Chapter 10: The Test
The next day, Atlas Academy, 17th March 16 BBY, 6:00 am…
Nathan's eyes opened the minute his alarm started blaring throughout the room. Silencing it with the Force, Nathan climbed out of bed and stretched, before gathering his workout gear and heading straight for the shower.
Today was the day.
Today was the day he would either win the right to return to the front lines and reunite with his friends and Blake… or the day he would fight his way out of Atlas and do so regardless of Ironwood's wishes.
As the warm water of the shower cascaded down Nathan's body, he took a deep breath. His mind focused, and he took the time to reflect.
Six months ago, he had suffered perhaps his greatest defeat, nearly dying at the hands of Baron Maleficus at the Fall of Beacon.
Five months ago, he had woken up from an induced coma; barely alive but still dealing with injuries he had suffered at the Fall of Beacon.
Four months ago, he had began his gruelling physical rehabilitation in order to forge his body anew.
And now… now it was time for him to prove to everyone that he was indeed ready.
Time to prove to Ironwood that he was indeed wrong about Nathan and that Nathan was ready.
Time to prove to Jason and Winter that their training had not been for nothing.
And time to prove to himself that he had indeed earned this.
Stepping out of the shower, dressed to work out, Nathan glanced over at where his combat gear was set up, ready for him to don before his test, five hours from now.
It served as a harsh reminder that today… today was his only chance at achieving what he had been dreaming of doing since waking up from that coma five months ago.
Reunite with his friends, and reunite with Blake.
Sighing contentedly, Nathan took his lightsaber and filled up a bottle of water, then headed out of the door to his quarters and straight to the gym, intending to get in one last hard workout before his test later that day. It was all or nothing now. Do or die… Freedom or death.
Winter and Jason's apartment, 7:30 am…
Jason awoke to the feeling of someone straddling him.
When he saw who it was; he smiled.
Winter was straddling him; completely naked and with a smirk on her face.
Jason smiled and sat up, saying: "And here I thought we were saving the celebrations until after Nathan succeeds today."
"That was until last night." Winter replied as she began grinding her pelvis against Jason's. "I feel compelled to continue."
Feeling himself harden with every grind Winter made, Jason reached around and gripped Winter's buttocks, squeezing as hard as he dared without hurting her.
A loud gasp escaped Winter, and their eyes met, love and lust equals on this of all mornings as their lips met fiercely again, and again, and again until Jason was flat on his back.
Leaning back upon breaking the kiss, Winter wordlessly gripped Jason's now rock hard shaft, and positioned herself atop it, lining herself up before bringing herself down, gasping and moaning with every inch it penetrated her until he was fully sheathed within her, at which she let out a contented sigh.
Sitting up, Jason took a moment to caress his girlfriend's body, saying: "You're so beautiful, Winter…"
Winter smiled and kissed Jason again, using the moment to begin rolling her hips, bringing herself up and down onto Jason, relishing every moment he was inside her.
Hearing Winter's gasps and moans of pleasure spurred Jason onward, and upon gripping her hips, began to thrust up into Winter, matching his thrusts with every time she brought herself down on him.
It wasn't long before they had found a rhythm; lips meeting again and again as their pace became increasingly frenetic.
"Jason… oh gods Jason; don't stop!" Winter moaned loudly, pressing her forehead to his and feeling their equally hot breath passing between them.
"I never intend to." Jason replied, kissing Winter fiercely as their pace increased even more. He was close. And given by how loudly she was moaning, so was Winter.
"Jason…" Winter mewled, her eyes telling Jason all he needed to know.
Nodding, Jason began driving himself up into Winter as hard as he could, until finally, Winter climaxed with a scream of pleasure, her walls clamping around Jason like a vice to the point where he soon followed, rope after rope of hot, sticky cum blasting into Winter until they had ridden out their orgasms, sharing passionate kiss after passionate kiss.
Breaking their kiss, Jason's eyes met his girlfriend's.
Love was there, deep and lasting; along with happiness at being with a man that she had chosen; and not her tyrannical father.
"We should shower." Winter said as she climbed off of Jason and headed for the shower. "You're welcome to join me." She added, looking behind her and winking at Jason.
Jason smirked and waited for the shower to start running before getting out of bed and following Winter into the bathroom, slipping into the shower behind Winter, and as she turned around, pinned his girlfriend to the wall.
Gasping, Winter's surprise faded as her lips met Jason's once again, pushing herself off of the wall just enough for her to leap up, wrapping her legs around Jason's waist.
Feeling himself hardening once again, Jason wasted no time, lining his member up before pushing himself inside Winter.
"Ooh… fuck me, Jason… make me yours…" Winter mewled.
Leaning in and kissing his girlfriend once again, Jason drew himself back before slamming himself into Winter again, rapidly picking up the pace until he was pounding Winter into the wall with each hard and fast thrust.
"Yes… take me you animal… make me yours!" Winter begged.
"You. Already. Are!" Jason responded, matching each word with a deep, powerful thrust that drove Winter deep into the throes of ecstasy as she locked her legs around his waist, their lips meeting again and again, with Winter's moans and screams echoing throughout the bathroom.
Breaking the kiss, Jason returned to his hard, fast pace within moments, feeling Winter pull him closer so that she was moaning directly into his ear. He could sense she was close. And so was he.
"Winter…" He said, feeling himself nearing the end of his tether.
"Finish me, Jason…" Winter begged, wrapping her arms around him as well; holding him as tightly to her as she could.
Within moments, Winter once more screamed at the top of her lungs, writhing beneath him as her walls clamped around him like a vice.
Jason could hold back no longer and with a loud moan of his own, he exploded inside Winter, rope after rope of cum blasting into the woman he loved with every thrust, prolonging their mutual orgasm until finally; the high subsided, and Jason leaned in to kiss Winter.
Returning the kiss, Winter broke it and smiled. "Let's get ready." She said.
Pulling out of Winter, Jason eased her down before both began to shower.
Atlas Academy, 10:00 am…
Jason wasn't surprised to see Nathan in the gym.
His close friend looked like he'd been here for hours, sweat dripping off of him like a monsoon downpour as he struck the heavy bag with strikes that looked like they could break a man's bones, grunts and shouts of exertion escaping Nathan with every strike until finally, he finished the sequence, stepping away from the bag in a fighting stance, as if expecting the bag to attempt a counterattack.
Jason chuckled and stepped further into the gym. "Looks like that guy is either dead, or will be in the hospital for quite some time with some form of head injury."
A snort escaped Nathan as he looked over to Jason. "Yeah… well then I hope Ironwood doesn't plan on testing me personally. Been hoping for a legal reason to beat the fuck out of him."
Jason chuckled. "I think Ironwood knows that wouldn't be a good idea." He said.
"Good." Nathan replied.
"So… once we get out of here… then what's the plan?" Jason asked. "Straight to Blake? Or you gonna go rescue Jaune's family from Napoleon?"
"The latter; to begin with." Nathan responded. "Find some way of getting them to Argus safe and sound; and then head to Mistral. Find the rest of the gang, and make sure they're okay. After that… Blake."
"Would've thought you'd go straight for Blake; given you've spent the past six months pining for her." Jason commented.
"Yeah; I know." Nathan replied. "But Blake would want me to make sure everyone else was okay first before coming to her. If that means waiting for longer before I can see her again… so be it."
Jason nodded. "Fair enough."
"At least this time… I'm choosing to stay away from her." Nathan added. "Takes a little bit of the sting away knowing that."
"That's one way of looking at it." Jason remarked. Stepping closer, he took Nathan by the shoulder. "Either way, it's just after ten. Ghira and Kanan will be getting here at eleven. Best shower up and get dressed into your combat gear so their first look at you after six months isn't one where you're stinking of sweat and look like shit."
Nathan chuckled. "Yeah… sure thing." He replied as he stepped over to a bench and drank some water.
Jason looked on as Nathan gathered his things and headed for his quarters, likely so he could shower there. Nodding, Jason headed for his office to wait.
Later that day, the hangars, 11:00 am…
"Hello; Atlas." Kanan muttered sarcastically as the doors of their ship opened and he and Ghira stepped out.
Ghira chuckled. "I cannot imagine you're too enthused about returning here."
"Only thing keeping me from getting back on the ship is knowing that I'm gonna see Nathan again." Kanan replied. "Other than that; fuck Atlas."
"I'm inclined to agree." Ghira responded before they found themselves joined by Winter. "Ah, Specialist Schnee."
"Chieftain Belladonna." Winter responded, shaking Ghira's hand. Looking to Kanan, Winter did the same. "Welcome back to Atlas, Kanan. I trust the journey wasn't too difficult?"
"Nothing we are not used to." Ghira responded.
Kanan nodded along with his father's response before his eyes glanced down towards Winter's hands.
Both were clasped over her belly, when usually, Winter would have her hands behind her back.
Raising an eyebrow, Kanan was driven from though when Winter addressed him:
"How's Blake doing?"
Perking up, Kanan replied: "Better." He replied. "We had a bit of a scare a few weeks back; but things are better with her."
"That's comforting to know." Winter said. "She looked so miserable the last time I saw her."
"Hopefully after today; she won't be." Kanan answered.
"Yes; since I believe Nathan has some form of test later today to determine his readiness for combat; not that I believe he needs it." Ghira said.
"You'd be correct, and I'm inclined to agree with you." Winter responded. "However; sadly it's not my decision to make."
"Where does Jason stand on all this?" Kanan asked.
"He disagrees with the test just as much as me, but again; not his decision to make." Winter said. "However, you will see someone there I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing."
"Who?" Kanan asked.
"How about your favourite member of the Schnee Family?" A voice from behind Winter rang out as Weiss joined them.
"Weiss!" Kanan shouted as he dashed forward, hugging Weiss tightly as she did the same.
"Hello, Kanan." Weiss replied softly. She was dressed in the attire she had last worn the last time Kanan had seen her; Myrtenaster sheathed on her hip.
"You look great." Kanan remarked. "Figured you'd be a little stouter."
"Thankfully, I was able to keep physically fit; though my father refused to allow me to train combatively. Until I scared him into doing so." Weiss replied.
"Nice. You seen Nathan yet?" Kanan inquired.
"He's been the one restoring my combat fitness." Weiss answered. "I would not be in the condition I am now were it not for him."
"Good to hear. You gonna be joining us once we get out of here?" Kanan asked.
A mischievous smile crossed the Ice Queen's face as she tapped the side of her nose. "All I'll say is that Father will not be marrying me off tomorrow as he so wishes."
Kanan chuckled as Winter clapped her hands together to draw attention to her.
"With all that said and done… I think a reunion with Nathan is long overdue." She said.
Nathan's quarters, 11:15 am…
Nathan placed the picture he'd had of Blake into the backpack last, then set his backpack on top of his bed.
That backpack contained most of Nathan's clothes, books, and other earthly possessions that he'd had since waking up five months prior.
He knew he shouldn't be so confident he'd ace Ironwood's test later; but he knew it'd be preferable to fighting his way out of Atlas.
Nathan sighed as he looked towards his combat gear; his armour all he needed to put on before he was fully ready for the test later. His lightsaber and Phoenix's Breath were both already on his belt, alongside various ammunition pouches for Phoenix's Breath, and even some grenades he'd managed to requisition from the quartermaster earlier in the day.
A sudden knock on the door drew Nathan's attention, and he reached out with the Force, sensing two people he'd not sensed in months. A wide grin crossed his face as he strode to the door, opening it to reveal none other than Kanan Belladonna-Khan and Ghira Belladonna. "You're late." He said accusingly.
"I'm sorry; I'm pretty sure we came here looking for Nathan Phoenix. Not the big bastard what ate him!" Kanan fired back.
Nathan burst out laughing as he stepped forward, hugging Kanan tightly. "Fuck; it's good to see you again, Kanan!" He said, before turning to Ghira. "Ghira, sir." He said, shaking his possible future father in law's hand.
"Nathan, you need not call me 'sir'; you are as much a part of my family as Kanan is." Ghira replied as he himself hugged Nathan.
Hugging Ghira back, Nathan took a deep breath, happy to be amongst friends once again.
Breaking the hug, Ghira looked Nathan over. "You're looking… robust."
"Five months of training'll do that for you." Nathan replied before asking: "Anyway; how're you two? Journey pleasant?"
"Knowing you'd be waiting for us; it was pretty good." Kanan responded.
Nathan nodded as silence fell upon the three of them.
"I'll… leave you both to it." Ghira declared. "Ironwood will be expecting me so we can sign the alliance treaty."
"Go on." Nathan said. "We'll talk more after the test."
Ghira nodded before taking his leave, leaving Nathan and Kanan alone together.
Once Ghira was gone, Nathan met Kanan's gaze. "How… how's Blake doing?" He asked.
Kanan smiled. "Why not ask her yourself?" He asked, handing Nathan his scroll.
Nathan's eyes widened at the prospect, then looked down at the screen, realising Kanan had already prepared to call Blake beforehand. He must have planned it, Nathan thought.
"Go on… she's not gonna bite your head off." Kanan said.
Nathan's thumb hovered over the call button; mentally preparing himself to hear Blake's voice again.
Kanan chuckled at Nathan's apprehension, saying: "Should I leave the room?"
A curt vulgar gesture silenced Kanan before Nathan finally said:
"Fuck it." And pressed call, pressing the scroll to his ear.
Only a few dialling tones later, and without fail: "Hello?"
Nathan's heart began pounding in his chest as he heard Blake's voice for the first time in months. Tears began pricking at the corners of his eyes, which he wiped away before saying: "Hey, beautiful."
A gasp escaped Blake before she asked: "N-Nathan? Is… is that you?"
Nathan wiped more tears from his eyes before replying: "Yeah… it's me, Blake."
The sound of Blake choking back a sob was heard before both fell silent, basking in the emotions from hearing one another for the first time since Beacon.
"There's… there's so much I want to say." Blake finally said after what felt like an eternity.
"Me too." Nathan replied, chuckling. "But… let's save it for when we finally see each other again in person."
"I hope that's sooner rather than later, Nathan… I've missed you so much…" Blake said softly.
"Me too, Blake." Nathan replied. "There's not been a single day that goes by where I've not thought about you… But today… I'm getting out of Atlas; whether Ironwood says I can or not. Then… then I've got a few more things I need to do; then I can finally come home."
"Don't take too long, Nathan." Blake said. "I love you."
"I love you too, Blake." Nathan replied. "I'll see you soon, Belle." With that, he reluctantly hung up, handing Kanan's scroll back.
A deep breath escaped him before he nodded. "Right. Now to get to work."
Kanan smiled as Nathan proceeded to walk to where his armour was, beginning to help him put it on. He could see the determination crossing Nathan's face in that moment, and knew that Ironwood had better bring it. Because Nathan was more than ready to do so.
The training room; 12:55 pm…
Nathan took a deep breath before entering the training room for what he hoped would be the last time ever, now clad in his full combat gear, armed up and everything.
Looking up, Nathan saw General Ironwood stood prominently in the viewing box, flanked by Winter and Jason, the latter giving Nathan an encouraging smile.
Nathan was further pleased to see Weiss was present; as was Kanan and Ghira, all three of whom gave Nathan further smiles.
"Welcome, Nathan. I assume you're ready for your test." Ironwood called out over the intercom.
"I am." Nathan replied. "What's going on, General?"
"You will be facing a gauntlet of opponents I have chosen that will hopefully thoroughly test your combat abilities." Ironwood declared. "Defeat them all; and I will clear you for combat."
Nathan nodded "Then let's not waste any time. Send the first one in."
Ironwood nodded, at which the doors on the opposite end of the room opened.
Nathan watched as roughly a platoon of slender, white armoured, humanoid robots armed with rifles filed into the room. Nodding, he recognised them as Atlesian Knight 200s, or AK-200s for short.
They were the cannon fodder of the Atlesian Military, and for good reason.
"Are you ready?" Ironwood asked once more over the intercom.
Wordlessly, Nathan drew his lightsaber, making his readiness all too clear as he stared the AK-200s down.
"Then let's get started." Ironwood said. "Begin!"
Within moments, the AK-200s all raised their rifles to open fire.
Nathan promptly hurled his lightsaber at a cluster of them, shearing their heads off at the neck, drawing Phoenix's Breath and dropping to one knee, firing on several more, felling six before he knew he would need to reload.
Holstering Phoenix's Breath for the moment, Nathan called his lightsaber back to his hand and dashed forwards, deflecting any oncoming shots from his android foes.
Who promptly forsook their rifles and manifested evil-looking armblades in order to engage Nathan.
Two fell immediately by way of Nathan cutting both in two at the waist, with a third and fourth following suit missing parts of their heads.
Leaping back to avoid getting surrounded, Nathan once more surged towards the AKs, cutting two more in half diagonally, before leaping up into the air and slashing through the top of a seventh's head, reaching out with the Force and hurling the rest back with a massive Force Push.
This had the effect of destroying nearly all of them as they shattered into pieces against the wall.
One lone AK managed to remain standing, lumbering towards Nathan with an outstretched arm.
With two short, deft movements, Nathan cut off the arm and head of the AK, letting it fall to the floor uselessly.
Hearing polite applause, Nathan looked up to see everyone watching applauding his efforts, even Ironwood.
"Well done, Nathan." Ironwood remarked, though his expression betrayed a lack of surprise at Nathan's victory. "That was just one of your challenges. The next one will join you right… now."
Nathan nodded as he heard the door opening behind him, and turned to see an imposing silhouette enter the room.
Massive in scale to Nathan, the machine was white and black in colour, armed with arm mounted dust cannons, rear mounted ten tube rocket launchers, and twin barrelled anti-personnel cannons.
Nathan spun his lightsaber, recognising it as an Atlesian Paladin 290, the Atlesian Military's version of a tank. He imagined with some amusement that Ruby would consider this a minor boss battle from a video game. "Sure you're not blowing the budget with this test, Ironwood? Would hate to leave you out of pocket."
"I assure you; one destroyed Paladin won't hurt." Ironwood responded. "Begin!"
With that, the Paladin immediately raised its cannons at Nathan and fired.
Surging forwards to throw off its aim, Nathan immediately dashed for the mech's legs, knowing that Paladins wouldn't be able to manoeuvre without them.
Only for the mech to manifest a fist and smash Nathan in the gut as he drew closer.
The breath exploded from Nathan's lungs as he flew back, though he forced himself to use his momentum to flip backwards and land on his feet.
The Paladin took several steps towards him, once more levelling its guns at him.
At this, Nathan dashed to the left of the Paladin as it opened fire; anti-personnel cannons shredding the wall behind Nathan as it aimed to chew him into tiny pieces like a dog with a chewing toy.
Until he then stopped, rolled away from the wall, and once more dashed towards the towering mech, hurling his lightsaber at the large insectoid carapace-like helmet that made up the Paladin's head, drawing and rapidly reloading Phoenix's Breath and firing explosive rounds into each of the Paladin's known weak spots: The shoulder joints, the knees, and the connection between the head and the body.
This soon felled the mechanoid beast, and it collapsed onto the floor in pieces.
Holstering Phoenix's Breath and looking back up at the viewing window, Nathan joked: "You can send Jacques Schnee the repair bill."
A few laughs broke out amongst the people in the viewing box, at which Ironwood said:
"I doubt Jacques will appreciate that; given he has recently shelled out considerable expense for Weiss' wedding tomorrow."
Nathan noticed a scowl cross Weiss' face in that moment, and chuckled. Not on my watch, he thought to himself. "That said… send the next one in!"
Ironwood nodded and before long, a door opened and a voice rang out:
"Nathan Phoenix; your reckoning has arrived!"
Nathan's eyes narrowed at the familiar sounding voice, and then when he saw who it was; he groaned. "This fucker; really?" Nathan asked.
"It is I; Hector Crassus!" The voice replied as a tall, relatively handsome young man with cropped brown hair and green eyes entered the room.
He was dressed in armour that resembled that of Pyrrha's, but completely black with silver highlights. In his hands were a sword and shield that looked so generic they looked like weapons a cosplayer would be wielding.
"And I come to avenge my humiliation at the Vytal Festival." Crassus added as he came to stop several feet in front of Nathan.
Nathan drew Phoenix's Breath again and started loading stun bullets into it as Crassus raised his sword.
"See this?" He asked. "This… is my weapon. I call her 'Rightful Birthright', as it is my birthright to be the greatest huntsman to ever live."
Nathan gave his friends up in the viewing box an unimpressed glance as he finished reloading, allowing Crassus to continue:
"She is four feet long and weighs lighter than a feather; made of only the best steel in Argus! And she will be the object with which I strike you down at last!"
Nathan imagined now would be about the time he would light up a cigarette if he smoked; which he didn't. He had a feeling Hector was going to talk all about himself forever and ever.
Speaking of; Hector was now talking about his shield; which apparently had never failed him and was responsible for saving his life countless times over the course of numerous successful combat missions in the service of Atlas, which Crassus claimed was just the start of his greatness.
"Soon; I'll finally receive the acclaim and respect I've long deserved! And I shall start with defeating you!" Hector declared. "I hope you're afraid; because there is simply no chance on Remnant that you're not! Now… bear witness as I-"
Nathan then decided he'd had enough, firing a single stun bullet straight into Hector Crassus' crotch.
The direct hit had Crassus go rigid, dropping his weapons as a vile noise escaped him before he collapsed on the floor, motionless.
Hysterical laughter drew his attention from above, and he looked to see everyone in the viewing room laughing.
Even Ironwood had cracked a smile, from which laughter was breaking free.
A vile smell drifted to Nathan's nostrils; and Nathan soon realised that the noise he'd heard after shooting Hector was the sound of Hector soiling his pants.
Looking, he saw a nasty puddle of liquefied excrement forming beneath Crassus, and he motioned for someone to get Hector out of there.
Aides wearing gas masks soon entered the room, and hurriedly carried Hector out of the room, which still left an ugly trail of liquid shit all the way to the door.
Groaning, Nathan looked to the viewing box, saying: "Can you at least mail the cleaning bill to Jacques?"
"Perhaps." Ironwood responded. "But for now; I'm sending your next opponents out."
Nathan nodded, and holstered Phoenix's Breath as his newest opponents emerged:
One was Flynt Coal, leader of Team FNKI, whilst next to him was Neon Katt, Flynt's partner in crime in the team.
Nathan looked between them before asking: "Wanting payback for me taking all of you guys out during that stealth exercise?" Drawing his lightsaber.
"Not really. Just wanna see what you got in an even fight." Flynt replied. "Been itching for this ever since the Vytal Festival."
"Glad I can finally oblige." Nathan responded, adopting his signature fighting stance.
"Hear you're dating Blake Belladonna." Neon said. "Not gonna lie; you could do so much better."
Recalling how Neon used insults to get into Yang's head during the Vytal Festival; Nathan replied: "Like you? No thank you. I'd sooner stick my dick in a blender. With a look like that; no wonder no dude wants you. You've probably got more STDs right now than most hookers."
Neon's jaw dropped, and before Ironwood could even call for the match to begin, she dashed forward, rushing straight for Nathan.
Nathan raised his lightsaber, prepared to intercept Neon's attack, only for a trumpet blast from Flynt to knock him back, allowing Neon to score a hit on Nathan, smacking him across the face with one of her nunchakus, then tripping him up before rollerblading away, giggling like a schoolgirl.
Getting to his feet, Nathan raised his lightsaber just in time to block another trumpet blast from Flynt, managing to push it off to one side, redirecting it into a nearby wall before spinning his lightsaber and charging Flynt; knowing his best chance was to close the distance and use his lightsaber to sort things out.
But before he could, Neon struck again, rolling in front of him and pulling his legs out from beneath him.
Thankfully, Nathan maintained his balance, only for Flynt to blast him with his trumpet again, sending the fiery haired Jedi flying backwards.
Neon intercepted Nathan as he flew back, giving the Jedi Padawan a nasty whack with her nunchakus upside the head and knocked him down on his front.
"Motherfuckers…" Nathan muttered under his breath as he got to his feet, rubbing the back of his head.
Looked like he was going to have to get creative with this one.
Seeing Neon preparing to intercept him should he charge Flynt again; Nathan felt an idea come to mind.
Grinning, Nathan drew Phoenix's Breath and opened fire on Flynt, throwing the trumpet wielding Huntsman off balance as he tried avoiding the oncoming shots.
With that, Nathan holstered Phoenix's Breath, drew his lightsaber, and charged.
He could see Neon start speeding towards him from his left flank, and spotted Flynt had recovered, and was bringing up his trumpet to bear.
At which Flynt somehow split into four versions of himself.
Nathan's grin widened. Even better.
Just as Neon looked poised to strike him, Nathan stopped in his tracks, using the Force to freeze her in place before diving out of the way as Flynt; too late to stop, unleashed the full blast of his semblance; Killer Quartet upon Neon.
Who promptly went flying and crashed into the wall behind her, her aura breaking, knocking her out of the fight.
"Neon!" Flynt called out in shock, before turning angrily to Nathan.
At which Nathan took one of the flashbangs he had requisitioned earlier and tossed it towards Flynt, turning away from the blast and covering his ears.
The crackle of the grenade detonating and Flynt's surprised grunt told Nathan he had his opening, and he soon charged Flynt, drawing his lightsaber.
By the time Flynt had recovered, Nathan was already upon him, slashing him across the chest with his lightsaber, following that up with a strike to Flynt's legs, forcing his foe to a knee, spinning around so he was behind Flynt and slashing them across the back, putting his lightsaber away and drawing Phoenix's Breath, firing the last stun bullet in his current clip into Flynt's back, knocking him down and ending the fight.
Holstering Phoenix's Breath, Nathan took that momentary reprieve to glance at his aura, seeing it currently sat at sixty-two percent. Not good, but not terrible either.
"Well done." Ironwood remarked from the viewing window. "That was an impressive tactic."
Nathan sensed a little bit of irritation in Ironwood's voice, but paid it no mind.
"Regardless; this next opponent will be much more difficult. I assure you." Ironwood declared.
Taking his lightsaber from his belt, Nathan took a deep breath as the doors opened, gripping his lightsaber tightly in his hand as they stepped further into view.
When he saw who it was; his eyes widened, and he backed away in shock. "Penny?!"
"Salutations!" Penny Polendina replied cheerfully, saluting Nathan.
The last time Nathan had seen Penny; she had been in pieces on the floor of Amity Arena, her green eyes faded and lifeless.
Now; it appeared she had been rebuilt; good as new and ready for action, and this came with a few differences as well:
Her hair was significantly longer and curled inwards at the tips and she wore a black fabric bow under a pink metal bow that had a golden outlined green power symbol. The ahoge remained and was more prominent. She was now wearing an olive green traditional Atlesian styled dress with a black hem that was striped with emerald green. The abdominal region was black with four golden buttons with matching buckles on her shoulder straps. She also wore an off-white blouse with puffy shoulders, frilled flared cuffs and vertical black lining down the front centre. Her collar piece did away with the green accents and was instead finished with a black ribbon. Over her feet were a pair of black low heeled metal boots with the tops hidden by the lower part of her leg pieces, and completing her look overall were a pair of black lacy cuffed gloves with golden stud detailing on the knuckles. She also retained her silver backpack on her back carrying her weaponry.
"It is a pleasure to finally be meeting you on the field of combat, Nathan!" Penny declared. "I look forward to seeing if you're combat ready!"
The remark drove Nathan back to reality, and he remembered why he was there with Penny to begin with. Igniting his lightsaber, Nathan snarled: "Oh I'll show you… I just hope you don't mind being cut into pieces… again."
Nathan then spun his lightsaber and adopted his signature stance, prepared to face Penny. Ironwood had said this would be the toughest test of the day; which could only mean one thing:
Penny was his final obstacle. The final opponent he had to beat before he could leave Atlas and return to the field. Which meant Penny had to lose… if not be killed again.
Penny, seeing Nathan's readiness to fight her, soon spread her arms out, at which Floating Array; her weapons, came out from behind her and arrayed themselves in a perfect circle around her.
Nathan took a deep breath as he stared Penny down, seeing her cheerful smile had faded, and a look of determination had crossed her face as well. He could sense his friends up in the viewing tower looking on anxiously, as Ironwood said:
"Nathan; this is your final obstacle. Defeat Penny, and you are clear for combat. With that in mind… Begin!"
Within moments, Penny began hurling Floating Array towards Nathan, one sword after the other.
Surging forwards, Nathan knocked each of the swords aside before leaping towards the rebuilt android, lightsaber raised in order to score a decisive blow.
As expected, Penny brought some of Floating Array over to block Nathan, pushing him back as several more of Floating Array took aim at him and suddenly began firing laser blasts towards him.
Blocking some, dodging others, Nathan wasn't expecting Penny to then suddenly dash forwards and give him a hard slash across the abdomen, followed by a stiff kick that knocked Nathan back several paces.
Putting away his lightsaber, Nathan drew Phoenix's Breath, quickly reloading explosive rounds into the revolver before firing at Penny.
The newly rebuilt android proved quick though, and dodged most of Nathan's oncoming fire with help from her inbuilt rocket feet.
Two swords from Floating Array were far less lucky though, exploding the moment Nathan's bullets made contact, and causing them to fall uselessly to the floor.
Seeing this, Penny then flew towards Nathan, bringing the rest of Floating Array up and down towards the fiery haired Jedi.
Raising his lightsaber, Nathan blocked much of Penny's attacks, managing to counter finally by spinning around and slashing Penny across the back.
While the apparatus protecting Floating Array wouldn't be too badly damaged, It'd do considerable damage to Penny's aura, as lightsabers famously caused severe damage to aura.
Reaching out with the Force, Nathan hurled Penny back hard enough for her to crash into the wall, crumpling to the floor.
As she was a robot though; Penny was back on her feet within seconds, and had soon formed Floating Array into a circle, which began spinning around as a massive amount of energy formed.
Nathan dived out of the line of fire just as Penny fired, unleashing a massive laser blast that would have likely ended him had it met its mark. As he dived, Nathan hurled his lightsaber towards Penny; knowing that Penny would be too busy to guard against his lightsaber.
At which Penny once again surprised him by rapidly smacking Nathan's lightsaber aside.
Realising his predicament as Penny began flying towards him, Nathan backed away to create as much space as he could, drawing Phoenix's Breath and reloading more explosive rounds into it, just as Penny collided with him, the force of which sent both crashing into the wall.
Groaning, Nathan sank to the floor. A quick glance at his aura showed the tackle from Penny had knocked a considerable chunk off of it; he was now at forty-five percent. Swearing under his breath, Nathan dragged himself to his feet just in time to evade an oncoming attack from Floating Array, rolling underneath the blades and dashing away from Penny, holstering Phoenix's Breath for a moment as he reached out with the Force, seizing Penny in its grip.
Penny yelped as she felt the Force grip her, starting to flail around in an effort to break free.
Knowing that couldn't be allowed, Nathan suddenly hurled her back into the wall he had just been tackled into, before hurling Penny across the room into the opposite wall. Drawing Phoenix's Breath, Nathan fired on Penny's location, hoping at least one or two would hit her.
Once he had exhausted the six shots in his revolver, Nathan took a chance to catch his breath, holstering Phoenix's Breath.
Only to suddenly be knocked over by a blast from one of the swords making up Floating Array. Rolling backwards, Nathan used the Force to retrieve his lightsaber, igniting it as Penny emerged from the smoke, staring Nathan down.
Her aura flickered, showing it was becoming dangerously low.
A glance at his own told Nathan he was at forty-two percent now. Taking a deep breath, Nathan knew this next exchange would decide his fate.
Meaning he couldn't fail.
He thought about Blake; who he'd promised he would return to as soon as he could after today. He never made promises he wasn't sure he could keep, and this promise was no exception.
Penny, realising this, surprisingly retracted most of Floating Array save for two; which she then gripped, one in each hand.
Nodding, Nathan realised she wanted to face him on an even playing field; and a look of respect passed between them.
At that, they both charged one another, each prepared to do everything to win.
The moment they were within range, Nathan and Penny immediately slashed at one another.
The force of their blades making contact sent them staggering back, but Nathan was quick to react, dashing forward and lunging at Penny, hoping to strike a decisive blow and end the fight quickly.
Spinning to the side, Penny responded by striking at Nathan with both swords, one after the other.
Stopping her blades with his, Nathan used the Force to shove Penny back a few paces before advancing, slashing hard at her head, and upon that being blocked, brought his lightsaber up and around, spinning around and leaping into the air as he did, slashing down at Penny, who darted back to avoid him scoring a hit.
Penny seized the opening, attempting a series of figure eight upward cuts in an attempt to fell Nathan quickly.
Parrying both sets of attacks, Nathan moved to counter with a flick of his lightsaber towards Penny's throat, an attack that was rapidly blocked and countered itself, at which Nathan jumped back, rolling his shoulder before stepping forward to engage Penny, who immediately launched a renewed attack, lashing out at Nathan with numerous cross-planed cuts that would have left ordinary men in pieces.
Blocking some, ducking others and dodging even more, Nathan rolled to the side and moved to strike at Penny from the flanks, which to her credit, Penny anticipated and parried, attempting a parallel slash at Nathan with both swords.
Blocking both, Nathan led them off to the other side before lashing out with a quick Force Push that knocked Penny off balance, a move which allowed him to score a big hit, slashing her from left hip to right shoulder.
Seeing Penny's aura flicker even more, Nathan knew he had to keep it up, stepping forward to follow his attack with a second slash that would follow the same path as his previous, just in the opposite direction.
Penny blocked this with one sword, whilst using the other to for a sneaky hit.
Spotting the oncoming attack, Nathan stepped back, spinning his lightsaber and slashing down at Penny, knocking her swords down and allowing him to strike once again, this time across her right shoulder.
Shouting in pain, Penny tried to attempt one last slash, but Nathan was ready and blocked, stepping on both swords and kicking Penny back, ignoring the pain that erupted in his leg from him kicking an android square in the face. Raising his lightsaber, Nathan prepared to strike the final blow; thinking of Blake as memories flashed in his mind:
Their first kiss at Beacon Cliff….
Nathan telling Blake he wanted a family in the future…
And finally, the sight of Blake screaming in anguish as he fell to the Baron…
With a yell of triumph, Nathan struck down at Penny, scoring one final hit that broke Penny's aura, ending the fight, falling to his knees and bursting into tears.
He'd done it. He'd beaten Ironwood's test, and now… his friends beckoned.
And Blake. Blake was finally within reach.
Inside the Viewing Box…
"YES!" Kanan bellowed as he pumped his fist, grinning ear to ear before embracing Ghira, who himself was smiling, watching as Jason and Weiss both exited the room to rush downstairs and congratulate Nathan personally.
Winter had the biggest smile on her face possible, pride etched all over her face as well as a sense of 'I knew you could do it'.
Ironwood though… Ironwood looked angry.
Ironwood stared down at Nathan as Jason and Weiss joined him, each hugging him tightly and muttering proud words into his ears as if he were staring down a turd that refused to flush down the toilet.
Kanan had to say he didn't sympathise with Ironwood's fury. Ironwood had been wrong about Nathan a dozen or so times, but refused to acknowledge as much. Now… now he had no other choice but to acknowledge Nathan was ready.
He's coming home, Blake… Kanan thought to himself, beaming with pride at his friend.
"You're not finished yet, Nathan." Ironwood said suddenly over the intercom.
With Nathan, Jason and Weiss…
Jason had to make sure he heard Ironwood correctly. Looking up at the viewing box, Jason said: "What? I thought you said Penny was the final opponent!"
"I lied." Ironwood replied with cold anger. "Now get Nathan up so he can face his next opponents!"
Jason watched as Nathan got to his feet, visibly tired, just in time for the doors to open.
When Jason saw who Nathan's next opponents were; his heart sank.
All five members of the Ace Ops had entered the room, all fully armed and ready for battle.
Jason's eyes met Nathan's tired, tear-filled ones.
Nathan knew he wasn't likely to win this fight, Jason realised. But he planned on fighting regardless. Nodding, Jason took something from his belt, and hooked it onto Nathan's belt behind him so no-one saw. "Give them everything, Nate." He said before backing away, watching as Weiss kissed Nathan on the cheek.
"Fight until your last, Nathan." Weiss said before walking over, meeting his gaze.
Seeing tears beginning to form, Jason told Weiss: "Head back up. I'll stay here."
Weiss nodded and headed back up to the viewing box.
Jason lingered, and waited to see how Nathan would fare. Come on, Nathan, he thought.
With Nathan…
"Prepared to go down, you little shit?" Harriet asked tauntingly as she and the Ace Ops readied themselves.
Nathan wiped the tears from his eyes and readied his lightsaber. His aura still stood at forty-two percent. Not the worst, but not exactly good either.
In front of him were all five members of the Ace Ops; supposedly the five best Huntsmen and Huntresses in Atlas. But Nathan didn't care. He was going to fight them anyway; even if he knew he wasn't likely to win.
"Prepared to cry like a little bitch because Daddy Ironwood refused to fuck you for failing him tonight?" Nathan defiantly fired back, spinning his lightsaber and readying himself.
Incendiary words had the necessarily angry response, as Harriet burst forward and charged Nathan.
"Harriet, wait!" Clover called out, but his pleas fell on deaf ears as Harriet surged towards Nathan.
Reaching out with the Force, Nathan froze Harriet right where she was, before drawing Phoenix's Breath and firing several shots into her before using the Force to turn her around and hurling her towards the nearest target:
Harriet's fellow Ace Ops teammate: Marrow Amin.
Marrow luckily avoided the attack, but not what came next.
Tapping his scroll, Nathan detonated the explosives that he had planted on Harriet with the shots from Phoenix's Breath, breaking Harriet's aura and sending Marrow flying into another wall, which wound up breaking his aura, and knocking him and Harriet out of the fight.
"Damn it!" Clover spat. "Elm, Vine; surround him! I'm going in!"
At that, both Elm and Vine surged forwards on either side of Nathan, with Elm deploying her rocket launcher, which doubled as a hammer.
Turning to her, Nathan snapped off a round from Phoenix's Breath, spinning around and doing the same with Vine, knocking them both down for the moment. Holstering Phoenix's Breath and drawing his lightsaber, Nathan raised it ready for Clover, who was upon him within moments.
The leader of the Ace Ops lashed out with his weapon; a collapsible fishing rod he had named Kingfisher, hoping to catch the hook onto Nathan and trip him up.
Slapping Kingfisher aside, Nathan countered with a quick cut towards Clover's abdomen, attempting a follow up, at which a hand grabbed his saber-arm, whilst another yanked his lightsaber out of his hand.
Glancing to his right, Nathan saw Vine tossing his lightsaber away, his arms retracting to their usual length. Using the Force, Nathan dragged Vine into Clover, knocking both over and allowing him to face the biggest threat in Elm, who immediately swung at him with her hammer.
Ducking the blow, Nathan countered with a heavy uppercut, followed by a stiff spinning sole kick that doubled Elm over, allowing him to press his attack with an axe-kick. As he aimed to follow that up with a spinning elbow, he felt a force yank him backwards, making him fall onto his back as Clover called out:
"Vine, Elm; get him!"
Using the Force, Nathan shoved both Elm and Vine back before they could follow Clover's orders, kipping up and turning to Clover, striking him with a right hook to the jaw, following that up with a left high kick straight to the face, and attempting to finish up with the spinning back kick he favoured so much, only to find his leg grabbed mid-swing, at which he found himself swung into a vicious right hook from Elm.
Black spots danced in Nathan's field of vision as instinct drove him to roll away from Elm's attempted stomp where his head would have been, getting to his feet just in time for Vine to rush him. Stunning Vine with a stiff straight right to the face, Nathan inadvertently backed right into the waiting arms of Elm, who grabbed and hurled him over her head with a suplex, making him land on the back of his head and neck. Shaking his head to clear it of the cobwebs, Nathan got back up, only to suffer a right hook of his own from Vine. Grabbing Vine's extended right arm, Nathan made to drag him over, only for Vine to drop him with a vicious lariat that flipped him inside out using his left arm. Getting up, Nathan soon saw Clover's foot hurtling towards his face.
His vision momentarily went black from the force of the kick, but then:
"NATHAN!"
The sound of Weiss screaming his name drove Nathan back to reality, just in time to see Elm having brandished her hammer and swinging it towards him.
The breath was driven from Nathan's lungs with all the force of a stampede of Goliath Grimm, sending him flying back and crashing into the wall, sinking to the floor, coughing and gasping as he fought to regain his breath.
A quick glance confirmed Nathan's dire predicament; his aura was dangerously in the red. One more major hit and he was done for.
"He's nearly finished, Ace Ops. Wrap this up." Ironwood ordered over the intercom.
Hearing Ironwood's voice filled Nathan with determination, and he allowed the Force to flow through him, enmeshing himself in it as he forced himself to his feet, calling his lightsaber to his hand and igniting it.
Clover sighed. "Nathan… just stop. Your aura's dangerously low; and you're exhausted. Just give up, and we can try again at a later date. You've done all that you can today. Unfortunately it wasn't enough."
Nathan met Clover's gaze with a defiant glare, and shook his head. "No…" He responded between heavy, tired breaths. "I've come too far… fought too hard… just to fail now…"
With that, he reached behind his back, unhooking what Jason had secretly handed him from the back of his belt:
Jason's green lightsaber soon joined Nathan's in his hands as he brought them in front of him momentarily, spinning them in his hands as he yelled at the top of his lungs:
"I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!"
The viewing box…
Kanan could see Ironwood's eyes widen from where he was stood as Nathan; seemingly having gotten a second wind out of nowhere, charged the Ace Ops, now wielding two lightsabers.
"COME ON, NATHAN!" Weiss screamed at the top of her lungs, banging on the glass before Ironwood pushed her back.
Kanan said nothing; just watched awestruck as Nathan effortlessly darted between the Ace Ops, fending off attack after attack whilst countering with devastating reprisals.
Nathan really was the best warrior he had ever seen.
Something that was proven the moment Elm suddenly hit the floor, her aura broken.
"No… no, no, no, no!" Ironwood was muttering, shaking his head in disbelief as Nathan soon engaged Vine and Clover, blue and green lightsabers in hand.
Blake; if only you could see Nathan right now, Kanan thought to himself.
Without Elm's power, Vine and Clover were left hard pressed to find an opening against Nathan wielding two lightsabers.
Nathan spun and whirled around the room like a ballroom dancer, almost effortless in his attacks and defence.
Until finally, Vine joined the rest of the Ace Ops in defeat, leaving only Clover to square off with Nathan.
"Damn it!" Ironwood snarled, pounding the window before accessing the intercom: "Clover; it's up to you. Finish that fucking disrespectful little shit right GODSDAMN NOW!"
The training room…
Nathan took the moment the catch his breath as he stared across the room at Clover, who had a look of shock on his face.
"You're lucky to have gotten this far, Nathan." Clover remarked. "But this needs to end."
"Then end it." Nathan replied defiantly. At which he switched off Jason's lightsaber and tossed it over to the door Jason had exited through, raising his own. "Because I'm right here."
Clover shook his head before surging forward, Kingfisher outstretched as he prepared to swing it at Nathan.
Nathan followed suit, striding towards Clover as the leader of the Ace Ops charged him.
Their weapons met within moments, as Nathan parried and ducked under Clover's attempt to wrap Kingfisher's cord around him like a constrictor snake, countering with a hard slash across Clover's right flank, raising his lightsaber to press his attack.
Clover's boot met his face moments later, and Nathan staggered back, checking his nose to see if there was blood. Seeing none, Nathan looked to Clover and switched off his lightsaber, attaching it to his belt.
Clover's eyes narrowed in confusion, at which Nathan said:
"Drop Kingfisher, Clover. Let's see if you're as lucky with your fists as you are with getting this far in life on just your semblance alone."
Clover scowled, and dropped his signature weapon on the ground and adopted a boxer's stance before stepping forward.
Nathan did the same, taking a moment to look over Clover.
The Ace Ops leader had two inches on him in height, but with regards to build and reach, he was not too much different to Nathan.
His stance though? It meant Clover wasn't overly experienced in hand-to-hand fighting.
Nathan smirked, before opening with a hard forward kick to Clover's chest, following up with two quick left and right hooks to Clover's jaw and face, pressing his attack with an attempted forearm strike to the Ace Ops leader.
As Nathan expected, Clover blocked the blow, at which Nathan revealed it to be a feint and swept Clover's legs out from beneath him, raising his boot to stomp Clover's face hard.
To the commanding officer of the Ace Ops' credit; Clover rolled out of the way, hurling a right haymaker towards Nathan that looked like it'd be lethal to an uninitiated fighter.
But Nathan was initiated, and before long, he had Clover in a crucifix style hold, driving elbow after elbow into Clover's face, taking advantage of Clover's arms being trapped.
Once he thought Clover sufficiently stunned, Nathan transitioned into a rear naked choke, wrapping his arms like a vice around Clover's throat.
Clover forced himself to his feet and judo-threw Nathan off of him, getting to one knee before Nathan struck him with the spinning back kick he favoured so much, dazing the Ace Ops leader and knocking him flat onto his backside.
Refusing to allow Clover an opening, Nathan dashed forward, nailing him with a stiff running knee strike to the face before mounting Clover, once more resorting to elbow strike after elbow strike to the leader of the Ace Ops and locking in the rear naked choke once again.
Again; Clover fought, jumping backwards so that he sandwiched Nathan between himself and the floor, rolling off of Nathan and getting to one knee.
Nathan rapidly grabbed Clover's outstretched left arm and lashed out with a kick to Clover's face, pushing Clover face down onto the floor, grabbing Clover's other arm before beginning to viciously stomp Clover's head into the floor again and again and again, following that up with one last lock in of the rear naked choke, screaming: "TAP! TAP YOU FUCKING SON OF A WHORESPAWN GUTTER SLUT!"
It wasn't long before Clover found himself forced to tap.
The Viewing Box…
"YES!"
Winter, Weiss, Kanan and Ghira all cheered in unison as Nathan released his iron grip on Clover, pushing the leader of the Ace Ops off of him and sitting up.
Kanan watched as Jason came running out to Nathan, helping him up and hugging him tightly, and found himself smiling. He's coming home, Blake, Kanan thought triumphantly.
As the cheers subsided, Kanan looked to Winter as she approached Ironwood, who looked just about ready to explode.
"General; when can Nathan expect to leave Atlas?" Winter inquired respectfully, deferring to her commanding officer.
Ironwood failed to respond, fists clenched as he glared daggers at Nathan and Jason, his breath exiting through his nostrils like an enraged bull.
"Sir?" Winter asked softly, stepping closer. "Sir, when can Nathan-"
THWACK!
Kanan jumped back in shock as Winter flew back from the force of Ironwood's backhand, hitting the floor.
"Winter!" Weiss cried out as she rushed to her older sister's side.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Ghira demanded furiously.
Ironwood seemingly ignored him, raising his scroll to his mouth: "All squads outside the training room; move in. I want Nathan Phoenix restrained and arrested immediate-"
"What in the name of the gods are you doing, Ironwood?!" Ghira demanded, grabbing Ironwood's scroll and hurling it aside. "There was a clause in the agreement we signed hours ago stipulating Nathan's return to combat! Are you seriously violating those terms before the ink has even fully dried?!"
Ironwood responded by drawing his revolver, Due Process, snarling: "That's General Ironwood to you, Belladonna! As for that clause… it was removed by Sienna Khan last night. It was the only reason I agreed to terms at all."
Kanan's eyes widened as he thought: Mom… what have you done?
"Sienna… how could she?" Ghira muttered, he himself in a state of shock.
Both soon became aware of Winter getting to her feet, hand on the cheek Ironwood had struck.
"Winter; escort your sister out of the Academy and take her back to the Schnee Manor." Ironwood said sternly. "Her father will want her home in time for her wedding tomorrow."
"Sir-" Winter made to say.
"Take Weiss back home now!" Ironwood bellowed. "Unless you would rather face court martial and dishonourable discharge from the military."
Winter opened her mouth to retort, but scowled, glaring daggers at Ironwood. "Yes sir." She replied, looking at Weiss. "Weiss. Come with me."
"But… Winter…"
"Weiss." Winter said sternly, ushering Weiss out of the room.
Ironwood waited for them to leave, before holstering Due Process. "This is not how I planned today to go. But all plans need contingencies."
"And how was today meant to go?" Kanan asked.
"It was meant to end with the Ace Ops beating and arresting Nathan!" Ironwood snapped. "But now it looks like it will need to end with him and Jason being arrested. It doesn't matter. They've proven more trouble than they're worth anyway."
Kanan and Ghira then watched as a platoon filed into the training room, surrounding Nathan and Jason.
The training room…
Nathan watched as the soldiers entered the room, weapons trained on them.
"Drop your weapons!" The soldiers ordered, edging closer and closer to him and Jason.
Both of them had their lightsabers raised and ignited, prepared to fight until the end.
"Remind you of anything?" Jason asked.
"If you're gonna say that time we had to fight that entire company of battle droids all by ourselves on Gorod Krovi; don't." Nathan fired back, taking a deep breath. "Haven't even told Blake that story."
"I said; drop your weapons!" The commanding soldier ordered, gesturing to the floor.
Nathan and Jason shared a glance. Not a chance in hell, they thought as they readied themselves for battle.
This was a chapter I've had in the works for ages. Me and my friends were constantly suggesting different ideas; such as the gauntlet being the Ace Ops one by one, with Ironwood then sending in Penny to finish Nathan off as part of his betrayal. But then I was watching Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and it got to the forest fight scene where Optimus Prime battles Megatron, Starscream and Grindor all at the same time by himself. I immediately felt inspired to incorporate that scene into one of my fanfictions. Felt like this would be an apropos place to do so.
As for the inclusion of Hector Crassus; I thought it'd be a funny callback to The End of the Beginning to have him show up.
Furthermore; it might be that Winter has a little tum-thing to tell Jason at some point. If she even gets the chance to.
Regardless; let's answer some reviews, shall we?
Sharnorasian Empire: Well; given how shit things went for the heroes in When it Falls, it'd stand to reason that things turn out a bit better for them here, right? RIGHT?!
That said; thank you all so much for taking the time to read this chapter. If you enjoyed it; y'all know what to do.
I will be taking a two-week hiatus from updating since next weekend is Wrestlemania 39.
Those of my readers who are professional wrestling fans, feel free to include your predictions for the event in your reviews alongside said reviews.
I shall see you all the weekend after next with chapters 11-12, where things continue to escalate.
T-Rock14