TheCarlosInferno: That it is…now to see what they'll do about it.
william bragg 165: Thank you :D
Lelouch of Zero: I am glad you enjoyed it, when seeing Volume 3 I thought that his backstory would have meshed so well with Weiss'…alas we never saw him again lol. I can't imagine Cinder would be pleased, without the orb however she'll have to wait until the dust clears and he returns to explain himself.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"He is around here, he has to be," Olivia alerted the rest as they entered the long crumbled gates of Kuroyuri.
Fun time boss, give me a few minutes at the reigns. I'll show you a world of a good…
Team RNJRR leapt back as the building beside them exploded, a familiar dark-suited individual slamming into the stone pavement and denting it as he slid to a stop a few feet before them. It was Ember, no doubt about it. He had his gunlance drawn yet with only one hand, in the other was cradled Ruby, her body scuffed and bruised. She was breathing heavy, eyes barely fluttering open. From the look of it he had tilted mid-flight so that he took the brunt of the impact.
A dark hatred welled up in Olivia again at his sight, the man serving Cinder Fall, the woman responsible for Horatio's death. She could not blame the thoughts of what she wished to befall Cinder on Hildie, not this time.
"Hey!" Olivia shouted as Team RNJRR took a stance with weapons trained towards him. "Give Ruby back now or else we…" Her threat never materialized as the knight unexpectedly handed the beaten huntress to her, his bandaged and broken-helmed visage turning to her harshly.
"KEEP HER SAFE!" He roared as he turned back towards the wall he had blown through, bringing his gunlance to bear.
The cannonball erupted forth, seemingly hurtling towards no target until the debris cleared. A grotesque elongated limb intercepted the projectile before it could reach, deflecting it harmlessly into a nearby building to explode harmlessly. A second shell was equally as ineffectual. Ember took off running towards the horrific Grimm combining features of a horse and rider, lance extended to skewer his foe. The creature saw the threat, rearing up as the arms grabbed the lance, stopping its advance before it could collide.
"What is that thing?" Jaune asked as Olivia gently slumped Ruby into his arms, her rifle armed and trained on the battle ahead of them. Based on Ren and Nora's terrified expressions mixed with rage, they recognized the unique Grimm before them.
"Get her to safety!" Ren shouted as Jaune hastily complied. Ruby was in bad shape, they would be happy to let Cinder's man and the Grimm fight it out…but they had nowhere they could go and no clue how extensive Ruby's injuries were. Even so, neither Nora nor Ren had any qualms against fighting the colossal monstrosity ahead.
The Grimm, known to the region as the Nuckelavee, gripped Ember in its powerful three-fingered claws, trapping his arms at his side while lifting the man off the ground. He could do little but struggle…and pull the trigger of his equally incapacitated weapon. The dust-infused cannonball struck the ground beside the front right hoof, causing it to stagger and release him. He dropped to the ground just as a high velocity bullet tore through the air, impacting the Nuckelavee in the center of its masked-forehead. The bullet struck and skidded, leaving a trail of minimal damage like a scar across its face. Pink explosions courtesy of the team grenadier detonated across its back, causing it to howl in pain, but not fall.
Ren and Nora strafed around it, trying to split the focus of its impossible long arms as Ember dove beneath, driving the lance into its belly. The horse reared up once more, delivering a titanic kick square in his back, sending the juggernaut flying through another wall. Bullets continued to rain down upon it to little effect as Jaune leaned Ruby against a tree he considered a safe distance, looking her over one last time before joining the fray.
You're tickling it at best! Just look at the weapon collection its back; you need to get in closer or not at all!
Shut…up, I can distract it; maybe find a weak point to exploit!
And miss out on the fun? Your Jackal might actually do something close up; back here we're as useful as aura on a Grimm!
I'll switch to the larger rounds, try and…
I am tired of playing second fiddle, hope you had fun the last few years cause it's MY turn!
Olivia's body seized up, forcing her down to one knee as she squeezed her eyes shut in pain. Her knuckles turned white as they gripped Jackal's barrel and trigger powerfully, she could not move aside from sudden, unnatural twitches.
No, you can't!
"I just did," Olivia's lips whispered in a voice no longer her own. The last vestiges of her blonde hair gave way to silver and shimmered in the moonlight.
After several seconds, she stood to her feet, eyes still shut but fingers caressing the contours of the rifle before sliding up and down her own sides as if investigating herself. Finally, her eyes opened, the spheres found within were a pitch black, the iris' fully obscured by the void consuming her mind. After so many years of isolation, she was free.
"Now THIS is what I'm talking about!" She cried with joy, her rifle converting to the SMG and mace form, igniting it with a flick of her arm. "Time for some fun!" With that final announcement, she rushed towards the Grimm in the distance, fully prepared to join the fray heedless of friend or foe unfortunate enough to get between her and the first activity she had experienced for herself. As she sneered with glee, a frantic screaming echoed in her mind unheard by all others.
Patch…
Yang wiped the sweat off her brow as she stood up to oversee her work. A grin of success graced her lips as she looked over Bumblebee which had been woefully unattended during the months stashed away and covered. She had been working all morning since sneaking out of the house supping it up and making the repairs needed to get the old girl up and running again.
The blonde huntress had been quite busy; though it was more for her own preference she had started spray painting her new arm yellow to match her hair and Ember Celica. The others, except maybe her father, were worthless when it came to Bumblebee…not that she would have let any near her baby.
"I don't remember saying you were ready," Tai's voice came through the open door, the older huntsman leaning against it nonchalantly.
"Oh yea?" She smiled back in her usual cocky manner that she loved to use to rile him up. "You're going to try and stop me?"
Tai had been putting her and Pyrrha through the ringer just as much as Roland the last several weeks, even going so far as to give her a rundown of her semblance. He warned her how it was useful for getting out of a pinch, but when over-relied upon would drain her aura needlessly. She fully intended to take the advice to heart.
I need…to think, or else something like what happened against Adam will…may happen again.
"No," he chuckled, stretching his arm as if in pain. "I think I'm still too sore after our last fight, the kid is getting handy with that thing too. Never thought I'd see you let someone else use it."
"He's earned it, plus Roland's always been a fast learner."
"I suppose he'll be going with you."
"I doubt he'd say no after I tell him, I haven't exactly been keeping it a secret I'm planning to head out there."
"And you're…sure you want to go?" Tai asked with a step forward, raising an eyebrow quizzically.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Yang stared him down; worried he may be up to something.
"No tricks," he raised his hands defensively. "But there is always room for you here, even Roland and Pyrrha. You three could live here as long as you need in peace, you don't have to rush out half-cocked like you always do."
Yang couldn't believe her ears.
"You are asking me to stay here…with a boy…willingly?" She knew something had to be up. "You aren't plotting some way of getting him out of the way are you?"
"Please, I had at least two dozen plans of how to bury him where Zwei would never find him, but I have to admit the kid grew on me. Sometimes you learn the most about someone by fighting them, and I've gotten an ample feel for him."
"Me too," she sighed remembering happier times at Beacon.
"As your father it is my job to distrust him at every turn, but I figure for everything he's done I can give him one shot. If you do leave…I'll miss you, I hope I'd get more than a letter."
"Dad…" Yang groaned, hating it when he got mushy like this.
"I wanted to make a poster, though that might have given it away," Roland appeared behind him, Pyrrha at his side still limping with the Atlas boot. She swore the pain was lessening, unfortunately no one could tell if she was stretching the truth or not. Both noticed each of the two had full packs of supplies and food despite Yang not having asked them about joining her yet. "Your subtlety needs work, you snuck out this morning alright but the racket from here could wake a Goliath."
Roland had given himself a makeover, first having shaved and fixed his hair as straight as he could. He wore the same white undershirt he was seldom seen without, yet overlapping it he kept one of Tai's vests he'd requisitioned since his stay. Adjusted twin pauldrons similar to the one on her father's right shoulder adorned his arms. He, however, wore one on both arms after adding double thick layers for better defense. Deep-red pants and white shoes rounded off his attire as well as the fully repaired and repurposed shield on his back and Ember Celica on his right arm.
"If it's alright," he motioned towards Tai pointing out the articles of his wardrobe he had been forced to claim.
"Take them," he assured the young man. "My closet was in desperate need of a cleaning out anyway. Where are you headed?"
"Mistral, correct?" Pyrrha asked while storing her pack in a compartment on the back of Bumblebee, having deduced they would pursue Ruby to Haven.
"If they got an airship they should be at Haven by now."
"But no guarantee," Yang corrected Roland's assumptions. "With communications down we need a surer way," she turned to her father with a sigh. "I'm going to see mom."
"I thought you might," he admitted having figured out her plan. "I suppose Qrow already told you where she has been hiding these days?" She nodded.
Roland audibly groaned at the prospect, remembering the last time he had, however briefly, met Yang's estranged mother. He could practically feel the burning in his chest and broken arm again. He shivered in anticipation only noticed by Yang, his own eyes darting to her remaining arm of flesh and bone.
I'll be there for you Yang, we'll help Ruby and stop whoever is responsible for…everything.
"And you're sure about this? No offense but the three of you aren't exactly the most intimidating force," Tai's look drifted from Pyrrha's leg to Roland's new weapon he had practiced and trained with yet still had to learn and Yang's arm.
"We have to," Pyrrha replied first confidently. "The others need our help, after what happened at Beacon…"
"We can't let it happen at Haven too, even more so with Ruby and the others going there."
Tai smiled proudly with a hint of sorrow in his eyes. He tried to prepare himself for the worst ever since Yang and Ruby voiced their desire to become huntresses. Very few lived to an old age in that profession, but they had wanted to do it, and he understood why his little girls would want to follow in her footsteps.
"I guess that's that, just…take care of each other."
"No worry about that Mr. Xiao Long," Roland balled up his fists, cocking Ember Celica to show how apt he had gotten under his tutelage.
"I'll try not to," he approached the young man as Yang and Pyrrha prepped the bike for its departure once all were ready. "Just watch her back as much as she watches yours." He poked Roland's chest with a stern finger, yet not enough to push him back or meant in true malice. "But watch yourself around her, I get what you need to do but she is still my daughter."
"I know sir," he repositioned the shield hanging on his back to be a little higher. "I won't let anything happen to her."
Tai's eyes narrowed on the young man, suddenly becoming very serious and causing a twinge of uneasiness in the young man. "Don't make a promise you can't keep," he warned. "I know full well you're going against…something big. I doubt you wanted to let anything happen to her at Beacon.
Roland's eyes fell in shame; his best hadn't been enough before.
"But you're doing what you think is right, that is really all any of us can do," he lowered his voice just for Roland. "I know you're used to guarding her, letting Yang take the offensive, but you can't do that your whole life. You have something now," he tapped the compact Ember Celica on his right wrist. "Fight at her side, not in front or behind her."
Roland nodded, raising his head high at his meaning. Unexpectedly, he stepped forward and gave the larger huntsman a tight hug, causing Tai to freeze. Yang noticed the action and winked to her father playfully though still had not heard a word of their exchange. She still wasn't certain what awaited them in Mistral, but come what may…she was with friends.
"I think Bumblebee might be a tight fit with three," Tai finally pointed out as Roland released him. "But I'm sure I can find something in red somewhere around here…"
Mistral Train…
The barrage continued, shell after shell impacting the Grimm's hide to utterly no effect. Its roar echoed throughout the cars, forcing everyone gathered to cover their ears. The Arrakin burrowed under, its passing knocking part of the train off the track, wedging them in place making escape impossible.
"It's avoiding the electrified tracks," an older man with a thin spindly mustache wailed. "That and the cannons have always managed to drive it off before."
Oh no…
"This creature has attacked you before?" Oscar's neighbor demanded, recognizing the uniform as the conductor. The fact he also carried the remote control for the defense turrets was unsettling as it implied he also doubled as head of security.
"A-about every other week but we've never had this trouble before! A few volleys, an attempt to ram us shocking the fight out of it…it's never been this strong! I thought the last encounter would be the last for sure…we blew it clean in two! Oh I knew I should have hired a huntsman!"
If he had hired even a second year student they could have told him that Arrakin adapt to their environment. Over time one will learn from any attempt to kill it that does not succeed, it was only a matter of time before its carapace solidified to be resistant to their guns. Then of course there is their regeneration factor…
"You don't need a huntsman," he replied with his deep voice before cracking his knuckles. "Wait here."
Oscar and the conductor watched eyes agape as the burly man punched the hatch above them so hard it flew open leading to the roof. In a single powerful leap he was out scarcely fitting through the opening. The two spectators leaned out the window to watch the scene before them.
"H-he's insane! What can he hope to do against that thing if our guns can't dent it?"
The lone stranger hopped over the side, watching where the worm-like Grimm was coming about, the tracks kicked up by its passing more than obvious. Seeming to sense his presence, it changed course, burrowing straight towards him.
"He's going to get killed!" Oscar shouted, scrambling for the hatch the man had just gone through followed by the conductor clearly trying to urge him back inside.
Perhaps not, Ozpin remarked, his voice oddly calm despite the situation. Hazel is an…extraordinary individual.
Before it reached him, the Arrakin emerged, lunging through the air towards its newfound prey. The great maw opened to swallow him whole. It did not get the chance, seconds before he would have found himself being digested, the behemoth known as Hazel leapt into the air gripping his palms together into a massive fist. With a colossal roar he brought them down with his full strength into the mask of Grimm. The white armor cracked slightly as the worm crashed into the Earth, denting it upon impact with a drawn out squeal of pain.
"Holy sh…"
The conductor's words were drowned out by cheers from within the train of the passengers who had witnessed the first strike. For a moment, the terror gripping them at the seemingly invincible Grimm had abated…at least until it started moving again.
Hazel expected it, leaping again to avoid its renewed frenzy. Somehow, he managed to grip a spike protruding from its back and was pulled into the air with its thrashing. The Arrakin was wholly focused on its new opponent, ignoring the train and giving him no further chance for another strike as powerful as the first. Despite being forced to hold on, the burly fighter delivered savage jabs to its back whenever he could, jostling the beast but failing to crack its hide a second time.
"What can I do?" Oscar whispered harshly to his companion. He had no weapons, no training but he couldn't just stand by and do nothing, it didn't feel right.
There is nothing you can do; Mr. Rainart seems to be planning to fight it alone. Anyone else entering the fray would only get in his way.
"Who is he?"
A story for later and we are not allies, had he known I was with you he would have assuredly been far less cordial. It is best to stay back for now…
"Then what good am I?" Oscar shouted in frustration. That thing out there could eat the ground, burrow as fast as a train and take punishment from the impressive armaments. Hazel was still riding the Grimm, but making no headway. Even if he could take it, at the rate he was going it could come down to attrition.
"H-he'll win I am sure," the conductor repeated over and over. "Surely he would not have fought it otherwise."
Hazel planted his legs into the ground, grinding into it as he strived to drag the Grimm to a stop. Somehow he actually succeeded, burying a powerful fist into the crack again, widening it somewhat. Oscar was stunned at how one man could be so strong, despite the admittedly heroic actions of the man; the trepidation sensed from Ozpin never waned. Already Hazel was raising his fists again to pummel the weakened worm…and then it rolled over.
Before he could get a new grip on it, the Arrakin slammed its maw into the ground, burrowing deep and kicking up chunks of rock. Even Hazel was forced to protect himself as it disappeared down into the depths. As the dark tail finally vanished, he was left standing there all alone, an eerie silence settling over the area.
That won't last long, Ozpin mused as the passenger cheered his praises. The next time it returns it will be even stronger, an entire team may be required to…
Even as a voice in Oscar's head, the older headmaster gasped as the ground shook once more, a landslide occurring beneath Hazel's feet. Before he had a chance to move, the massive maw appeared again, swallowing his body and all around him. Oscar could see the widening of his eyes as he disappeared within, the Arrakin reaching high into the air in triumph as the conductor let out a shrill wail at the sight.
"Fire…fire…fire!" He shouted, pressing the same button on his controller again and again. The cannons continued their barrage once more despite the complete lack of reaction from the intended target.
I-it's a giant worm, right? The young farmhand's mind was racing at what had just happened. If it adapts to attempts to kill it, then it is just like the normal tiny ones back home. They can survive underwater, even without food and water for weeks. Squishing works but that one is a little big for that, cut them in half and they regrow their tail…
"But not their head!" Oscar looked closer to the Arrakin currently in the process of looking over the train, no doubt planning its next attack. From the looks of it, the fighter's sacrifice had succeeded in widening the crack made located just below what would be categorized as its head.
He must have had the same idea…had had to!
"Hey, if we…"
The conductor was kneeling down, hands over his head as he was clearly still out of it with terror. He gripped the security remote yet it was firing randomly, most of the shots hitting wide of the Grimm and what few impacted its body still doing no true damage.
"Hey…mister?" Oscar called out to the man who would not acknowledge him. "Hey!"
He has succumbed to the fear that the Grimm instill in humans. If we are to break him out of we need to be tactful, understanding and…
Oscar slapped the older gentleman across the face; it wasn't as hard as he could out of uncertainty yet thankfully caused the man to pay attention to the relative child standing before him.
"Can you target those guns?" He asked, surprised at how confident he was acting, chalking it up to Ozpin's influence of strategies and tactics rolling around in their head. "I dunno…more precisely?"
"Y-yes," he replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But what good will it…?"
Oscar pointed to the crack, not too far down from the maw of the great beast, the same that Hazel had focused his last actions on making. The man understood with a shaky nod, fiddling with the controller he punched in a series of commands. In response, each of the remaining turrets turned in unison, coming to bear at the desired target.
Not yet!
"Not yet!" Oscar repeated, heeding the voice in his head stressing to wait until the opportune moment.
The Arrakin roared, remaining above the surface as it tore through the land, ripping through all in its path towards the immobilized train.
"Now?" The man no longer questioned allowing a fourteen-year old stranger to call out the command.
It can still change course for a bit more…not yet!
"N-not yet!" The creature was almost upon them, another few seconds and it would no longer matter.
NOW!
"FIRE!" Oscar shouted, covering his ears as the concussive barrage threatened to burst his eardrums.
Every shell struck its mark, round after round exploded into the weakened carapace, shattering off chunk after chunk of the Grimm's foul skin. The beast was stopped, snapping its head to the side to block successive shots. Oscar fell backwards in fear, they hit it with an entire salvo, certainly hurting it badly…but not enough to kill it. The Arrakin slowly, terrifyingly twisted towards the two lone shapes upon the train, its eyeless gaze narrowing towards them knowingly.
The crack suddenly exploded outward, releasing another thunderous roar as the creature swatted to the side, unable to escape the pain that assailed it. Another burst from within and another, until at last a familiar burly fist punched outward into the evening air. Hazel emerged, his green and black clothes covered in the smoky substance which made up all Grimm, his eyes burning with anger. Without restraint he ripped out of the Arrakin, literally splitting its neck at the seam so close to what would be considered the head that it could not hope to regenerate as it had before. It limply fell to the ground, shattering all around it with no energy left.
Oscar snapped to his senses, dropping down the side, rushing as close as he dared at the unmoving corpse despite Ozpin's warnings and the fact no others dared approach. Only the pluming columns of black smoke from the body alerted him that it was safe…the thing was quite dead.
"A-are you alright?" He asked as the mountain of a man brushed himself off, acting like he had just undergone a minor inconvenience.
"The assistance was not required…but appreciated." He answered, turning from the train and starting to walk. "Get back onboard boy, it won't take long to get back on the track to Mistral City."
"Wh-what about you?" They were miles from any known settlements, where could he possibly be going?
"That is none of your concern, I have my errands and you have yours. Perhaps when you see huntsmen for what they are, we may speak again."
Let him go, we have risked enough.
Oscar wouldn't have shouted after him even if Ozpin had not warned him, he had no idea how to react to Hazel's words. He wanted to know why he thought so poorly of huntsmen, how Ozpin knew him and what happened between them. Despite his wishes, a nagging feeling in the back of his mind told him the unintended passenger wouldn't be so open to sharing. With a heavy heart he returned to the train, ready to continue his course towards Mistral and this ally of Ozpin's to point him in the right direction.
Somewhere Dark…
Olivia pounded on the invisible barrier separating her from the battle, unable to do anything but watch her body act without her. No matter what she tried, she couldn't break through; her friends were fighting for their lives and in that moment she was distracted, Hildie had made her move.
There HAS to be a way out of here, if she found a way out then so can I.
"Be sure to eat everything honey."
Olivia froze at the familiar voice, with ice in her chest she turned, finding a dinner table setting before her. An older couple sat around it, a toddler with dull blonde hair and pink eyes poking at her food scowling at the selection presented her. To anyone unaware of the context it would appear to be a normal situation of family life.
No…nonononono, please not again.
"Mommy," the little girl started, looking up at her with the most innocent of eyes.
Shut up, please just shut up, Olivia begged, desperate to prevent it from happening again.
"Mommy, why do you love men other than daddy?"
Such had been the question that started all their woes, she didn't understand then, how could she? She hadn't seen anything; she just knew it, just…perceived it, her semblance having awoken and allowing her to see the secret. They had argued, how long they argued as Olivia hid in her room wondering what she did wrong. She closed her eyes and pushed the sounds away, pushed away everything including the power that had allowed her to see what had made them so angry. All went black, she didn't remember what happened but next she knew she was being found by a huntsman shifting through the wreckage of her home and town.
It was the same story of so many places; the Grimm had come and destroyed everything. They found no one else, not even her parents alive, yet they had ignored the small girl hiding under wreckage…the innocent smile still resting on her face. Despite her return of happiness and healing over the accompanying years, the same question ever rested in the back of her mind.
Was it my fault? Did the Grimm come because of me?
It was a simple question, just because they didn't want you to know…
I shouldn't have asked it.
Her friend, the voice Olivia knew ever since she could remember was always there. Hildie looked out for her, told her who was nice and who was mean, even secrets she just knew somehow. She didn't even know what a semblance was back then, how could she have even realized hers was already active.
I'm never doing that again…EVER!
Everybody has secrets; we can't very well avoid that.
We can avoid looking.
Then how will you know who to trust?
Like everybody else, just stop looking.
That is like asking you to stop breathing.
I don't need to see the secrets of others, people need that privacy. I…I don't need to, I can just be normal.
WH…what are you doing?
I don't want you around anymore Hildie…I don't want that power. Just, just let me be normal.
That isn't you! You can't just push me away! What about all the times…!
And then there was silence, no voice, no feeling on whether someone was hiding something or insight into their secrets…there was nothing. Over the years, Olivia learned of aura and semblances, what Hildie likely was along with her apparent ability to see the beyond the surface of others and later push herself out of their perception. It fit perfectly with her desire to remain beneath the radar, no one special. The memories of her life played out around her as if on repeat, soon she saw familiar towers of Bastion Academy.
A thirteen-year old Olivia wandered the hallways, booklet in hand seeking her first class since being accepted. They were much larger than what she was used to, a commotion around the corner drew her attention.
"I heard about you," another girl wearing a 2nd year uniform remarked. "You look human but you came from Menagerie. Sure you aren't hiding a tail?"
A pair of students was blocking the path of a third, another first year the same age as Olivia by the look of her. She had poofy auburn hair and bronzed skin. Despite being surrounded she looked focused and serious, attempting to step around the pair but was cut off at each attempt.
"I wish to proceed to class," she announced. "Please move aside."
"So you aren't a faunus, but not really human either are you? Why don't you go…?"
"Is there a problem here?"
The student accosting the young woman swung instinctively towards the voice, completely unaware that Olivia was standing right behind her. She had grown accustomed to shifting out of the perception of others, without having announced her presence; they would have never realized she was there. As a result, her aim was off, the blow passing harmlessly an inch from Olivia's face, punching full force into the wall.
"Gahh!" She growled in pain, cradling her sore hand. "Who are you?"
"Olivia Ramus," she replied cheerily, leaning in close with her smile ever present. "I seem to have gotten lost; the Headmaster pointed me this way and…"
"Tch," the woman pulled back along with her friend at mention of the head of the school. Making sure to not say another word, the two slinked off, leaving them alone.
"You know the Headmaster?" The auburn-haired huntress in training asked, recovering several books clearly knocked to the floor before her arrival.
"Nah," Olivia admitted while kneeling to help," but it got them running didn't it? Don't worry about those two." Her pink eyes shone brightly, getting a good feeling from the beleaguered student. "What is your name?"
"Esmerelda, Esmerelda Moto."
"Pleasure to meet you!" She extended her hand, gripped securely by Esmerelda who suddenly wore a truly sinister expression on her face.
Wait, Olivia froze in confusion. She didn't look like that, she looked happy, we've been friends ever since! The young woman was noticing a disturbing pattern, the events she witnessed were playing out as she remembered them but everything appeared more…twisted.
Her parent's faces, when she broached the question warped in extreme anger and rage when in reality she specifically recalled their looks of utter bewilderment, confusion and later sorrow. Ezzy had never looked at her so maliciously, yet here they were as if they had the worst intentions imaginable beneath the surface. Was it this place? This pocket of her mind she had created to hide away her powers and Hildie, was it possible this is what she had experienced while being suppressed all those years? All the negative emotions of Olivia's mind, Hildie's words came back to the forefront of her thoughts.
You got all the sunshine and rainbows while I got the cobwebs and bile.
She saw…the worst in everyone from in here. It's all my fault, if only I hadn't…
Olivia curled up, trying to look away as the memories continued playing in front of her each twisted a little bit from what she remembered. While behind her, Hildie continued fighting while in full control, trying to get as much out of her recovered freedom as was possible.
Schnee Manor…
Weiss finished the last of her tea, the food already long gone. She had been provided her evening meal before being left to her "grounding." Fortunately, the tray used for her meal was noticeably larger than most…and thicker.
Weiss drew Myrtenaster proudly from the hidden compartment which unfolded into a full briefcase she could pack; the same Klein had often used to sneak her presents, treats and the occasional letter from Winter or mother when they couldn't make it. He always did his best to make her time as happy as he could after she turned ten and the truth had come out about why Jacques had married her mother. The weapon was not alone, after loading the dust cartridges included she unfolded a crumpled up letter within.
Hope this helps Weiss, wish I could be there when you bust out but unfortunately I doubt I'd be able to get there unnoticed. He'll be waiting for you in the library. He said they made sure the guards patrolling the hanger will be delayed just long enough to find a ship, sorry I can't do more. Just get out of here and do what you feel is best, we'll hold down the fort. Stay cool Weiss, we can perform another duet when you get back.
P.S. You should probably destroy this letter.
She quickly complied, reducing the paper to ashes with a single flick of Myrtenaster, taking a deep reassuring breath she slowly opened her door. The halls were empty, other than the lack of light it wasn't terribly different than during the day. For added silence, the young huntress had slipped off her shoes and went barefoot. The marble floors were no place for heels. The library was located past the main common room which meant before then she'd have to pass…
Father's office, if I can just slip past…
The sound of something shattering, a bottle most likely caused Weiss to silently duck for cover, worried she may have been spotted. Fortunately, the sound had come from inside soon followed by raised voice.
"You need to control yourself!" The deep tone of General Ironwood gave away the current visitor meeting with her father.
"You're talking to ME about control? Do you even hear what you're saying?"
"I am basing everything on my report from YOUR daughter."
Winter? Weiss could not resist, she snuck closer, straining her ear to listen in.
"A daughter YOU stole!"
"We are not getting into that again! Winter is one of my best, if she is telling me there's a threat in Mistral I…"
"Good evening, isn't it rather late to be out in the halls?"
Weiss snapped around, a familiar cheerful smile to greet her as Penny appeared behind her. Just where had she been hiding?"
"Is everyth…" Her greeting was cut off as Weiss locked a palm over her mouth, raising a finger, her desperate face begging for silence hoping she hadn't been overheard. She dared not speak, only shaking her head over and over, eyes pleading for understanding.
Penny's features softened as she glanced from her expression to Myrtenaster and the briefcase in hand. She looked at Weiss with drooping eyes but understood its meaning, taking her hand she turned to lead the former heiress away…just as the door to the office opened a crack.
The head of General Ironwood peered out, spotting them immediately. His face had grown even sterner since the last time Weiss had seen it. He clearly hadn't shaved in days and dark bags rested beneath his eyes, his hair had more grey in it than she remembered and was split in several places. The two froze at his gaze, his eyes narrowing towards them analyzing the situation. He sighed loudly, loud enough to be heard by Jacques still sitting at his desk.
"Another report Penny?" He asked, confusing them until he turned back. "I'll be back in a moment Jacques."
"Take your time with your 'little girl'," he grumbled within, clearly displeased with their discussions. Ironwood closed the door behind him.
"You are leaving?" He asked. Weiss' mouth flopped open as she tightened her grip on Myrtenaster. She didn't want to fight her way out, but if she had to she wouldn't hold back. "Penny," the general placed his hands on her shoulder suddenly, not needing an answer. "I want you to go with her."
"B-but General Sir," she started with confusion and a salute. "My place is here, you helped make me and I could never…"
"You have to," he pulled her into a hug, cupping the back of her head gently. Only Weiss could see her shocked look at his words. "I've done my best, but I am losing the debate. It won't be long before the council starts commanding us to treat you as a weapon rather than a girl. If you don't leave now…I won't be able to stop them."
"I…" She didn't know what to say. "I will…follow your orders."
"This isn't an order," he kissed the top of her head like the father he always wanted to be to her. Weiss' heart skipped with a hint of jealousy at what she had wanted long ago. Ironwood had been trying to find a way to keep her safe, and now that moment had landed in his lap, he had to take it. "Please, I'll send word to him to be ready." With that final word he turned and reentered the office, their previous arguments continuing after a few moments of silence.
"Penny?" Weiss whispered after her friend stood there unmoving for several seconds. By the time she turned around, the young woman couldn't believe her eyes.
Is she crying?
"I…I presume you had a means to exit the premises?" Weiss nodded. "Then please lead the way, we will not have much time."
With those final words, Weiss hesitantly continued her path towards the library. She never imagined escaping with another person. With their current plan, Klein would get them to the hangar…and freedom.
Kuroyuri…
No one recognized the woman who had once been Olivia Ramus flying towards the Nuckelavee, mace slamming into its haunches with a deafening explosion. Jaune barely brought up his shield to prevent the explosion from catching him as well after ensuring Ruby's safety. Her combat was wild, ferocious and erratic; no one was safe from becoming potential collateral damage. After getting her blow in, still smiling gleefully she danced away barely taking an ugly scratch to her back she ignored.
RNJRR was encircling the creature staying in motion as Jaune had advised. Nora and Ren at a distance as Jaune tried to get close only to receive a back kick into the chest for his attempt. Their teammate formerly known as Olivia heeded no strategies and attacked where she wished.
A new explosion collided with the monster as Ember launched his last cannonball into its head. Despite that coupled with the small arms from Ren strafing around it and Nora's accompanying fire, they weren't even staggering the creature. How many years had this Grimm seen in its time walking Remnant to have grown so powerful? The same strength that had allowed it to overwhelm Kuroyuri and dozens other homes in decades past now brought to bear on this fledgling team and one lone knight. Before RNJRR arrived it had smashed Ember about, the hardy warrior taking blow after blow as his own fell short and in that time the creature did what it had mastered from survival.
It had learned.
Where crushing, smashing and otherwise pulverizing him had failed, it extended the grotesque arms and seized him by the throat. He stabbed at it repeatedly, his lance piercing yet causing no discernible damage as it closed around his throat and squeezed tightly. His lance clattered to the ground as he pulled at the fingers striving for relief.
The blonde Arc was on his feet again, the two sides having decided silently on a temporary cease fire as they focused on the mutual threat. Sliding his blade into the sheath he revealed the upgrades he had received from the blacksmith using Pyrrha's metal. His new sword utilized the sheath to extend the blade into that of a two-handed variant with red shimmering dust along the edges. With a roar of anger he slashed at the arm holding Ember to seemingly no effect…until the red of his weapon started to glow. The fire dust worked into the sheath detonated, shaking the Grimm and forcing it to release the grip on Cinder's champion, giving him ample time to recover his gunlance.
Its arm swung again and again, occasionally striking a huntsman though many missing as they moved as fast as they could. Hildie bounded in anytime it took its attention away, making it pay though her assaults were just as ineffectual as the others. It was as if they were fighting a juggernaut and was only a matter of time before fatigue would rear its ugly head.
Ren had a look of pure rage in his eyes to match Ember's, the two having lost a father to the same monster. He remembered the roof caving in atop his mother, the last terrified scream of his father as he fought to delay it as Ren ran. Cartwheeling ahead, he leapt, dodged and otherwise became a whirlwind of attacks slashing at every perceivable weak point to no avail. Finally, as he paused for a fraction of a second to breath, it took advantage, catching him in the chest with its arm and pinning him to a wall painfully as its multitude of other limbs kept his teammates at bay, all but one.
Nora transformed Magnihild back to a hammer, rocketing towards the man who had stayed by her side all those years who was being targeted by another arm set to impale him as he was immobilized. Without a moment to spare, she made it, taking the full force of the attack meant for Ren. The young man was snapped briefly out of his anger-fueled fury at the fear she may have been killed, only to sigh in relief at the realization that it had been her hammer caught by the attack, pinning her to the wall.
"Stop looking!" She shouted in embarrassment, she wore a combat skirt and at the higher angle above Ren gave him a clear view up it. The polite ninja looked away despite their situation, missing the grin of satisfaction gracing the Valkyrie's face for a fraction of a second.
"AAAAHHHHH!" Ember roared, plunging from above and lodging his gunlance within the Nuckelavee to join the dozen other weapons protruding from it. Only once there did he realize how close he was to the familiar blade also residing within it.
Dad…
Releasing hold of the black weapon he had acquired in Salem's domain, his fingers closed around the sword of his father, pulling the trigger.
Nothing happened.
A new claw struck him, no longer caring to hold back he used his semblance to its fullest and did not budge, pulling as hard as he could on the weapon to free it. Releasing Ren and Nora, its dark limbs found Ember's throat once more, pulling him free of his goal and hoisting him high into the air.
"You…took everything," he groaned, prying one of the hands off yet failing with the second. "Everything fell apart after…"
The terrifying smile plastered on the white mask stared into his eyes as if in mockery. Could the Grimm tell whom it held in its closing grip or did it merely act this way with all? It spared a single finger from the hand holding him, slowly sinking a long nail into his shoulder bypassing his semblance from the slow speed of the attack. Ember screamed in pain.
A massive two-handed sword slashed down onto the limb, causing the Grimm to shriek in pain and release the captive knight as it focused on the new opponent.
"Hey ugly, remember me?" Qrow Branwen remarked as he slid his sword up the arm, bisecting it up to what could be considered an elbow. He had long since given up chasing Tyrian at the realization that Ember and Ruby were not with him and pursued the others. He had arrived at Kuroyuri too late to help Hattori all those years ago…yet recognized the silhouette of the monster that had slain his friend.
Hildie took advantage, landing on its back and shoving the SMG of Jackal into a bright eye before unloading the full magazine. Blindly, it spun, throwing both her and Qrow clear who rebounded gracefully before rushing back in.
Hildie was not so lucky, having been caught in the chest and ragdolled squarely into Ember's arms. Cinder's knight paled at the black eyes that greeted him beneath the silver hair he did not recognize. The young woman looked back into his, an expression of understanding spreading across her face as she gazed deep into his helmet's sockets, her semblance telling her all she needed to know.
"Well hello loverboy," she sneered back with victory. "Long time no see, you seem to have been naughty in the meanwhile."
"W-what?"
Hildie's smile only widened, there was no hiding from her.
"Nothing is working," he remarked coldly focusing on the moment, noting the other's continued ineffectual attacks including Qrow while massaging the ugly bruises on his throat. "We cannot win like this."
"I'm just getting as much fun as I can, if you have a better idea I am all ears."
"That…sword on its back is known as a Railblade, I believe its reserves are empty, if we can recharge it…"
"Leave it to me," the imposter instantly started looking for Nora, spotting her beneath a wooden structure with a wounded Ren. "Use that durability of yours to keep it busy and I'll get that sword powered." She leaned in uncomfortably close. "Don't worry any cutie," she winked, "your secret is safe with me, hope you've been having fun of your own on the other side."
Ember did not know what to say, only nodding before rushing back into the fray unarmed, his gunlance having joined the weapon of his father imprisoned within the Alpha Grimm.
Not Far…
"Nora!" Ren called out, eager to rush back into the fight only to be held back by her indomitable strength. "Let go! I have to…"
Nora backhanded him across the face; it was not hard but stern as she looked away while snapping him back to his senses.
"No," she whispered quietly. "I won't let you kill yourself like this. After EVERYTHING we've been through, I won't let it end…not like this!"
Ren didn't know how to react, Nora was so often the bubbly, cheerful one of the group since those days and now she had become the calm voice of reason. He felt ashamed, realizing what it would have done to her if he died. Hesitantly, he reached into his robe, pulling out a short curved dagger. It had been his father's, the one thing he took from Kuroyuri other than the clothes on his back. Determination formed back on his face that was now tempered, controlled unlike before and he nodded to his friend, though she was far more than that to him and they both knew it.
"We can do this!" She asserted without the slightest hesitation in her voice. "We…"
"Hey, sweeties." The two turned, gasping at the black eyes that stared back into them hanging upside down atop the wooden structure they hid beneath. "Need one of your little injectors," she held out her hands to Nora. "Post haste, pretty please."
"Where is Olivia?" Ren narrowed his eyes towards her, recognizing the same that had threatened him in the previous village. "If you hurt…"
"She's fine, taking a nap, and unless you want to join her permanently I SUGGEST you hand one over…NOW!"
Nora reached into her pack, producing on filled with lightning dust, Hildie snatched it in a flash before she could react.
"Thank you kindly! Oh, we're gonna be borrowing that sword stuck out of its back so if you two could provide us cover after your make-out session that'd be great." With that final word she disappeared, the orphans of that dead town rushing out to rejoin the battle all the while Ren kept an eye on their possessed friend.
"Don't you turn your back on me!" Ember caught a hoof strike intended for Qrow, twisting hard with all the strength he could muster to drag the Grimm off its feet to the ground. "You've held onto that sword long enough."
"Bird boy!" Hildie shouted as she threw the dust injector towards him. The older huntsman caught it one-handed, confused until he saw her eyes dart towards the Railblade he fully recognized. He realized their plan in a moment.
As the abomination of a horse was still struggling under Ember's weakening grip, Qrow leapt with hands outreached towards the blade. He got ahold of it, ramming the injector into the handle with a satisfying surge of energy. The injector emptied as a line of blue light thrummed to life up the length of the blade. He hooked his finger to pull the trigger…
All the wind was knocked out of Qrow Branwen as a black fist buried itself in his gut. He barely had time to transform into a bird as he was thrown clear, lessening his impact and allowing a quicker recovery. Simultaneously, the horned mask bit down hard on Ember's shoulder, eliciting a scream as the pressure crunched his armor painfully into his flesh, the force of the bending insufficient to activate his aura.
It crumpled even this metal?
He did not have time to think more as the Nuckelavee snapped its head, sending him flying through the nearby building, causing the weakened frame to crumble down around him in a great plume of smoke and debris. Jaune was the next to try for it, slicing the fire dust edges of his sword against an arm with a mighty explosion that once again failed to leave a mark. As the rest he was driven back along with renewed assaults by Qrow, it knew what they were aiming for though not why it was important.
Hildie was up next, striking the rear haunch to draw its attention. Ren jumped over her head, slashing with one of his weapons and the dagger of his father.
"Out of my way!" Hildie growled, kicking her supposed ally in the chest and throwing him clear. Bounding over him, she brought down the mace along with the last of her fire dust into the monster's head. A single horn snapped from the explosion, scorching the rest of its mask. She did not get another chance as it checked her with its equine body.
She somersaulted as best she could, colliding with Ren who caught her as Qrow and Jaune did their best to get closer to no avail.
"Bring back Olivia," Ren commanded, the black eyes still sending shivers through him. That is not your body!"
"It's as much mine as hers," her voice hissed. "This is hardly the time."
Ren's grip tightened, his tone grew harsh and menacing.
"Bring…her back, you can't just…"
The SMG of Jackal was suddenly pressed to Ren's forehead, with his aura already weakened as it was he could not guarantee it could stop a round from so close.
"I'm not going back," she announced, for the first time looking truly terrified. "The boss is probably already getting a little taste of what I went through in…that place. I WON'T go back, if you try I will keep the promise I made in the…"
Hildie's arm was pulled away and locked behind her back, the weapon fired off its rounds harmlessly into the stone. Nora had spotted their altercation and rushed to intervene; Olivia's conquered body could not hope to match her in strength. Quickly, as she raged for freedom, Ren pressed his hand onto her forehead, narrowly avoiding an attempt to bite him.
"NO! Let me go! I'm NOT GOING BACK, YOU CAN'T SEND ME BACK…NOT…th…not the…"
All color drained from Hildie's face as Ren's semblance took effect, suppressing her emotions. In a normal person that would have been the end of it, they would be calm and at peace without the outward emotions that would attract the Grimm. For Hildie, however, it was different. Her eyes drooped and rolled into the back of her head, strength left her arms as her weapons clattered to the ground. As the seconds passed, she went completely limp in Nora's arms, completely catatonic, her hair receding back to a dirty blonde.
"Wh…what did you do to her?" Nora asked, still oblivious to the transfer of ownership that had occurred within her friend's body.
"Hopefully given Olivia a fighting chance, get her somewhere safe," he called out as he rushed back to the battle. Hopefully, they would survive and give Olivia somewhere safe to wake up to.
Across the field…
Jaune fell to one knee, barely holding back the latest swing of the Nuckelavee's powerful arms. The dust in his sword was spent; it was heavier and sharper with the sheath enhancements yet still failed to pierce the Grimm's flesh. Qrow continued to open a second front, yet it was apt at fighting multiple angles. Not even the older huntsman could make a dent despite Harbinger's transformation into its scythe form raking across its body where he could.
With a final push of Adrenaline, Jaune parried the arm to the side denting the ground. With a roar he buried his sword into it, pinning the appendage to the ground. With all his strength he held fast, denying the use of that limb.
Ren was up next, bounding over him to hook his blades around another and using his full body weight to drag it down. With the two remaining limbs locked up fighting Qrow, it was wide open but Nora was still across the field. They would need to hold it still until she…
A plume of debris erupted from the far roof as Ember launched himself, finally having extricated himself from the building. Sailing through the air, he landed squarely on the Grimm's unprotected back, gripping the handle tightly with both hands.
"This is for dad," he whispered before pulling the trigger.
A burst of electricity shimmered up the blade as it split down the middle, revealing the experimental railgun within. In less than a heartbeat, the projectile fired, propelled by the electromagnets running up its length within at incredible velocities. Being already lodged within the Nuckelavee, the reaction was instantaneous, blasting the monster apart and bisecting the rider from its steed. The explosion blinded everyone present; the limbs being restrained slumped down and began to dissolve into the air along with the equine half now devoid of its master.
The formerly conjoined rider was not far, trying to drag itself away with its one remaining arm, its mask wailing in pain and rage. It did not get far; as it neared the tree line, a green blade impaled its final hand to the ground, denying its escape. The broken mask gazed up at the young Lie Ren, his eyes focused, angry, yet calm at the nightmare that haunted his dreams since he was a child. He cradled his father's blade tightly, resolved to finish it.
"For everyone…"
The Grimm opened its mask to scream again yet never got a chance to, in a flash the heirloom dagger ran across its black throat, taking the head clean off as the substance had already started to decay. With its final death, the body burst like a cloud, the black plume rising into the air higher than they'd ever seen before being taken by the soft breeze.
"We…did it?" Qrow asked, glancing side to side. Jaune was kneeling weakly on his sword, Nora had tackled Ren with joy and Olivia's body was still slumped against the nearby wall. At the sight of a shattered gunlance lying among the rubble, he realized a certain black-armored individual was missing along with the sword of his old friend. "Ruby!"
Qrow sprinted around the building where he had spotted her when flying in, fearing the worst. The panic died down as he spotted his niece still where they left her. She was battered and bruised but her breathing had calmed, the discolored purple flesh receding. The young huntress looked up, her silver eyes locking onto her uncle.
"He…left."
"What?"
"He ran off…that way," she pointed weakly. Qrow rushed to where she pointed, unable to locate any sign of him as before. With a silent curse he kicked the ground, only then spotting something clearly fresh amid the nature-consumed stonework.
A small book, scuffed with a shredded binding bound in dyed gold leather. Had Ember dropped it?
"Twin Worlds: The Birth of an Age?" He read aloud, feeling a twinge of guilt that he knew much more of what they faced than the others as he returned to Ruby, tucking the book away. "When we get out of here kiddo, I need to tell you all a few things."
"HEY! OVER HERE!"
Carrying Ruby with ease, Qrow Branwen rounded the corner, the welcome sight of a pair of Mistral airships setting down in the center of Kuroyuri. A squad of officers rushed out, checking the wounded group with special attention to Olivia who refused to stir.
"Sir," the commander called to Qrow as he flashed his Huntsman badge granting authority. "What happened here?"
"We can explain en route, do you have medical supplies onboard? The young man swiftly nodded.
They loaded up, made sure all were accounted for and boarded the ship for Mistral, taking off and leaving the dead city behind. Olivia was given a bed, but no matter what they tried she would not wake. Ruby leaned up against a door, completely against lying down. She had just started feeling a bit livelier if only just and did not want to go to sleep just yet. Nora and Ren were leaning against one another with their legs dangling out of the ship. They had always been close, but now their interlocked hands betrayed something new that hadn't been there before.
"How did you find us so fast?"
"That explosion lit up the sky and that cloud was hard to miss, no one has been out here for years. We'll head into the city, Bravo Team will continue on the patrol and make sure there aren't anymore." With a nod, the sister patrol ship turned from the others and headed back out into the untamed terrain.
The older huntsman was tired, hours flying after the wrong target then having to double time it back after the other kids had him sighing in relief. Before he could reach for his trusty flask, Ruby's hand found his, squeezing weakly with a reassuring smile.
"Thanks Uncle Qrow."
"That guy didn't hurt you did he?" He looked her up and down again for any injuries he missed. "Before we…?"
Ruby shook her head. "He…helped me; he never hurt me even a little. I don't think he wanted to."
"I find that hard to believe," he crossed his arms defensively. "Look what his buddy did to you."
"He apologized for that."
"Come again squirt?"
"He apologized for what the other one did. I…saw Cinder."
"What, how?"
"It is…a long story." She smile weakly, her mind still torn between what she wanted to do and what she was capable of doing.
Qrow let out a soft chuckle at the familiar phrase and words of his niece, reaching into his coat he pulled out the book he had found below. "Well, we have a while. How about you give a good long story…and I'll share one to all of you I should have told before you left Patch.
Bravo Team…
The squad lay unconscious scattered about the cramped interior of the patrol ship, a shape in black armor dropping the last to the floor. It had been simple enough to double back once the ships arrived, stow away onboard and abscond with one of the two ships. Ember dabbed at his brow, thankful he had selected the ship directed to head back out on patrol. Taking control, he turned the vessel from its path to a new heading.
I can drop them off near a village on the way and let them sleep off the headaches they are sure to have. I have to get back as soon as possible, before Salem can do anything else to her…
The final battle has ended, Ember returns empty handed to his Maiden as Olivia wrestles with her inner demons. Not all is finished in Patch, Menagerie and Atlas as the remainder of our heroes set off on their paths to Haven. Volume 4 concludes next chapter and until then as always I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D