9
Armory/Disqualification/High Water Mark
Destiny=Bungie
RWBY=Rooster Teeth
Vol. 3 is some seriously depressing stuff.
"Let them stand against us. We will show them what it means to be feared."- Private Notes of Ivan Searle, Warlock of Fireteam Emeici.
/
"Where have you been!?"
Kevin looked up to see Ruby and everyone else looking at him with concerned expressions on their faces. He shrugged nonchalantly. The Warlock saw a hurt look cross Yang's face before she scowled.
"It's been three days and you guys have been very distant." Ruby said. "Did something happen?"
"No. We just got some...packages from Tower." Kevin spoke distantly as he tucked into his bowl of soup. "It was a substantial delivery. We're a bit busy." That was an understatement, Kevin had a wealth of guns and armor come in from the Vanguard. He had also managed to get his Armory set up. Sparky was doing the hard stuff of transmatting it back to Firebase Guiding Light. His locker was now empty save for a few inconspicuous things, a distraction mostly in case someone wishes to search his locker. He now had most of his armory and was feeling quite pleased.
John and Hestia were doing their own thing, with Hestia trying out her new stuff at the range. John was more reclusive, currently making contacts with Commander Gein and sending reports about the building and some of the school staff and students. Gein in return was briefing him on what to do in case shit hits the fan. John had, as he usually did, used his disarming smile to reassure Ruby that they were fine. That had upset her.
Hestia had patted the young girl on the head and said that she had no need for help while she worked in the Beacon Armory. Her weapons and armor had briefly ignited Ruby's fascination. That at least was briefly distracting but now Kevin had to face all four of them now.
"Deliveries?" Blake asked. She then winced slightly as Kevin gave her a look that quite clearly stated that it was a question best left on its own.
"Yes. Deliveries." Kevin said blithely. "Just ammo and materials I need for my weaponry."
"...It takes you three days to do what exactly?" Yang asked, annoyed with the fact that Kevin was being reclusive...more so than usual.
"Organize." Kevin raised a brow. "Do you really think I am in some kind of danger?"
"Well...no." Weiss started. Ruby and the others glared at her. "What?"
"We just want to know if you need help!" Ruby blurted out.
Kevin gave them all a reassuring smile and nod. "We're all good." He told them. "Please don't worry about us."
He knew they were unconvinced. It didn't matter. The truth would come out eventually, and he just hoped that Ruby and the others would forgive them for their omissions. In particular, he was dreading Blake and Yang's expressions the most. He...felt for them. He really did, but their worlds were just way too different.
He was not worthy of Blake's mellow charms or Yang's bright exuberance. Kevin sighed and finished his breakfast.
"Excuse me."
/
Kevin's room could be called an exercise in controlled chaos. The Stormcaller was currently loading a rifle magazine with ammunition, even as Sparky began synthesizing more.
"Well, everything's packed. Your personal armory is ready and you just brushed off an entire team of girls who want to be your friend." Sparky said sardonically. "All because you're afraid of their reactions to the truth."
"The truth is painful." Kevin mused as he loaded the magazine into his new Eirene RR4, an Omolon designed Sniper rifle from the Gunsmith back at the Tower. Omolon had strange weapon designs but they were quite potent. He then paid attention to his Zhalo Supercell and fixed that one up.
"Will you apologize to them at least?" Sparky said.
"Shit, you're going to be there with me when we spring the truth on them." Kevin shrugged his shoulders. "I can feel it Sparky, something big is coming."
"A war here could be devastating. The Long Night even more so." Sparky told him. "You ready for...whatever's coming?"
"Yeah." Kevin loaded a fresh magazine into the Eirene.
There was a knock on the door.
Kevin looked at Sparky. "It's John and Hestia."
/
"We're all stocked." John said as he watched Sparky transmute every single weapon and armor piece into Kevin's inventory. "How's your own preparations?"
"Did as much as I could." Kevin spoke mildly. "And...well, the girls are being rather curious."
"It's their right." Hestia shrugged her shoulders. "Have you told them?"
"Blake would be the only one I would trust not to say anything in public." Kevin spoke honestly.
"That's cold for the rest of them." Hestia commented.
"I do not know Weiss that well. Ruby and Yang...they're nice people but..." Kevin sighed. "You know how they are."
John chuckled and leaned back against the wall, smiling. "Jingles. Are we good?"
"There's no one in the hallway." The Ghost replied. "Sparky and Martellus report no sightings either."
"Good." John said as he stood up and stretched. "Now, Commander Gein wants us to rendezvous with him at the Coliseum. Kevin, I want you to go tag along with RWBY in the meantime." He winked at Kevin who shrugged. "We'll all be in full gear so take your best weapons."
"What. You think something's going to happen soon?" Kevin asked.
"Yeah, and it helps to have a set of eyes on station in case shit hits the fan. Don't worry, Ivan will have your back." John answered.
Fuck. Well, at least he had backup. Even if Ivan was unsociable as all hell, he was a solid warrior to have a your back. According to Xia Ivan was offered the Cormorant Seal twice for his actions during the assault on Oryx's Dreadnaught.
Kevin appreciated the backup, even if Ivan was as quiet as a tomb.
/
Firebase Guiding Light
Edgar could hear the constant work being done inside the walls of the firebase. As he watched the screens lit up he could hear the chattering of the communications staff coordinating efforts with both Guardian Fireteams and Marine Squads out on the field, those responsible for making sure to keep the Grimm away from the base.
He thought back quietly at being offered command. Edgar had felt that he was unsuited for it, but gradually he was beginning to respect the requirements of the position. Indeed, he had not slept for many a day and the only times he actually caught sleep was when he had collapsed within his quarters only to be roused as he had matters to attend.
Captain Nelson had been right, it was a tiring thing to lead men and women into battle. He had borne the same burden of command as Edgar had but for far longer. The man was...an admirable sort, one Edgar would follow had he been under his command.
Having returned to his quarters, Edgar walked towards the small table and sat down. On the couch huddled underneath a blanket, Keina slept fitfully. Her white-blonde hair was a slight mess, something she cultivated eagerly seeing that it contrasted with her espresso skin tone. She had always been a woman of contrasts. Edgar guessed that was what he loved the most about her.
That and the way she blended tea. Yes. That was the tenth reason on the list she begged him to read during their wedding night. Something she never let him live down. Edgar knelt down, giving Keina's forehead a kiss before settling back into his desk to work.
Lists upon lists upon lists. Marine Squads who would move forward, who would stay in the defense of their holdings. Which Fireteams would move with him, the ones who would go support Jackknife and Emeici in the coming battle. Those who would take to the city streets with the Goliath Tank. He had to decide carefully, lest he lose a lot of men in the process. Even Guardians needed support sometimes.
The Supply Barge was already heading towards this system, to Remnant. With it were more Fireteams of Guardians and City Auxiliaries, troopers who had none of the Guardians' skills but they had fighting spirit. The possibility of the Grimm being manifestations of the great Darkness was disconcerting to the Last City which was why they were sending a substantial amount of resources. Edgar had also been assigned as one of the diplomats to represent Earth. That was an even heavier burden. He was a warrior, a murderous one. He didn't do politics or niceties.
At least Nelson had to practice his speeches, the man was also not a very good diplomat.
Edgar rubbed his chin and realized that he had not shaved. A soft hand cradled his chin and turned his head to the right. Keina's lips pressed eagerly against his. He smiled as he kissed her back.
"I like it." Keina said. "Your beard that is." She beamed at him.
Edgar shrugged. "You do? Well, I'm going to have to ask someone how to take care of a beard."
"It's all scratchy and tingly." Keina tugged on his arm. "Come back to bed. Please?"
"I've got a few things to take care of." Edgar said smiling. "I'll carry you over when I'm done. I promise."
"You swear?" Keina pouted childishly.
"I swear." Edgar said. "We're heading up to the Amity Coliseum tomorrow, so I want all of your gear stowed okay?"
"Okay." Keina mumbled going back to sleep.
/
Amity Coliseum, Next Day
Yang. It was always going to be her. Physically the strongest of Team RWBY, she was the one who was going to lead them to victory on this day. She was up against Mercury Black of Shade, or so he had been claiming as according to Port.
Kevin could have easily ended Mercury's life right then and there, one shot from the Eirene could have put him down. He could see it, a shot to the temple could instantly send him into oblivion. John had asked him to keep an eye out but it was so easy to just materialize his weapon...
A sniper not allowed to shoot his target was like refusing food to a starving man.
"Emeici Three to Jackknife Three. I'm in position." Ivan's voice sounded in his ear.
"Copy, Emeici Three. I'm watching the fight." Kevin whispered. "Nothing yet, so far."
"Knight Lead is on site. Orders are to remain on Threat Level One."
Well, fuck. The man himself was up here? Kevin shook his head. If the White Fang tried something now, a lot of them would never see their families again. Kevin crossed his arms as the fight began, with Yang making a daring opening gambit as she charged Mercury Black who took a fighting stance.
Kevin decided to hope that Yang would win. He had done all he could do to help her, now it was her duty to make sure that she was victorious.
/
Meanwhile...
"Well, now." Keina said as she held the brim of her hat to keep it from flying away in the wind. "This is rather interesting. A flying arena, can you imagine how exciting the Crucible could be?"
Edgar shrugged. "A lot of people would be falling from the sky that's for sure." He fixed his tie. Keina looped her arm around his as she kept a hold of her hat. She was wearing a colorful sundress which attracted a lot of attention due to her exotic skin tone. In comparison, Edgar affected the look of a businessman, wearing a fine three piece suit.
The disguised Guardians made their way into the stands to where they were meeting John and Hestia of Jackknife. Nils and Xia would be in the stands in another section, where they could be easily contacted of course. If a battle began in the Coliseum it would be helpful to cover several areas and deny them to the enemy. If the Grimm attacked then they would have to change their tactics as the situation demanded.
Edgar narrowed his eyes. If anything, they were as prepared as can be. Five Fireteams were on standby as support units. The rest were to enter the city of Vale with the Goliath tank and Lieutenant Chambers' platoon of marines in case of another attack. He idly watched as Keina enjoyed herself with the sights and sounds of the stadium.
He then noted the two individuals waiting for them near the entrance to the stands.
"Commander." John Holden nodded his head in respect. "Miss Keina."
Hestia made the same gesture although she did make sure that they were not disturbed.
"It is so good to see you again!" Keina clapped her hands happily. "Have you learned anything interesting here?"
"Yeah," John smiled. "For times of peace, Remnant seems to be quite exciting. Lots of places to explore...the history is interesting to say the least. The last war was a few hundred years ago."
"Which means that another one is long overdue." Edgar said mildly. He then nodded in the direction of the stands, where wild cheering was making the air vibrate. "Let's watch this match shall we?"
"Oh yes!" Keina agreed nodding her head. "I do wish that they were more...bloody, this pansy Aura stuff seems to make the battlefields here so...boring." The Hunter's cerise eyes gleamed cruelly. John felt a chill go down his spine.
While Keina was amongst the top Hunter Elite, she was also one of the most feared. There was a reason she was called the Butcher. Anything that crossed her path was almost certain to die a slow, painful death.
He felt sorrow for the White Fang who would face Keina Duvall in battle.
/
Edgar adjusted his collar once more as he watched the blonde block a savage roundhouse kick from the young man. She was flung backwards from the force of the blow, but she was still standing.
Good. The people of Remnant had some backbone at least.
"She seems...at a disadvantage." Keina commented. "Could she not just break his leg and finish him off right then?"
"This is a tournament. Not a bar brawl." Edgar chided. "You fight for the crowd, not for yourself. You are here to show off."
"Showing off?" Keina raised a brow. The Hunter was not amused, she seemed taken aback that there were people who still thought that war was glorious. "Really? A battle isn't about glory. It is survival. It is causing the death of your enemy...what are they teaching these kids, really?"
"Our children have been taught to fear the Darkness." Edgar said. "Remnant has not been through the Long Night. Not yet. I do not fault them for their weakness." The Warlock exhaled through his nose. It would sadden him if the Darkness came to this planet. The histories he had read suggested that Remnant deserved its peace, it did not deserve being tainted by the bloody hands of war and despair.
The Grimm were enough of a problem.
"Yang is doing pretty good for herself." John commented.
At that Edgar raised a brow. "You know the young woman, Holden?"
"Yes sir. She's Kevin's classmate." John grinned to himself.
"I see...Would you mind telling me more?" Edgar asked.
"A brawler by nature. She's not afraid to get in close." John answered. "She's a nice person. If a bit brazen..."
"I see." Edgar said. "Has she killed anyone?"
"No sir. Team RWBY isn't like that at all." John answered.
"...I understand." Edgar spoke after a pause. "I hope they can cope. They will see a lot of death if the White Fang continue with their plans."
"Or if they see all of us in action." Keina giggled madly.
Hestia kept her silence. "They're good people commander." The Titan stated. There was a hint of warning in her tone.
"I will take your word for it." Edgar said just as resolute. "Hmm...It seems the young man has underestimated his opponent."
He was right. Mercury was on the ground, while Yang stood over him victorious. John watched the crowd, and then turned back to the arena as Mercury suddenly stood up and went at Yang who immediately broke Mercury's left leg.
The crowd went from thunderous applause to enraged in almost a heartbeat as boos and jeers began to emanate around them. Edgar fixed his necktie.
"Well. That ended badly." He said.
The Warlock watched as Yang was taken off stage. He then had Santiago ping Xia and Sasha.
"Zhang, would you mind telling me what just happened?" Edgar asked.
"A load of bullshit, commander. People are saying that Xiao Long was the one who attacked Mercury Black. I saw the dumb bastard try to get her in the back." Xia answered. "Not that I care of course, as far as I know she won that fight."
"Too true." Edgar said. He then watched the Atlesian Military pukes try to calm the crowd.
/
Firebase Guiding Light
Grendel-One, Karl Whittaker, pumped the Beowolf full of lead as it tried to grab at his armor.
"For fuck's sake, Karl!" Grendel-Two, Levi Dillinger the resident Warlock, ducked another Grimm's attempt to cut his head off before forcing the barrel of his shotgun into its belly, the beast simply falling apart as Levi's shotgun discharged. "Where the hell did they come from!?"
"It doesn't matter!" Grendel-Three, Kelly Matheson, shouted back as she loaded a new cylinder of ammo into her Hand Cannon. "We need to keep them away from the COMs relay or we'll all be fucked!"
Their situation was not good. Marines and Guardians out on patrol were fighting back to back as a tide of Grimm suddenly moved into their perimeter. The communications network was full of screams, gunfire and the roar of the Grimm. Guiding Light was well fortified but the surge of Grimm activity had increased dramatically. Still, the warriors who held the walls were the best humanity could muster. The Guardians even more so, their weapons taking terrible tolls on the creatures that would dare invade their second home.
"Guiding Light Command to Fireteam Grendel, you have been ordered t pull back and reinforce the western gate. Alpha Squad and Fireteam Bloodhound are on their way to assist. You are going to be overwhelmed if you stay your post. I have already alerted another Fireteam to take over the defense of the COMs relay." Loki-99 was methodical and calm, Edgar had left him in charge while he and Keina were scouting out Beacon Academy.
"Grendel copies!" Karl grunted as he punched a Grimm in the face, breaking bones and shattering brains. "Come on, Grendel, let's cut a path and get to the Western Gate!"
"Loki, see if you can get a communiqué out to the Commander! Tell him we'll hold! No matter what!"
"Affirmative."
Karl shut off his comms and readied his Auto Rifle. The Titan charged into battle. Now was not the time to worry. He had an objective.
Grendel always got the job done. He was not going to mess his record up.
/
Beacon Academy
The results of the matchup between Yang Xiao Long and Mercury Black were unexpected. The public had accused Ozpin of teaching violent tactics to children and the media backlash was absolutely brutal. Calls for arrests and expulsions were bountiful.
But the hysterical public was not on the forefront of Kevin's mind as he knocked on the door to Team RWBY's dorm. The door opened quickly and the Warlock was met with the flustered eyes of Ruby Rose who let him in immediately.
Yang looked confused and scared. Kevin had not seen the young woman in such a state. It hurt when her lilac eyes met his and she turned her head away in shame. Blake was sitting beside her partner while Weiss paced impatiently. They had all been disqualified from the tournament, as dictated by General Ironwood. Yang's attack had been explained as 'Combat hysteria'.
It sounded like bullshit but Kevin had Sparky investigate and relay the results to John and Commander Gein. They would discuss this at a later time, because Kevin was not about to leave someone in need.
"Well," Yang chuckled bitterly. "At least I didn't kill him. Right guys?"
"How can you joke about this?" Weiss asked her seriously.
"Leave her alone." Kevin said sternly, Yang wincing at his tone. Weiss closed her mouth but she nodded at Kevin.
The Warlock looked down at Yang silently. He then did something no one expected, he gave her a hug. "Sorry," He said after he let go. "I don't really know what else to say."
Yang still looked down. "I didn't..." She started.
"You can tell us Big sis. We'll listen." Ruby said trying to assure Yang.
"I didn't attack him." Yang spoke after a long pause. "I...didn't break his leg on purpose. I sensed him come at me from behind. I counterattacked in self defense."
Ruby held her elder sister's hand and nodded. "Of course I believe you." She said gently. "So, come on Yang. Cheer up for me?"
"That cretin could have hurt you bad." Weiss crossed her arms. "So I say you did what you had to."
Blake hesitated. "I want to believe you Yang." She said suddenly. And that hurt, a lot. Yang actually started to tear up.
"What do you mean by that?" Kevin asked Blake, his eyes narrowed.
"You could have hurt Mercury badly." Blake explained quickly. "But...seeing that you're..." She sighed. "I...I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it like that. I should believe you Yang."
That at least had solved their conundrum. Kevin gave Yang another hug to make sure she was feeling better. "Well, I have to go meet up with my brother. I'll check up on you guys again later."
"Thanks...Kevin." Ruby said hesitantly. "Um...Say Hi to John for me will you?"
Before he left, Kevin nodded. The door closed behind him.
/
"Could have been a fluke." John tossed out his theory as all three sat in Kevin's dorm room in a circle as they tried to make the most of a now serious situation.
"It could have." Kevin agreed. "Either way RWBY's out of the show and the public has gone apeshit."
"Over a broken leg. Imagine if they had a corpse." Hestia stated. "Has the Commander said anything?"
"He says he has to think about it." John said looking serious. "The man's cold as ice but I bet he's already ordering troops to move out as we speak." He sighed as he looked at his clothes. "We're armoring up tomorrow, guys. No more disguises. No more holding back."
Headmaster Ozpin wasn't the only thing on the news. Grimm activity beyond the walls was at its highest point and even the Atlesian Army was getting nervous. Deathstalkers, Ursa Majors, even a mighty Goliath herd was seen by the news crew. Huntsmen from all over Vale were being recalled back to the city to bolster numbers.
It made Kevin wonder just exactly why Vale had almost no standing armies apart from their Huntsmen.
In the meantime Edgar had returned to Firebase Guiding Light to see what had just happened. Apparently the Grimm had attacked in force and they had yet to discover why. The base had held off the attack successfully but the situation there had made it all the more important for Emeici and Jackknife to hold the line at Amity Coliseum.
John chuckled. "I bet they're all going to shit their pants when they see that Goliath roll in." He said.
Kevin only shrugged.
"How was Yang?" Hestia asked looking concerned.
"She took it pretty hard." Kevin said. "I'll talk to her again later."
John didn't give his signature grin this time. It was a somber smile. "You did good, little brother." He told him.
It was the same thing he said when they had left their wretched house and the woman they used to call Mother behind. Kevin nodded his head.
"She doesn't deserve being treated like she's some sort of monster. You know what they're calling it? Combat Hysteria. Bullshit. I saw her opponent try to attack her from behind." Kevin suddenly snapped. "You know what else is great? There's even more fresh shit incoming. So what the hell do I say? Suck it up?"
John put a hand on his little brother's shoulder. "You tell them that we have their backs." He said. "Everything is going to be fine."
Optimism. If there was anything John was good at, it was seeing the bright side. That and winning. Kevin knew that John could never lose.
/
It was raining this time. Kevin looked out his window at the thunderstorm before leaning back in his chair. Another sleepless night to chalk up and tomorrow the second match in the singles bracket of the Vytal Festival. From what he heard from Ruby, Pyrrha had been chosen for the singles bracket.
Good. She'd be able to win for Beacon at least.
Kevin looked at his Scroll, rechecking his armory before closing it shut. Someone was knocking on his door. The Stormcaller stood up and opened the door. He blinked in surprise at who it was.
"Hi." Yang said smiling sheepishly.
Kevin blinked before stepping aside to let her in.
/
The room was emptier than it used to be, Yang noticed. It was like Kevin had decided to do some spring cleaning. Or maybe-maybe he was leaving.
Why was she thinking this?
"I'm a bit surprised that you decided to come here." Kevin's mellow tone snapped Yang out of her thoughts. "Do you need help?"
"I just...couldn't sleep." Yang chuckled ruefully. She then suddenly looked at Kevin pleadingly. "I...do you think I'm a monster?"
Kevin blinked rapidly. "What?" He said. "Why ask that?" His tone was stoic but Yang could tell she had blindsided him completely.
"A lot of people think I am." Yang's smile didn't look happy. "And they avoid me and Ruby because of it. I messed up didn't I?"
Kevin stood up and looked at the window and let out an angry breath. Yang blinked. Kevin was always very patient, but there were a few times that he got very angry. The stuff with Cardin and Jaune was an example.
"No." Kevin said finally. "You didn't. And anyone else who thinks you're a monster? They can all go to hell. Because I saw your opponent come after you when your back was turned." His tone was incensed. "Who was saying something about you? If it's Cardin I'm going to drown his ass in a lake-"
"No." Yang said. "I just overheard people talking. It's not that bad." She then sat down on his bed and mumbled. "Sorry, I'm giving you crap and you're about to sleep."
"Not really." Kevin said. "I can stay up for a few more hours if you're really having trouble with it."
Yang grinned. "Mind watching a movie with me then?"
"On the Scroll? Sure."
/
The movie they chose to watch was an action flick. Of course. Kevin didn't mind though, the choreography for the fight scenes were extremely good. The story was cheesy, a man trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter from gangsters, but it didn't take away from the entertainment value.
The female lead's acting was just...underwhelming. That was his only complaint.
"I watched this way back when I was a kid." Yang commented as they sat on the floor, leaning against the bed. "I thought it was cool."
"I can see why, the choreography is very good." Kevin said. He took a glance at Yang. She was wearing an orange top and black shorts for sleepwear. It left little to the imagination and there was no doubt that Yang was very beautiful. The Stormcaller scratched his nose to get his thinking back on track and focused on the movie...albeit with some difficulty.
Invisible to the naked eye Sparky looked in through the window with amusement as he watched his Guardian struggle not to stare at Yang. The Ghost felt Kevin's thoughts and would have laughed had he the ability to.
Kevin heard Yang yawn. He looked to see that she was about to fall asleep. She was blinking her lilac eyes. She yawned again.
"Kevin..." She mumbled as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "Thank you..."
The Stormcaller realized she had fallen asleep. Kevin's eyes softened and he smiled sadly. "I do what I can." He said, even if she didn't really hear him. He turned off the movie and settled down to keep watch. Great. Now he was going to have to carry Yang to RWBY's dorm and explain things.
He could already see what was going to happen...
/
Pyrrha Nikos of Beacon vs. Penny Polendina.
Edgar Gein looked up at the blue sky and prayed that he would not have to unleash the Guardians he had under his command. Knight, Jackknife, Emeici, Furor, Grendel. The deadliest group of men and women he could muster. He could feel the blood on his hands already.
He briefly considered putting his Blind Jackal Mask on and decided not to. The Voidwalker sat beside Keina who was munching on popcorn. She looked at him and smiled, eager for battle as she always was.
Edgar looked back to the match. According to John Holden, Pyrrha Nikos was a four time winner of a tournament in Mistral. She was also one of the best fighters in the first years of Beacon Academy. Penny, in comparison, was an oddball. John had no information on who she was.
The Voidwalker stroked his chin. Edgar watched as the fight commenced, with Miss Nikos making the opening moves.
"She's excellent." Keina commented. "She should be a Guardian."
"Still too young." Edgar replied. "But the Traveler and its Ghosts chooses what they wish. You are correct however that Pyrrha is highly skilled."
"Yes." Keina agreed. "Which would make it all the more sad when things explode."
/
Kevin Holden was not amused about the match. One, Pyrrha was clearly a superior fighter and two Penny was...Penny. She was having difficulty keeping Pyrrha at bay. In full gear, Kevin was attracting stares but that was not his current problem. He had been heading back to the stands to his seat when he heard what sounded like a gunshot.
Drawing the Last Word, Kevin followed the marker Sparky set up, the approximate location of the gunshot. The Stormcaller turned a corner and saw Mercury Black put a shot in Ruby's Scroll. The sight of the young man standing there, one who had his leg broken, perfectly fine ceased all notion of mercy in Kevin's mind.
Kevin did not hesitate. He fired his weapon at Mercury. Flashes of light indicated that Black had taken some hits but the young insurgent swung his legs around, gunfire spattering against the wall.
The Stormcaller took cover and allowed his Halliaetus II helmet to form over his head.
In the arena, Pyrrha Nikos used her Semblance of Polarity to reverse Penny Polendina's wires and swords against her, dismembering her completely.
Cinder Fall's plans had begun and as the crowd reeled in shock of the barbarity displayed she took over with a broadcast, admonishing Ozpin and Ironwood for their duplicity.
In the City, civilians screamed in horror as creatures of the Grimm shattered the walls. Chaos and pandemonium ruled the streets as helpless men, women and children were hunted down and devoured. In a surprising display of brutality, White Fang squads quickly attacked the Government building of Vale with the security forces there barely holding them off.
In the skies over Vale, Amity Coliseum was suddenly surrounded by flocks of Griffons and gigantic Nevermores. Atlas Fighters and airships turned to desperately repel the enemy.
However, while Cinder Fall had the upper hand, she did not account for several things...
Those things were warriors already within the Coliseum, heavily armed and highly dangerous.
The Guardians were going to have their say in the fate of Vale. Whether Cinder wanted it or not.
/
"Attention all Guardian Fireteams and Marine Squads of Task Force Endeavor. We are Threat Level Five. Ready your weapons and steel your nerves. We fight. They all die."
Edgar Gein's voice was laced with static as gunfire echoed on the Task Force-wide communications link. The orders were heeded as Fireteams Jackknife, Emeici, Furor, Grendel and Knight struck back at the Grimm.
Bellowing an order, Karl Whittaker aimed his machine gun at the incoming Griffons as he and Grendel opened fire on the beasts. Numerous beasts were cut to shreds by superior firepower. They kept their weapons up, carving Grimm into pieces with merciless machine gun fire.
In the stands, Rainelle of Fireteam Furor launched her rocket into a Nevermore's mouth, blasting it apart as the submunitions of the rocket detonated within its belly. Her two teammates covered her as she reloaded, their guns blazing death at the creatures of Grimm.
John Holden singlehandedly slew another beast with a full cylinder of his Hawkmoon. Hestia waited for another to come at them then caught it with her bare hands. Squealing, the young Griffon died in agony as the Titan tore it apart. Kevin's sniper rifle took down another Grimm even as he kept an eye on the other students at Beacon who were trying to get civilians to safety.
Ivan and Xia fired upon another target in unison, crippling the Nevermore before Nils's flaming Hammer of Sol simply evaporated at the point of impact. Nils turned around and slammed the head of his hammer into a Griffon's face. The squeal of pain stopped as its head exploded. Nils raised his fist in the air, roaring in defiance as he charged another Grimm.
The Guardians fought and their enemies died.
It was as simple as that.
/
Ruby approached Pyrrha even as the girl held her legs to her chest as she stared blankly at Penny's unmoving form. She watched as the other Huntsmen and Huntresses hold the line against the Grimm. She found Kevin, back to back with Hestia and John, shooting at the Grimm with a sniper rifle.
Other figures with weapons and armor were fighting with the Grimm. She didn't recognize any of their guns. She shook that thought off for now and saw to Pyrrha. Still in shock that Penny was dead, Ruby did what she could to keep it together.
"Ruby." Pyrrha said quietly. "I'm sorry."
Ruby looked up as a giant Nevermore bore down on them.
"Pyrrha! Pyrrha we have to go NOW!" Ruby yelled in the other girl's ear as she tried to drag her away.
The ground shook as the Nevermore landed and let out a piercing shriek at its prey. Rearing up the Nevermore readied itself for a strike when it was hit by several rocket propelled lockers, pinning it down.
Ruby turned to see the rest of the Beacon teams had arrived. With the Nevermore dying they could arm up.
"Ruby!" Jaune ran up to them holding Pyrrha's weapons with him. He dropped next to Pyrrha. "You guys okay!?"
"Yeah!" Ruby said, wincing as an ear shattering burst of gunfire alerted her.
A dying Griffon sank to the floor as a man in dark red robes approached, holding a smoking assault rifle in his hands. Ruby shuddered as the man looked down at her, his features hidden behind a jackal shaped mask.
"I presume that you are all safe." He spoke, his voice muffled.
"Who-Who are you?" Ruby asked.
"That is not important. I fear that the creatures are too many. We cannot hold these torrential numbers. This fight is over."
"Not until we're dead." Ruby told the man.
"Sir!"
Ruby recognized John Holden by his voice. The man in the jackal mask regarded John. "Yes, what is it?"
"We've got Grimm being offloaded by White Fang. If they hold the landing pads there's no way we can get off this miserable thing to make a difference."
Jackal Mask looked down at Ruby. "Well then, it seems we must go and retake the landing pads."
"Yeah, we should. But not until you tell us why you are here and who you are." Coco Adel spoke up. Jackal Mask regarded her.
"We are warriors obviously with the same goal as you have." Was the answer. Jackal Mask turned to see the rest of the Guardians forming up behind him. "So-"
"You there!" Professor Bartholomew Oobleck exclaimed as he and Professor Port approached from the side. "The one in the mask. Identify yourself immediately!"
/
Edgar regarded the two new arrivals with a critical eye. According to John Holden's dossier, they were professors from the Academy. That meant they were allies in this first contact scenario that was developing.
"I am Edgar Gein, leader of this band of warriors." Edgar gestured to the Guardians now gathering around him, fifteen in all. Kevin included. He could feel the stares from JNPR and Ruby and Yang. It was hard to ignore them, especially Yang who looked so utterly shocked to find that he was not standing with them. "Our duty is the protection of humanity. Explanations will have to wait, sir. There are still far too many Grimm in this arena."
"I agree." Oobleck nodded, looking satisfied. "Which is why we need to clear the landing pads."
"My thoughts exactly." Edgar said. He turned to Jackknife and Emeici. "Your teams are up front. Clear a path."
/
"Kevin!" Yang called as she caught up to Jackknife. The three of them ignored her, instead focusing their efforts in firing their weapons at the Grimm. Kevin let loose a hammering barrage of slugs into a charging Beowolf which had just emerged from the bowels of a White Fang aircraft.
The beast died in agony as all eight of the Last Word's rounds punched into its chest. Yang took the next Grimm on, smashing the Beowolf's skull into shards with a single punch. Eyes crimson she turned around suddenly to grab at Kevin's robes.
"What the hell is going on!?" She asked, looking into the silver faceplate of Kevin's helmet. "Who was that man and why are you ignoring me!?"
"Now's not the time for this, Yang." Kevin replied blithely as he pried Yang's grip off of his collar. "Now is really not the time."
"Not until you tell me what is going on." Yang growled. "Don't try to lie out of this one."
"You want the easy answer?" Kevin told her. "Fine. I'm not from Remnant." He then turned around and shot another Beowolf in the face with his hand cannon. "None of us are."
Yang was confused. "What-"
"I've been keeping this a secret for a year now." Kevin said softly. "I'm not Kevin Holden of Beacon anymore. I am Guardian Kevin Holden of Earth." The Stormcaller knew he wasn't making sense. He shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry. But me signing up as a student was just a cover."
"Cover for what?" Ruby asked. "Yang, what's going on?"
"Kevin lied to us." Yang said sounding numb. "Why?" She asked Kevin.
"I was stranded here." Kevin said. He looked to the side as he heard gunfire. "Come on, I'll explain all of this later when things are less hectic. Okay?"
"You promise?" Yang asked still sounding uncertain.
"...I promise." Kevin said softly.
"Kevin! Get over here quickly!" John called. "We've got some serious bad news."
/
With the landing pads cleared, there were even bigger complications. General Ironwood had stated that someone had taken over his flagship. With a significant portion of Atlesian air power in the hands of the enemy the air completely belonged to whoever was up there in the ship.
The other problem? The White Fang were at Beacon, laying assault to the Academy. Acting quickly, Edgar sent Jackknife and Emeici into Beacon alongside some of the students. It wasn't much but it would have to do.
They managed to hijack two of the White Fang's Bullheads. JNPR would go with Jackknife while CFVY and members of team FNKI were with Emeici.
/
"Can't you fly this damn bucket of bolts steadier!?" Kevin yelled as the Bullhead jerked dangerously to avoid a Griffon. Steadying himself, Kevin fired his Ruin Wake machine gun at the beast, tearing off a wing with an extended burst.
Inside the passenger bay, JNPR, Yang and Ruby hung on for dear life. Kevin was at the door, holding his machine gun. He was using a harness to anchor himself to the aircraft. Hestia was doing the same thing. John was piloting. Things were awkward, seeing that all three of them were revealed to be working under the orders of the mysterious Edgar Gein. Yang checked her weapons before glowering at Kevin's back for a bit.
If the Warlock was aware of it, he didn't say. He was too busy listening to Sparky who was keeping an eye out for incoming Grimm.
"If I could, I would Kevin." John answered over the Fireteam frequency. "I've got Grimm flying at me from all over. So you and Hes should keep them off of me if you want to live!"
Kevin swore as he fired his machine gun at another incoming Grimm.
Jaune looked ready to puke as the Bullhead swerved. "Oh man...I think I'm going to be sick."
"Cheer up Jaune!" Nora told him. "If we die, we won't see you tag the walls with puke!"
Ren rolled his eyes while Pyrrha tried to smile.
"One minute until landing!" John announced. "Son of a gun! Beacon is burning!"
He was right. Beacon Academy looked like a battleground. Kevin loaded a new ammo box into his machine gun as the ground got closer. He looked at Yang who was looking at him with a hurt expression before she turned away. Ruby just nodded her head. She didn't blame Kevin for hiding his identity.
Kevin looked back outside and readied his weapon as the Bullhead touched down on Beacon Academy grounds.