Chapter 1- A Change in Situation
As anyone would tell you, life in Mantle was hard. To even sum it up like that would lose so much of what it actually means.
Long shifts in dead end and dangerous industries. Food and water polluted by the waste of industry. Cramped living quarters and poorly built homes. Why would anyone choose to live in such a place?
It was beyond the understanding of the wealthy elite. Those that didn't know what it was like to suffer a day in their lives. That had profited from the sweat off the brow of the common man. Who's only concern was what they wore to their co-worker's dinner party and if their wife was cheating on them.
Nicholas thought on this as he started out the window, seeing the frost build up on the dashboard of their vehicle.
"How much further do we have?" He asked, turning to the driver. "Are we there yet?"
"We weren't there five minutes ago Nick." Was the quick response. "We weren't there when you asked five minutes before that. So, when you ask me, five minutes from now, I'm going to give you the same response. We'll get there when we get there."
"I'm sorry." The Schnee said, raising his hands in surrender as he adopted a sheepish smile. "You can learn to liven up a bit Douglas."
"You will forgive me if I'm a little under the weather Nick." Douglas said, looking at his partner out of the corner of his eye. "I would like to do something besides dig through this frozen hell this month." His eyes narrowed.
I know. Nicholas thought, sighing as he gave a small nod. Of course, he knew what he was talking about. How could he not? "We'll be back in time. I promise you that." He said, giving a sharp nod of his head. It was partially his fault that Douglas was out here. He always had a habit of dragging his friend off to who knows what when he felt the need.
Someone will have to keep you in line Nicholas. And to make sure that you get home at the end of all this. Would always be the response that Douglas would give. Ever since they graduated the Academy and he had had the idea to come out and start exploring the world. Trying to find new resources for Mantle.
Well, Atlas now. He thought, shaking his head at the thought. It didn't matter what name his home went by. It would always be home. And he would always do what he could to help it prosper.
"Have you gotten him anything?" Nicholas asked, looking back out the window. It was the middle of a blizzard and it was almost impossible to see out beyond a few feet. "You know, after…" He left the question open. They both knew what he was talking about.
Douglas sighed. "No, I have not." He admitted. "I was hoping that I could find something here. If your men had the right of it-"
"And they do." The Schnee chimed in. "I sent some of my best out here. You know Rudolph? The one with the antlers? He was in change of it all." A damn good man. He would have to see about giving him a bonus after this. Maybe all of the scouting party. They deserved it.
"Well, if he's as sure as he made out, this should be a gold mine for us." Douglas continued, as if he hadn't been cut off. "Enough that I'm sure that a Dust crystal here and there could…go missing. Away from the official records anyway."
Nicholas laughed. "Of course, of course. Officially that is." He shook his head. Hell, all the man had to do is ask and he would snap his fingers for it to be done. "I don't quite care for all this official business and what not Doug. As long as people are happy and living, that's all that I care about."
"Well…you're right about that." His partner sighed. "It's just…I'm worried alright?" He dropped his stoic persona. "I'm away from home and he's all alone back there. All he's got is me Nick. It's not easy."
"Of course." Nicholas said, turning his head back to look back. "I…I'll try to cut things down a little. I'm sorry, about all this. Truly, I am. It's just…Mantle, Atlas, they need people like us. I know that you don't think much of some of the things that I do. But I'm trying to do as much good as I can. And I do that better on the frontlines, getting my hands dirty, than behind some desk while some poor souls are freezing to death out here."
"I know Nick. I know." Douglas nodded. "And I have to be here. I don't know what shenanigans you'd get up to without me to come bail you out." He smirked as his friend shot him a mock look of hurt at that.
"Regardless, perhaps you should leave your boy with my Misses next time. I'm sure that Willow would appreciate the company." He offered. "It's been too long since you brought him by for a visit. Let him know that his Uncle Nicholas hasn't forgotten about him."
Nicholas had always been fond of children. Enough so that he had made it no secret that he wanted a big family, as many little ones as his wife could give him. Sadly, that was not what fate had had in store for him.
His wife had had enough trouble bringing little Willow into the world. Enough that he won't risk her for anymore. His heart couldn't take it if he had to lose Holly.
"Maybe next time I'll drop him off with Holly then." Douglass offered, giving a shrug. "I'm sure that the two of them would appreciate it. Having that big house of yours, with hardly anyone to fill it. It must get lonely for them."
And lonely for the boy too. He thought, his eyes looking up.
"Stop, we're here." Nicholas said, raising a hand. It was hard to see through the falling snow, but he could see the make out of a camp.
Douglass slipped the truck into park. His hand falling to his belt where he kept his weapons. A hilt on the right matched by the holster on his left. "Alright, hopefully this shouldn't be too difficult." He noted, jumping out of the vehicle followed by the slam of the door shutting.
The two quickly opened the back of the truck. Over a dozen faces peaking back at them, each clutching their pickaxes and a pack of supplies over their shoulder.
"Alright lads, it's show time!" Nicholas yelled, shooting the group a smile. "Remember now, we are only here to investigate and to get a proper read on the area. I don't want anyone wandering off by themselves. Stick together with the group and always keep one of us in sight." He grasped his partner by the shoulder, getting a disgruntled murmur in response. "The Huntsman are here to keep you safe."
The workers seemed to be slightly relieved by the Schnee's words. That was good. Negativity could breed here like wildfire if they weren't safe. The weather, the poor conditions, being away from their families. It all piled up into a big ball of negativity.
And with negativity comes the Grimm. Nicholas couldn't help but think. Especially this far north, in Solatis? They'd flock like a horde of moths to candlelight. Something that they couldn't afford.
"Please hang tight while we get a proper bearing on the situation." Douglass chimed in, stepping forward. His arms held in parade rest behind his back. "Take the time to get some water and prepare yourselves. Once we have the proper information, we will be heading out." With that, he turned and walked towards the series of tents.
"Think that we will have any luck here?" Nicholas asked, slipping into a more stoic persona as soon as they were away from the crowd.
"Don't see why not." Was the quick reply. "Most of these old mines were abandoned during the War. Either not worth enough strategic advantages or not enough manpower to hold them. Either way, the Grimm made short work of anyone that was caught out here. Our best bet will be to survey the nearby ruins, see what can be salvaged and what needs to be repaired if or when we decide to set up a proper outpost here."
"A town Douglass." Nicholas said, shaking his head at his friend's wording. Always so cold. Not unlike the land that they lived in. "I want people to be able to live their lives out here. To flourish and build families. It's the reason why we're out here."
"Of course." Douglass nodded. "But we have to think of the manpower, the resources and expenses that setting up all these mines and excavation sites will cost us. If we want to do this right, to do it proper, then we need to slowly and steadily increase the number of towns that we have along with properly developing the ones already under our care."
Spoken from the heart. The Schnee thought, chuckling. The man was cold, but he was not heartless. He cared just as much about their goals as anyone, perhaps only equal to himself. But he was more…efficient, calculating in his manner. It balanced well with his own outlook and demeanor.
The two were silent as they continued on their way. All the way up until they approached the perimeter of the camp.
"Halt!" They heard a voice, turning to look up at one of the ruined building. A burned-out lookout tower from the look of it. "What business do you have here?"
"Nicholas Schnee and Douglass Spiegelung." Nicholas said, giving a friendly wave to the guard, who quickly turned pale as he realized just who he was speaking to. "Our radioman should have sent word up ahead son. Doubt that you'll find many others sulking about these parts. Nothing but ice and snow for miles." He chuckled.
"Y-Yes sir!" The guard exclaimed, shooting off a quick salute to the two. "They told us to be on the lookout for your sir!"
"At ease son. We're not in the military." Douglass chimed in, waving off the salute. They hadn't been military men and won't be. They were Huntsmen and Huntsmen came in a large variety. "Is Rudolph in the command tent? We need to speak with him as quickly as possible."
"Yes si-"Douglass's eyes narrowed. "Mr. Spiegeulung. You'll find it just down the ways." He pointed down the deserted street. "You'll see a number of tents set up near the ruins of the old saloon. His will be the one right in the middle."
"Thank you son." Nicholas said, giving another wave. "Please, care on with what you are doing. We won't hold you up anymore." With that, the two walked past the old watchtower and went along their way.
"So, any thoughts so far?" The Schnee asked, looking around the area. He could make out the few tents that the guard had mentioned. A lot more organized and orderly than the layout of the town, that was for sure.
"The buildings have no rhyme or reason to as to why they were built where they were." Douglass noted. "Fairly standard for a mining town like this. It springs up, the mines run, and they try to keep it going for as long as they can. That will be something to look at. Most of these buildings will have to be torn down fairly soon fi we are to properly move in."
"Good point." Nicholas said, cupping his chin as he gave a nod. Fairly along the lines of what he was thinking.
The two continued on their way towards the middle tent. The layout of the camp itself fairly well maintained. Clothes lines holding basic uniforms for the company, a light aroma of some sort of broth carrying through the air and the sound of snores travelling from one or two of the tents. All in all, what would expect when heading through a military camp.
The company remained silent as they approached the center tent. The men that they passed took notice of them, snapping to attention and giving them a salute that they waved off. Many of them having come from military backgrounds. Infantrymen, munitions personnel and so on and so forth.
Douglass knew them all. Knew all their stories, where they had come from and what had brought them all here.
All strays, with nowhere else to go after the War. Nicholas knew. They needed somewhere to go now that the war was done, human and Fanuns alike. A part of the reason why he had started the company.
Douglass pushed the tent open, holding it open for his partner. The chatter inside slowly died down as the two entered. People had a way of trying to look presentable, as opposed to how they truly were, when the higher ups came by.
"Sir." The commander said, looking up from a map that he was surveying. He didn't even bother to snap to a salute. The two had met often enough to know that it would only be dismissed. "It's good to see you. I hope that the weather has not been too difficult on you. At least it is easier to easier to breath down here with the rest of us." The slight twitch in his lips showing the joke for what it was.
"Of course." The Schnee said, chuckling as he approached the table. His eyes went over it, quickly picking it apart for what it was worth. "What can you tell me about the situation?"
"Of course, sir." Rudolph said, leaning over the table before sliding into his report. "We are currently standing in the remains of Coeus, right here." He pointed towards the northeast portion of Solitas. "The town had been set up roughly twenty years before the start of the war. It's geographical position, combined with the Dust mines in the area, made it an appealing resource for the Kingdom of Mantle."
"What happened?" Douglass asked, cupping his chin as he quickly analyzed the map.
"What always happens sir." Rudolph replied, giving a sigh. "The Grimm. It's no mistake to think that this was one of the drearier posts to be put at. And that was when we had the manpower before the war. Given all the pain, suffering and dread that grew among the populace it was only a matter of time before it was attacked. From what we were able to gather, a Grimm invasion blew through the area and killed most of the civilians. What personnel and miners that were left withdrew from the area."
Douglass nodded. "A sad fate but one that we are all too common with." He stated. "What can you tell us about the surrounding area? Do we have a proper idea on the mine as well? Will it be beneficial to us to restart mining operations here?"
"I would believe so." Rudolph nodded. As stoic and to the point as Douglass, Nicholas noted. "From what we have been able to gather from the scarce records that were still legible, the mines were still plentiful of Dust. Mostly a combination of Fire and Ice from what we have been able to gather."
"That's good, that's very good." Nicholas said, giving a smile as he beamed at the news. "We can reinvigorate this area, give people the space to move and live their lives safely outside of Mantle." He looked back towards Rudolph. "Excellent work commander. I'll be sure to have you and your men are well compensated for your efforts. Having to freeze your butts off waiting for the rest of us to show up. It only seems fair to make it up to you Rudolph." He clapped the Faunus on the shoulder.
Rudolph looked a bit surprised by the gesture if the widening of his eyes was anything to go off of. Many of the upper echelons of Atlas society weren't too keen on the Faunus. Nicholas would never understand it. So, what if someone had an extra pair of ears, a tail or even antlers like Rudolph?
Who would want to wake up and chose to hate someone that they've never met? I'll never quite understand. And he was happy for that. He hadn't fought as hard as he had, had bled for his country, only to continue the same hate and bigotry that had helped lead them to war in the first place.
"Yes, this is quite good." Douglass noted, giving a small nod before turning back to the map. "Did you find any local maps of the area? I want to have a good idea of what we are walking into down there. Pass me those and then I want you to have your men to start packing up the camp. You've done a good job commander. I'll make sure that to make up a letter of accommodation in your record commander. Also, do you know which one was the foreman's abode? I'll want to give it a look over before leaving the area."
Rudolph gave another nod before pulling out a folded-up piece of paper from within his jacket pocket. "Here you are." The Faunus said, giving a small nod in thanks. "Thank you for your kind words sir. I'll be sure to pass on your congratulations to the men. I'm sure that it will lighten their spirits to know how appreciative you are. Is there anything else that you will require?"
"If you could get one of your men to get us a pot of coffee, that would be appreciated." Nicholas said, chuckling at the thought as the Faunus gave a sharp nod before doing an about face and leaving to do as he was bid.
Nicholas turned to Douglass, raising an eyebrow. "So, what do you actually think?" He asked, taking one of the empty chairs.
Douglass cupped his chin. He started to unfold the maps, looking over everything with a cold and dispassionate mannerism. This was where he really shined. Taking in all the facts, fitting them together as if they were part of some giant puzzle that only he could visualize. If Nicholas was the spirit of the company, putting his heart into it, then Douglass was the mind. The intellect that would beat him down with cold, rational thinking and help guide the path towards a smoother course.
"Why would the miners be filled with so much pain and suffering, if they were so far from the frontlines?" Douglass finally asked, looking up from the maps. "Anyone could make the argument that they were suffering during the war. Because of the environment or the work? Both conditions one can grow accustom to. Never having to like it but enough that it wasn't soul crushing despair. No, this sounds like sabotage to me."
"Hm. Perhaps." Nicholas concurred, giving a small nod of the head. "But without evidence, it's only speculation. What bearing could that have on us? Let's say that you are correct. They know that Dust is one of our key resources, it's what makes our Kingdom so dangerous. What bearing will that have on us?"
"Come now Nicholas." Douglass smirked, a dark and grim thing. It had to be said. "What did we use to do when we had to give up land to the enemy? If we couldn't destroy the resources held there. Well, it won't do to let them fall into enemy hands. What would the munitions boys do?"
"Booby traps." Nicholas cursed. Well, that was just great. Assuming that Douglass was right of course. Though he always had a habit of being righter than he was wrong. "What do we tell the men? I don't want to spook them; in case your hunch is wrong."
"Fair enough." Douglass said, giving a nod. "We'll simply tell them to keep their eyes open in case of anything strange. Something they should be doing regardless but a simply reminder wouldn't be too out of the ordinary."
Simple safety and work concerns required the miners to be on the outlook anyway. So many things could go wrong in the mines, sometimes the most minute thing could end up killing them all. A grim reminder that this profession was one where carelessness and not taking the proper precautions ends up with dead men and no Dust to show for it.
Dust should be the last thing to worry about when there are lives on the line. Nicholas thought, grimacing at the thought.
"I take it that you are going to go and investigate the town then?" Nicholas asked, crossing his arms. "See if your hunch is correct? Do you want me to send any of the scouts with you? It might be good to have some backup with you."
"I working better on my own. You know that Nicholas." Douglass replied, shaking his head at the offer. The only exception, of course, was Nicholas. "Get some rest and tell the men to come and warm themselves. I'm sure that a few fires along with some real food would be more than enough to get them ready for a hard day of work before."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed out of the tent. Disappearing into the burned-out husk that once was Coeus.
Nicholas counted the hours as he waited for Dogulass to come back. In the meantime, he made sure that all the men were taken care. A bonfire was built in the center of the tent, a rotation made to go and secure some of the old rotten wood that was breaking off from some of the buildings.
A large communal meal was cooking, the faint aroma of corned beef and vegetables travelling through the camp, filling the men with vigor once more. Nicholas had even allowed the men a bit of alcohol, not enough to truly impair them but to take the edge off. They deserved it, after the hard travelling that they had to go through in order to get out here.
He had even relieved the guard, giving the young man a pat on the shoulder and an order to go get himself something to eat as well as to rest while he could. Of course, the lad had protested this. Saying how he was nothing more than a grunt and that someone like Nicholas clearly had better things to do than stand on guard duty.
Nicholas gave him a quick swat up the head and told him to throw such things out of his head with a smile.
Never ask someone to do something that you yourself aren't willing to do. His father had used to say to him when they were down in the mines. And Nicholas had taken those words to heart. He had an equal share of the food, of the whiskey. He would have an equal share of the work that these men were having to go through. Everyone has to pull together. Otherwise the chain runs slack, if even one person doesn't pull his share.
Nicholas's eyes narrowed as he saw a familiar silhouette slowly approach. It's been two and a half hours. He noted, pulling out his pocket watch once more.
His eyes narrowed more as he saw the state of the man's attire, a simple cuirass and jacket the only thing that he had on him to help ward off the cold. The jacket wasn't even lined with fur. He'd have to have words about that. It won't do for him to have his partner freezing to death out in this cold. Dust could only do so much after all.
Neither of them said a word as they waited for Douglass to get close enough.
"Where's the boy at?" Douglass finally asked, not stopping once as he simply walked past the guard tower. He quickly scaled the later, taking up what little space there that Nicholas had left.
"I sent him to go and get some rest. Lord knows that he needed it." Nicholas replied, leaning forward against the railing. "Did you find anything? Any evidence to back up your theory?"
"Unfortunately, no." Douglass grunted. "Still, it will be best to proceed with caution. I found a good number of skeletons scattered throughout the town. We should see about burying them before we leave. They deserve that decency at the very least."
"Of course." Nicholas nodded. "Well, you better get some rest before we head out. I want to get in the mine today before the sun goes down. I don't want any of us catching our death out in this cold." His eyes glanced down at Douglass's attire, raising an eyebrow as he locked gazes with the man. "That includes you. Do make sure to go and get a better jacket than that." He gestured towards the all too thin bit of cloth that Douglass preferred.
It was well maid, it had to be said. A solid black with a line of white and red tracing the lining. An age-old technique, all but forgotten after the War. Something that you would find in an Atlesian ball, not out in the field in the middle of a blizzard. A holdover from years living among the upper class, worried more about aesthetic than with functionality.
Douglass smirked. "I assure you Nick, this more than keeps me from freezing to death. The mysteries of Dust at work. And I don't have to worry about that ridiculous cloak of yours weighing me down in a fight."
This was an old argument between the two. One that didn't have a proper conclusion. But one that they would come to time and time again. Just the bantering between two old friends.
"Still, team leader's orders." Nicholas finally said, narrowing his eyes in mock anger. "Dust is amazing, that I will not argue against. But at least keep a decent jacket in your gear bag. It's better to be safe than sorry."
Douglass finally grunted. "Well, if it's team leader's orders, I suppose that I don't have a choice then." He smirked at that. "You sound like me when I'm giving my boy a stern warning. Not like he listens to me anyway. Too damn stubborn."
"I wonder where he gets that from." Nicholas laughed. Like father, like son he supposed. Ah well, he would have to pay the boy a visit then. It had been too long since he had stopped by to see him.
I'm sure that Willow will be happy to see her little friend again. He thought, growing somber at the thought. She was no doubt missing him. He needed to go home after this, take some time to spend with his family.
"Well, I think that it's been long enough." Nicholas said, giving a nod. "Do you want to get on the radio and tell one of Rudolph's boys to come and relieve us. They've had a long enough break." More than long enough to some. Still, they were out here freezing their tails off (some of them quite literally).
Douglass nodded. "Of course." He picked up the old ham radio on the ground, calling into the command tent. Before too long, one of the men walked out to relieve them. This one at least having the sense to not try and salute either of them. They weren't in the army anymore.
If only the others would catch onto that fact. Nicholas thought, having to suppress a sigh. They would figure it out eventually. Until then, he would put up with it. Always reminding them to put their damn hands down when he approached.
The two were silent as they walked back to the camp. Thoughts about why they were here and what they were missing back home consuming them. Both vowing to get back as soon as they could. Once they took care of what they needed to take care of.
Nicholas stopped in front of the bonfire, making eye contact with each member of the crowd. The miners putting down what they were doing, be it their bowls of broth or whatever they were fiddling with, as they gave him their undivided attention. The scouts stepping out of the tents, falling in line behind Rudolph and filing in with the rest of their party.
"Alright lads, it's time." Nicholas said, a smile spreading on his face. "Now, we know where the mine is and what we are expecting." He gave a thankful nod towards Rudolph. "I want us to get in there and get a proper view of the situation. If all goes well, then we should be able to get some proper structures built up and make this a proper outpost. That means hot rooms, hot food, and hot showers. I'm sure that we would all be appreciative of that."
The men gave each other looks and chuckled at the suggestion. Yes, he was sure that they would all be appreciative of that. He knew that he did after he spent a long day in the mines.
"Thanks to Douglass," Nicholas continued, clasping his friend on the shoulder. "We have a clearer picture of what to expect. We know that Grimm were the final nail in the coffin of this town. So, I want you all to keep your senses sharp and to tell us if you see anything. Let the Huntsmen take care of the beasties while you all worry about surveying the area. Am I clear?"
A choir of "Yes sir" was the immediate response.
"Now then, get your gear and we can get this show on the road." Nicholas chucked, giving a nod in response. "Hopefully, by the end of the day, we will have a proper picture to send back home and we can get back on the trucks and go home."
The men turned to one another, chatting excitedly at the idea of being able to go home. Gods knew that he wanted to be back in Atlas as well. Holding his daughter, getting a kiss and a welcome home from his wife. He was sure that they all had something similar waiting for them back there.
Nicholas turned to Douglass out of the corner of his eyes, his smile widening ever so slightly. Hopefully, we can find that gift and be out of here before the sun rises tomorrow. He thought, a resolve building in him. He'd find the best damn crystal in this mine or he'd die trying.
August deserved that much.
Douglass just grunted. "Let's get moving then. We're wasting daylight." He said, turning and heading towards the mine.
Nicholas couldn't help but shake his head before waving his hand to the others. "Let's get going men." He said, falling in line. His hand fell to the sword handle at his belt, keeping his senses peeled. Rudolph and his men might have cleared out what little Grimm were in the area. But they'd be back. They always came back.
Something felt off. That was the only thought that was going through his head as he watched the men get to work. They were slowly but surely removing rubble that had been built up. Apparently, the mines had been partly caved in since it was last used.
They were properly cared for. Whoever had set these up hadn't taken the proper time to set up proper stables. Not an uncommon thing to find in frontier towns. The owners assuming that they'd be down here as soon as possible and try to cut corners where they could. It just filled him with fury to think of who might have been trapped under here, been buried alive and waiting to die, because some corporate dog wanted to save a few bucks.
That's not who we are. Not what this company will do. He thought, narrowing his eyes at the thought. The Schnee Dust Company would be the example to look to. To know that the interests of their employees were taken care of and their safety guaranteed.
He had the men taking turns when it came to the debris. One of the groups would be moving the rocks, the other slowly wheeling them out with a few of the still serviceable mining carts, and the last group resting before reliving the others. It was hard, grueling work but it was work that needed to be done.
Douglass had broken off from the group. Not something that he was particularly fond of but apparently, he had seen one of the tunnels split off from the main route. He had promised to keep in radio contact, he had all but demanded that the man do so if he wanted to go alone.
Speaking of, it's about time to check in. Nicholas thought, picking up the ham radio. "Douglass, where are you?" He asked, pressing them button for a second longer before taking it off.
"I've seen to have found a small room. A few Sabyrs got came across my path but that seemed to be it." Was the response. "It's still strange. If a Grimm invasion had truly taken this settlement out, then there should still be way more Grimm Nick. I got a bad feeling about this."
Douglass rarely broke etiquette when they were out in the field. To even call him by his nickname? Something has got him spooked. A small, minute thing. But one that he had picked up over the years of dealing with the man.
"Tell me what you find out there." Nicholas said, holding the radio to his mouth. He turned away from the group, his eyes narrowing as he thought about the situation. "If you find anything dangerous then just head back. I don't want to risk losing you Douglass."
"Worried about me Nicholas? That isn't like you." He could just imagine the small smirk growing on his partner's face. "I'll be back before you know it. Over."
Nicholas sighed, looking back at the men. "Any idea of what caused the collapse?" He asked, turning to one of the more experienced men. Blitzen, he wanted to say was his name. "Or was I right in my assessment?'
"Well, yes and no sir." Blitzen replied, giving a small shake of his head. "The supports were indeed poorly and cheaply set up. You were correct on that front. But that isn't what caused the collapse." He pointed towards one of the supports, noting the scorch marks that marred it at the bottom. "Someone deliberately set off explosives to collapse these." He noted.
Nicholas's eyes widened at that. "Are you completely sure?" He had to ask. "There is a significant amount of Burn Dust down here. Maybe…" No, even that sounded like an excuse to him.
"The miners no doubt collapsed the mine before they withdrew from this area." Blitzen said. "But the question is, why?"
Do you remember what we used to do during the War Nicholas? When we were about to lose land to the enemy? We couldn't let those resources fall into their hands. Nicholas could hear Douglass's words vibrating in his mind. It was all starting to click into place.
"He was right." He muttered to himself, cupping his chin. And that meant that they needed to be extremely careful with this. "We need to be careful then. If they left any blasting powder down here, then it could be deadly for us."
"Of course, sir." Blitzen said, giving a nod. "Should I inform the men of the situation?"
Normally he'd say yes right away. But they were currently in potentially Grimm contested area with potential enemy assets sprinkled throughout the mine. Their morale could plummet and that would only spell death for this entire expedition if things did indeed turn out to be as dire as he feared.
"Please do. Let them know that they are to proceed with extreme caution." Nicholas finally said, giving a wave of his hand as he dismissed the man.
They continued on like that for some time. The men were a bit more cautious in their actions, no doubt slightly spooked by what they were told. A necessary sacrifice if a small one. Peace of mind was one of the many things that one gave up when you came to work in a mine.
Nicholas kept a clear watch on the surroundings. The only real activity that he had was a pair of Beowulves but that was miniscule to what he was used to.
Maybe my nerves are just too focused right now. He thought, shaking his head as he sheathed his blade. All he knew was that they were on edge and that he felt that something was off.
"Nicholas, are you there?" The radio chined in. "I think that I've found something."
The Schnee picked up the mic, pressing the button before responding. "I'm here Douglass, what are you looking at over?" He asked, finger leaving the button immediately after he was done. Something that had been drilled into them out in the field and that he still clung to.
"It…it looks like some Vacuo men." Was the confused reply. "I think that I was. But they don't seem to have set up anything out here."
Nicholas narrowed his eyes at that. "Where are you? I'll ask Rudolph to send some back up."
Damn fool, going and running off on your own. He scowled. Trust Douglass to want and shoulder the whole expedition. A nasty habit that he had had since they first met. It was about time that he broke him of it.
"Don't bother. It looks like-"There was a sudden snap on the other line. "Nick, tell my son that I love him. It's been an honor to serve under you Schnee."
"What are you-" Nicholas didn't get to respond fully before he felt it. The entire mine shook as it was hit by the explosion, his eyes widening as he realized the implications of that.
"Everyone get out! Get out now!" Nicholas yelled, waving his hand to the frightened miners. He ran as quickly as he could, shouting at the group to move as fast as they could.
Nicholas wasn't taking any chances as he all but chased the group out of the mine. An explosion of that magnitude could easily lead to a cave in. His eyes stung as he thought about Nicholas, but he didn't let up. His partner won't have wanted him to potentially die down here and he won't have wanted him to shed tears while there was work to be done.
He didn't let up until they were all out. Luckily, the mine had not caved in on them. Regardless, there was a reason for the safety precaution.
"Douglass, Douglass are you there?" Nicholas exclaimed, picking the mic up. Answer me Gods damn it!" The group looked amongst themselves, uncertain glances exchanged before looking back at their employer.
Nicholas didn't respond to any of them as he continued to all but shout into the mic. "Spiegelung, I'm giving you an order. Team Leader's orders. Pick up that damn mic and let me know that you're alright." He shook his head as he felt one of the men grab him by the shoulder. "No, not right now. I don't care what it is. It can bloody well fucking wait right now!"
The man backed up, raising his hands in surrender. He could see the desperation in the man's eyes.
Nicholas continued to all but holler into the mic for the next few minutes, his eyes frantic before he sank to his knees. His hands going to cover his eyes as he finally allowed himself to weep. Trails of tears seeping out of his eyes as he mourned the death of his friend.
Following the Coeus Mining Accident, an official investigation was launched by the Kingdom of Atlas. After the recover of the body of Douglass Spiegelung (identified by one Nicholas Schnee), investigators were eventually able to rule that the circumstances surrounding the mine was the result of sabotage.
The bodies found were able to be identified as saboteurs sent by Vacuo years prior during the Great War. Either knowing or unknowingly, the government of Vacuo left Huntsman grade weaponry unaccounted for for years. At the insistence of the SDC and the Kingdom of Atlas, efforts have been made worldwide to clean up the remnants left behind by the Great War so that similar situations do not arise over the years.
Nicholas felt little reprieve by this. The only thought on his mind when he eventually got back into the truck, his partner's body in the back, was how he was going to tell him.
What am I going to tell August? Nicholas thought, his eyes still bloodshot a week after the taskforce had been sent out. He would wake up in the night, his eyes widen as he remembered that what he had experienced was the cruel reality that had happened.
That he won't wake up to see his friend's grumpy face and grunts as he moved about in the morning. That he was gone and all he had to show for it was a mine.
I'm sorry kid. He thought, rubbing his hand over his face as he sighed. He cranked the shift, sliding it into drive. His eyes going over to a leather sack that he had managed to have dug up before they left. He left with his father and he returned to him with a handful of Dust.
The man didn't want to think of the injustice of that. He simply lost himself in driving as he kept his eyes on the road. Eventually, their truck disappearing down that long dirt road. The exhaust leading them away from that accursed place.
So yeah. I don't know how well that ending is going to be received. And I do apologize for just how abrupt it really was. But that is how mining accidents and combat is. You're completely fine one minute and not ten seconds later, all hell has broken loose.
Oh yeah, IEDs being left behind was a RL problem after WW1. Explosives were just left in places for some time before people were told to go remove them. As for Nicholas's response after it? It doesn't make sense to stay in a mine when a bomb just went off. That leads to a cave in and then everyone is dead. That helps no one. Nicholas knows that and why he had them all book it.
Lastly, reason why explosives could take out a Huntsman? A powerful enough bomb is gonna break someone's Aura real quick. Also the shrapnel/force breaking in after the other is done? That's gonna end them. And Dust grenades are even worse than their real world counterparts.
So, it has been some time since I have come back to the world of writing. Just been too caught up with life and trying to figure out who I am right now. Cliché I know but it is what it is. So, I have dwelled back into the world of RWBY and I wanted to dip my toes in, see if I have lost my touch.
This is going to primarily focus on August. I just wanted this prologue to act as a Segway into all of that. The only real reoccurring character that we are going to have here in this chapter is Nicholas Schnee. I wanted to really tackle Atlas (it's my favorite Kingdom) and the best way that I could think to do that was through the eyes of one of its greatest heroes.
From what we know about Nicholas, he was a real pioneer after the Great War. And given his age and combat experience, he no doubt served in some capacity in the war. Giving him a partner wasn't too hard as it was said that he went to combat school before shit hit the fan as it were. Don't know why he wasn't listed as a character in the drop down section but I can understand why (we only get one scene of him and that's not even in the official show).
So, let me know if you guys want me to continue. Depending on how things go, I should get the next chapter up in a short amount of time. Either way, probably gonna tackle Nicholas coming home and probably dealing with the aftermath of a small child realizing that his dad just died. So…yeah, fun stuff. Drop a review if you want, always love to hear from you guys. Until next time.