Chapter 31: Haven's Fate
Haven Academy…
"PYRRHA!"
Ahsoka's heart broke as Jaune forced himself up from beneath Cinder and dashed towards Pyrrha, picking her up and taking her to a corner of the room to try and tend to her.
Ahsoka's gaze then fell on Cinder, and her heart hardened at the smirk crossing the Fall Maiden's face.
Getting to her feet, Ahsoka once more drew her lightsabers and charged Cinder.
The Fall Maiden was prepared, manifesting two scimitars that she then brought to bear against Ahsoka.
As Ahsoka battled Cinder, she became aware of Professor Lionheart tumbling down the steps and into Hazel.
The giant lifted Lionheart up by his collar, growling: "You're lettin' that boy make a fool of you."
"That's not just a boy!" Lionheart protested. "It's Ozpin."
Hazel's eyes widened.
"He's already reincarnated!" Lionheart added.
Ahsoka parried a blow from Cinder and pushed her away momentarily, watching as Hazel then looked towards Oscar, who had descended the stairs and was trying to wake up an unconscious Ruby.
"Ozpin?" Hazel said; the man's usually calm demeanour slowly growing infuriated.
Ahsoka immediately felt nervous, but looked to see Cinder using her distraction to escape. "Hey!" The former Jedi Padawan yelled; leaping up towards and in front of Cinder. "You think we're finished here?" She asked, igniting her lightsabers.
Cinder scowled. "Hardly."
Their blades were clashing within moments, and the two were soon hacking and slashing at each other atop the balcony Lionheart had been occupying when the gang had first entered the building.
Until Lionheart himself used his weapon to fire at Ahsoka.
She deftly dodged the attack and hurled Lionheart back down the stairs, but the distraction allowed Cinder to seize control, kicking Ahsoka away from her.
"Leo! Open the path to the vault!" Cinder ordered.
Ahsoka wasn't sure what Lionheart did, but her focus was solely on Cinder as she dashed towards the Fall Maiden, who seemingly began descending from the balcony.
Cinder was ready for her, and the two renewed hostilities as they seemingly descended down, away from the battle, and down towards what Ahsoka guessed was the Vault Cinder had mentioned.
"Guess it's just us now." Ahsoka said, raising her lightsabers. "You. Me. This enclosed space. It's like it was made to be an arena."
Cinder smirked. "You read my mind." Raising her scimitars. "Problem is… no-one's around to save you!" Dashing forward.
Ahsoka was prepared, meeting Cinder's attacks with trained ease. "What makes you think I need saving?" Ahsoka asked.
Cinder grinned, and before long, the enclosed space became the arena for their duel.
Upstairs…
Ghost was at Jaune's side within moments, getting pressure on the wound dealt to Pyrrha as Jaune cradled his fiancée in his arms.
Ren soon joined them, taking Pyrrha's hand and checking her pulse.
"Talk to me, Ren." Jaune said, voice cracking as tears kept streaming down the face of Team JNPR's leader.
Ren shook his head sadly. "This is bad."
Jaune's eyes widened with horror, then shut against tears.
"No! No, no, no, no! Pyrrha, hold on, please!"
"Jaune." Ghost said.
The leader of JNNPR looked to meet Ghost's gaze, and the Mandalorian said:
"Get pressure on this wound and keep it there! I'll buy you both some time!"
Jaune nodded and eased Pyrrha's head to the floor before pressing his hands to Pyrrha's torso, applying pressure to the wound.
Ghost then turned his attention to Professor Lionheart, opening fire on him.
The Headmaster of Haven Academy was taken by surprise, but quickly composed himself and returned fire with his weapon.
Until Ghost activated his jetpack and surged towards Lionheart, delivering a right hook that would shatter the jaw of most men and sending Lionheart crashing back.
Right into the towering form of Hazel Rainart.
Hazel turned and grabbed Lionheart, hurling him at Ghost.
Ghost ducked, and fired at Hazel, before noticing Hazel's eyes were now glowing yellow, alongside his veins.
"What the…?" Ghost asked.
"He's injected himself with dust." Oscar said as he joined Ghost. "And he hates Ozpin."
"Fucking lovely." Ghost commented as Hazel charged with a thunderous roar.
With Kanan…
A random tree branch was all it took to bring Kanan to his knees.
And to drop the precious cargo he was carrying.
Sienna Khan toppled from Kanan's arms and hit the floor hard, rolling to a stop a few feet away from him.
"Mom!" Kanan yelled, rushing to Sienna's side as he knelt down, saying: "Come on, we need to go!" Trying to hoist his mother up.
A cry of pain from Sienna stopped him, and Kanan looked to see his mother, barely conscious, but in audible and visible pain.
"Kanan… just leave me." She begged, blood visible on her teeth. "I… I'm not getting up from this…"
"I can carry you, Mom. Straight to a medic." Kanan said. Tears threatened to fall as he took his mother's hand in his own. "Don't give up. We can still-"
"Oh, Kanan…" Sienna's face softened as her free hand reached up to caress her son's blood smeared, tear-stained face. "My sweet, baby boy… I never gave up. But this time… I'm beyond saving."
Kanan gently tightened his grip on his mother's hand, pleading: "S-Stay with me, Mom…" Tears freely falling down his face and onto Sienna's wounded chest.
A soft smile crossed Sienna's face as she replied: "I will stay, Kanan…" Moving her free hand from Kanan's face to his chest, over his heart, Sienna added: "In here."
Kanan's lower lip quivered as he whimpered: "Mom… please…"
"Kanan."
Kanan looked up to see Blake stood there.
Her clothes were covered in blood and dirt, but her eyes were wide as she dashed forward. "Sienna…"
Sienna responded with a fit of coughing, blood spurting from her mouth as she sank back, wheezing.
"Blake! Help me!" Kanan begged.
All Blake did though was sink to her knees next to Sienna, taking her free hand in her own.
It finally sank in that Kanan's pleas were in vain, and that his mother was dying. Choking back a sob, Kanan looked to his mother, who was looking at Blake. "Mom…" He whimpered.
"Take care of him…" Sienna whispered to Blake, her voice failing, forcing her to whisper.
"I will." Blake said, herself fighting back tears.
Sienna then looked at Kanan, saying: "Kanan… my sweet little boy… Never stop fighting for your beliefs. Or for those you love…
Kanan tearfully nodded. "I love you Mom…" He sobbed.
Sienna's mouth opened as if she herself were trying to say the words back.
But she never did, as one final breath escaped, and her head sank back, her hands going slack in Kanan and Blake's hands before falling limply to the floor.
Kanan's eyes grew wide as he said: "Mom? Mom?!"
"Kanan…" Blake made to say, her voice cracking.
"Don't do this to me, Mom…" Kanan pleaded, tears openly streaming down his cheeks. "Please; no…"
Sienna did not stir, remaining limp and motionless.
Realisation set in quickly, and Kanan finally let loose with a sob, pulling Sienna's body up and into his arms, burying his face into her shoulder as he wept, mourning the loss of his mother.
"Kanan…"
The sound of Blake's voice reminded him he was not alone, and he eased his mother's body to the ground in order to hug Blake, weeping into his younger half-sister's shoulder.
He could feel Blake's tears staining his shoulder as well, but he hardly cared.
Blake had long considered Sienna her second mother next to Kali, and so had every might to grieve alongside him.
Finally though, Blake broke from him, and said:
"I know this hurts, Kanan… but we need to keep going. Jason and Carrick are setting up one last line of defence outside Mistral." Tears coated Blake's cheeks as she added: "You heard what Sienna said to you, right?"
Kanan nodded. "Never stop fighting." He sniffled.
"Yeah… So get up. There's nothing we can do for your mother except keep fighting." Blake responded. "Bring her body with you. Your mother might not need you… but the White Fang does."
Kanan took a deep breath. "Yeah…" Standing up; Kanan activated his comms: "Big Bad Wolf, Big Dog; this is Young Tiger."
When Carrick replied, his relief was evident: "Thank the gods! Are you alright?"
"I've… honestly been better." Kanan sighed. "Golden Tiger is dead." He added, swallowing a sob.
"Shit…" Carrick replied. "Kanan… I… I'm so sorry."
"It's okay." Kanan said, sniffling. "She died so we could continue the fight. I'm with Black Beauty, and we're making our way over to you with Golden Tiger's body."
"Best make it quick." Carrick's voice said. "The Empire's gonna be coming our way sooner rather than later."
"On my way." Kanan said, lifting Sienna's body into his arms and looking to Blake. "Let's go."
Blake nodded, and together, they began heading to the last line of defence for the White Fang.
Kuroyuri…
Nathan was pretty sure his face looked like a crimson mask right now.
Part of the rubble from the collapsed building had smashed him over the head, which he could feel was trickling out blood.
Dazed, trapped, and feeling defeated, Nathan laid his head back.
Maybe Ironwood had been right.
Maybe Nathan really hadn't been ready.
And now he was paying for failing to listen, preparing to die an ignoble death buried under a collapsed building.
Nathan took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Waiting for death to claim him.
But when he closed his eyes; an image appeared.
Nathan recognised the image immediately:
It was the image he'd conjured up in his mind of Blake at the tail end of her pregnancy.
Blake was the full nine months pregnant, the white dress was there, as was the smile.
The difference was, she was now staring directly at Nathan as opposed to her swollen belly.
A thought came to Nathan's mind, albeit in a voice that sounded eerily similar to that of his girlfriend:
'Get up, Nathan! Get up and fight!'
From that, images began flooding into Nathan's mind; flashes of his life, and mainly of the woman he loved.
Nathan felt his resolve return, and he immediately reached out with the Force.
With the Force as his ally, anything was attainable.
Like freeing himself from the rubble.
The Force strained with Nathan, a cosmic muscle pushed to its limit as he struggled against the weight of the collapsed building.
A guttural growl came from Nathan; knowing it was all or nothing.
Blake was counting on him. His friends were counting on him.
The unborn child Blake was hopefully carrying was counting on him.
With a scream of effort, Nathan sent the rubble around him flying away, clearing his path directly towards Maleficus.
The Baron spun immediately, his expression a cross of surprise, disbelief, and fury as he marched towards Nathan, lightsaber in his hand. "You should have stayed buried, boy." He snarled.
Nathan then drew his own lightsaber, replying: "Only way one of us is leaving… is if the other is dead."
With a roar of fury, Maleficus surged forward.
Nathan charged to meet him, prepared to finish this once and for all.
Haven…
Ghost grunted as he struck the floor, crashing against the wall of the hall, daring a glance over to where Pyrrha still lay motionless, as Ren and Jaune tended to her:
"She's hardly breathing." Ren said sadly. "I... I don't know what we can do..."
Ghost's heart sank at the heartbroken expression crossing Jaune's face as he tried desperately to save his fiancée.
Pyrrha seemed to be struggling to breathe, only to then suddenly stop.
Realisation seemed to strike Jaune like a hammerblow to the face, as tears fell from his face. "No, it wasn't supposed to be like this! Please!" His voice cracked as he begged: "Stay with me, Pyrrha! I can't lose you! Not like this! PYRRHA!"
Pyrrha remained lifeless, and Jaune seemed to resign himself to this, shutting his eyes against the fountain of tears that were fighting their way out.
Until something amazing happened.
A white aura began to coat Pyrrha's body, coupled with a faint shimmering sound.
And then… Pyrrha gasped for breath.
The Vault of the Spring Maiden…
Raven sighed as she heard Ahsoka cry out one last time before she flew back, defeated.
The former Jedi Padawan hit the floor nearby, but Raven's focus was solely on the woman that Ahsoka had been fighting:
Cinder Fall.
The Fall Maiden walked towards Raven like a woman certain she was about to score her biggest triumph yet.
"I had a feeling you would be down here." Cinder said as she stopped several feet away from Raven. "It's appropriate. The Spring Maiden being the last line of defence for the Relic. It's a pity that you'll no longer need the power once I'm finished with you."
Raven didn't react, merely activated her maiden powers, eyes glowing with blue flames. "You don't get it, do you, Cinder?" She asked. "Your quest for power has already cost you one of your allies in Emerald. And the more power you seek; the more you'll lose. And in the end… you'll be all alone."
"Maybe…" Cinder replied, activating her own powers. "But I'd rather be alone and powerful, than surrounded and powerless!"
Raven sighed, and drew Omen, just as Cinder manifested a twin pair of scimitars.
With that, the two maidens closed, the distance, meeting in the centre like a clap of thunder. Fall Maiden vs Spring Maiden.
Upstairs…
Jaune was in disbelief.
Pyrrha was starting to breathe normally again, the white aura that was coating her continuing to glow.
"Wha- what's happening?" He muttered.
"Pyrrha!"
Jaune looked to see a now conscious Ruby rushing over with Weiss, their faces streaked with concern.
"What happened?" Ruby asked.
"What's going on?!" Weiss added.
Smiling, Ren replied: "I think she's going to be okay! She seems to be stabilizing."
At that, Jaune breathed a massive sigh of relief, tears of joy replacing his tears of desperation from earlier.
Which was when Ghost crashed nearby.
Everyone's attention turned to the ongoing battle:
Yang and Mercury were still fighting, Emerald and Oscar were still battling Hazel, and Qrow was duelling Professor Lionheart.
Ruby then lifted Jaune's hands from over Pyrrha's wound, and both saw the wound had closed.
Jaune's eyes met Ruby's, and the leader of Team RWBY said:
"Whatever you're doing, don't stop!"
"I won't." Jaune said, determination returning to his voice.
"Good." Ruby replied. "Oscar and Emerald need help."
"We're on it." Ren said as he and Ghost got up.
"Jaune and Pyrrha still need cover!" Ruby then called out.
"No one's gonna touch 'em." Nora said, smiling.
Jaune smiled as Ruby herself smiled.
"Okay, make it happen, RNNJR!" Ruby ordered, transforming Crescent Rose into scythe form and rejoining her sister.
Jaune nodded, and suddenly:
"Jaune…?"
He looked down, his eyes meeting the beautiful green eyes of Pyrrha Nikos. "Pyrrha…"
"What… what are you doing?" Pyrrha asked.
"I… I don't know. You were about to die and… this… happened." Jaune replied.
Groaning, Pyrrha then sat up. "Well; whatever 'this' is… keep it up." She responded, before scooting closer and inviting Jaune to pull her close.
Jaune obliged, holding his fiancée close, smiling warmly as he did.
He would be getting married after all.
Outside Haven…
The Empire had come.
And the White Fang were only just holding on.
"They're close to breaking through the front lines!" Carrick called out, firing his pistol into one of the oncoming Stormtroopers.
Kanan glanced over, and moved towards that section of the front line, beckoning for one of the ARC Troopers, Spark, to join him.
Raising the rifle he'd looted from a dead stormtrooper that'd gotten too close and snapping off shots into the oncoming enemies, Kanan looked to Spark. "We're not going to hold for much longer." He said. "Once that AT-AT arrives, we're toast."
"It doesn't make a difference, kid." Spark replied. "We hold the line here. If this really is our last stand… it falls to us to make the Empire remember it."
Kanan nodded, and raised his blaster rifle, blasting through several stormtroopers that had formed up, only for his rifle to stop working. "Fuck; I'm out!"
"Use mine!" Spark said, handing Kanan his blaster rifle and drawing his pistols.
Kanan took a breath, and raised his rifle to fire.
Just as a massive explosion rocked the area in front of him.
Kanan flew back, and from the grunt he heard, Kanan could tell that Spark had gone down as well.
He could hear Carrick ordering their forces to fix bayonets and prepare for close quarters, and dragged himself to his feet, drawing his sword and beheading a stormtrooper that got too close, yelling out in defiance as he did.
At which he saw it:
The AT-AT was now moving towards them, its cannons unloading lethality and death upon the remaining White Fang soldiers.
Kanan's heart sank. But Spark's words rang in his head, and defiance filled his body.
Raising his sword, he roared; a nonverbal cry declaring that he would fight until his last drop of blood.
Just in time for a flurry of blaster bolts to strike him, breaking his aura and knocking him to his knees.
Yet still; he rose.
He wondered if his mother would be waiting for him in the afterlife, smiling proudly at her son for making such a heroic last stand, as the AT-AT seemed to face Kanan directly.
It didn't matter to Kanan. He would die a warrior's death.
Which was when the head of the AT-AT suddenly exploded, and the towering monster began to fall.
Jason could barely believe his eyes.
A large group of Atlesian Military airships had arrived, their guns blazing trails of blood and death through the Imperial lines.
Alongside them; a presence he had not felt in months, filling him with joy: Winter…
"PUSH FORWARD!"
Carrick's command drew Jason's attention, and he echoed Carrick's command, yelling: "Push forward! Clear a landing zone!"
A great yell escaped the White Fang as they drew blades and charged, clashing with the Empire within moments.
Raising his lightsaber, Jason joined them, the green blade becoming a scythe as he cut down stormtrooper after stormtrooper after stormtrooper.
It wasn't long before the airships landed, deploying Atlesian soldiers.
Fresh reinforcements, at a time they were desperately needed.
And with them, like a war goddess preparing to unleash her fury upon her enemies, was the beautiful visage of Winter Schnee.
Their eyes met, and before Jason could utter a word, Winter had wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into the most passionate kiss she could muster.
Jason didn't even hesitate, wrapping his arms around Winter and pulling her closer, deepening the kiss and breathing in Winter's scent, getting used to the feel of her in his arms again.
A brief, blissful eternity later, Jason and Winter broke apart, and the sounds of battle once more surrounded them.
Winter glanced towards the ongoing battle, and then at Jason.
It was then Jason remembered something. "Wait… what about…"
Winter placed a finger over Jason's lips, smiling. "I'll be fine, Jason. We both will." Gently running a hand over her belly.
Jason nodded, and together, they rejoined the battle, which seemed to be evening out.
The arrival of the Atlesian Military had allowed the White Fang to harden their defences, and without the AT-AT as heavy support, the Empire's momentum had halted.
And the White Fang were seizing full advantage, with some of their numbers drawing melee weapons and starting to cut through the Empire.
Including Carrick himself, Kanan, now wielding only one of his swords, and most importantly, Blake.
Looking to Winter, he smiled as she nodded.
"Go. I'll be waiting for you."
Jason nodded, and with a fearsome war cry, he leapt into the fray, right next to Blake. Now things seemed to be looking up.
The Vault of the Spring Maiden…
They had been battling non-stop for what felt like hours.
But as Raven sank to her knees, feeling her aura flickering, she looked up and saw that Cinder was very much in the same boat.
They were both exhausted, and Raven was sure that their next exchange would be their last.
"Had enough yet?" Raven asked as she stood up.
"Shut up!" Cinder snarled, looking up at the Spring Maiden.
Raven then noticed Ahsoka had gotten up, and was staggering towards Cinder, and smirked.
"What're you smiling about?!" Cinder demanded.
"If you were stronger or more clever, then maybe... you'd remember to watch your back!" Raven retorted.
Too late did Cinder remember the presence of Ahsoka in the room.
Too late did she hear the snap-hiss of a lightsaber igniting.
And too late did she turn to try and defeat the threat behind her.
Ahsoka's lightsaber caught Cinder across her shoulder, slashing her all the way down to her hip.
Crying out in pain, Cinder staggered back.
And Raven struck.
Surging forward, a ball of lightning in her hand, she got behind Cinder, and delivered an open palm-strike infused with the lightning, sending Cinder flying and shattering the mask that had been covering Cinder's face.
Raven followed Cinder as she fell, watching as the Fall Maiden went over the edge of the vault, and into the depths below.
Raising her hand, Raven used one last burst of power to freeze Cinder up into an ice statue, before turning and looking towards Ahsoka. "Thanks." Raven said.
The former student of Anakin Skywalker smiled. "Don't mention it." She replied, as a thud nearby drew their attention.
Raven's heart filled with happiness as she realised Yang had joined them.
"Mom!" Yang called out.
Raven dashed forwards, and hugged Yang tightly. "How're things up there?" She asked.
"Better than they were. Lionheart's down; Mercury and Hazel are all that's left." Yang replied. Looking around, Yang asked: "What about Cinder?"
"I guess you could say she's living up to her surname and having a nasty fall." Raven replied, jerking her thumb towards the edge of the platform.
Yang's jaw dropped. "Was that… a pun?"
Raven sighed. "Your father may have rubbed off on me more than I'm willing to admit." Raven admitted.
Yang could only laugh as she hugged her mother again, before they looked at the door. "Is the relic behind that door?" She asked.
Raven nodded. "We'd better grab it."
"Wait… I thought we weren't supposed to do that?" Ahsoka said. "Or… am I completely missing something here?"
"Cinder will only remain frozen for so long." Raven replied. "She'll be back, and will likely try and seize the Relic again. We remove it… she'll have no choice but to return empty-handed."
Yang sighed. "Mom's right, Ahsoka. As long as it's here, it's not safe anymore."
Ahsoka nodded. "Alright. Go ahead, Raven."
Upstairs, not long later…
"That's enough! Just give up." Ruby said.
Hazel and Mercury were all that were left.
Against them stood the entirety of the gang; now including a fully healed Pyrrha.
Mercury slammed a fist into the ground, yelling in frustration.
"Don't get too cocky, Ruby." Emerald cautioned. "Cinder is still downstairs. She could be-"
The sound of the platform leading down to the Vault ascending reached their ears, distracting all of them.
Emerald tensed, half expecting Cinder to emerge with the Relic in hand.
But everyone save for Hazel and Mercury breathed a hefty sigh of relief as in place of Cinder rose Raven, Yang and Ahsoka.
And in Raven's hand was an ornate, gold and cyan lamp.
"The Relic…" Qrow murmured from nearby.
"Yang…" Ruby said softly.
Emerald then turned to face Hazel and Mercury. "Guess I'm not the one that needs to worry." She said. "Looks like it should really be you who're worried!"
Activating her semblance, Emerald delved deep into her imagination, thinking up the most terrifying visage of Salem she could conjure up.
And the moment she did, Mercury and Hazel fled, whilst the visage of Salem seemed to rush after them.
However, such a vivid use of her semblance was bound to sap Emerald's strength, and she soon collapsed.
Only for a pair of arms to catch her, easing her to the floor.
"Easy, kid."
Emerald smiled as she looked up to see Ghost, who laid her on the floor, where she soon found herself rather sleepy.
It wasn't long before sleep took her.
Ghost stood up from Emerald and looked to the others, who had been looking on with wide, horrified expressions.
"What… what was that?" Ruby asked.
"An illusion." Ozpin explained. "But an accurate one. That... was Salem."
"And I thought Asajj Ventress was ugly." Ahsoka quipped from nearby.
Ghost scoffed before contacting Jason: "Jason, this is Ghost. The Relic is secured, I repeat; the Relic is secured."
"Good job, Ghost." Jason replied. "Same for the rest of the gang. The battle's still ongoing over here though; so as soon as you can; take those who aren't too tired and bring them here to join the fight."
"Will do." Ghost replied, ending the conversation. Looking to the others, Ghost said: "Alright ladies and gents; we've won here, but the battle outside Haven's yet to be. Anyone feel able to kick some Imperial tail?"
Everyone save for Oscar, Qrow and Raven raised their hands.
"Good. We leave for the battlefield in five minutes. Take that time to rest, recuperate and lick your wounds." Ghost ordered. "Way battles usually go; you'll probably pick up one or two more."
The gang all nodded and some took a moment to sit down.
Ghost then decided to walk over to where Ahsoka had now joined Jaune and Pyrrha.
"Glad to see you're back up and running, Pyrrha." Ahsoka was saying. "For a sec there, thought you'd be done for."
"I wager I almost was." Pyrrha responded. "Until my amazing fiancé here unlocked his Semblance."
"Semblance?" Jaune asked.
"What else do you think it was, silly?" Pyrrha giggled. "Some mythical power you've only just uncovered?"
"It could have been." Jaune suggested. "I am descended from a long line of warriors and heroes."
Pyrrha rolled her eyes. "It was your semblance, Jaune."
"So… Jaune's basically got a healing semblance, then." Ahsoka said.
"I wouldn't say that." Jaune replied. "It… it felt more like I was using my aura to amplify Pyrrha's, thus allowing her to heal."
"Sure that won't drain your aura?" Ghost asked.
"Probably will." Jaune commented.
"But then again… you do have a lot." Pyrrha replied.
"Not the only thing I have a lot of." Jaune playfully retorted, pulling a giggling Pyrrha into his arms.
Ghost and Ahsoka chuckled as they too sat down, all too happy with their reprieve.
Kuroyuri…
Rolling under the Baron's oncoming attack, Nathan was quick to counter, opening a small gash across Maleficus' left flank.
Yelling in pain, the dark warrior thrust for Nathan's chest, an attack that was parried; only to then reveal it was a feint and delivered a fierce boot to Nathan's face.
Nathan grunted as he felt his nose break under the sheer force of the kick, backing away as he felt blood begin pouring down the lower half of his face, some entering his mouth.
The blood tasted coppery and slimy, but Nathan spat it out as he dashed forward, parrying a slash meant for his neck, attempting to counter with a strike towards the Baron's shoulder, only to find it blocked.
Maleficus then grabbed Nathan with his free hand, and hurled him a few paces away.
Nathan was back on his feet within moments, blocking the Baron's overhead slash.
Maleficus broke the resultant blade lock with a deft movement, thrusting for Nathan's chest.
Sidestepping, Nathan lashed out with a massive Force Push, sending the unprepared Baron flying. He watched as Maleficus crashed through a building.
Then another.
And another.
And one more for good measure.
Nathan took a deep breath and followed the trail of destruction, calmly following it until a crimson lightsaber came flying towards him.
Parrying the blow, Nathan raised his lightsaber as Maleficus came into view, now limping.
The Baron recalled his lightsaber to his hand and struck out at Nathan; an uncharacteristically clumsy blow that Nathan parried easily.
It was then that Nathan spotted Maleficus' leg:
A large piece of wood had embedded itself deeply into the Baron's left leg, just above his knee.
Parrying one more blow, Nathan lashed out with a fierce kick, one that struck the wood in the perfect position, pushing it deeper into Maleficus's leg.
A loud roar of pain escaped from the Baron as he backed away, favouring his wounded limb, holding his lightsaber out in front of him defensively.
Nathan surged forward, pressing his attack within moments.
He had the advantage now, and with images of Blake filling his mind, Nathan allowed his resolve to grow stronger.
He was not going to fail now.
Outside Haven…
They were back on the attack.
Kanan cheered with the White Fang as they clashed with the FRA, the Empire having fallen back to more defensive positions.
The FRA still stubbornly held on; and at their head:
"HOLD THE LINE, BROTHERS!" Adam Taurus yelled.
His uniform was stained with dirt and blood, torn in places as well.
But he remained defiant and unbowed.
Kanan decided he would change that.
With a loud, defiant roar, Kanan barrelled towards Adam, tackling him as hard as he could, sending both of them sprawling.
As both got to their feet, Kanan scowled as he saw Adam's sinister grin.
"Come to avenge your mother, Kanan?" Adam asked as he drew Wilt.
Kanan drew his sword, nodding. "And every other brave soldier you've murdered!" Stepping forward.
Adam followed suit, and their blades met in a clap of thunder.
Kanan ducked under Adam's subsequent swing of Wilt, attempting to counter with a thrust to Adam's gut.
Adam parried, and pushed Kanan away from him, advancing on the son of Sienna Khan in order to press his attack.
Kanan was poised and ready though, parrying Adam's counter-thrust, blocking a slash meant for his neck, and redirecting Adam's second attempt at a thrust and countering with a nasty slash across the would be faunus revolutionary's flank.
Adam yelled with pain, and backed away, Wilt raised and ready to resume his duel with Kanan.
Until:
"ADAM!"
Kanan barely had time to look before he saw something seemingly on fire jump next to Adam and deliver a massive punch to the jaw that sent Adam flying away.
It was then that Kanan realised it was Yang.
Hair blazing with light as if in flames, eyes blazing a terrifying shade of crimson, Yang looked every bit the dragon her father called her.
It was then that Kanan noticed Yang wasn't alone:
The rest of Team RWBY was with her, alongside Team JNPR, Ghost, and Ahsoka.
The lattermost sported some nasty burns, but if the way she was fighting was any indication, they weren't bothering her too badly.
Kanan grinned, and soon re-entered the fight himself. The time had come to win the battle.
Kuroyuri…
Maleficus was getting tired.
Nathan could sense it.
Between the wound in his leg and just the overall length of their duel, the Baron was getting increasingly sloppy.
And Nathan was seizing every opening he dared.
Parrying an attempt from the Baron to stab him, Nathan struck at Maleficus' already wounded leg, slicing a fresh wound across the Baron's shin.
A pained groan emanated from his dark opponent as Maleficus sank to one knee.
Spinning his lightsaber, Nathan raised it overhead, preparing to behead the Baron with a single blow.
Maleficus barely managed to block the blow, but Nathan was ready.
Spinning out of the blade lock, Nathan delivered one of those vicious spinning back kicks he still considered a signature move, feeling bone break.
Another loud grunt escaped the Baron, and he backed away, nose already spurting blood.
Gesturing to his own bloody nose, Nathan said: "Now we're even."
Maleficus responded with a cry of rage, and he dashed forward, slashing viciously at his adversary.
Parrying the blow, Nathan seized another opening, jabbing hard towards the Baron's face.
Despite being tired, Maleficus parried that blow, scoring a minor strike that nicked Nathan's cheek.
Grunting, Nathan backed away, but not for long, as he stepped towards the Baron with a lunging jab that was parried, ducking Maleficus' attempt at a counterstrike and rolling backwards, getting to his feet in time to parry Maleficus' oncoming jab and get behind the Baron, striking yet another wound to Maleficus' already wounded leg, this time to the back of his thigh.
Screaming with pain, the Baron lashed out with a Force Push that sent Nathan sprawling.
Nathan was back to his feet within moments, lightsaber ready to resume the fight.
He could sense Maleficus' mounting desperation, the realisation that he was not going to win this duel.
Instead of letting it fill him with pride, Nathan used that desperation from the Baron to instead strengthen his resolve, closing the distance just in time for Maleficus to rush Nathan once again, a fearsome roar escaping the Baron's lips.
Taking a few steps back, Nathan easily parried Maleficus' attempted thrust, spinning his lightsaber and then cutting a deep wound into the Baron's back.
Maleficus groaned as he again sank to one knee, forcing himself back up for one final slash towards Nathan.
Nathan was there to meet him, and their blades met once more, as did their eyes.
The Baron's eyes glowered with hate and rage. If looks could kill; Nathan would have been incinerated.
But Nathan; filled with thoughts of what awaited him back in Haven, took one final breath.
At which he then broke the blade lock, knocking Maleficus' lightsaber aside before bringing his lightsaber up and down, slashing right through the Baron's right arm, severing it just above the elbow.
The agonised scream that escaped Maleficus in that moment was deafeaning, but not to Nathan; who spun around, spinning his lightsaber into a reverse grip before driving it deep into the Baron's chest.
Maleficus' agonised scream became instead a gasp as the breath was driven from his lungs, replaced by the burning sensation of a lightsaber piercing him.
Nathan held position for several moments before jerking his lightsaber free, turning around as Baron Maleficus toppled to the floor, seemingly dying.
Taking a deep breath of his own, Nathan switched off his lightsaber, attaching it to his belt before heading back to his ship.
His work was done. Now all that remained was to make sure the battle was won elsewhere.
I'm coming, Blake…
Haven, an hour later…
"Nathan!"
Nathan smiled as he descended the ship to find four people waiting for him:
Emerald Sustrai, Oscar Pine, Qrow Branwen and Raven Branwen.
The foremost of the four dashed forwards, hugging Nathan tightly.
Nathan returned the hug, sighing tiredly before glancing over towards Oscar and the Branwen Twins.
Oscar was sat down on the steps leading into the main hall of Haven Academy, Ozpin's cane on one side, and on the other; a strange ornate, gold and cyan lamp.
"That's the Relic of Knowledge, just so you're aware." Oscar said, as if sensing Nathan's question.
"A book would make more sense, but fine." Nathan muttered. "Where are the others?"
"They joined the battle." Raven replied. "If you hurry; might be able to score a few more Imperial kills."
Nathan nodded. "Thanks. I'll be right back." Turning back towards the ship, Nathan once more took it up into the sky, flying it towards the battlefield.
Towards victory. Towards Blake.
The Imperial FOB…
They were right back where they started.
Jason allowed that thought to drive him as he cut down one stormtrooper.
He was distinctly aware of Kanan nearby cutting down every stormtrooper in sight, alongside Blake and Carrick.
The FRA had long since fled the battlefield, their numbers severely dwindled.
Now it was all on the Empire, who was making a fierce last stand in what had been their Forward Operations Base.
At the same time, Jason saw Ghost doing battle with a red armoured warrior that he knew was Ghost's older brother, Wardlow.
Who just so happened to be the commander of the Imperial forces right now.
He allowed himself a moment to pause, looking to his left as he saw movement.
Blake was stood there, seemingly relaxed for the first time since before the battle.
Jason didn't mind. For all intents and purposes, the battle was won.
All it would take was one final push, and then the battle would be over.
Which was when a ship suddenly flew in overhead, blasting some of the buildings making up the final defensive line of the Empire.
A happy gasp escaped Blake, and Jason could sense why:
"Nathan…" Blake said.
As if on cue, the ship landed, and Nathan sprang out, lightsaber in one hand and Phoenix's Breath in the other as he cut and shot his way through the Imperial lines from the other side.
Until he finally broke through, unleashing a massive Force Repulse that threw everyone around him to the ground.
"COME ON!" Nathan yelled, beckoning for the White Fang to charge.
Jason surged forwards, and from what he could hear, the White Fang followed suit, roaring a fearsome battle cry as they crashed into the Imperial lines.
Jason soon joined Nathan, and the two shared a nod before beginning to hack, slash and cut through anything remotely Imperial, their lightsabers like sickles and scythes slicing through wheat at harvest times.
From there, it was like clockwork.
The Imperials suddenly broke ranks and began to flee, starting with Stormtroopers, then officers.
And then soon, Wardlow himself was running away.
Cheers soon rippled through the White Fang, and Jason switched off his lightsaber.
He looked up to see the Atlesian soldiers stood at attention, and smiled as his eyes met those of Winter's.
Without a word, Jason began walking towards her.
With Nathan…
Nathan switched off his lightsaber with a deep breath, hooking it back to his belt.
It wasn't long before he found himself surrounded by his friends.
"That was the coolest entrance I've ever seen!" Ruby was squealing as she hugged Nathan.
"That training we underwent in Atlas seriously has paid off." Weiss commented.
"Aww, yeah! Nathan Phoenix, the one man wrecking crew!" Yang said happily, hugging Nathan tightly.
Nathan then glanced towards Team JNPR, walking over as Jaune did the same, hugging him.
"I'm so happy to see you, Nate." Jaune remarked. "We had a few close shaves while you were gone."
"I can tell; Pyrrha's right boob is hanging out." Nathan said.
"What?!" Pyrrha yelped, looking down before then glaring at Nathan.
Nathan laughed as he then hugged Nora, who was jumping in anticipation.
"Did you break the Baron's legs?!" She asked.
"I didn't break them, but I left him with several nasty leg wounds." Nathan replied.
"I'll settle for that." Nora said.
Nathan chuckled, looking then to Ren. "You look like hammered shit." He commented.
Ren shrugged. "Fighting in a pitched battle will do that." Ren replied.
Nathan nodded, then finally looked to Pyrrha. "But seriously; what the fuck happened? You have a massive fucking hole in your chest underneath your right boob."
"Cinder managed to impale me with a spear. Nearly killed me." Pyrrha replied.
"Then lemme guess; you unlocked some superhuman healing powers and got back into the fight." Nathan said.
"Nope." Pyrrha said, smiling. "Jaune unlocked his semblance, which then healed me."
"Well; least I know where to go the next time I'm skewered by a lightsaber." Nathan joked, patting Jaune on the back.
Jaune chuckled, before saying: "Hate to break things up, but I think there's someone who deserves your attention a lot more than us."
Nathan smiled, before looking towards where Jaune was pointing.
And his eyes soon met those of the woman he loved.
Blake was walking over with the biggest smile on her face with tears in her eyes.
Taking a short, happy breath, Nathan closed the distance as Blake just melted into his arms.
She smelled of blood, dirt and battle, but Nathan didn't care.
He had defeated Baron Maleficus.
The Battle of Haven had been won.
And most importantly for Nathan; the woman he loved above all else was in his arms once again.
And the sun began rising on a brand new day.
The Dawn has come.
The Empire is defeated, and Maleficus is seemingly dead.
Originally, I had decided that Sienna Khan would survive her near fatal wounds, but then I decided against it, since it would allow for more development of Kanan's character.
Anyway... let's answer some reviews, shall we?
keybladelight: Well; hopefully I ended the duel between Nathan and Maleficus in a satisfactory way. As for the goodbye... you'll have to wait and see.
Sharnorasian Empire: They rallied alright. And now look where they are: On the fields of victory as the sun rises on a brand new day...
vmoneywashere: Another faction did arrive. Just not the one you were expecting.
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 shall see you next Saturday for the final chapter of this story.
T-Rock14