5
Recon/Jackknife Stands Strong/Task Force Endeavor
Destiny=Bungie
RWBY=RoosterTeeth
Let's do this.
I was re-reading my reviews and someone asked if people are going to be in a relationship. I'm not really sure how it'll go but I got two pairing names so far.
Black Lightning
Thunder Dragon
Yeah, you can guess which two I'm talking about. Or you guys can make up your own stuff too in the review section.
/
GRIMOIRE UNLOCKED: Task Force Endeavor 1
Task Force Endeavor
It sounded so simple, we were headed outside of the Sol System in order to find some wayward Guardians. But with the Consensus propaganda spewing out promises of finding the descendants of Pre Golden Age survivors the City was either in an uproar or the bars were full of revelers. Nonetheless, it matters not how people feel. History is being written once again and our destiny was always to walk under the light of other stars.
I am Edgar Gein, Voidwalker, Holder of the Cormorant Seal. Zavala has given me command of thirty Guardians and the tactical support of Captain Augustus Horatio Nelson of Dead Orbit, the commander of the Frigate 'Nautilus'. Thirty Guardians. Six killed Atheon, Time's Conflux. Six killed Crota, Son of Oryx. Six brought down Oryx, the Taken King. What could one do with a strike force of thirty?
Thirty Guardians. Their blades and guns are under my command. They will live and die and kill at my word. Ten Fireteams of differing experience. Well, if any of them were itching for combat then they'd get their taste if the coordinates from Rasputin leads us to a dangerous place. For me, the chains of command are binding. But I still have to ask why I was chosen to lead.
-From the private notes of Edgar Gein, acting ground commander of Guardian Task Force Endeavor and leader of Fireteam Knight.
/
One minute until class was over. Port's droning was about to put Kevin to sleep. The Warlock pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to keep his eyes open. Why was he taking this class again? He could have been getting research done in the library. He turned his eyes to Blake who looked markedly upset, even as she tried to hide it behind her stoic facade.
Kevin muttered a curse as he paid attention to Port, who realized that class was over. As the professor announced another essay for homework he dismissed the class and the chatter became much more livelier. Port's semblance was probably making people drowsy. Or something. The Warlock shook his head. He was tired, and random thoughts were not helping right now.
He saw Jaune flirting with Weiss and rolled his eyes before heading outside the classroom. Kevin looked at his Scroll and had seen something interesting in the news this morning. Apparently someone had taken out a large group of White Fang in a warehouse near the dock. There were almost no survivors.
Weiss was, of course, a bit ecstatic about it and Blake was naturally upset. Kevin simply spoke up that maybe the attacker had a grudge against the White Fang, and wasn't doing it for the SDC. A pointed look made Weiss drop the subject.
The argument between them was still going on it seemed. Kevin decided not to get too involved. Blake and Weiss were stubborn and the Warlock had more important things to think about. Maybe the attacker did have a grudge against the White Fang but considering that he or she had completely annihilated the group then maybe he might be a serial killer with an agenda. Or a grudge against the White Fang. Hell, maybe someone in the government got tired of all the squabbling and decided to hire some hands to do the dirty work.
Either way, he'd have to deal with Blake and Sun soon enough. Ruby and Yang would have to worry about Weiss in the meantime.
Secret meetings...he almost felt like a kid again.
/
"Eighteen dead confirmed." Blake whispered as she put the scroll down in front of Kevin and Sun in the secluded area of the library they used to meet. "Five died in agony at the hospital, how was it justified that these men and women died in pain?"
"It's not." Kevin said calmly. "But someone who is angry and grieving is obviously not going to care about things like mercy is he?" The Warlock sighed when Blake looked at him with a disgusted expression. "Look, maybe the attacker wasn't in a healthy state of mind."
"So you think a crazy person did this?" Sun asked.
"Maybe." Kevin shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe not, we'd have to check out the scene first before making any assumptions. Got any plans this weekend?"
Blake shook her head. Sun shrugged his shoulders, grinning a bit. "Nah, so we're doing detective work, Holden?"
Kevin nodded.
"Hey, what are you guys doing?"
All three turned to see Ruby peeking out from behind a bookshelf, looking at them suspiciously. Kevin found her look rather adorable, because she was trying way too hard to look serious. He hid the smile on his face as he looked at his Scroll.
"What are you doing Ruby?" Blake asked.
"Checking on you and Kevin," Ruby answered. "You guys have been all 'secretive', is there something you two want to tell us?" She air quoted the word secretive.
"Ruby...what are you insinuating?" Kevin looked incredulously at her. "Blake's asking for help. Did Yang put you up to this?"
"She said you were making out." Ruby stated without a thought.
Sun snorted a laugh as Kevin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Obviously not." He told Ruby. "We're going on a little trip this weekend."
"Then we're coming too." Ruby said. "Blake, we're your friends aren't we?"
When Ruby said that Blake realized that she had been very aloof to her teammates lately. It was hard to dissuade Ruby because it was true. She had to remember that Yang, Ruby and even Weiss had offered to help her search for any clues. She looked to Kevin and Sun.
Kevin just shrugged his shoulders. Sun grinned at her. Looks like they were fine with what was going to happen.
Blake sighed. Looks like they had more people going out into the city this weekend. Still, it felt...nice to have backup again.
"Alright, Ruby. You guys come along."
/
City of Vale
John and Hestia said good-bye to their captives after leaving them to their fate at the Vale Police Department. They had gotten some information, a disappointing amount, but it was better off than having nothing.
The real problem was the fact that they were going to be known to the White Fang. Assuming that they could get anything from those two left at the police station of course, a little problem but one that could grow potentially. John's questioning was thorough, no bodily harm had needed to be done. Not when a Warlock was involved. Some powers cut right to the mind.
The pair of Guardians were currently in their hotel room in the average little inn simply called Dayside Motel. With the Lien they managed to work for the pair could stay there for quite a while. Martellus's hacking spree was more than enough to uncover some rather...titillating evidence of Miss Grey's infidelity to her husband. With that info, their rent was cut in half in exchange for their silence.
Hestia finished cleaning out the barrel of her Suros Regime as she collected her thoughts. Blackmail was so...tiresome. But it beat getting physical with the natives of the planet. She looked to see John and Jingles hacking into a Scroll, one pilfered off of one of their former prisoners.
"Just a few more finishing touches and...there! You are now officially John Holden and Hestia Munroe of Vale, hailing from the settlement of Tower in the far east of the wild lands." Jingles announced.
"You hacked their registry?" Hestia asked, raising a blonde brow.
"The Kingdom's encryption isn't very good." Martellus piped up. "Jingles showed me how awful some of their security measures are, I would not be surprised if hacking is a considerable breach in Vale's security. If I had the time, I'd know each and every military secret the four kingdoms of Remnant possess. Would you like us to try Atlas next?"
"Nah," John said. "We're here for one thing, guys." He displayed the Scroll to Hestia grinning as she saw that he was on a certain Academy's roster.
The photograph of one Kevin Holden was displayed on screen alongside his status as a student at Beacon Academy, he was training as a Huntsman apparently. Not that he needed it of course, he was a veteran Guardian after all. The most curious thing was what was he doing there of all places?
"I assume he got shanghaied into this." Jingles sounded unsurprised. "Kevin always gets the short end of the stick."
"His luck is abysmal, true." Hestia agreed with a chuckle. "Now this will be troublesome, how are we going to get into contact with Kevin?"
"Easy." John said as he closed the hacked browser window. "All we need to do is get into Beacon!"
"We're...going to school?" Hestia asked.
"Briefly," John said. "We'll scout out the situation first and see why Kevin's in there." His smile faded slightly. "If he's being coerced by this Headmaster Ozpin then there will be problems."
"Shall I hack into Beacon's servers then?" Martellus asked Hestia and John.
"Mm...I hear the Vytal Festival is going to happen in a few." John answered. "We'll handle that tomorrow, right now I'm a bit hungry."
Hestia raised a laminated menu. "How does Pizza sound?" She asked blandly.
/
The next morning was going to be a bit rough. With the Ghosts hacking into Beacon's servers once again they had to make up and rehearse a story. They also had to stick with it in case things got complicated and people started asking unnecessary questions.
Now, seeing that they were now 'huntsmen in training' from the settlement of 'Tower' John and Hestia had to get to Beacon by airship. Luckily for them, students from all over were heading towards Beacon to prepare for the upcoming Vytal Festival, which involved a fighting tourney. To say that Hestia was amused was an understatement.
John looked up at the Airship that was taking them to Beacon. Tickets were secured, transcripts were already on the roster. The pair were wearing casual and nondescript clothing. Hestia pulled her baseball cap over her eyes as she looked at John and winked. The Warlock winked back as he grabbed their luggage and followed her to the waiting airship.
He had a feeling it was going to be slower than transmat.
They were sitting at a rather isolated location, hoping that no one would bother them. Hestia had her eyes closed and was leaning her head back against the headrest. She had the window seat. John simply put his chin in his hand as he looked at the news broadcast on the holographic projector.
Their little raid on the White Fang had caused some rippling, public opinion was obviously divided between arresting the ones responsible or hailing them as heroes. John shook his head, murdering innocent people was a good way of turning the people you fought for against you. If the White Fang wanted to cause harm to the innocent they would learn the reason why John was called the Ifrit.
"You're scowling." Hestia murmured as she reached over to cover his hand with hers.
"I really do hope that Kevin's okay." John said quietly as people started boarding. All of them were students from the other Kingdoms. Atlas was already at Beacon. Apparently General James Ironwood, one of the most prolific figures of the Atlas leadership, had traveled all the way here for something.
"He will be, he has Sparky looking out for him." Hestia opened her eyes and gave John a smile. "You care a lot you know."
"Damn right I do." John muttered, his tone low. "If anything hurt you or Kevin, I wouldn't know how to hold anything back."
Hestia leaned her head against his. "You don't have to worry so much, love." She said. "We're not going away anytime soon."
John squeezed Hestia's hand.
/
The splendor of Beacon Academy was not lost on the two, but they were a bit unimpressed. It spoke of happier times away from war. An innocence that seemingly ignored the creatures of the Grimm lurking outside the walls of the city of Vale or the White Fang's growing insurgency, reminders that a darkness was encroaching upon its people. These people would not last against the Fallen or the Hive. The Cabal would not bother invading, they'd just blow the planet up.
Nonetheless the Academy was very beautiful. Especially the tower and the beacon for which it was named. John and Hestia walked down the main avenue heading inside to check in as 'participants' in the Vytal Festival. Hopefully Martellus and Jingles had sent their forged transcripts without problems. John wasn't up for starting a shoot-out in an academy with students in it. He really didn't want to get discovered.
The Sunsinger and the Defender avoided contact, only returning polite greetings briefly before checking in. Once there they were assigned a dorm room which John sent Jingles to find on account of the Ghost currently using active camouflage. Right now all he really wanted to do was find his brother.
It shouldn't be too hard, all he had to do was look for someone who looked exactly like him. John put his hands in his pockets. Disguised in civilian clothes he looked like any typical eighteen year old, except for the fact that he was more than capable of putting someone larger than him down with a single blow. In comparison Hestia drew some stares, especially from the male crowd which diminished somewhat as John possessively put an arm around her waist. The Titan briefly regarded him with a wry smile before doing the same.
They kept going until they got into the Academy.
/
"Hey isn't that..." Jaune said as he and JNPR headed back into the amphitheater and noted a pair of new transfer students talking to one of the academy staffers. The blonde woman was quite tall, a statuesque looker with an intimidating physique. Her boyfriend was a bit shorter, with short black hair. His face was familiar. Extremely so were it not for the polite smile he had on his face as he talked to the staff member.
He looked like Kevin if the guy smiled more and was less isolated.
As though sensing their apprehension the young man turned briefly and gave them all a friendly wave before turning back to the staff member. The blonde young woman at her side simply continued to pay attention.
"No way, that is not Kevin." Nora spoke up. "Are they related?"
"Have to be," Ren shrugged. "They look exactly alike."
"I guess we have to tell Kevin that his relatives are looking for him." Pyrrha commented.
"Didn't they say they were heading out to Vale today?" Jaune asked. "Should we got tell him now?"
"Hi."
JNPR turned to see that the young man with the uncanny resemblance to Kevin Holden had approached them. "I see that you know my twin brother."
Jaune opened his mouth then closed it as he tried to think about what to say. Kevin was intimidating. But his brother was on a different level. At the corner of his eye he saw Pyrrha narrow her eyes slightly. There was something...off about this guy, despite his polite smile and affable nature.
"Yes. We do know Kevin." Pyrrha said hesitantly. "Are you his brother by chance?"
The young man grinned. "Yes. I'm John Holden, and my girlfriend is Hestia Munroe." At his side Hestia nodded her head.
"Pleased to meet you."
Pyrrha smiled politely and returned his greeting. "Pleased to make your acquaintance." She said. "Kevin is a rather good friend of ours."
"Oh?" John Holden raised a brow. "You hear that, Hes? Seems like Kevin made some new friends."
"Don't scare them off, John." Hestia Munroe spoke stoically. "Sorry, John worries about his brother too much. We're just here to check on him."
"Are you two Huntsmen?" Nora asked excitedly.
John shrugged. "Yeah, not the best but certainly ain't the worst." He said. "Kevin's one too, but I guess Tower wanted him to learn more so he was sent out here to Vale."
"You guys live outside the walls?" Jaune asked looking astonished.
"All our lives. Kevin and I were born outside of Vale." John said smiling. "It's not easy but we make do back at Tower." He tilted his head. "So where is he?"
"Err..." Jaune looked at Pyrrha who nodded.
"Well, he's a bit preoccupied in the City right now." Jaune said. "One of our friends, Blake, she's...err having some problems."
"Problems with what?" John asked, still smiling. How he did it was uncomfortable. Even Nora of all people was starting to get nervous. John's blue eyes held the same piercing quality that Kevin's had except colder. There was an underlying feeling of danger that made Jaune break out in a cold sweat.
"Something bad enough to make her run from the White-" Nora piped up but Ren put a hand over her mouth.
"From her home, she meant to say." Ren gulped when John's gaze turned on him. The smile on his face was sickeningly sweet as he gestured to the Academy grounds outside.
"Why don't we discuss this out in the grounds eh?"
/
A few hours before...
The plan seemed simple enough.
Ruby and Weiss were heading to the Cross Continental Transmit to go look over Schnee Dust Company records for robberies.
Yang and a newly recruited Neptune Vasilias would head to a club down in the slummier part of town for info that Hei Xiong would be able to provide. Kevin doubted that was going to be hard, he'd hit Junior in the face himself a year ago.
Kevin, Blake and Sun would head to a White Fang faction meeting to see what they could eavesdrop. When Weiss spouted some concern about Kevin getting in, the Warlock had said that he wasn't going into the meeting per se, he'd be backup in case Blake and Sun needed it.
Weiss looked skeptical until she saw that Kevin was holding a sleek looking assault rifle with a sharp bayonet.
Now...the only thing missing was for a fiasco to happen.
/
White Fang Faction Meeting
Kevin kept low as he reached the top of the fire escape. He peeked up from cover, seeing the two White Fang goons patrolling the roof and guarding the skylights.
"Just two?" Kevin asked Sparky over private com link. He had sent the Ghost to scout ahead and the results were, as always, bad. Outnumbered and outgunned, whilst surrounded by angry Faunus.
"Just two." Sparky's reply was even. "Best keep it quiet, Kevin. Gunfire has the tendency to attract unwanted attention."
Kevin nodded. He took a deep breath then leaped out into the open and ran towards the patrol. The first White Fang died without a sound as the Monte Carlo's bayonet speared him in the back. The blade sank in deep. Gurgling, the mouse Faunus was kicked off the blade as the Warlock rushed the second White Fang who had drawn a sword and went to attack Kevin, looking quite angry.
Kevin adjusted the grip on Monte Carlo as the female went at him with a swipe. Kevin parried the blade with his left gauntlet, the Claws of Ahamkara sparking as the sword bounced off. Kevin punched her in the face sending her backwards. The Warlock put her down with a horizontal swing to the neck.
The Faunus held her sliced throat, trying to stem the flow of blood.
The Warlock left her there to die as he headed towards one of the skylights. Kevin looked down to see a mass of Faunus listening to a speaker, one that was very familiar to him and Sparky both.
"Blake, I see Torchwick down there." He contacted Blake over the Scroll.
"I know, Kevin." She said quietly. "I...It sounds bad down here, bad but true. Most of these people have lost a lot to discrimination."
Kevin exhaled. "And Torchwick knows just the thing to rally the masses to fight against their injustice." He said chuckling darkly. "I'm sorry Blake."
"...Don't be. You, Sun, and Ruby are good people."
Kevin readied his armaments, switching to his Susanoo Fusion rifle. "I'll be there if anything happens."
"Thank you."
Kevin loaded a fresh power cell into Susanoo as he peeked down into the meeting, wondering what lies Torchwick had given to these people.
"Like always, desperation brings out the worst in people." Sparky commented. "Are you going to kill Torchwick, Kevin?"
"Assuming Blake wants him dead." Kevin said.
"You know Kevin, between Yang and Blake...You've definitely done a lot of favors for Blake."
Kevin exhaled. "Sparky, that's a situation that I don't want to think about right now." His tone was stern.
"Just saying, Kevin." Sparky said.
"She asked me for help." Kevin answered. "You see me saying no?"
Sparky made a sound of acknowledgement.
"I don't turn away people who ask for help." Kevin told the Ghost. "You know that."
"I know," The Ghost said. "That's why you're a good Guardian, Kevin. I just hope that you realize other people worry when you isolate yourself."
The Ghost went back to observing.
"It's better this way," he heard Kevin mutter.
"Doesn't have to be, Kevin." The Ghost told him.
/
En Route to Hei Xiong's Bar
"So...that Kevin guy." Neptune Vasilias spoke up hanging on for dear life as Yang rushed through a yellow light that was seconds from turning red. "He's uh...pretty badass ain't he?"
"Yep," Yang's voice was cheerful. "He'll be fine with Blake and Sun, so don't worry."
"Does he always scowl?" Neptune asked. "He doesn't seem to be a nice guy."
"He is." Yang grinned. "He likes to think that he's real tough, but Kev's a real softie."
"Uh...Kev?" Neptune asked. "You guys close?"
When Yang didn't reply for a while, Neptune thought he was done for and expected to impact the cement real soon.
"He's close to a lot of us." Yang spoke after a long awkward pause, sounding bothered. "Some closer than others."
Sensing that he was stepping on a minefield, Neptune dropped the subject. The blue haired boy saw that they were nearing their destination.
"Well, we're here." Yang said, slowing Bumblebee to a stop. "Let's get this show on the road."
She swung off her bike's seat and readied her gauntlets. Yang realized that this was a perfect distraction for her thoughts. If Junior wanted another fight, good. That would keep her from thinking about how Kevin was being all chummy with Blake instead of her. She grinned to herself.
Looks like she was going to have to work a bit harder.
/
"Well, shit." Kevin remarked as Roman unveiled a mechanized power suit of some sort. "That looks heavy."
"Scanning..." Sparky said. "It's designated as the Atlesian Paladin-290. Apparently, the Atlesian Military collaborated with the Schnee Dust Company to create the suit. They aren't supposed to be out on the market yet."
"Any weaknesses?" Kevin asked, wondering if Truth could even damage the damn thing. Its armor looked thick. "I'd have to say that taking a leg or two would be the only way to deal with the damn thing, assuming it's like a Fallen Walker." What he'd give to have a Heavy Pike on him right now.
"Switch out Monte Carlo?" Sparky asked.
"Yes, get me my Suros ARI-41 and Truth."
As Kevin watched his HUD there was something going on down in the Faction Meeting. The White Fang were distributing arms and were in the process of splitting up their new recruits. Kevin watched the proceedings with a practiced eye, handling his Suros rifle and checking the magazine.
"Uh oh." Sparky said. "Blake and Sun might be in trouble."
Kevin watched as the crowd separated, exposing Blake and Sun in the middle of the room. Without hesitation, Blake raised Gambol Shroud and fired a burst at the lights. A good distraction, the Warlock mused as the lights flickered. Kevin broke the skylights with the stock of his rifle.
The Warlock then jumped into the opening, firing as he went.
/
Blake shoved aside a Bear Faunus as she heard glass shatter, looking up she saw the figure of Kevin Holden jump into the building guns blazing as he took down several White Fang before landing in a crouch before Roman who simply saluted and jumped into the Paladin's cockpit.
The battle suit powered up and Roman's voice boomed from its speakers. "Alright then, kiddies, let's have some fun!"
Blake and Sun readied their weapons even as Kevin loaded a fresh magazine into his weapon and took aim.
"So! Who wants to move first-"
A burst of rounds sparked against the battle suit's armor. Roman returned fire just as Kevin leaped out of the way. Rolling to a stop, Kevin opened fire with his Auto Rifle.
"Let's go! Let's go!" Kevin roared at Blake and Sun. "We're going to get shredded out here! Find some cover!"
/
Beacon Academy, night time.
"Well, interesting. I'm picking up Kevin and Sparky's Light from the City outskirts." Martellus told John.
Having recently departed from Jaune Arc and his team, John and Hestia headed into their assigned quarters to check it out. Now that they had some down time they could figure out how to get into contact with Kevin without arousing much suspicion. People knew he had a brother so that was obviously something they didn't need to worry about.
The problem was blowing Kevin's cover. John knew how much shit someone could get into with a mixed up story. And being investigated was not in the Guardians' agenda. They also had to worry about the Headmaster, who was sharper than he looked. John thought back on his conversation with the bespectacled man.
/
A few hours ago...
Hestia was taking a nap so John had some free time while Martellus and Jingles continued their hacking routines into Vale's databases. The Warlock kept his hood over his face as he sat down on a bench in the academy grounds.
Twiddling his thumbs, John noticed someone approaching and stood up to face him. He was an older gentleman with silver hair. He wore dark shaded spectacles over his brown eyes. John felt a certain amount of power from the man. The gentle breeze pulled at the tails of the man's coat gently. He took a sip of coffee from the mug he carried, his other hand clutching the head of an intricate cane. This guy must have been the Headmaster, Ozpin.
"Afternoon." John said politely.
"And a good afternoon to you as well, young man." The stranger returned the greeting. "I assume that you are a visiting student from one of the Academies?"
John shrugged. "Not exactly, we're combat trained sure but no Academy. We're from the settlement of Tower, way out in the wilds to the north."
"Ah, I see." The Headmaster looked a bit perturbed but hid that confusion well. "Pardon, your face..."
"Ah, yeah I'm John Holden. Kevin's twin brother." John lowered his hood.
"Checking up on your sibling?" The Headmaster asked with a wry smile. "He has been doing very well in the Academy, his grades are high from what I have seen."
"Yeah, Kevin's always been smart." John said. "We didn't go through all that crap with our mother and father for nothing then, life is surprising in a way I suppose."
/
Ozpin narrowed his eyes slightly at that remark. John and Kevin were orphans it seems. "I suppose you went through some hardships then."
"Father was an abusive drunk, died in an accident. Mother was an addict, overdosed one time and ended up comatose." John spoke honestly. "We got really vindictive when she was hospitalized."
Ozpin was a bit saddened about that. "I apologize for pressing." He said.
John waved a flippant hand. "We left her behind." He told Ozpin honestly. "It was as simple as that."
Ozpin saw that there was still some pain there and decided to change the subject. "In any case, I extend to you the same welcome that I gave your brother."
John smiled. "So...has he smiled yet? I assume that you've seen his face."
"I believe that Ruby Rose is attempting to make him smile." Ozpin said. "She is another student here at Beacon that your brother has befriended."
"Ah, so he made friends. Good, my brother's a solitary soul." John gave a happy grin.
"That he is," Ozpin agreed.
Their conversation drifted from subject to subject. Ozpin had tried getting John to open up a bit more but the young man was either telepathic or he knew that Ozpin was trying to get information and was undoubtedly countering every attempt. Kevin preferred to stop talking but John was definitely something else.
The Headmaster only stopped because it was getting late but he did learn one thing about John Holden.
He was not someone to underestimate.
/
Presently...With Team RWBY plus Kevin
Kevin loaded another rocket into Truth as he kept his head down. The Warlock heard the deep booming of the Paladin's Auto Cannons and hoped that he wasn't going to have to explain to Ruby that Blake was turned into chum.
He immediately dismissed that thought as he popped out of cover and fired his rocket launcher at the mechanical monstrosity.
With its thick armor, the Atlesian Paladin could withstand Truth's heavy rounds but Kevin knew he was hurting it bad. One arm was already heavily damaged and its energy weapons were disabled. It wasn't dead but they needed Torchwick alive.
The warehouse where they fought was a complete mess. There were craters were the Paladin had shot up their cover and most of the building had been completely annihilated by the blasts from the battle suit's cannons. Empty shipping containers were pockmarked and full of holes. Blake and Sun were holding their own but were barely doing any damage with their weapons so all they could do was get its attention for Kevin to blast it with his rocket launcher.
"You guys are really annoying you know that!?" Torchwick's voice sounded annoyed.
"Fuck you." Kevin muttered under his breath as he fired another rocket into the machine, blasting off a chunk of armor. Kevin ducked back into cover, wincing as he heard the whistle of auto cannon rounds whizz by the top of his head. Warlock robes were reasonably armored but he wasn't going to risk going out in the open. Small caliber firearms were one thing but auto cannons weren't something he was wishing to challenge.
The fact that he couldn't die was also factoring in heavily for him. He wasn't sure anyone on RWBY could handle the fact that Kevin Holden was essentially immortal.
"Keep hitting it." Sparky told him. "One of your rockets is going to hit something-"
There was a loud shout as Yang suddenly smashed into the Atlesian Paladin, smashing into it with her fists even as Ruby and Weiss covered her. Ruby fired her Crescent Rose as Weiss summoned up ice Glyphs to slow it down. Neptune was using his energy weapon from afar, firing shot after shot into the giant armored battle suit.
"You guys alright?" Ruby asked even as Yang blocked a hit from the battle suit, her aura flaring.
"Oh, yeah sure." Sun said sarcastically. "We're having a lot of fun."
Kevin shouldered his rocket launcher and fired off another Void infused rocket. "Ideas?"
"We need to slow it down." Blake huffed. "If you can hit one of its legs with that rocket launcher then maybe we can finish it once and for all."
"Okay then." Kevin said. "I need another distraction to do that."
Ruby dodged the cannon blast from Roman's battle suit then swooped in slicing a wire that caused the left arm to sag. Roman tried to bat her away but Ruby had already jumped away, allowing Yang to land on the thing's chassis from above. She began to systematically smash into the cockpit, her fists cracking steel. A battle cry escaped her lips even as Weiss encased one leg in ice. Blake swooped up and cut the cabling on the right arm, causing it to go limp.
Sun charged and slammed his staff into the left leg, shattering its armor. He then gave a signal to Neptune and Kevin who simultaneously fired their weapons. A rocket and a plasma blast slammed into the leg and completely tore it off.
The mechanized suit fell apart and a rather rattled Roman Torchwick was ejected from his seat.
"...Was there an earthquake?" He asked shaking his head dizzily. He felt the barrel of a weapon press against his head. "Darn."
/
"Shut the fuck up." Kevin muttered as he kept Susanoo pointed at Torchwick. "Or don't, maybe I get to watch you get shot for once you piece of shit."
Torchwick smirked. "Someone's angry."
In a swift movement Kevin raised his rifle and smashed the butt into Torchwick's head. Despite the Aura that shit had to have hurt.
"Okay, okay, shit." Roman whined raising his hands. "Can't really take a joke can you?"
"Keep talking and I'll vaporize your head." Kevin snarled.
"Kevin." Blake said firmly. But she did glare at Torchwick. "We have questions."
"Questions huh?" Roman put his hat on. "Sorry kids, not really in the mood to answer them."
As Kevin was about to go make him talk, the Warlock was shoved backwards by the sudden appearance of a new combatant. The girl with the pink hair smiled and gave a mocking bow before twirling her parasol. Yang charged and raised her fist before lashing out with a punch. There was a sound of shattering glass and the next thing they knew Roman and his companion weren't there.
Kevin pulled off his helmet and let out a low breath. Already he was hearing sirens in the background.
"Well, that was an exciting night." Yang said after a long pause. Blake and Ruby stared at her.
"Too bad things...fell apart?" Weiss tried to lighten the mood with a pun. She wilted when everyone regarded her with a raised brow.
Kevin only said one thing.
"Fuck that guy."
/
They returned to Beacon, annoyed, tired but alive. Everyone on Ruby's team plus Sun and Neptune were fine thanks to their Aura. Kevin's robes were slightly tattered but they would repair themselves in time, thanks to his Ghost. When Yang asked how his clothes were repairing themselves Kevin had simply answered with Space Magic.
She clocked him in the shoulder for the joke, even if it did bring a smile to Ruby's face.
"Stop messing with me it's not cool." Yang told Kevin who raised his hands.
"Why do you think I'm messing with you?" Kevin said, trying extremely hard not to smile or laugh. "I'm not. I'm using Space Magic to repair my clothes."
Yang glared at him while Ruby snorted.
"Yang, you do realize he's just pulling your strings right?" Ruby asked.
"He's been doing that for a while now." Yang said.
"Hey, come on. You can do awful puns while I can't make an obscure reference that I happen to know and you have to find out?" Kevin asked her, looking mildly amused.
"No!" Yang exclaimed. "Because that's not fair! You're supposed to be all serious and stuff, I'm the one who should be trying to make you laugh!"
They traded barbs back and forth, much to the amusement of Ruby. She then turned to see that Blake was staying quiet, she looked upset.
"Blake?" Ruby asked slightly saddened. "Blake, it wasn't much but we did find out something."
"All we know is that the White Fang is operating south-east of Vale." Blake answered quietly. "Nothing on what they are going to do."
"Did you really expect Torchwick to give any answers?" Weiss asked. "The man is a criminal Blake, and there isn't much to talk about with him."
"Other than a bullet to the head." Kevin muttered.
/
The next day...
Blake was not happy.
She was not happy because someone was following her. As she turned the corner towards the library she stopped and confronted her follower. She did not expect who it was.
The young man had short cropped black hair and blue eyes. His facial features, save for a scar that ran down his right eye, were extremely similar to Kevin's. This must have been his twin brother or something. She was about to ask but the stranger just gave her a grin and said
"Yeah, hi. Sorry about following you all creepy like, but someone told me that you knew my brother."
Blake narrowed her eyes. "I do," She said hesitantly. "He didn't say much, other than you haven't seen each other for a while now."
"Ah, right." The stranger scratched his head. He seemed friendly but there was a part of her mind that was screaming at her to get away from him, a sense of foreboding.
Blake snapped out of her reverie as the young man extended his hand. "I'm John Holden, Kevin's older brother by a few seconds." He grinned. "And you are?"
"...Blake."
John tilted his head back. "The one with the problems right?" He asked. "Don't blame Jaune Arc for telling me that Kevin is helping you right now, it's what he does. He's the kinder twin after all."
The way he said that made Blake think twice. What did he mean about that?
"Blake? What are you..."
/
It would be an understatement to say that Kevin Holden was not an easy man to surprise.
That changed when he saw his brother for the first time in a year.
John Holden smiled then turned around to greet his brother, he knew Kevin was surprised because he was blinking rapidly. His twin was speechless.
"John?" Kevin asked.
"Yeah, Kevin. It's me." John answered grinning. "It's been a while huh?"
"What...You guys tracked me down?"
Blake watched the two brothers reconcile and felt slightly guilty that she was intruding on such a private moment.
"Yeah, took me a while to get through the red tape but you know the Vanguard." John said. "They pull through, even with the City's politics."
Kevin nodded and kept quiet. But he lowered his head in humility. "...Thanks brother." His tone was gentle and relieved. Blake was astonished, usually Kevin was emotionless and sometimes even cold. Now that he had reunited with his brother, he seemed...happier now.
John then turned his eyes to Blake. He smirked deviously. "Is she your girlfriend?"
Kevin frowned. "You know the answer." He retorted.
The other Holden chuckled. "So I take it that means yes?"
Kevin rolled his eyes.
"Um...we're not dating." Blake told John with a distinct edge in her voice. "So could you please stop insinuating that we are."
John looked at their surroundings. "Secret meeting?" He looked at Kevin and Blake pointedly. "Or you guys keeping your relationship a secret."
"You-" Blake took a step forward but Kevin stopped her.
"His mouth is tedious." Kevin said. "But he's good at fighting and John is one of the greatest minds I know. He can help us."
Blake looked at Kevin. "Will he?"
"Yeah, I can." John said as he wrapped an arm around his brother's shoulders. "You are, after all, going against the White Fang right?"
His uncanny grin made Blake uncomfortable. "H-How did you know?"
"A little bird told me." John answered. "You also can't really miss a battle between the students at Beacon and a stolen Battle suit can you?"
Kevin remained as stoic as ever while Blake scratched the back of her head.
"I won't be offended if you said no." John said.
Kevin sighed.
/
"So..." Kevin said as they finally got some time to talk. They headed to John and Hestia's quarters after their meeting with Blake and Sun. Hestia had said nothing to Kevin but gave the Stormcaller the tightest hug she could muster without breaking bones. Hestia considered Kevin to be her little brother, even if she did not verbally declare her affections much.
"Did you actually sneak out of the Tower?" Kevin asked John who smirked and shook his head.
"Nah, Master Ikora and the rest were very considerate." John answered. "That and the Speaker asked me to."
"The Speaker told you to go after me?" Kevin asked looking incredulous.
"Yeah, he did." John said. "So did the Traveler actually."
Kevin looked at him with narrow eyes.
"I'm not joking Kevin," John said as his expression turned a bit serious. "It was the Traveler's voice that guided me here."
"So the rumors of it healing are true then." Kevin said.
"Yes." Hestia nodded. "But as for why it has sent us here...Nothing really adds up yet, although the Ghosts say that they could feel something on this planet that's benevolent."
"Apart from the Grimm, that is." Sparky piped up. "I guess you guys got the same feeling, Martellus? Jingles?"
"Yes," Martellus said. "Although it would probably take a while for us to scan the planet for anything."
"We will find it." Jingles looked at her two compatriots and their Guardians. "But in the meantime, I must ask. Kevin, you agreed to help these people against the White Fang. Why?"
Kevin crossed his arms. "I know my oaths belong to the Vanguard, this Fireteam and to Earth. But my duty as a Guardian belongs to humanity as well...Blake Belladonna asked me for help. I felt that it was not right to say no." He said to Jingles.
"You do realize that the Darkness is still out there?" John told Kevin, his voice ringing with authority. "Our strength belongs to Earth, not Remnant?"
"Did the Traveler give us this Light to squander it?" Kevin argued. "When someone asks me for help, I will help them, John. I won't let them stand alone."
John sighed as he looked his brother in the eye. "Alright" He relented, smirking. "What? You think I'm gonna let you go out there alone?"
"We technically did raid their asses." Hestia said. "That warehouse was not looking very festive after we were done with that place."
"I'm frankly not surprised, Hes." Kevin said. "They must have done something to piss John off."
"Yup." John's tone was cheerful. "They tried to take my wallet. And they tried to kill your acquaintance Mister Tukson."
Kevin sighed. But he felt better now. He wasn't alone. He could tell that John and Hestia were relieved to see that he wasn't dead.
Fireteam Jackknife stood strong once again.
/
"No." Kevin said to the girl before departing with his books in tow. Irritated, Kevin made sure to avoid the crowds as he weaved through the students of Beacon chattering about the dance that was coming up in a few days. If there was anything he wasn't looking forward to it was something like this.
One, because he didn't do dances. Two because of irritating shit like girls asking him out to dance. Kevin didn't understand the interest in him and thus decided that he was not going. John was lucky, Hestia was more than willing to go with him to the dance. Which was why they were planning on going shopping. Kevin had yet to decide on which was more aggravating, shopping for formal clothing or fighting a Vex Minotaur with your bare hands.
He was almost thankful that it was sparring class for today. Almost.
/
"John Holden and Kevin Holden, step forward if you are both volunteering to fight."
There was much whispering as both Warlocks stepped onto the arena, both holding swords. John noted his brother's weapon and gave a sharp grin. "Have you been taking care of my Raze Lighter?"
"You took my Bolt Caster without explaining you dick." Kevin groused as John laughed. Both Warlocks exchanged their swords. Glynda was about to interrupt both of them when Kevin and John put their helmets on.
John held Raze Lighter up and inspected it with a smirk. "How are you doing buddy?" He spoke to the sword as though it were alive. He smiled as the blade burst into flame. John simply entered a stance, holding the sword in a low two handed grip, the point of the blade pointing to the side.
Kevin inspected his own Bolt Caster, watching with satisfaction as energy arced across its blade. There was a steady crackle of electricity as Kevin brought his sword forward in his hands, the point aimed at John's throat.
Glynda raised her hand, curious as to how these two wielded their weapons. In the stands Hestia and Team RWBY watched with interest. Ruby looked over at Hestia, she was tall and quite pretty. She had introduced herself as John's girlfriend and spoke nothing more about her relationship, preferring to stay quiet.
In comparison, John Holden was like a jollier version of Kevin except a bit more frightening. Still, he was nice to everyone and even Weiss wasn't snooty with him as she usually was with everyone else. Seeing the both of them on stage was exciting. Ruby watched as both twins faced each other on the opposite sides of the arena.
"Who do you think is better?" Ruby asked Weiss, seeing that she was a rather practiced swordswoman.
"It's hard to tell." Weiss said softly. "I mean Kevin's pretty good. I can't say much about his brother."
"Wait, they're starting." Blake told them both. They heard Glynda say to begin and battle was joined.
Yang watched as John made the first move. The Sunsinger leaped into a sudden action, his blade afire as he swung at Kevin with a vertical smashing strike. Kevin stepped back to dodge the sword and replied with a deep lunge into John's guard, bringing his electrified blade up to the Sunsinger's side.
John blocked with his gauntlet and lashed out with a kick that forced Kevin backwards, he brandished his blade as he regained his footing.
"Come on!" John cried encouragingly as he raised his sword.
Kevin readied himself for his brother's onslaught.
Blades crashed and crackled as both Guardians fought, trying to find the one chink in each other's defenses. John avoided a thrust from Bolt Caster that could have taken his left leg out and countered with a blow of his own, forcing Kevin to block and go on the defensive. John brandished his blade, going for another offensive barrage. His sword seemed to come from everywhere at once but Kevin's staunch defense was holding. For now at least.
In comparison, John's strikes were heavy handed and his style emphasized uncompromising offense. Each strike was weighted and nearly broke through Kevin's focused defense once or twice.
Glynda had to restrain herself from interfering as Kevin deflected a blow meant to sever his leg at the thigh before countering with a sudden thrust at his brother's throat. John slapped the sword point aside with one of his gauntlets before attempting to grab at Kevin's robes. Instead the younger Holden kicked John away from him before leaping back to disengage.
John reengaged immediately bringing his sword down on Kevin's knocking it aside. Just as he brought it up to end the duel he found that Kevin had drawn his JabberHakke and had it pointed at John's head.
"That," The elder Holden said. "Is totally cheating."
"You're coming at me with a flaming sword." Kevin quipped. "I obviously have the right to be prepared."
"Excellent work you two," Glynda observed. "But please do refrain from trying to kill each other."
"Yes ma'am." Both twins answered.
"Now, who else wishes to volunteer?" Glynda looked up at the stands to see Yang and Hestia raising their hands.
"Very well, Yang Xiao Long and Hestia Munroe please step into the arena."
Yang gave Hestia a wave, the gesture returned by the Titan before she placed her helmet on her head. With the brutal crest adorning it, the Helm of Saint-14 was an intimidating sight to behold. Hestia had earned the right to wear the helmet during a successful attempt to slay Crota, the Son of Oryx.
When Yang and Hestia were finally ready. Yang raised her fists. "Oh, I forgot to welcome you both to Beacon. I guess this can make up for it right Hestia?"
The Titan slammed her fists together, steel ringing through the air. "Most definitely." She said, stoically as ever. But there was an underlying sense of excitement in her tone.
Glynda sighed. "Begin." She told them both.
Yang jumped at her adversary, Ember Celica unfolding as Hestia raised tensed up and reared back her own fist to counter.
/
"That was so COOL!" Ruby exclaimed as Kevin put away his weapons.
"I lost on a technicality." Kevin said. "It wasn't that impressive."
"You still beat me, on a technicality." John grinned. "Right Hes?"
"You would have ventilated his head." Hestia said as she looked over at Yang who was smiling at her in a savage way. Their match ended in a draw, but Hestia was eager for the young brawler to prove her might.
Yang would definitely make a good Titan.
"You're both very practiced swordsmen." Weiss observed.
"There are those who are far greater than I." Kevin said. "John is one of them."
"Nope." John shook his head. "You're the better marksman and a quicker draw Kevin, I guarantee you that."
"He can't do jack against me." Hestia commented, smiling slightly.
"You're the best on Jackknife, Hes. No one can put you down." John nudged her with his elbow. "If you can bench press a truck you're okay in my book."
"Bench press a truck?" Weiss looked at Hestia with a raised brow.
"An exaggeration." Hestia told her calmly. "Some Hunters back at Tower have more physical strength than others."
"That's why you have the awesome helmet right?" Ruby asked.
At that Hestia smiled distantly as though remembering something. "No..." She said. "Rather, it is a relic belonging to one of the bravest warriors in our settlement's long past."
John gave Hestia a look, something that Blake noticed. Something didn't add up...Why so secretive? Blake rubbed her eyes sleepily. "Kevin, I'm going ahead." She told the Warlock.
"I'll meet you at our usual spot." Kevin said.
Blake turned and walked off towards the library. Kevin shook his head as he watched the Faunus go. She was going to collapse one of these days.
"Kevin, you should stop her." Ruby said to the Warlock. "She hasn't been sleeping at all and her grades are going down."
"I tried to dissuade her." Kevin said. "She isn't really listening to my advice." His tone was as stoic as usual, and it scared Ruby sometimes. But the way his eyes narrowed slightly gave her pause. He was concerned too. "But she brushes me off so I really can't say when she'll turn around. I'll keep trying Ruby."
Ruby smiled slightly when Kevin told her that.
"Good luck," Weiss said. "That girl can be very stubborn, Kevin."
"Doesn't mean he can't cheer up his girlfriend eh?" John spoke up cheerfully. Ruby burst into giggles when Kevin gave a reserved grunt and glared at his brother.
"We're not like that, John." Kevin said. "So shut up."
"Sure..." Hestia murmured.
Off to the side Yang looked a little upset but hid it behind her usual grin as she tossed an arm around Kevin's shoulder. "You want me to try?" She asked. "I mean she is my partner after all, Kev."
"Oh ho..." John's remark was sly. Hestia elbowed him in the side to shut him up.
Kevin sighed. "Yang, if you can get through to her I'd appreciate it. Thanks." He told Yang.
/
Despite their attempts, Kevin and Yang could not tell Blake to take it easy. Ruby and Sun tried desperately to get the Cat Faunus to relax but to no avail Blake continued her search for White Fang activity.
Even John was starting to get annoyed with her, so much so that he often missed out on their little meetings, either to spite Blake or just tired of watching her head droop while discussing the White Fang with Kevin and Sun.
Like right now.
"You told me he was willing to help!" Blake slammed her hands down on the table as Kevin idly closed the book he was reading.
"John comes and goes whenever he pleases." Kevin told her calmly. "Forcing him to go along with a plan is a surefire way of losing his help."
"That's not the point." Blake snapped. "We have to keep searching-"
"For what? A useless clue that will turn out to be a trap anyway?" Kevin countered blithely. "The White Fang are devious, Blake. You were a part of them remember?"
Blake rubbed at her eyes. "Yeah, I was." She said. "And I know they won't wait for school to be over to begin their plans. Innocent people will die, Kevin! We can't just sit here and learn how to be Huntsmen."
"Then resign from the academy and go hunt them down." Kevin told her. "I'm sure Ruby and the others will be appreciative of your initiative when they put you in your coffin."
"Gee thanks for the sarcasm." Blake sneered. "Real helpful there."
"Neither are your brash actions and words you obsessed, naive fool." Kevin stood to his full height, causing Blake to wince as the air seemed to crackle around the Warlock. His green eyes glinted dangerously, piercing Blake's own amber orbs. She realized, with no small amount of terror, that Kevin Holden could destroy her with minimal effort.
"Do you take me to be oblivious, Blake? I have fought greater warriors than the White Fang. Stood against countless monsters." Kevin's voice was whisper quiet, a subtle storm of cold fury. "I am trying my best to aid you in your efforts but continue to destroy yourself and you will lose everything and everyone you hold dear."
His features softened and the atmosphere turned to normal. Blake saw that Kevin was becoming his usual, stoic self again. Not the warrior who stood before her a few seconds ago. "Yeah, I gotta go. Seeing as you're probably not going to listen to me." He stood up and walked out without a glance back.
Blake sat there and held her hands. She gave a frustrated growl as she stared at the spot where Kevin sat. He was right and the thought brought a bitter chuckle from her mouth.
/
Headmaster's Office
"You have quite a student in Kevin Holden, Ozpin." General Ironwood commented. "Glynda says his combat skills are off the charts."
Ozpin sipped his tea calmly. "Trying to get me to advise you on how to make a sales pitch James?" He asked. "How are you even sure that Kevin Holden wants to join the Atlas Special Operations Unit?"
"I'm not, but I am willing to offer the young man a spot if he so desires." Ironwood said. "He's got the traits for it."
"The boy is distrustful James." Glynda told the General seriously. "That and I don't think he responds to authority well, he seems to think that the Vytal Festival Tournament is some sort of joke."
"Ah, still sour about his decision not to participate?" Ozpin asked Glynda with a wry smile. The blonde professor gave him a look.
"In any case James, why exactly are you interested in this particular student?"
"It's not just him but his brother and the other girl as well." James Ironwood said as he displayed the pictures of John, Kevin and Hestia on a holographic display. "I have found nothing on their records, I would ask Qrow but he hasn't been answering any of my messages."
"They do have records, but there isn't too much information about their settlement. 'Tower'...Hmm." Ozpin rubbed his chin as he looked at the photographs of John, Kevin and Hestia. "Are you going to confront him about it?"
"How do we know if they aren't agents for the enemy?" Ironwood asked looking seriously at Ozpin. "This could represent a significant security breach."
"It could also be a wild goose chase." Glynda countered. "Or worse, a blunder that could turn students against us. This isn't a military campaign, James. Don't blow this out of proportion."
"I'm not," James said raising both hands to placate Glynda. "I'm just saying that they aren't very forthcoming with their information."
"A fact that I know quite well." Ozpin said pressing the tips of his fingers together as he leaned forward in his desk. "But I do not think they are here for malevolent purposes, I suggest we wait before confronting those three. James, that means you."
The General crossed his arms. "I'm not, but I will want to speak to him."
"Go ahead, James. Just...be careful." Ozpin said. "Don't provoke him or do anything drastic."
What the three didn't know was that Sparky was listening in on the entire conversation. He had been floating outside the office for a while now, invisible to the naked eye. The Ghost made sure to save a recording before heading off to Kevin's dormitory.
Once there he relayed everything he had heard to not just Kevin but to John and Hestia as well. As acting Fireteam commander, John had to think about this new situation. Worst comes to worst, they would have to leave Beacon. And if the General or the Headmaster decided to try and stop them, they would find out just how high the price of their lives would be.
/
"I don't know how you shanghaied me into this." Kevin muttered as he looked at the plastic wrapped tuxedo he was carrying.
"Shanghai?" John looked highly amused as he clapped his brother on the shoulder. "I didn't shanghai you into anything, little brother." His smile did not comfort Kevin at all. "You owed me a favor."
"For what!?" Kevin looked at his brother in disbelief.
"Saving your ass in that one Crucible match, that guy with the launcher had a bead on you." John said.
"Didn't he kill us anyway?" Kevin commented with his eyes narrowed.
"Semantics! I stopped his rampage and our team got to the second heavy ammo cache unscathed!" John argued cheerfully.
Kevin sighed as he lifted the package in his hands. Looks like Yang won the bet.
"Did Yang put you up to this?" Kevin asked.
"Ha, no." John said. "I'm just looking out for my little brother, who seems intent on spending too much time with his books. Come on, the dance is in a few days! You still got a chance to ask out another girl ya know?"
Motherfucker. Kevin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why is my social life such a big concern for you?" He asked.
"Because of Carla, Kevin." John said seriously. "You weren't exactly fine when we drove back Oryx and his Taken."
Kevin let out a shaky breath. "I'm fine..."
"Look, I get it. It's hard." John said gently. "But you have to relax, Kev. One of these days you're gonna end up making mistakes. I'm the Fireteam leader and as embarrassing as it is to be ordered to go to a dance, you're going to the dance."
Kevin could not believe his ears. He had just been ordered to attend a school function. And as Fireteam leader, John had a point. Refusing orders could put a black mark on your record, Kevin was not gonna risk that.
The Stormcaller looked defeated.
In a certain dorm room, a certain blonde young woman suddenly had the urge to cackle for some reason.
/
John smirked as he headed towards his dorm room. "Well, I'm sure Yang will be quite happy to see him at the dance." He said as he took out his Scroll and sent Yang the message. The Sunsinger held up his Scroll and unlocked the door to his room.
"Love? Is that you?" Hestia asked as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was trying out her dress, a simple affair but John held his nose briefly to make sure that he wasn't having a nosebleed.
"Yeah, it's me." John smiled. His girlfriend definitely looked good in red. "You look great Hes."
"I do?" Hestia put a hand on her hip. "I was hoping on trying black but if you say so..."
"I do say so." John said taking Hestia's hand in his. "And I know so. You're gonna turn heads at the dance."
Hestia smiled gently as she pressed her forehead against John's. "How's Kevin?"
"Annoyed, I actually had to order him to dance." John said grinning.
Hestia smiled before leaning in for a kiss, one that John returned eagerly. "Thank you, Love." She said, her voice soft. "I do appreciate the compliments."
John grinned at her and pulled her into an embrace, causing the Titan to gasp. "Well, you do look appetizing." He spoke deviously. "I'm sure we have time."
Hestia suddenly looked giddy as John took off his jacket.
They wouldn't be making it out of the bedroom until dinner.
/
Kevin did his best to wrap up the exposed wiring of one of the speakers but he had his doubts. He sighed, he'd have to tell Yang the bad news that they were going to need a replacement. The frayed wiring was a fire hazard. The Warlock stood up then nearly jumped out of his skin as Yang dropped a rather gigantic subwoofer on the ground with a rather audible thud that spread dust everywhere.
She looked at Kevin and grinned. Kevin shrugged and walked over to her. "This one needs a replacement cable." He gestured at the speaker he was just trying to fix.
"Ah? That's fine." Yang said. "We can get it any time. The headmaster gave us free reign anyway...Except for those stupid doilies." She muttered that last part.
Kevin turned and looked at Weiss who was hanging up said doilies. He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. He didn't have a problem with Weiss's doilies. That was her idea, he was only here for the technical aspect of things.
"Speaking of free reign, your brother seemed rather happy about something." Yang looked at Kevin. "Hestia did too. Were they-"
"I am not privy to that information." Kevin's voice was a dull monotone as he dropped the subject immediately.
"I'm just curious Kevin," Yang said with a smile as the young man pulled at the collar of his shirt. "Come on, just one teeny tiny detail."
"No."
"Please?"
"No!"
Weiss had had enough apparently and was walking towards them. "What on Remnant are the both of you arguing about?!" She snapped looking annoyed.
"Well, John and Hestia did something-"
"Stop talking." Kevin held his head in his hands. "Please..."
"Yang, stop being so crude. What John and Hestia do to each other in their spare time is obviously not our business." Weiss said before looking mortified. "I can't believe what I just said."
Yang burst out laughing while Kevin pinched the bridge of his nose. It was at that time Ruby walked into the ballroom, looking a bit upset. She took a seat at one of the round tables and sulked as she lay her head down on her arms.
"What's wrong Ruby?" Yang asked.
"Blake won't talk to me about what's wrong." Ruby mumbled. "She won't talk to Sun either."
Yang looked at Kevin. "We got into a bit of a fight." Kevin said blithely. "I left her to her own devices."
Yang fumed silently. "I'll talk to her." She said after a short pause.
"You will?" Ruby looked at Yang, cheering up a bit.
"Don't worry Rubes, I'll get her to understand." Yang winked cheerfully.
Kevin gave a noncommittal grunt. "Good luck."
/
Dead Orbit Frigate 'Nautilus', Sol System
"Captain on Deck!"
Augustus Horatio Nelson looked at his officers before clearing his throat. "As you were." He spoke, his voice ringing with authority.
"I want a status report on the ship from every station." Nelson was a cautious captain and he wanted to make damn sure that his ship was in tip top shape. As he was chosen by the Vanguard to oversee this mission, he wanted to make sure that they were correct in giving him the duty of bringing their Guardians home.
Of course, that would mean that he would have to work with the Traveler's Warriors. The acting commander of the ground teams heading in, Edgar Gein, was not someone to cross. The Warlock was currently in full regalia, save for his helmet. His robes, the Voidfang Vestments, were nearly immaculate. Edgar was a younger man compared to the more grizzled Nelson but the aura of intimidation he expressed was no jest.
The man was more than capable of killing each and every one of the command staff. The Warlock regarded Nelson with a nod. "All Guardian Teams are in the green, Captain. I suppose you are ready for departure?" Edgar's tone was low and polite.
Nelson nodded and stepped towards the command pulpit and hit a button to broadcast his speech on ship-wide comms.
"Crew members of Nautilus and the Guardians of Task Force Endeavor. Today we make history. For the first time in many countless centuries, we are stepping out of our beloved Sol System and we are headed into the Deep Darkness beyond our galaxy. We do not know what we will find out there but by the Traveler's Light we will endure whatever the universe will throw at us."
Nelson took a deep breath.
"Many centuries ago, humanity stood at the pinnacle of enlightenment. We have travelled to other stars and walked on the soil of foreign worlds, taming the wilderness and uncovering great secrets. We learned to build great wonders. But times have changed and we have lost so much in our war against the Darkness. But not today, now we are the ones who will venture forth to reclaim our birthright. Today we make history once more! Today, we continue the dreams of our Golden Age!"
The atmosphere was solemn but slowly, one of the command staff began to clap until the bridge itself was filled with cheers. In the winding decks of the Nautilus, the crewmembers also gave their adulation. The Guardians of Task Force Endeavor smiled and nodded at each other, eager to begin their work as they checked their Jumpships and their personal armories before heading into their quarters.
Back on the bridge, Edgar smiled and shook Captain Nelson's hand. "A fine speech." He said to the Captain.
"I think the crew is waiting for you to give your words." Nelson answered. He looked...nervous. "I just made that up on the spot."
"Not right now," Edgar said smiling thinly. "My words are best saved for our arrival and for those I will be leading on the ground."
"Ah, yes." Nelson laughed. "No doubt the ground op will be a whole different story when we get there."
"Yes...I do wonder what's in store for us on this journey." Edgar said. "Something tells me it will be most enlightening."