have increased, so I am making this exception to ensure the safety of Miss Elena." Jed speaks through the intercom. Ronin imitates him with a mocking tone. They set off towards Vale.
Lucas and Melody fly around Atlas. Their family pilot, Francis Runalia, takes them on the scenic route.
"They upgraded the amusement park." Melody's eyes glimmer with joy.
"We'll go once I see my father." Lucas says.
"Franky, how's my sister?" Melody asks.
"Fine. She's been on a lot of tours lately, so I haven't seen her." Francis says. Melody senses that she stepped on a touchy subject. They got along swimming just before she left for Haven.
"We have so much to talk about. Haven was great." Melody says.
"I'll be doing cargo runs for Mr. Lucius. I don't have much free time." Francis says.
"I see…" Melody says.
"When I become the CEO of the company, I'll give you a raise and better hours. Father didn't always treat his employees very well." Lucas says.
"I'll hold you to that, Lucas." Francis says. They land on the Lumina estate. Various industrial models are displayed on the air lane. Lucas remembers his father's many models of airships. Lumina Airlines is an airline company, but competitors have encroached on their once untouched empire. Lucius has been stressing over how to innovate the company and even sent Lucas on a 'inspiration journey' to figure out a different angle on their current profit roadblock. This was a side mission for proving Lucas' worth as heir. A Luminan heir can only inherit the claim to the company if they are both an established huntsman and a gifted inventor. Lucas believes he fulfills these requirements and has returned home. His mother, Freya, is waiting at the house entrance. She runs to hug her son.
"Lucas! I'm glad you came back safe. I was scared when you didn't answer my calls. The Giga Goliaths almost reached Mantle, but thanks to the Ironwood's Ace Ops, we didn't suffer any casualties. Jacques did lose his temper at the council meeting. 'James, I won't allow you to sacrifice my dust mines just so you can protect the people'." Freya snickers. She always made it a point to mock Jacque Schnee for his greed. It's astounding he persuaded Willow to marry her.
"Well, we were lucky to avoid facing such a threat." Lucas says with a scripted tone.
"I kept him safe during our trip, m'lady." Melody salutes. Freya glances over the two of them. Lucas has grown taller and has a fire in his eyes. One that no one but Melody could unlock. Yes, her machinations have come to fruition. Melody will make a fine daughter in law.
"I've come to see father as well." Lucas says.
"He's talking shop with a customer. He's been in the office for two hours." Freya says.
"I'll go see him. Maybe he needs a new perspective." Lucas quips.
"I want you to tell me everything, Melody." Freya drags the girl to her lair.
At the office, Lucas can overhear the conversation.
"I have no intention of helping you. Good day to you." Lucius opens the door. Lucas hides behind it. The man in the office laughs.
"You're throwing away a secure and profitable opportunity, Lucius. I would reconsider, if I were you. Think about your boy. He'll be inheriting an obsolete company with archaic practices-" The man says.
"Mention my son one more time and I will gut you." Lucius' eyes crackle with electricity.
"I know of Lucius, the Stormbringer. I know when my offer isn't appreciated. I'll take my leave then. Don't be a sore loser when my company buries yours." The man walks out. Jacque Schnee walks out of the room. Lucius sits at his desk, combing through his albino hair with his hands. Lucas knocks on the door, before walking in.
"I have returned, Father." Lucas says.
"Good. I trust you enjoyed your travels?" Lucius forces a smile.
"What were you and Mr. Schnee talking about?" Lucas inquires. Lucius sighs.
"He wanted to create a merger between our companies. Of course it would only be in name, but we would be working for him in exchange for remaining as the best airship company in Atlas. I said no to his offer. I refuse to work for that man." Lucius says.
"I would refuse his offer also." Lucas says.
"I have to tell you…" Lucius says.
"Our backers have abandoned us. And we are on a knife's edge. One misstep and our company has to declare bankruptcy. I keep up with the stock reports." Lucas says.
"Did you get any ideas while in Haven?" Lucius asks. Lucas hands him his log book. A detailed report of many ideas he came up with during his time in Haven. Most of these blueprints aren't on the market and more cutting edge when compared to Ironwood's personal army.
"I'll have my analysts look into it. I'll let you know when they have a prototype ready. In the meantime, just take the time to rest for now. Your mother and I worry about you, you know. She was beside herself, when the Goliaths showed up on the news. She ate an entire tub of choco fudge ice cream." Lucius says.
"But mother hates that ice cream…" Lucas mutters.
"I have to return to my work. I'll be down for dinner to hear your riveting tales as a huntsman." Lucius shoos him away. Something appears to be caught in his eye, for Lucius is fighting back tears. Lucas leaves.
He heads to Melody's room. Inside, Freya is 'torturing' a bound Melody by ripping Cuddle Bear stickers if she answers incorrectly.
"Have you thought about my proposal, Melody?" Freya creases a limited edition Cuddle Bear sticker set. Melody squeals in horror. When Lucas comes of age, Melody was to be betrothed to Lucas and they would produce many children that Freya would be able to snuggle with. Melody has no intention of becoming a baby machine. At most she wanted two kids, but fourteen children is an insane number. It would be too weird to marry Lucas...but she doesn't have too many issues with him. If her circumstances were different, she wouldn't say no outright. Lucas intervenes, freeing Melody and distancing his mother from her.
"Mother, we talked about this. No more torturing Melody." Lucas says.
"I thought you would be gone longer. I almost broke through to her." Freya says with a crazed look in her eye. Lucas sighs.
"Mother, I love you, but this is too much. You can't make Melody marry me if she doesn't want to. And I will refuse any coerced arrangements. She has to be free to marry who she wants to." Lucas says.
"I groomed Melody to be the perfect bride for you. There is no escaping her destiny." Freya scurries away like a rat. Lucas picks up the torn Cuddle Bear stickers sets.
"I have to buy you new ones. She always does this." Lucas says.
"Thank you, Lucas." Melody hugs him.
"You don't have to work for my mother anymore. The way she treats you is unforgivable." Lucas says.
"The only reason why I'm still here is because a lonely kid once asked me to be his friend. And do you know who that kid was?" Melody asks.
"Me." Lucas mutters.
"I'll have your back, Lucas." Melody says.
"And I'll have yours." Lucas says. Their faces are inches apart. Her lips are pink. She smells of divine coconut. He inches his face closer to hers. Instead of pushing him away, she closes her eyes and accepts him. They kiss. A flash records the moment.
Freya was aiming her scroll through the door.
"Got it. Phase one complete." She cackles as she scurries away so Lucas can't delete it from her scroll. Lucas sighs. Melody giggles.
"Your mother only looks out for you." Melody says.
"She's too intense about it. I like your approach better." Lucas kisses her again.
Melody laughs as Lucas nuzzles her neck.
In a castle beyond the four kingdoms, four hooded figures stand in a circle.
"It would seem Ronin has abandoned the Azalea girl as we planned, but what of the Vizier. We have no leverage to collect her without a fight." One says.
"Dylas, you worry too much. Our lady will handle Ronin. We just need to be patient. Follow her will and all will become ours." Etriel says.
"I just want to slash up that Azalea girl so much. No one takes my Azzy away from me." Talia says. Azrael removes his hood.
"It's only to gain her trust. I will deliver what Ronin could not. I will learn the source of the silver eyed warrior's strength. It will be all the more easier to crush them when we do come for them." Azrael says.
"What of our other comrades?" Dylas asks.
"They have their own missions. Dismantling Atlas, Haven, Beacon and Shade is no easy feat. But this mission of ours is for the long game. Our lady is ever so thorough." Etriel says.
"The Luminan boy and his 'protector' may serve a thorn in our side when the time for seizing Atlas comes, so we should take initiative before the plan proceeds to that point." Azrael says.
"I will tail the boy." Dylas says.
"Talia, keep an eye on Ronin and the Vizier girl. I will extract intel on the silver eyed warriors." Azrael orders. Talia grumbles. She knows she's being sent away from Azrael because he wishes to not be disturbed whilst wooing Tabitha Azalea.
"What shall I do, Azrael?" Etriel asks.
"Give her lady daily back massages and foot rubs while we are away." Azrael bullshits.
"I will pleasure her lady even if it kills me." Etriel says. Talia snickers.
"Not in that way...but if she were to invite me…" Etriel fantasizes about the notion. Team DEAT head out for their missions.