(Hey everyone, sorry for taking so long with this chapter. Things have been slow since my graduation from college and other things. But right now I was able to get the first half the fourteen days it took for those with Blake and Predaking to train the members of their new army. How it goes depends on the cooperation between them and any new recruits that happened after the previous two-part chapter.
Unlike the other chapters these are going to be points of progression as a filler.
Reminder: This is a story that works in correlation with Ryujudge6614's "Transformers RWBY: The Flames of Redemption", which focuses on Yang and Ruby while my story focusing on Weiss and Blake after the Fall of Beacon. Even though Weiss' story is now being taken over by Ryujudge.
I strongly suggest that you all who have not read his story do so, it's what inspired me to go to him and work with him by writing this very story with his.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Transformers Prime and RWBY they are the property of their respective owners.
Now please Read, Review, and Enjoy.) -No really, please do enjoy this chapter as much as possible.)
(Day 1)
"Please… wait…"
Everyone turned to see a lone White Fang soldier take a step forward, making the guards tense up. He made no indications that he was making sure that he got people's attentions, before he requested, "Please… Let me come with you too."
"What?!" Saber asked, angry at the request.
Looking to the guards, the soldier said, "I know what you all think of me, but… I… I want to help!"
"After what you've done? You and the others with you killed who knows how many people tonight." One of the other guards growled, angrily.
The White Fang soldier reached up and took his mask off, revealing his face as he said, looking at it, "I joined the White Fang for our people. Trying give our people what we deserve from the humans who persecuted us…"
He looked up and said, "But I… I didn't sign up to fight and kill the people we were supposed to be fighting for. That's why I didn't try to fight so hard tonight…"
"You traitor!" Yuma snapped trying to tackle the member to the ground and kill him, but the guards holding him back, kept the attacker at bay. Yuma then yelled, "Adam has done more for us than any of them did! You should be taking pride in the cleansing the Faunus of these traitors and that fake!"
Predaking's eyes began to glow yellow as he heard the bat Faunus' words and approached claws bared, "I will not be judged by someone who wishes to help see the world burn for the sake of a tyrant's unhinged ideals!"
He then grabbed Yuma by his face and began to squeeze his hand around the criminal's head.
"As future king of the Predacons, I sentence you to suffer immensely for the lives you took!" Predaking declared, the memories of Cybertron going through the Great Cataclysm and see many of the original Predacons burning and screaming because of Prima's refusal to help them as he did his own people.
Yuma let out a muffled scream, though his mouth was covered by the dragon's palm covering his mouth. Predaking, in his fury, kept on squeezing. Instead of seeing the murderous Faunus before him, Predaking saw Prima in his place. He would've kept on squeezing until nothing remained, however, stopped when he felt a calm hand on his and looked to see Blake, her eyes begging him to stop. Predaking froze at those eyes. It was those same eyes that made him spare Ilia back inside the burning house. Breathing heavily to get out of his rage, Predaking dropped Yuma and said, leaning in for only the bat Faunus to hear him, "However, I am nothing like you, or your war obsessed leader. I will do what is right with my own claws."
Predaking straightened himself and approached the White Fang member who spoke about joining Blake's cause. Looking at the man in the eyes he asked, "Are you certain you wish to join our ranks?"
"Yes." The Faunus said, looking back at the piercing yellow eyes.
"Even if you are to fight and possibly slay those you might know?" Predaking asked, wanting to see this Faunus' true character
"… I'll fight, but I'll avoid killing as much as possible." The Faunus said, looking back at the larger and scarier Faunus before him. The honestly to protect of this Faunus reminded Predaking of a young bot back on Cybertron.
The silence between them was tense, Blake was not sure what Predaking was doing. Usually those who wear the masks were as bad as Adam. Yuma, Trifa, and the Albains proved that tonight. But… if Predaking's right, then maybe there're more Faunus under Adam's lead who are like Ilia and need to find someone who can help them come back to the light.
Kali leaned in closer to her daughter and asked in a whisper, "What's Predaking doing, Blake?"
"I think… He's trying to get us more help." Blake said, though she wasn't completely sure.
Kali wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but that display from Yuma made her think it could work, especially with how he seemed to be a true believer of Adam's philosophy, as he wanted to kill the guard that was with her back in the dining room.
The two remained silent before Predaking gave a smile, "Welcome to our cause, brother."
He lightly (By his standards) patted the Faunus on his shoulder, accidently making the Faunus trip and fall abit. Confused by this, Predaking went and helped the young man up. He looked over to the others seized by the guard and asked, "And what say you?"
Those surviving White Fang remained silent, some angry for the "fake" talking to them and corrupted one of their own. Predaking pointe with his claw to the bodies of those who died, the ones he was able to pull out of the fire before it was too late and said, "Look there. Do you see what you have done tonight? What has occurred, it will only lead to your own extinction. This isn't in the benefit of the faunus, it is only for the benefit of one unhinged man who wishes the world to burn in corrupted fires of evil. This world may not be perfect, but we can strive to make it perfect where the strong can truly protect the weak, where the guilty will only gain their comeuppance.-"
Ghira watched, amazed by the speech was giving Adam's followers as the dragon continued, "I have watched, witnessed, suffered, and read of another who use these tactics to get what he wanted and in his hunger for power, he destroyed what he wanted to control. My original homeland, the one where the remains of my ancestor was found and I birthed from his life-blood."
"Is this truly what you wanted to do when you chose to fight for your people?" Predaking asked, making those who were not angry look away ashamed.
He looked to them, "Join us and you can truly be there for your people as you wanted."
The captured members looked amongst each other before another of them stood up, removing the grimm masks, "I want to join as well."
Soon others joined.
"Me too!"
"Yeah!"
"I want to help!"
"Count me in!"
Once those who agreed to help their former foes took off their masks and removed the hoods. However, those who remained loyal to Adam looked away at the sight of the desertion.
Seeing as no one else was willing to join them, Saber ordered his subordinates, "Take 'em away!"
The guards took those who kept their loyalties to Adam away while those who renounced Adam Taurus' ideals, were being kept watch by some of the guards who remained with them. Predaking looked over those who are willing to serve alongside, but given what has happened, he must take them under his responsibility and said, "From this day forth you all serve under me. A separate unit from the main force. And any who wish to object, I will be pleased to negotiate."
He then flexed his claws, making those who would protest, remain silent. Ghira was confused as to why Predaking would do this before the answer came to him.
'He wants to ensure that in-fighting between the former White Fang soldiers and those of the main force of the Faunus doesn't happen.' Ghira thought, amazed by Predaking's quick understanding of the need to protect those who were once people who caused this and the deaths of others this night.
Predaking looked to those who he placed under his command to protect them from persecution. He turned his head towards Blake, who nodded smiling at Predaking's choices to take in those who really joined for the mission the White Fang originally stood for and who hasn't been completely brainwashed by Adam's philosophy.
His train of thought was interrupted as everyone was pointing to the sky screaming about something heading their way. When Predaking turned his head towards the sky he saw a fireball was heading their way. However, he did not sense any danger from the ball of fire as he stood his ground, it falling directly for him.
Predaking stood unafraid as the fireball came close before it stopped to reveal it was the fiery construct he made with his semblance. Predaking was still stunned by how he was able to make it in the shape of his true form. It flapped its mighty large wings before landing on the ground.
The dragon's yellow eyes looked back at the yellow eyes of its creator. Blake seeing the same yellow eyes in the dragon that helped her match the same eyes as the young man who has always been there for her since they met.
The two continued to look to each other before Predaking opened his mouth, there the Dragon let out a roar before becoming a torrent of fire, shot up into the air and then into Predaking's mouth. Everyone was too shocked to move as they witness what was happening.
Once it was over, Predaking let out a rather loud burp and said, placing his hand over his mouth, "Please forgive my rudeness."
Sun and Ilia's mouths went slack jawed. Blake was too but more amazed that his semblance made that strange looking dragon. She had assumed that his semblance had only allowed him to breathe fire, nothing like this.
Ghira stared in shock at this, before remembering what her daughter told them about the captain who owed the three younger warriors. As he said, "Make the call to the captain you know Blake. We'll need to prepare as much as possible before he arrives."
"Okay dad." Blake said, going to make the call.
Sun looked over and asked Predaking, "Is this really a good idea? Who knows how many of those guys are just pretending to try and stab you in the back."
"It is the only course of action in order to unite the Faunus people at last." Predaking stated before promising, "If any betrayer attempt a folly then I will cut them down."
Sun was still uncertain about Predaking, especially those eyes. Those eyes filled with hate scared him.
In the next morning Predaking awoke early. As the thoughts of the battle the previous night were fresh in his mind, as were the memories of his original self. He looked around and saw he was in a substitution of a place to sleep within the White Fang monastery. Which had been given to them by the former white fang members as a way to make amends for their fighting resulted in the burning the Belladonna household. Of course the fire didn't burn down every inch, but it was enough to make the Belladonnas feel insecure about sleeping there after how some lives were lost as well as the acts of violence that occurred there.
Remembering that Blake and her parents had done so much for him, he began walking back into the wreck house to retrieve something for the feline Faunus. Something to retrieve for her…
Blake yawned as she woke up in the room that she and family were borrowing in the former White Fang monastery. She didn't remember the last time she slept in a White Fang Facility, so she woke up, surprised by her surroundings before remembering what happened the night before.
Blake sighed, remembering how part of her home burned down or was damaged by the fighting with the White Fang. Getting herself ready for the day and dressed, Blake walked to where the members of the White Fang would eat and joined her family as well as members of the new militia of Faunus who are willing to go with them to Mistral to save Haven Academy.
After calling, Blake found that the captain of the ship won't be able to come and take them to Mistral till the week's end. Half of their remaining days before Adam and the White Fang attack Haven Academy.
As she ate, she was beginning to grow nervous about facing Adam again. Given what happened last time they met at the Fall of Beacon, she was still not able to let go of the fear that grew. So many people dead, her best friend and partner dis-armed before her eyes. The fear that he instilled in her was slowly fading, but it seemed to regrow at the thought of what happened that night.
"Morn'n Blake."
She turned and saw Sun walking over to her with a tray of food in her hands. She smiled a bit, "Morning."
Sun sat down and said, "I still can't believe we got so many people here wanting to help us. It's like a dream come true."
"All it takes was someone willing to say what no one will admit." Blake told him, noticing something bothering her ex-date, "What's wrong?"
Sun was silent before he said, "I don't want you think I'm making this up, but I'm worried about the big guy."
"Why?" Blake asked, confused.
Sun leaned and said, "last night, you saw how he was about to crush the bat guy's head, right?"
"But he stopped." Blake reminded before going back to her breakfast.
"Only because you stopped him." Sun countered pointing his fork at her.
Blake blinked at that as she asked, "Meaning?"
"I think that he's not completely honest with his feelings about certain things." Sun said before leaning in and asked, "You sure you know you can completely trust him? I mean you heard what your dad said when the two of them fought the White Fang and those undead Insect-whatevers."
"He told dad that there was nothing we could've done to save them…" Blake reminded him, knowing the Ghoul couldn't be saved.
Sun sipped on his mug. Before setting it down, "Yeah, he did… but has he even tried?"
"Come on Sun, what's this really about?" Blake asked, getting tired of the pretense he was using.
Sun looked over his shoulders and stated, "That psycho spider-lady, if she was in that army that created Predaking, before coming to this part of Remnant, then that could mean that Megatron guy could be too…"
Blake remained silent from that, unfortunately seeing the wisdom in Sun's words. Her thoughts were interrupted when Blake noticed her mother looking around concerned. Getting up, Blake went to her mother and asked, "Hey mom, what's wrong?"
"Oh, morning Blake. Have you seen Predaking? Ghira asked me to find him." Kali asked, making both teenagers to look at each other before shaking their heads to her.
"Sorry, we haven't seen him since last night." Blake said, remembering how Predaking wanted to burn the building down instead of use it for their staging and training.
Kali looked troubled by this and said, "Ghira was looking for him, wanting to talk about Mythos' how it would seem as though until we can discuss the exact logistics since the majority of resources seem to need to go to the people who want to fight with us."
The two looked each other again, not sure how Predaking would react to this.
Soon the doors of the main eating hall opened and Predaking walked in as people saw his arms seemed to be covered in ashes or soot. Predaking approached the three and cleared his throat backing the three of them turn to see the tall young man there.
Sun let out a sigh of relief as he said, "You gave me a heart attack dude. Please don't do that again."
"I will endeavor not to, Wukong, but I must speak with Blake alone." Predaking said, not breaking eye contact with her.
Kali felt that it wouldn't be about something bad and gently pulled Sun away as Blake asked, "So what's up?"
"I thought about everything that has happened to you and your family before my arrival and I was able to get this from your home while it's under repairs."
He reached into his robe's sleeves and pulled out the picture frame of her as a child with her parents, smiling into the camera.
Blake stared at the picture in Predaking's scaley claws, where he carefully held it. She took it as she looked up at Predaking and said, with a warm smile, "Thank you."
Predaking looked to her and said, looking away as his face began to feel warm, "I only did this to repay the kindness and trust you and others have done since our first meeting."
However, Blake wasn't convince that was truly his reason for retrieving one of her happier memories.
Once everyone was ready, Ghira stood before the recruits and spoke, "I'd like to thank you all for having the courage to join us in our fight. As you all know Haven Academy will come under attack by Adam Taurus and the White Fang to try and destabilize the world even more in his ill attempt on insuring Faunus supremacy. Which is against everything I have done and envisioned for a world where Faunus and Humans can live in co-existence."
Predaking remembered the words of the Prime's scout during the demon's attempts to destroy Cybertron. How Predacons and the Bipedal Cybertronians can live in peace.
His eyes widen as he saw images in his mind. He saw his two fellow Predacons Skylynx and Darksteel with him as they came for revenge on the seeker by his wounding of their prides as Predacons. Then he remembered them chasing the coward through the halls of Dark Mount on Cybertron then… a flash of bright red light and he woke up alone on Remnant.
He gasped as he got out of his flash back and asked, 'What was that vision?'
Predaking's gasp had not gone unnoticed as both Blake and Sun noticed as well.
The Predacon began to think, accidently drowning out Ghira's speech as he tried to understand those images that appeared in his mind, 'I recollect going to Starscream with my fellow Predacons to seek vengeance however… that flash of light… What could have that been? Was it the Prime's magic or was it something viler?'
He held his head with his hand as he tried to remember. He then felt a hand touching his shoulder as he turned and saw Blake looking at him, her face showing concern.
Predaking shook his head, indicating now was not a good time. Predaking went to focus on Ghria's speech as it looked like Saber and a few of his guards would be training them. Predaking looked at those who were standing before him. He then saw that they waiting for his instruction.
He then stated, keeping a strong appearance, "You may begin training in another part of the monastery if you desire."
The nodded before they went to one of the training rooms inside the building. Predaking remained neutral until he saw he was no longer in anyone's field of vision and clutched his head again.
Blake was about go with the other trainees when her cat ears picked something up and turned back to see Predaking holding onto the wall, clutching his head. Deciding it would be best, Blake hid behind the entrance into the monastery as Predaking growled, "What is this? Why can't I remember exactly how I got here?"
Pressing her back against the wall, Blake thought about everything that Predaking did to help her and promised, 'Predaking's helped me all this time. Now… I'll help him.'
==
(Day 2)
Today was the fifth day and Predaking was training with the new recruits. Not only would it help them be ready for a fight, but it will distract him from trying to find answers to questions that bring him nothing but pain.
Predaking swung an arm in a wide arch as he sent all five of his opponents flying until they hit the ground hard.
Once Saber saw that no one was getting back up, he announced to the audience, "Okay that's enough! This match goes to Predaking."
Predaking stood to relax, released his aura from protecting him when he heard people talking about his strength and combat prowess.
Saber approached and stated, "You do have great offensive power but you take too much time getting the attack ready before you can execute it."
Predaking, offended asked, "I beg your pardon?"
"Don't get me wrong, your strength and speed are impressive, but all that power will take too long to use in a real fight." Saber said, which made Predaking raise his brow in indignation. He remembered using the full extent of his physical prowess before arriving on this planet… could his reflexes be slowed due to his organic body?
Looking at the guard captain, Predaking asked, "Would you wish to test your theory?"
Saber raised his scarred brow and said, "Sure. But don't blame me if when I prove you right."
"It will not come to that." Predaking said, flexing his claws out while reactivating his aura.
Sun was watching the fight with a bag of popcorn as both Blake and Ilia arrived. Seeing them, Sun asked, grinning broadly, "Wassup ladies?"
"Hey Sun." Blake greeted back, ignoring the attempted flirt he was sending her way as the two saw the fight between the two men in the training yard and asked, "What's going on there?"
"Oh. Captain gerbil teeth said that Predaking's power's gonna slow him down in a fight so the big guy got mad and challenged him to a fight to prove him up." Sun explained. To which they heard something hitting the ground and saw Predaking's fist into the floor.
Saber was breathing heavily as while Predaking pulled his fist out and asked, "Still do you believe that my strength takes too much from my speed?"
"Okay… I was partially wrong. But, in a fight with someone like Adam Taurus you need to have quicker moves as well as power." Saber said to Predaking.
Predaking raised a brow before standing up, not as tall as Ghira but still taller than Saber as he asked, "Such as?"
Saber took a stance his fists up as he began move lightly on his feet before making quick punches with his fist. Predaking stood and watched confused. However it did interest him enough as it wasn't the same sort of punches that he had come to use since his first transformation into the bipedal form. Blake and the others watched as their powerful friend began to train.
==
(Day 3)
Predaking was walking through the halls of the monastery, getting ready to train those quick jabs and other kinds of physical combat he can use when the swiping of his claws will no longer work, when he saw members of his squadron huddled together. He approached them, when he got close enough, he asked, "For what reason does members of my squadron have to assemble here instead of training for the battle of the academy of Mistral?"
They all turned to see him there before they relaxed. One of them were the first to speak, "Oh, hey boss."
Feeling a sense of déjà vu, Predaking narrowed his eyes, stated, "I am not your boss. I am your king."
"Ahh… right. Sorry." The faunus said, still not understanding why Predaking kept referring to himself as king.
One of the female faunus spoke, "Anyway-.. We've been talking. Since we're no longer with the White Fang we've been wondering if we should call ourselves something different."
"Such as?" Predaking asked, his arms crossed.
"Well, after finding out about you and your past, we're thinking about naming our squad after that project of yours." Another member of his squad said, earning a raised brow from Predaking.
Predaking then asked, "Are you referring to the "Project Predacon" that gave way to my creation?"
They all nodded, as the one who first addressed him said, "Yeah, Predacons! We should be known as the Predacons."
Predaking stared at the faunus, uncertain why they would believe that should be their new identity. So he asked, "Why do you believe so?"
"Yesterday Ms. Blake told us how you're the only one left of the ancient faunus so… since your trusting us even though we tried to kill you, we felt we should show you how much we appreciate this chance and want to stand by your side since you gave us a chance." A fourth faunus said, she seemed to be the youngest of the group, however she was still of age to fight.
Predaking looked at them all and asked, "Are you certain you wish to carry this burden?"
While he was beginning to feel grateful to their willingness, the fact that these non-predacons wish to take the name of his great race seemed insulting for they were not physically strong or as well-mannered as he or the other two Predacons he met were. However, their courage to stand up and regain the right path seems have Predaking give these faunus the benefit of the doubt and see if they can live up to the name of their new brotherhood, looking at them and said, "Very well then. We shall begin today."
Unbeknownst to everyone, Black was listening from behind a wall, smiling as she went to help the Menagerie militia to get ready for the upcoming battle once they reach Haven academy in Mistral.
==
(Day 4)
Predaking watched as his squadron began to make uniforms that combined their White Fang's trappings as well as the uniforms of the Menagerie guards. While they still wore hoods they no longer wore masks and armor similar to the guards of Menagerie. However, instead of the insignia of the guard, they were able make mold of his people's symbol and then make new shoulder guards with the changes on them by use of die-cast.
While they were getting their uniforms ready, Predaking went to train on the new martial arts techniques that Saber told him about two days before. His movements have been getting quicker but the power necessary to end the conflict. He stared at his clawed hand and clenched it. However, if what the captain said is true, then the next full power attack of his will be his end…
Standing again Predaking began to train as he went to strike at the practice dummy. However unlike the actual opponent this one was quickly reduced to pieces.
Exhaling, Predaking went and wiped a towel over his face, minding his horn, before leaving the training room.
During his walk Predaking heard a commotion.
He looked and saw several of the guard members ganging up on his squadron. The faunus who was standing in defense of his friends glared, "What is this?! I thought we're all on the same side now!"
"You really thing I'm gonna work with a bunch of murderers!" One of the faunus ganging up on them asked, his face having anger on it.
"I don't care if you were able to convince Predaking! You guys caused the rest of us to be hated and fear more than respected!" Another faunus said, balling his fists.
"Because of you my brother in the guard is dead!" Another faunus exclaimed.
The youngest covering herself with her feather wings and arms, shouting, "We didn't kill anyone!"
"Yeah, you heard her, sure when we joined we wanted to help our people! But murdering isn't one of them!" The man growled, his hair standing up as claws came out from his fingertips, teeth extending.
A two of the opposing faunus got ready to fight when they heard footsteps coming out. Everyone in that hallway turned to see Predaking turning the corner. They could all tell that he heard everything, given how he was walking towards them. His head was low as he was when he was about to fight and his claws were flexed.
The angry gang were beginning to fear Predaking the closer he got to them, however, a clapping was heard and in came the faunus that Predaking had thought had died that night four days ago when Blake rallied everyone to help her.
"Okay you guys, that's enough." The injured faunus said as he had a makeshift splint for his arm as he moved closer, "I think you're making Predaking upset."
"V-Val… you're alive!" One of the gang members said, stunned.
Val turned to the faunus who spoke to him and said, incredulously, "No duh. But what're you guys doing? Picking on people who are the same side as you. You know if I didn't know better I'd say you're acting just like the humans who had you all come to Menagerie in the first place."
The gang who were gonna get payback looked shocked or insulted by his words. He then said, "Sure we weren't apart of the same organization, but that doesn't mean that we all didn't want to make life better for our people."
"Look I'm sure you all got stuff you want off your chest, but let's face it we're gonna need their help when we meet Adam Taurus, especially if those monsters were there too." Val said standing in defense of the two former White Fang members.
Hearing that made the gang members go back to what they were doing before they wanted revenge. Val then turned to Predaking and saluted, "Reporting for duty, sir."
"But I thought you perished when you took that bullet for me…" Predaking said, stunned by this. Val laughed it off and said, "It went clean through my shoulder. I was lucky if I need to be honest. Besides when I heard you're making a squadron of your own I thought it'd be best if I joined you."
==
(Day 5)
The day had started as they usually did for the Menagerie militia. Wake up early, eat a hearty breakfast, and then hours spent on training the recruits on how to fight and protect themselves.
While Predaking was busy helping some of the trainees with a counter attack against gunmen, Saber came to him.
Seeing the captain of the guard's approach, Predaking asked, "What is it Captain Saber?"
"I was asked to bring you to the jailhouse." Saber said, his expression serious, "The Albain brothers wish to talk…"
This confused Predaking, while both Sun and Blake were having negative reactions to this.
The two arrived where the White Fang members, who remained loyal to Adam, stayed as they approached a couple of cells were poorly lit. As they heard the sounds of the greaves on his boots, the two ceased their mediation and turned to see their guest.
"We've been awaiting for you, your excellency." Both of the brothers stated, bowing their heads quietly.
Saber looked shocked by the greeting, not expecting this over them trying to yell and shout insults at Predaking. This was not exactly what he thought was happening.
"I had assumed, where as you both were the ones who wanted to communicate with me." Predaking said, still not trusting the two. He stood there, his arms behind his back and stated, "Speak quickly."
"Yes, of course." Fennec stated, respectfully. Predaking noticed that the anger was no longer in Fennec's eyes or his voice as it was during the night of the battle. Fennec then was the first to speak, "You see, my brother and I have spoken to each other and recounted everything that we have learned and heard the night we failed Adam Taurus' mission to…"
"Assassinate myself and the Belladonna parents." Predaking finished, his eyes narrowed at the two of them. At his glare the two looked away in shame and regret.
"Y-yes… that." Corsac admitted, hesitant for reasons unknown to Predaking while Fennec spoke next, "Which is why we understand what we want to say may not be easy to believe, but."
The then went and knelt before the young man, who was surprised by their actions and said, simultaneously, "We wish to serve you, O Great Predaking."
Predaking stared unsure as to what to do about this sudden plead to serve him.
"Absolutely not!" Ghira exclaimed when he heard what Predaking told those assembled about Fennec and Corsac's request.
"You can't be serious!" Saber shouted.
Sun then asked, "Did you forget what those two tried to do to you, dude?"
"They wanted to use you as a scapegoat for what that Airachnid had done to people?!" Blake asked, furious at Fennec and Corsac's request, "They wanted to make everyone blame you for their current issues!"
"How do you know that they're honest about this change of heart?" Kali asked, concerned though a bit of anger was in her eyes.
Predaking remained silent before he looked to Ilia, noticing that she was the only one who did not speak out against this, asked, "What do you know of these two, Ilia?"
Ilia seemed surprised that her former enemy would ask her opinion of two individuals. Taking a steady breath she then told them.
"Fennec and Corsac have always wanted what was best for the Faunus, they only went along with Adam because they though he was the one to deliver the Faunus to the future that was promised." Ilia explained, "Before Adam told them that you were a human weapon, I overheard Fennec say that he was convinced that you would have been a better choice of a leader for the White Fang."
This surprised the three heroes when Ilia said that last bit, she then said, sadly, "Especially since Adam started to… not make rational decisions…"
"Yeah, like working with that psycho-spider lady with the ghoul army." Sun brought up.
Ilia looked away, "Yeah… that too…"
Predaking narrowed his eyes at the mention of this "Spider lady" as his memories of his own beginning had overheard two Decepticon soldiers talking about a strange Insecticon with triple-changer abilities of bipedal, vehicle, and something akin to the arachnid, had betrayed Megatron multiple times and had the ability to control other Insecticons by use of something that was beyond his understanding.
Blake was the first to see the look and asked, "Do you know her?"
"No. I know of her by gossip among my creator's airship. A sadistic poacher who seeks out a species and enacts a mockery of a hunt to make them endangered species… Megatron had been cautious of her due to her bloodlust and her enjoyment to kill." Predaking stated, "She even tried to take command of the Decepticons, as did the cowardly Starscream."
Ilia looked over and asked, "Can I ask why people where you're from have those strange names? I mean…Instead of how people have names."
"Yeah, When I heard your name I thought it was a joke but then you told us your story then… Well…" Sun pointed out.
Predaking looked to each of them and asked, "How did you all have your names?"
"Our parents gave them to us when we were born. And because of the last war, people began to name their kids after an aspect of art, color." Blake explained, making Predaking tilt his head confused by this. Though Ghira and Kali had looked to each other smiling when they remembered Blake's birth.
Seeing this Blake looked around before seeing a good example, "Sun's name is obvious because he's named after the color of the sun."
"Amitola's for rainbow. I think…" Ilia said for her last name.
"Blake, which means black." Sun told him.
Predaking found it curious. Thinking back to one of the memories of the Predacon younglings, how small and undeveloped and might understand the parents of the smaller organics giving them names to keep track or see something of them the parents would need to in order to name the child.
"I assume my name is strange because I named myself that way… Considering the Decepticons saw me as a weapon…" Predaking stated looking down as if the thought of being strange would keep him from his goal.
This made the three of them feel guilty or uncomfortable for how they were about his name when he had to make one from scratch.
Predaking remained silent most of it before he thought back and told them, "I believe I know what I should say to the Albain brothers."
The six of them looked at each other.
Predaking approached the cells where the Albain brothers were and stood before them. The two went and knelt before the dragon faunus.
==
(Day 6)
Everyone in the Menagerie Militia and the Predacon Squad were assembled again as Saber spoke to the volunteers, "Attention!"
Once everyone had stopped murmuring the gerbil faunus spoke, "As you all know tomorrow morning is when the ship that will take us to Mistral will arrive and therefore we must be ready to get all the equipment and weapons onboard and stored before we shove off!"
"Once we reach the docks Mr. and Mrs. Belladonna will go to the kingdom's police department where they will show evidence of Adam Taurus' plans of attacking Haven academy!" He then stopped and confessed, "I won't lie to any of you. With what has happened in the past week and what else the enemy will have in store, we don't know what will happen. Even with the backup we've received from the chief's guest, Predaking, and his personal squadron of former White Fang, we could be walking into a battle. Remember your training and fight well."
With that Saber stepped down where as Ghira Belladonna spoke in his place, "As captain Saber said, we don't know what will be awaiting us when we arrive at Haven academy, and I can't guarantee your survival. If you have lingering doubts about this then please speak now because once we board the ship, there is no going back."
Everyone remained where they were while Predaking was silently commending the assembled faunus for their courage to face death. The Predacon squadron before him remained still, especially the two latest converts to his cause, the Albain brothers. Val was standing with his arm still in the splint arm.
Seeing that no one had spoken about this, Ghira nodded, "Thank you all for your courage and have a good night sleep for tomorrow, we set off to stand up, for our future!"
==
(Day 7)
It was first light as the members of the Menagerie militia and Predaking's squadron serving under Predaking directly all packed up and got everything of theirs on the ship. Predaking oversaw everything as those with groups of people, of the White Fang and militia member, said their good-byes to those they were close to. The concept of family was still confusing to the Predacon, not just the biological aspect but the emotional one too. He even saw one of the militant's family begging that member to not go, while another one and the former extremist in his squadron not talking to each other, while the faunus of the opposite gender looked between the two concerned. As another fighter gave two both parents a hug and a smile to assure them she'll be fine. He then saw two faunus kissing each other good-bye instead of exchanging words.
He then thought, 'If I was created in the manner similar to these people how would things be for the members of my family?'
Predaking was so lost in thought that he wasn't aware of someone approaching him.
"I thought I'd find you here."
Predaking turned to the voice's source and saw Blake there. Predaking looked over and stated, "I was… merely contemplating more on the foreign concept of family. It is still strange to the culture that I was created to serve. The culture that I believed was how all lived."
"I know… but you don't have to go through this alone, Predaking." Blake told him.
Predaking looked back to her and said, "As king, I must take actions to ensure the safety of those with me."
Blake gave a smirk as she asked, "You really believe yourself as a king?"
Predaking felt his anger flaring but seeing that she was only teasing him to get him out of his thoughts he cleared his throat and stated, "It was what my soul is telling me I am destined for."
At the word "destined" her face faltered. Predaking noticed and asked, "Have I said something to dissuade you?"
"No… It's just during the fall of beacon, there was once a student who was gifted but she believed in destiny…" Blake looked down when she spoke.
Predaking noticed her growing sadness and asked, "What became of her?"
"She didn't make it…" Blake answered, her ears pressed against her head.
Taking the words as a sign of negativity. His hand moved and carefully enclosed around hers and stated, "Nothing as that will never happen. I swear on my life."
Blake, though appreciative of the thought stated, "You don't need to go that far. Especially since we're trying to prevent more lives ending."
Predaking narrowed his eyes as he said, "If only more have the wisdom you hold within, Blake. Then perhaps conflicts as these would cease to be."
Blake smiled at the compliment, at least that what she thought it was as she stated, looking at the two Albain brothers and asked, "Are you certain you can trust them?"
"As your friend said two days ago, how they 'always wanted what was best for the faunus'. And it would appear that they believe I can give them the future they strive for." Predaking deduced as he went down to the gathering and helped carry the heavier supplies up the ramp into a secured location in the boat. When the members of his squad tried to prevent him from helping, as to keep him unharmed, he politely declined and continued to help. He lifted the container of supplies over his head and walked as though it weight little to nothing, once again showing the Faunus his incredible physical strength.
As soon as soon as the sun has fully risen, the ship was ready to set say to the kingdom of Mistral. Blake, with her family, Sun, Ilia, and Predaking, stood at the bow of the ship. Looking out into the horizon as they began their journey out to stop Adam Taurus.
(Here's the chapter. I'm sorry it's not all all fourteen days or even one day per chapter but while I was writing this, I noticed how closer to the finale of Vol.5 Ryujudge was so I decided to pick up the pace and make some sacrifices on the chapters.
So now that the first week is done I'm gonna work on finishing the second week as that one will be the last chapter... I'm not gonna cry... *Then cries loudly before grabbing a handkerchief and blowing hard into it before calming down.*
I want to thank everyone who has been following this story since i began working with Ryujudge6614 a year ago and one month ago in this collaboration between us. And I hope you all take a chance to look at my other stories and/or continue to give me your support with any future projects. So until then have a good time and stay warm and dry for any of you who live in the east coast of the US, because the rain's going to be crazy here.
So... see you all in the last chapter of The Light of Hope.)