Chapter 13: Kuroyuri

Outside Kuroyuri, 20:45 pm…

Ahsoka scowled as she looked at the ruined city.

Kuroyuri had been the hometown of Ren and Nora before a massive Grimm attack levelled it.

Now it was little more than a ghost town.

"I have a bad feeling about this place." Ahsoka remarked to Qrow as the older man stepped close to her. "I have a feeling we should have just taken the direct route to Mistral."

"That would've taken us up and over the mountains." Qrow replied. "And I'd rather camp somewhere safe for tonight. And while I have bad feelings about this city too… at least the same threats Ren and Nora last faced here have been dealt with."

Ahsoka nodded and glanced back at Ren and Nora.

They had encountered the same Grimm that had destroyed their home just days ago; in the ruins of a village known as Oniyuri.

The resulting fight had been hard on all involved, even Ahsoka and Rex, the latter of whom was currently nursing a clear rib injury, despite being reluctant to show it. Eventually though, RNNJR had managed to defeat the hellish beast by themselves, with Ren striking the killing blow and avenging his family.

Ahsoka's gaze then met that of Ghost, who joined her.

"Everything alright, Ahsoka?" He asked.

The former Padawan nodded. "Just… getting a bad feeling about this place. With Rex nursing that rib injury, I need you to stay sharp." Ahsoka advised.

"Got it, mate." Ghost replied before gunning his jetpack and flying onwards towards Kuroyuri.

The others gathered around Ahsoka, and she found herself meeting the gaze of Ruby.

"What do you think Nathan would have done if he was here?" Ruby asked.

"Nathan trusted his instincts and gut more than anything." Ahsoka replied. "I think he'd avoid this area no matter the cost."

"Ahsoka; this is Ghost. Forward area clear."

Ahsoka sighed, saying: "Got it. Moving in now." Following that, she led everyone onwards into the ruined city.

Inside Kuroyuri…

Kuroyuri looked even less pleasant inside than it had outside.

Everywhere they looked, there was a fresh ruin, or the skeletal corpses of former inhabitants.

Ghost was beginning to see why Ren and Nora had been so reluctant to come here. Everywhere they looked must be bringing them so many flashes of what had happened that hellish day when they had been orphaned by the Grimm.

Qrow took that moment to say: "Spread out; but stay within sight of each other. Let's find somewhere to hunker down for the evening."

Ghost nodded and looked to see a clock tower standing high above all the other buildings. Taking his sniper rifle, Ghost gunned his jetpack and flew up to the roof, scanning the area cautiously.

"Hey Ghost; see anything from up there?" Ruby's voice asked over the comms.

"None yet, mate." Ghost responded. "Stay frosty. A big ruin like this… perfect spot for an ambush."

"Got it." Ruby replied. "You heard Ghost; stay sharp! This place is a great ambush spot."

Ghost smirked under his helmet. She's learning, he thought to himself.

Ruby had definitely stepped up into a leadership role since this whole debacle had started, and was handling things as well as she could.

It wasn't long before Ruby entered Ghost's crosshairs flanked by Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha and Ren.

"Ruby; got eyes on you. Anything as much as twitches near you; they're getting a blast between the eyes." Ghost said.

"As long as it's none of us; we'll be fine." Pyrrha responded over the comms.

Ghost snorted before something out of the corner of his eye drew his attention to the entrance of the city they had entered through.

Something, or someone, was charging through the ruins… straight for RNNJR!

"RNNJR, be advised, got an unknown headed straight for you!" Ghost called out over the comms. "Have weapons ready in case it's hostile."

"Probably is." Ren responded as he and the others all drew their weapons.

At the same time, blasterfire erupted somewhere out of Ghost's line of sight.

"Ghost, this is Ahsoka! We're getting pounded by Imperial troops. Got two unknowns with them; looks like a guy and a girl around RNNJR's age!"

Ghost swore under his breath and gunned his jetpack, heading for a better view of the firefight.

He only hoped RNNJR could handle whatever was coming at them.

With Ruby…

It had happened so fast none of them had been able to react quickly enough.

Within moments of Ghost having to abandon his vantage point to help Ahsoka, Qrow and Rex, someone had leapt up and over them before engaging them with a war cry Ruby could only call an insane one.

It hadn't taken long for the man to dispatch Ren, knocking him back before rushing Ruby.

Ruby was ready for him though, and stood ready with Crescent Rose.

Their attacker was tall at around six-foot-one, had pale skin, appearing to be in his mid to late thirties, with golden coloured eyes and brown hair braided into a tight ponytail that resembled the tail of a scorpion.

He was wearing a white sleeveless jacket with leather belts strapped to it, along with white pants. His jacket was left open, exposing his bare chest, exposing several prominent scars crisscrossing his chest. His arms were covered with cream-coloured bandages and leather vambraces. He also wore leather boots covering his entire shin with knee guards.

Completing his look was a pair of silver, ring-shaped earrings, and near the top of his left ear was another matching earring.

But her attention was mainly focused on the two arm blades covering his arms as he attacked her.

Ruby parried where she could, but it was clear this man was skilled, as he managed to score a big hit to her aura.

Thankfully, Jaune managed to get him away from Ruby, only for the madman to show an interest in Jaune.

"Ooh…" The man said before another shield smashed him in the face.

Ruby watched as Pyrrha retrieved Akoúo̱ before engaging the madman herself, the two exchanging a skilful series of blows before Pyrrha herself was sent back with a fierce spinning sole kick.

At which the madman came charging for her again.

Which was when Nora came charging in, managing to swing her hammer into the madman as hard as she could, sending him crashing into the clocktower that Ghost had been occupying mere minutes prior.

Only for said madman to have perched himself perfectly in the hole he had just made, grinning maniacally.

"This is going to be fun!" They cackled before leaping down and charging RNNJR again.

Ruby steeled herself. This was going to be a tough fight.

With Ghost…

Even before the twerp had attacked him; Ghost knew they were in for a tough fight.

It was him, Qrow, Rex and Ahsoka versus an entire platoon of Stormtroopers.

Who were themselves being assisted by two people Ghost recognised as Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black; two known associates of Cinder Fall; the woman behind the first attack on Beacon.

Taking two out with his sniper rifle, Ghost suddenly noticed Emerald and Mercury were no longer visible. Realising they could be trying to flank Ahsoka, Rex and Qrow, he prepared to adjust his positioning in case he had to deal with them.

Only for an unseen force to kick him off of the rooftop he had perched on, causing him to hit the floor.

"Ghost!"

Getting to his feet, Ghost found himself joined by Ahsoka as their opponents joined them.

"Looks like we finally met our first alien, Emerald." Mercury said, gesturing to Ahsoka as they both made ready to engage.

"Maybe that's true." Ahsoka responded. "But you'll find there is much more to me than just being an alien." At this, she took two familiar cylindrical objects off of her belt, igniting her lightsabers.

Ghost was surprised to see that Ahsoka's lightsabers were now stark white in colour, giving her an almost divine appearance. Though he had to admit; the look on Emerald and Mercury's faces upon realising Ahsoka was a Jedi was deeply satisfying.

With that, Ahsoka dashed forward to engage Emerald, leaving Ghost facing Mercury.

"Time to see what happens when I kick off your helmet." Mercury said cockily before surging forwards.

Dropping his sniper rifle, Ghost ducked the initial flying kick from Mercury, but was unprepared for the sudden spinning sole kick to the face that Mercury quickly attacked him with, followed by an attempted roundhouse, which Ghost ducked.

It was then that Ghost remembered Nathan had fought this kid before, and had told Ghost he liked being flashy with his kicks. Keeping that in mind, Ghost asked. "Is that the best you've got?" He asked.

"You think this is my best; you're very, very wrong!" Mercury spat, before launching into a spinning 540 kick.

Only for Ghost to draw his blaster pistol and fire several shots into Mercury mid-air, dropping the twerp instantly. Holstering his pistol, Ghost grabbed Mercury by the hair. "Next time; make sure your opponent isn't me." With that, he drove several right hooks into Mercury's face until the man was sufficiently knocked out, before looking to see Ahsoka had made short work of Emerald, who was also unconscious.

Their eyes met as Ahsoka said:

"You go help RNNJR; me, Qrow and Rex can handle this!" Ahsoka ordered Ghost.

Nodding, Ghost gunned his jetpack and flew off to join RNNJR in what he could hear was a fierce battle.

He could only hope they were alright. He had made a promise to Yang that he intended to keep. Even if keeping the promise cost him his life.

With RNNJR…

None of them had really stood a chance.

The madman was too unpredictable, too skilled for their skills; despite months of training for something like this.

Ruby glanced around at all her friends and their predicaments:

Jaune was dealing with a nasty gash across his leg which Pyrrha was trying to tend to; Nora was unconscious and buried under the rubble of a ruined building, and Ren…

Ren was on the floor near Ruby, clutching a nasty wound to his abdomen that looked like it could be fatal if not treated as soon as was possible.

Meaning she was all that was left against this madman.

"My Queen has been very interested in finally meeting you, little one." The madman cackled. "She will be pleased when I finally deliver you to her."

"And what makes you think I'll go with you?" Ruby fired back defiantly.

The madman cackled. "I'm afraid there's little choice for you. You will be coming with me." Readying himself, he added: "But I'm sure my Queen will forgive me if some limbs are missing." With that, he surged forward.

Ruby steeled herself, ducking several of his attacks, parrying one and leading it off to the right in an attempt to set up for a counter attack.

Only to feel something smack her in the abdomen as she was sent sprawling.

Getting to her feet, Ruby's eyes widened as she realised the madman had been hiding a scorpion tail this whole time.

She had little time to digest this however, as the madman was upon her once again.

Despite Ruby's best efforts to fight back, the madman kept managing to find gaps in her guard, scoring tiny hits here and there which was taking a lot of her aura.

Until finally, one last whack of his tail sent Ruby flying.

Ruby tried to adjust herself so that her fall was broken, but suddenly; the madman was right in front of her again.

And she was perfectly placed for him to deliver a brutal spinning sole kick straight to her abdomen.

Ruby cried out as not only did her aura break, but she felt several ribs break under the sheer force of the kick.

Flying back and dropping Crescent Rose, she hit the floor hard, which did little good to her ribs.

Groaning, Ruby tried to get up, but couldn't. Feeling something in her throat, she spat it out, only for her eyes to widen as she realised what it was:

Blood. Her blood.

Cackling from nearby drew her attention, and she watched the madman approaching, that same maniacal grin crossing his face.

"Now you're not a problem… I think your friends will make for wonderful victims." The madman cackled before turning his attention to the nearest: Ren.

"N…No…" Ruby whimpered, trying to get up, but a blast of pain in her ribs forced her back down.

The madman smiled as he started to approach Ren.

Only for a rocket to fly straight into his face, knocking him into a ruined house.

Ruby looked to see Ghost landing a few feet away, and breathed a sigh of relief. Before wincing as her ribs flared up.

Ghost looked at her before looking at the madman, saying: "I'm afraid this is the part where you fuck off, mate." Drawing his beskad.

The madman staggered out of the ruined house, then stared at Ghost. "Ooh, armour… I'll enjoy trying to penetrate it."

"Easier said than done." Ghost said as he and the madman began to circle one another, until Ghost was directly in front of Ruby, putting himself between her and the madman. "You know… I like to know exactly who it is that I'm kicking the fuck out of."

"You can call me Tyrian." The madman responded. "And kicking me will be very hard to do… once I've cut off your LEGS!"

With a maniacal war cry, Tyrian then charged Ghost, who stood ready for him, calm, composed, and poised.

The moment Tyrian was within range, Ghost raised his wrist and unleashed a torrent of fire towards the madman, knowing that most arachnids hated fire.

The blast forced Tyrian back, allowing Ghost to rush forward and score a vicious hit across the madman's abdomen, followed up by a big kick to Tyrian's midsection, driving them back.

Grunting, Tyrian looked up and raised his arms, revealing his weapons had machine guns built into them. "DIE!" He shouted, firing on Ghost.

Against Ghost's beskar iron armour, the bullets didn't so much as make a dent.

Snorting, Ghost raised a hand and brushed off his shoulder. "That it?"

This only served to enrage Tyrian, as he charged forwards and started slashing wildly at Ghost.

Ghost could see why RNNJR had struggled. The guy was clearly unpredictable, but also undisciplined.

Hence why the moment he got an opening, Ghost seized it, pushing Tyrian back and drawing his blaster pistol, snapping off shot after shot at the madman.

Who dodged and evaded all of them with practiced ease, kicking at Ghost's pistol and knocking it from Ghost's hand.

Drawing his beskad, Ghost parried some and blocked other attacks from Tyrian, using his beskar bracers, until he could finally push Tyrian back once again, raising his wrist to blast the madman with fire once again.

Tyrian retaliated with fire from his wrist guns, trying to circle around Ghost to find a weak spot.

Rolling out of Tyrian's line of fire, Ghost retrieved his pistol and opened fire, watching at Tyrian raised his blades to block the bolts.

Using the opening to his advantage, Ghost activated his jetpack and flew towards the madman, tackling him straight into a building. Refusing to let up, Ghost pounded Tyrian with right hook after right hook.

Until Tyrian dodged the strikes, and slashed Ghost across the visor of his helmet.

It did little damage to the Mandalorian's most well known armour piece, but it did allow Tyrian to break free and dance away from Ghost.

Drawing his beskad, Ghost prepared to continue hostilities against the madman.

Who then became aware of someone approaching from Ghost's left.

Ghost looked to see Qrow had walked up, almost casually, carrying Harbinger over his shoulder as he stared down Tyrian.

"This guy giving you trouble?" Qrow asked.

"Not exactly. But I welcome the assistance. Makes me wonder how he'd last against General Grievous." Ghost mused.

"A question you will both carry to your graves!" Tyrian bellowed as he dashed forwards, intending to take both Ghost and Qrow on.

Qrow was the first to follow suit, slashing Harbinger at Tyrian within moments of their meeting, as Ghost stayed back to wait for an opening.

He watched as Qrow and Tyrian attacked and countered one another effortlessly until Tyrian attempted to stab at Qrow with one of his blades.

Drawing his pistol, Ghost snapped off several shots, which caught Tyrian's attention sufficiently for Qrow to then piston a fist into the madman's face, knocking him back.

Ghost then dashed forwards, opening his attack with a knee straight into Tyrian's abdomen, doubling the scorpion faunus over followed by a spinning sole kick to the madman's gut, forcing Tyrian back.

This looked like it only enraged Tyrian, who surged forwards with an almost feral snarl.

Ghost was ready though, blasting Tyrian with his flamethrower once again, scoring big time as the madman flew back.

Seeing his aura crackling, Qrow said: "Keep at him!"

Ghost nodded and dashed forwards, using his momentum to stop and deliver a right hook that would usually shatter a man's face completely to Tyrian's face, which Qrow then followed up with a shot from Harbinger's shotgun. Drawing his pistol, Ghost opened fire, scoring a few hits of his own.

With an insane cry of rage, Tyrian charged the both of them.

Only to be smashed into the wall by a flash of red.

Both Qrow and Ghost were stunned to see Ruby there, holding her injured midsection.

Ruby smiled, then yelped as Tyrian's tail came flying out at her.

Acting fast, Ghost shoved Ruby out of the way, letting the stinger on the tail strike him instead as it glanced off of his armour. A thought came to mind, and he suddenly grabbed onto the appendage.

Just as Tyrian burst out and kicked him back.

Ghost refused to rescind his hold on Tyrian's tail, pulling it to the ground and pinning it in place with his foot, blasting it with fire from his flamethrower.

A cry of real pain came from Tyrian, just in time for Qrow to once more beat him back.

Ghost immediately followed up by shooting his whistling bird launcher at Tyrian, which finally netted them the goal they'd been aiming for.

Tyrian's aura finally broke, and he was vulnerable.

With a cry of insane fury, Tyrian charged them once more, but this time, they were ready.

Tyrian went immediately for Qrow, but aimed a slash towards Ghost as he attacked.

Rolling beneath it, Ghost raised his wrist and deployed his whipcord, firing it at Tyrian's tail just as the madman looked poised to use it.

As such, Tyrian spun around, ready to attack Ghost.

Only for Ruby to suddenly appear, and with a cry of effort, she slashed right through Tyrian's exposed tail with Crescent Rose, severing it just below the stinger before collapsing in pain and exhaustion.

Tyrian responded with a scream of pain as he reeled back, turning furiously to Ruby. "You bitch!" He snarled, taking a threatening step or two towards her before falling off balance.

At the same time, Ghost, Qrow and Pyrrha all stood between him and Ruby, weapons ready for him.

Realisation seemed to dawn on Tyrian that he had failed, and he murmured:

"She'll forgive you…"

At that, the madman turned and fled, leaving everyone there.

Everyone paused to catch their breath before Qrow spun on his heel and rushed to Ruby's side. "Ruby…" He said.

Ruby looked up and grimaced, holding her injured ribs.

Wordlessly, Qrow nodded. "Move your hands, kiddo."

Ruby reluctantly did so, allowing Qrow to lightly press his own hand to Ruby's side.

The moment he did, Ruby screamed with pain, violently shoving Qrow's hand away, whimpering as she held her side.

Qrow nodded. "Ribs are busted." He confirmed, just as Ahsoka and Rex rejoined them.

"Just saw some creepy looking sleemo running past us with purple liquid squirting out from his tail." Ahsoka said. "He that guy Ghost warned RNNJR about?"

Qrow nodded. "That was Tyrian Callows. Former serial killer around these parts. Now… I'm thinking he's another of Salem's servants."

"Guys… we can't stay here." Jaune said as he limped over. "We need to find a place to lay low… recover from our injuries."

"You're right." Qrow replied. "And I think I know just the place. Lemme go make a few calls."

The Branwen Camp, 21:30 pm…

"RUBY!"

Ruby looked up and smiled as she saw Yang rush over, face streaked with concern.

"Thank the gods you're okay!" Yang said, hugging Ruby as tightly as she dared.

Ruby winced, then hugged Yang back. "Yeah… just some busted ribs. I'll be fine."

Breaking the hug, Ruby noticed Yang tearing up. "Are you alright?"

"No… I… I should have been there; I…" Yang made to say, before a hand found her shoulder.

"Nothing you could have done, kid. Guy they were fighting… could have done worse than Adam ever could have." Qrow said.

Yang scowled and wiped her eyes of tears, taking a deep breath before just hugging Ruby again. "At least I know you're okay… I… I've been worried sick ever since we were forced to separate."

Ruby nodded. "Me too, Yang. It's… it's really good to see you." Feeling tears of her own threatening to fall, she buried her head into Yang's shoulder.

Yang held her there as she welcomed JNPR, followed by Ghost, and finally, two people she didn't recognise.

One had a hood completely obscuring her face, and the other almost looked like a stormtrooper, but with different armour and blue markings.

"Who are you guys?" Yang asked, breaking away from Ruby to address them.

"My name is Rex; Captain Rex." The armoured man replied. "I'm a clone trooper Nathan used to work with. And this…" He then gestured to the hooded figure.

Who removed her hood to reveal an alien.

"Tano." The alien woman said. "My name is Ahsoka Tano."

Recognition struck Yang within moments, saying: "Oh yeah! Nathan talked about you a lot. Said you were his best friend."

"A position I find myself no longer holding." Ahsoka said jokingly, eyeing Pyrrha.

"Like you care." Pyrrha responded.

"I might be pretending not to." Ahsoka teased before the two shared a giggle.

"This everyone?" Raven asked as she joined Yang.

At the sight of Raven, the whole group tensed.

Ghost and Qrow had told them Raven was Yang's estranged mother, making her Qrow's twin sister.

But their tension vanished as Yang smiled and said: "Yeah… this is everyone."

Raven smiled and made to say something when they heard:

"Raven!"

The leader of the Branwen Tribe spun on her heel to find one of her camp lookouts rushing towards him.

He had a grin on his face as if he had discovered an immense treasure hoard.

"What is it, Lee?" Raven asked the lookout.

"There's an Imperial shuttle flying over Lake Matsu right now! Won't be long before it's in range of one of our rocket launchers!" Lee replied excitedly.

Raven's smile vanished and became a businesslike scowl as she said: "Then don't waste any time. Get fire on that ship and take it down!" Looking to the rest of her tribe, Raven ordered: "Gather your weapons! We move in as soon as it's gone down! Expect a fight."

The tribe all cheered and began gathering equipment and weapons, ready for the mini raid they were about to enjoy.

"Mom?"

Raven turned to see Yang joining her, a concerned look crossing her daughter's face. "What is it, Yang?" She asked, facing Yang.

"Ahsoka's sensing something familiar about the people inside that shuttle." Yang replied. "Shoot it down… just don't go in guns blazing. If she recognises who's inside they could be friendlies commandeering Imperial ships."

Raven nodded. "Will do, Yang." Hugging Yang, Raven set off, donning her helmet. Now to be a bandit tribe leader again.

I'm a man of my word... (Laughs maniacally like the Joker).

I hope you're not too miffed that I opted to skip the Nuckleavee fight entirely. It just didn't seem feasible for me to have the fight vs the Nuckleavee go down at the same time as a fight vs Tyrian.

Plus I was worried I wouldn't do the fight justice.

Other than that... wonder who's on that Imperial Shuttle? Certainly some Imperial dignitaries and not... anyone else?

Anway; enough rambling. Time for reviews!

keybladelight: By this point; the Rebel Alliance doesn't even exist yet. As for a fight with Darth Vader... you'll see.

MaxTheMagnificent24: What can I say? Nathan can get ruthless when he needs to be. As for semblances, I've decided Nathan would be better off without one. He already has the Force. What'd he need a semblance for?

Sharnorasian Empire: Oh trust me; when it comes to the eventual confrontation between Nathan and Salem; Nathan will have some choice words for Salem. Which may or may not include words that rhyme with 'blunder' and 'blunt'.

That said; thank you all so much for reading this chapter. If y'all liked it. you all know what to do.

I shall see you tomorrow with Chapter 14, which will reveal who is on that Imperial Shuttle.

T-Rock14