Chapter 22: Target: Raven Branwen
The House in Haven, 22:30 pm…
The moment Yang burst in, sans Kanan and Ghost, Nathan was on his feet. He knew whatever had happened out there; Yang needed someone there for her.
Rushing over, he pulled her into his arms just as Yang broke down.
"You were right!" She sobbed. "You were right about everything, and I still didn't listen!" Choking back a sob, Yang whimpered: "And now Kanan and Ghost have been captured…"
Nathan didn't respond, just held Yang as she cried into his shoulder.
Footsteps drew his attention, and Nathan looked up to see that Ahsoka, Rex, and Blaze had entered the room.
His eyes met those of Blaze, and they had a silent conversation; a staple of their working relationship, since it meant Nathan could wordlessly give orders without alerting anyone else to his intentions.
Without a word, Blaze nodded and walked off to follow Nathan's orders, just as Ruby, Weiss and Blake came into the room.
Nathan gently extricated himself from Yang's arms, allowing for Ruby, Weiss and Blake to take Yang in theirs, walking her to the nearest couch.
Taking a moment to assure himself they'd be alright, Nathan then stepped over to Ahsoka and Rex. "We're getting them back." He said. "Tonight."
"How? We don't know where the Imperial base even is." Ahsoka pointed out.
"Ghost always carried an emergency transponder with him in case he found himself behind enemy lines." Nathan responded. "It'd allow me, Jason and Inferno Company to keep tabs on him and or find him if it was unintentional. If I know Ghost… he'd likely have activated his emergency transponder before he and Kanan were taken. We see that… then we can find them both." Looking back at Yang, Nathan added: "Possibly even Raven."
At the mention of her mother, Yang perked up, her eyes meeting his.
Nathan gave his close friend a supportive smile, before Blaze came dashing into the room.
"Commander… you're going to want to see this." The ARC Trooper captain said.
The 'War Room'…
The War Room was what the gang had now converted the upper floor lounge into.
Chairs and sofas now formed a circle around a holoprojector in the middle of the room, which was currently depicting a map of Mistral.
Alongside a tiny black dot in a sea of red that was moving across the map.
"Ghost managed to activate his emergency transponder. Blaze said. "I have a hunch that once that dot stops, we'll have an idea of where the Imperial Encampment is. Meaning we could launch a rescue mission."
"Good. Keep tracking, Captain." Nathan said, patting Blaze on the shoulder. "We're going to need a team to rescue Raven, Kanan and Ghost, and I have a remote idea of who."
"Go on…" Jason asked.
"You, Yang, Pyrrha and the clones." Nathan replied. "Qrow will probably join us, provided he isn't drinking himself stupid. Ozpin, Ruby and Jaune can hold the fort here until we return."
Jason nodded. "If the Baron is there; I'll keep him distracted. He won't be able to resist a challenge from me."
"What about Cinder Fall, Adam Taurus and their associates?" Ahsoka asked.
"I can handle Cinder if need be." Nathan replied. "Adam, as well, unless Yang or Pyrrha feel like tackling him."
Both nodded, though Yang looked a little unsure of herself.
Nathan noticed, sending her a reassuring smile. "As for the clones… you'll be tasked with planting explosives at strategic positions along the camp." He said. "We blow those up; we set the Imperial assault on Haven back a bit, and buy Haven valuable time to further fortify and prepare for an assault."
"Understood." Rex said.
"The rest of us will find and free Raven, Ghost and Kanan." Nathan added. "If we run into resistance, we'll take it down. We only have one shot at this… so we need to be on our A-game. We fuck this up… We're more fucked than Jason thought he was the first time Winter made him sleep on the couch."
Snorts of laughter broke out amongst the gang as the dot signifying Ghost's location stopped, indicating he might have arrived in the Imperial camp.
Nathan then looked around at everyone in the room, saying: "Gear up, rescue team. We are wheels up in ten. Pyrrha; if you want a quickie with Jaune, now is the time."
The Imperial Camp, 23:30 pm…
"You were supposed to capture Yang XIAO LONG!" Baron Maleficus roared as he violently hurled Hazel across the room.
The giant smashed into a nearby wall with considerable force, denting it under the sheer force of his weight.
"We still managed to capture Kanan Belladonna-Khan and the Mandalorian, sir." Mercury said firmly. "That should account for something."
"Normally it would." Maleficus snarled. "But I needed Xiao Long to be a hostage to ensure Raven Branwen's compliance!" At this, he blasted Mercury with a barrage of Force Lightning. "But you've failed to give me that, even. And for that… you must suffer."
Mercury was too busy screaming in agony to retort, the Force Lightning working horrors on his cybernetic legs.
Finally though, he released Mercury, who sank to his knees, struggling to get back up but in too much agony for it.
Scoffing in derision, the Baron turned his gaze next to Emerald, who was looking back between the recovering Hazel and the now near motionless Mercury, moving her gaze to Maleficus, who smiled.
"As for you… I've been wondering what you look like underneath those clothes." He said, licking his lips predatorily.
Emerald's eyes widened, and she made to back away.
Right into the arms of two stormtroopers behind her, who seized her.
"Let go of me!" Emerald shouted, struggling against the two Imperial soldiers, before looking up at Maleficus.
He stepped closer, and reached up, cupping one of Emerald's breasts in one hand, giving it a hard squeeze. "I'm going to enjoy being inside you…" He said sinisterly. "Take her to my tent. I'll be taking her later."
"No; let go of me!" Emerald started screaming, flailing against the Stormtroopers as they dragged her towards the Baron's tent.
Maleficus looked at her once more, and grinned maliciously. He'd been wanting Emerald for some time… And now… the opportunity finally arose to have her.
"My Lord!"
The Baron turned to see an Imperial Officer rushing over.
"There is a Jedi in the camp! He's tearing through us like-"
The officer never finished his sentence, as a green lightsaber had his head off within moments.
Maleficus watched the head roll until it met the boot of the Jedi that'd slain him:
Jason Stone.
Jason spun his lightsaber as he and the Baron began to circle one another, staring daggers at the dark warrior who'd been responsible for so much pain and strife.
"Jason Stone… we meet at last." Maleficus said.
"Glad I could finally put a name to a face." Jason spat. "I've been waiting to take you down since Beacon fell."
"And here I thought revenge was not the way of the Jedi." The Baron responded.
"It is for me." Jason snarled, raising his lightsaber, the green blade bathing the area in a ghoulish green light.
Crimson soon met green as the Baron ignited his own lightsaber, rushing Jason within moments.
Blocking the Baron's inaugural strike, Jason pushed his way out of the blade lock, rolling forward and slashing hard at Maleficus' shoulder.
The Baron parried the blow easily, countering with a slash of his own aimed at Jason's head.
Parrying that, Jason took a few steps back before rushing the Baron again, leaping up and slashing down hard, battering the dark warrior's defences as the Baron fell back a little.
Only to open up his next attack with a blast of Force Lightning aimed at Jason, who brought his lightsaber up to block the oncoming torrent.
Casting the lightning aside, Jason raised his lightsaber just in time for Maleficus to lash out with his lightsaber, parrying the Baron's thrust and countering with a slash towards his opponent's torso.
A telekinetic block stopped Jason's counterattack, at which he was forced to duck the Baron's slash at his head, and back away.
Maleficus was upon him within moments, slashing down at his left shoulder.
Blocking that blow, Jason led the dark warrior's blade off to the right, countering with a switch to reverse grip of his lightsaber and stabbing towards Maleficus' torso.
The feeling of his lightsaber being smashed down showed Jason his attack had failed, followed by a scorching pain as Maleficus' lightsaber slashed across his back. Grunting, Jason took a few steps away from the Baron, turning to face him again, just in time to parry Maleficus' thrust and counter with a slash of his own, catching the Baron across his torso.
Maleficus grunted and jumped back, looking down at the fresh wound. It wasn't fatal; but it was still indicative that he'd been hit.
Jason stood poised and ready, thankful his aura had taken the worst of the Baron's strike as the dark warrior charged again to resume their duel.
The Outskirts of the Imperial camp…
"Okay; everyone still clear on the plan?" Nathan asked as he, Yang, Pyrrha, Qrow, and the clones all gathered together.
"Yes, commander." Rex said from under his helmet.
"Okay Rex; you me and the clones head in; check the forward area's clear. On me." Nathan said, stepping into the gap he had recently made with his lightsaber, drawing Phoenix's Breath.
Rex, Blaze and the other clones soon followed, all of them checking the surrounding area; making sure it was clear.
"Forward area clear." Nathan said. "Yang, Pyrrha, Qrow; move on in."
Within seconds, Pyrrha, Yang and Qrow had joined them.
"Okay; you have your mission, men." Nathan said to the clones. "We'll meet back here as soon as the mission's complete."
"Got it." Rex said. "You heard the commander; move it!"
With that, the clones headed off to do their mission.
Glancing back at Qrow, Pyrrha and Yang, Nathan's eyes met Qrow. "You're sure this is the closest entry point to the prison block?"
Qrow nodded. "Shouldn't be too far from here." He said.
"Good." Nathan said. "Jason can only buy us so much time."
"Have some faith in Jason, Nathan." Pyrrha said. "He is a Jedi Knight, and will give Maleficus a considerable challenge."
"That's not what concerns me." Nathan responded. "If the fight drags out for too long; the Baron might sense what's really going on."
"And then our window will close faster than Pyrrha's legs until marriage." Yang joked.
A blush covered Pyrrha's face as Nathan snorted.
Qrow even chuckled as well, before saying: "Okay; let's go find Raven, Kanan and Ghost."
The four carried on their search until suddenly, Nathan stopped.
"Hold up." He said.
The other three stopped, watching as Nathan then took his lightsaber from his belt.
Brandishing weapons, they all looked around for any sight of threats, until finally, Nathan ignited his lightsaber.
A scream of fury filled the area as Adam Taurus charged Nathan, who spun to meet him as their blades crossed once again.
"Go find Raven!" Nathan shouted. "I'll handle Adam!"
Yang, Pyrrha and Qrow nodded and dashed off, leaving Nathan alone with Adam.
Pushing Adam away from him, Nathan spun his lightsaber around as they circled one another.
Adam chuckled sinisterly. "I've been hoping we would clash again, Nathan. If there is one good thing to come of you surviving Beacon; it is the opportunity for me to be the one to kill you. At last…"
Adopting his signature fighting stance, Nathan replied: "Not a chance, asshole."
Adam smirked before immediately rushing Nathan, slashing at his abdomen viciously.
Parrying the blow, Nathan attempted to counter with a crosscut across Adam's torso, only for a blast from Blush to stop the attack in its tracks as Nathan backed away.
The two rivals stared one another down, measuring each other, before Adam once more charged Nathan.
Nathan reciprocated, their blades meeting in moments, rivalry renewed.
With Jason and the Baron…
Jason was beginning to see why Nathan had found Maleficus a difficult opponent.
Blocking a swing meant for his head, Jason realised too late that it'd been a feint, and found his blade smashed aside, grunting as the Baron struck a glancing blow across his right arm. Glancing at his aura, Jason saw he was edging towards the yellow. He needed to seize the advantage fast, at which he ducked another slash aimed for his neck, and blocked another, pushing his way out of the blade lock and slashing at the Baron's arm, cutting a shallow wound.
This had the response of angering Maleficus, who retaliated with a savage slash at Jason, who jumped back to avoid the forceful attack.
Bringing his lightsaber up, Jason parried the Baron's next slash aimed for his torso, countering with a slash of his own towards Maleficus' neck, which was halted telekinetically.
"You're better at this than your friend Nathan was, that's for sure." The Baron remarked. "But still far too weak to pose any sort of threat towards me."
"I beg to differ." Jason responded, driving a left hook hard into Maleficus' face, feeling something break under the force of his punch, earning a shout of pain from the dark warrior. Stepping back, Jason was poised and ready to meet the Baron's next strike, parrying it and countering by slashing at Maleficus' neck. When the dark warrior parried the attack, Jason spun his lightsaber around with a slash at the Baron's left flank.
Maleficus blocked this blow as well, leading Jason's blade off to his right before reaching out, grabbing Jason by the collar and dragging him into a stiff headbutt, using Jason's momentary lapse in defence to bring his lightsaber up and down onto Jason's head.
Only for Jason's blade to stop his as the Jedi Knight rose to meet the dark warrior, at which both struggled against one another, their strength dictating who would come out on top in this struggle.
Until suddenly, Jason shouted in pain suddenly as pain erupted on his back, disengaging from the Baron and turning to defend himself against this fresh attacker, seeing none other than Cinder Fall stood behind him, an obsidian sword in one hand, and a ball of fire in the other.
Fresh cackles from Maleficus drew Jason's attention, as the dark warrior said:
"You made a grave mistake challenging me, Jason."
"Maybe." Jason responded, reaching out with the Force and seizing Cinder in his grip. "But I don't run away from a fight!" At which he hurled Cinder at the Baron, who sidestepped before rushing Jason.
Jason met his inaugural strike with ease, parrying that blow and blocking another aimed for his legs. When his lightsaber was smashed aside, Jason brought his lightsaber up to parry a thrust, countering with a vicious slash across the Baron's left shoulder.
Maleficus roared in pain, backing away.
Jason was all too aware that such pain would only serve to sharpen the edges of the Baron's anger, and so closed in, slashing hard at the Baron's neck. When that was parried, Jason brought his lightsaber up and around, finding Maleficus' lightsaber there to stop his once again.
Seeing an opening, Jason reared back for another left hook and drove it forward, only to grunt as the Baron's fist met his own, sending shockwaves of pain up his arm. Thankfully, his aura caught the worst of it, as a cursory glance showed Jason he was still in the yellow, though further hits from the Baron would place him in the red.
The sound of someone charging him drew his attention, and Jason spun to engage, his blade meeting those of Cinder.
Pushing Cinder away, Jason turned to engage the Baron, just in time to block a torrent of Force Lightning, only to find himself flat on his back as Cinder tripped him up from beneath.
Rolling to the side to prevent Maleficus from stomping his head in, Jason brought his lightsaber up to block the Baron's upward slash, only to cry out as Cinder blasted him with a torrent of flame, allowing the Baron to break their blade lock and score a massive slash from shoulder to hip.
Jason grimaced as he backed away, seeing his aura was now in the red.
Thinking of Winter, Jason steeled himself. He wasn't backing down now.
With the Clones…
"Target sighted." Rex said as he and the clones stopped, observing the area before them:
It was were Imperial forces had placed their heavy armour and equipment for the assault on Haven; therefore a target rich area for their explosives.
"Now to create the sort of blaze that earned our company its name." Blaze declared to Ember and Spark, a remark that had them nodding. "Rex; you take Ember along the left side of the area. Me and Spark will take the right." Blaze added. "Fix; you and Rook hold position here and make sure we're not interrupted."
"Got it, Captain." Fix acknowledged.
Looking back at Rex, Blaze said: "Let's burn these sorry excuses for replacements to the ground."
"Damn right." Rex replied as he and his fellow captain shared a fist bump. "Ember; let's move out."
"Yes sir." Ember declared as he and Rex headed off.
Blaze and Spark waited for Rex and Ember to finish their approach before they began heading off for their section of the storage area.
"Captain; permission to speak freely?" Spark asked Blaze as they approached.
"Granted." Blaze responded. "What's up, Spark?"
"Have you noticed how much different Commander Phoenix has been since we reunited with him?" Spark said. "He comes off… happier."
"Likely because of his girlfriend, trooper." Blaze said. "People change when they fall in love. The same can be said for General Stone." Pausing, Blaze added: "I'm happy for both of them. After all we've been through… they deserve some happiness in their lives."
"Ever wonder whether we'll find someone like that, sir?" Spark inquired.
"Possibly." Blaze answered. "But until that day comes… I'm content being a soldier."
"Me too, captain." Spark responded. "I just… it's good to dream sometimes."
"Agreed." Blaze said, patting his comrade on the shoulder. "But we can dream later. Right now; we have a mission to complete."
Spark nodded, and together, the two clones started planting explosives at strategic points where the most damage would be caused when detonated, at which they heard:
"Blaze; this is Rex. Charges set my side. What's your status?" Rex asked.
"Planting the last of the charges now, commander." Blaze replied, just as they set the last charge. "All set; rendezvous on Fix and Rook."
It wasn't long before all the clones met up at Rook and Fix's position, which surprisingly hadn't changed at all since they'd arrived.
"You'd think the Empire would put more guards here." Rook remarked.
Just as blasterfire smashed into his chestplate, knocking him backwards.
"You just had to open your kriffing mouth, didn't you, Rook!" Ember snapped as they all brought up their rifles to return fire.
"Take defensive positions!" Rex shouted. "Defend Fix so he can patch Rook up!"
The four clones then all took positions around Fix, firing off on all angles as Stormtroopers started firing on them.
Just like old times, Blaze thought to himself as he downed several with his blaster rifle.
"He'll be fine; bolts only struck his shoulder!" Fix soon called out.
"Then let's go!" Rex ordered. Now to find the others.
With Kanan, Ghost and Raven…
Kanan was the first to pick up the voices; his enhanced hearing allowing him to hear better than most:
"The scanner's telling me they're close. Or at least; Ghost is."
"Then what are we waiting for?! Let's get them!"
At the sound of Yang's voice; Kanan immediately perked up, and stood up, calling out: "Yang?! Yang, we're over here!"
The mention of her daughter's name had Raven on her feet too, as Yang suddenly burst into view.
The relief crossing her face was clear to all as she immediately blasted the controls, causing the red wall of energy blocking them from each other to vanish.
Kanan wasted no time, stepping forward as Yang dove into his arms, crying tears of relief.
"Thank the gods you're okay!" Yang sobbed. "I… I thought they would…"
"But they didn't, Yang." Kanan said. "At least… they didn't get the chance to."
Yang cupped Kanan's cheeks in her hands before pulling him into a passionate kiss.
Kanan returned the kiss with as much passion as he could muster, holding Yang closely as Qrow and Pyrrha came into view.
"Not the rescue party I was expecting; but I'll take what I can get."
Kanan and Yang broke the kiss as Raven stepped forward, hugging Qrow.
"We're not the only ones." Qrow said. "Nathan, Jason and the clones are here, too. They're just… preoccupied."
"Fair enough." Raven said before her gaze turned to Yang.
Who promptly crashed into her arms, shaking with emotion.
Kanan looked on smiling as Raven held her daughter close, whispering comforting things into her ear before they looked down at Ghost.
"He's been unconscious ever since he and Kanan got here." Raven said, looking at the others. "We'd best get him to a medic as soon as we get back."
"Before we do that; I overheard the Baron order one of the people who captured us taken to his tent." Kanan said. "It was the girl; Emerald, I think her name is. Thankfully nothing's happened, but if we can free her, we could convince her to defect."
"I'd be tempted to if she wasn't responsible for kicking off the First Battle of Beacon." Yang said, folding her arms.
"Sentiments I share." Pyrrha added. "But I believe she deserves better than to suffer whatever depravity the Baron has planned for her."
"Pyrrha's right." Raven said, eyeing Yang. "I know you're not on the best terms, but everyone deserves a shot at redemption."
"Fine." Yang replied, though the smile she earned from Kanan made her smile too.
"Then let's go." Kanan said, ushering the gang towards the Baron's command tent.
As they approached, they began to hear the sound of crying and whimpering; the kind typically associated with fear.
"That's her." Kanan said. "Pyrrha, Qrow; you and Raven hold out here whilst me and Yang head inside to free her."
The three nodded as Kanan and Yang closed in on the tent, stepping inside.
They were surprised to find the Baron's tent had barely anything in it: Merely a desk, a chest likely containing clothing and the like, a tower to hang clothes on, and a bed.
Which Emerald was currently bound to.
Eyes clenched shut with terrified tears, she was clearly expecting the Baron.
Kanan shared a look with Yang, before grabbing a knife he had hidden in his boot and beginning to cut Emerald's bonds.
Only then did Emerald's eyes open, fear replaced by curiosity. "What…"
"We're getting you out of here." Kanan said gently, freeing her legs before working on her wrists. "Nobody deserves what the Baron had planned for you."
"But… I helped capture you…" Emerald said, still confused. "And I helped frame Yang a couple years ago."
"Trust me; I'm not too hot about it either." Yang responded. "But I'm not going to leave you to suffer whatever Maleficus had planned."
Kanan had soon freed Emerald, who sprang from the bed, relief now evident in her eyes.
"Thank you." She said softly, smiling at Kanan. "So what now?"
"We get the fuck out of here." Yang replied.
"You're welcome to join us; though it would mean defecting." Kanan added.
Emerald seemed to hesitate for a moment, before replying: "Anything's better than staying here. And besides… I've been considering switching sides for a while."
"Then what are you waiting for?" Kanan asked.
"My weapons would be ideal." Emerald replied, walking over to the Baron's desk and retrieving them. "Ready?"
Kanan and Yang shared a look, then looked back at Emerald and nodded. "Let's get going." Kanan said.
With Nathan and Adam…
Nathan hadn't expected Adam to have regressed this much.
But Nathan imagined having only had one month to really get back into fighting shape compared to him having had six months made a lot of difference.
Especially as he parried one of Adam's slashes, pivoting on his heel and delivering a spinning sole kick straight to Adam's abdomen. Spinning his lightsaber, Nathan slashed at Adam's right shoulder, only for the would-be faunus messiah's blade to stop his.
"Nice try, Nathan!" Adam snarled.
At which a shotgun blast rang out, and Nathan found himself flung back, hitting the floor, reminding himself to watch out for Blush.
Just as he saw Adam leaping into the air, Wilt raised high above his head as a loud roar of fury tore from Adam's mouth.
Rolling to the side just as Adam came down, Nathan got to his feet just as Adam slammed into the floor, bringing his lightsaber up and down in an attempt to strike a brutal blow to Adam across the back of his foe's neck.
Wilt flashed up as Adam parried, using his momentum to attempt a left hook.
Ducking under the blow, Nathan countered with one of his own, striking Adam across the torso and using the Force to hurl Adam away from him, dashing forward so that Adam would have little time to recover.
Leaping into the air, Nathan rotated with his lightsaber in one hand, bringing his lightsaber up and down as he descended towards Adam, slashing down at Adam's neck and shoulder.
Once again, Wilt stopped Nathan's strike dead in its tracks.
Sensing Adam about to counter using Blush again, Nathan used his momentary height advantage to drive a knee square into Adam's jaw, knocking Adam back off of his feet and onto his backside.
Advancing within moments, Nathan raised his lightsaber, only for pain to erupt between his legs as Adam kicked Nathan hard in the crotch. Groaning in violated pain, Nathan sank to his knees, as Adam got to his feet.
"You've definitely improved, Nathan…" Adam commented, sheathing Wilt as his hair began to glow. "But I've learned from my mistake the last time we fought. And I won't make it a second time."
Nathan barely had time to raise his lightsaber before Adam unleashed his semblance, sending Nathan flying backwards, breaking his aura and cutting a nasty wound into Nathan's torso. Crying out in pain, Nathan hit the ground, tumbling to a stop a few feet away from Adam.
Nathan struggled to his feet, now holding his wound, but also his lightsaber.
"I see you've failed to learn from the first time we fought." Adam snarled as he approached. "And there's no ceiling around to save you this time."
Nathan's hand left his wound to grip his lightsaber tightly, focusing his mind on finishing Adam once and for all.
Only for oncoming fire from Adam's right to direct his attention, at which Yang suddenly appeared, smashing into Adam with a right hook, sending the would be faunus messiah flying.
"Yang!" Nathan called out as he started approaching, but dropping to his knees, groaning in pain at his torso wound.
"Nathan!" Yang called out, rushing over as the rest of the rescue team joined her. "Here, let me see…" She said, removing Nathan's hand to look at Nathan's wound. "Fix; get to work!" She ordered.
"Lay back, commander. Let's get you patched up." Fix ordered.
"Not yet…" Nathan said. "It's not safe here. We need to get out of here."
"With a wound like that; you won't get anywhere." Fix said, laying Nathan back. "Just stay still; I'll only dress the wound for now; but I'll sew you up at a later date."
Nathan took a deep breath, knowing that a medic outranked him when it came to medical matters as Fix wrapped his wound in as much gauze as he could, the white fabric beginning to blossom red.
"There; that should do it." Fix said. "It'll hold until we get you back to Haven."
Nathan nodded and got to his feet. "Let's find Jason and get out of here."
With Jason and the Baron…
Cinder was beginning to seriously annoy Jason.
Every time it looked like the duel between him and Maleficus was balancing out, she would interfere and allow the Baron to take advantage.
Which was why as she tried to do it again, Jason used the Force to seize her in his grip once he had fended Maleficus off, and pulled her towards him, at which he levelled the Fall Maiden with a lariat that knocked her silly.
"Cinder!" The Baron called out, before eyeing Jason. "You will pay for that."
"I hear that from everyone I supposedly slight, yet nobody ever follows up." Jason fired back, before dashing forwards and slashing at Maleficus.
Maleficus parried the blow, slashing at Jason's left shoulder.
Sidestepping the blow, Jason countered with a jab towards the Baron's hip, and when that was parried, revealed it to be a feint as he brought his lightsaber up and around, striking at Maleficus' hamstring.
The Baron deftly parried the blow, and retaliated with a hard slash towards Jason's head.
Jason's lightsaber stopped Maleficus', and the two held position, struggling against each other in another test of strength.
Which was when the Baron blasted Jason with a big burst of Force Lightning.
Grunting in pain as the lightning forced its way into him, Jason fell to his knees, feeling his aura break as well.
Maleficus cackled. "Did you really expect to succeed where Nathan failed at Beacon?" He asked. "Pathetic. I'll be sure to send your corpse back to Atlas." At this, he raised his lightsaber.
Jason closed his eyes, thinking of Winter. The wonderful year they spent as a couple; the feeling of her lips on his, the warmth of her skin…
The child she was possibly carrying that he'd never get a chance to meet.
I'm sorry, Winter, Jason thought.
The sound of explosions from nearby drew his and the Baron's attention, and he opened his eyes to see Maleficus turn in the direction of the explosions.
"The munitions…" the Baron murmured, before his face contorted with rage. "You were a distraction…" He growled as he looked at Jason. Raising his lightsaber, he roared: "A dead distraction!"
Which was when oncoming blaster fire once more distracted Maleficus' attention, as the clones came running into view, forcing him to defend against their concentrated blaster fire.
Nathan soon appeared in Jason's field of vision; a bandage covering his lower torso that hadn't been there when the mission had started.
"Jason; we need to move!" Nathan said, dragging Jason to his feet.
Jason recalled his lightsaber to his hands and attached it to his belt as feeling and strength returned to him, at which he, alongside Nathan, Yang, Pyrrha, Raven, Qrow, Kanan and Ghost all fell back.
"Blaze; disengage and move out! We're done here!" Nathan ordered.
With that, the clones moved around the Baron, continuing to barrage him with blaster fire before joining the rest of the team.
"Objective complete." Nathan said, gesturing to Raven, Kanan and a still unconscious Ghost. "Now let's get out of here. The Grimm will probably show up before long, and I'd rather not be here when they do. Last thing we need is to be caught up in that."
Later, overlooking the Imperial encampment…
True to Nathan's prediction; the Grimm had closed in.
A battle had now begun pitting the Empire against the creatures of Grimm, and while Nathan had every expectation the Empire would win due to the presence of Maleficus, Cinder, Adam and other notable warriors; he knew the battle would leave Imperial forces severely depleted, thus putting off the assault on Haven for at least a full month.
Buying him, his friends and the people of Haven valuable time to prepare.
Turning to his friends, it was then Nathan finally noticed someone else among their number:
"Emerald?" Nathan asked, eyes narrowed in confusion, as well as a little concern.
The former crook looked up, and colour drained from her face. "Uh…"
"We found her in the Baron's tent." Kanan said, stepping between Nathan and Emerald. "She… she was tied to his bed. Looked like Maleficus intended to… you know."
Nathan's face fell. Regardless of his apprehension towards Emerald, no-one deserved to suffer what Emerald had been about to suffer.
"If… if it's all the same to you; I want to switch sides." Emerald said, drawing Nathan's attention back to her. "I've… I've been considering it for some time. Ever since we failed to capture Ruby at Kuroyuri."
Nathan shrugged. "Well; given the fact you're comfy wearing those cuffs, I can't say I doubt your sincerity." Stepping forward, Nathan then removed the cuffs from Emerald. "But if you really want to join us… you don't need the cuffs."
Emerald's face lit up, and she smiled. "Thank you." She said.
"No problem." Nathan responded. "Anyway; let's get home before Imperial reinforcements arrive."
Everyone nodded, and soon headed back towards Haven. Between retrieving their original targets and gaining a new member of their group in Emerald, today had turned from a very bad day to a very good day indeed.
From bad to worse to better.
You love to see it.
In any case; let's answer some reviews, shall we?
Sharnorasian Empire: Sorry to hear about the week you've had mate. Hope this chapter will lift your spirits. As for putting characters through the ringer, that's something I hope to do more of in later chapters, so stay tuned!
That said; thank you all so much for reading this chapter. If you liked it; y'all know what to do.
I shall see you next week with the next couple chapters, which see Emerald being welcomed into the gang, and hints of things to come.
T-Rock14.