RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 19: Roses Beneath Thy Wings
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
The outskirts of Mistral it was known for the occasional sightings of ruins of villages. However it was also known for its activities of banditry. One of which was led by a nefarious tribe of bandits.
And the one in question was the Branwen Tribe, one of the oldest tribe in Mistral that have terrorized these lands for generations. And right now, they were holding their weapons at the ready as some strange man appeared from nowhere.
Strange being a mere comment. That was just the wolf in sheep's clothing.
The woman kept her sharp eyes on the intruder. Her blood red irises full of caution and brief wariness.
She was Raven Branwen, leader of the Branwen Tribe. She who held a piercing glare at the guest who had both guts and the courage to even be here. Though courage wouldn't be right given the individual in question was lazily seated in the center of her camp, inspecting her sword he stole from her. As to how, she knew what the method was.
It was Evol who appeared out of nowhere, every member of her tribe pointing their weapons at him. Normally it would be easy but Evol was not a normal human as he was the same creature who was igniting the End of Remnant. He who holds magic like herself and proclaimed his centuries old longevity. Compared to her, the snake had serious experience in his magic. It was why she hasn't casted any of her magic, not yet. One wrong move, and her bandits are as good as dead.
There's strength… and Evol is beyond the mortal being as he was a cosmic entity currently possessing a human, overtaking the soul. He had shedded his first set of skin, he still had more to remove in order to reveal his true form to the world. Something she did not want.
"Solidifying Dust into useful blades in combat. Impressive but they have such fragility if too much trauma is put into it." Evol mused.
"Just what do you want, monster?" Raven questioned Evol, already too aware of who he is.
The armored snake idly tossed her weapon aside as if he lost interest in it. "I heard you and your troupe ambushed three of my cargo airships. Two destroyed but in the manifest my drone kindly relayed was a crate: 5 feet in length, width, and height. Currently installed with hardlight barrier of additional 1 foot in measurements."
"Well aren't you very informed?" The tribal leader frowned, "Yes, I did. For if Ozpin, Ironwood or my idiot brother Qrow were as quick as I was. They'd understand to figure something out to stop you."
Evol scratched his head and pushed himself up to stand. His lenses scanned his surroundings. "This reminds of my days when my pissed off brother led the Blood Tribe. Always hostile but meh, not I blame him."
"Is there a point to all of this?" She questioned.
"Wanna know what he did?"
Raven snorted. "Amuse me."
The air turned red before a violet aura shrouded several of her people and they were violently crumpled like paper. "He slowly killed our tribes in Planet Blood one by one, swiftly yet painfully. Give me the crate or this place becomes a landmark on the map."
"W-What… makes you think t-that… I'll allow you… to have more of your power?" Raven gritted from the weight of his aura.
He repeated the spell on several more of her people, crushing them in the same manner. "I have big ambitions for my goal. For Salem, she has nothing against a being like me. She is just a speck of crumbs on a plate. Same as Ozma. Same as every single one of you homosapiens. The planet is my dinner and you know how people get when they're hungry. They are not themselves."
Raven knew she had no choice, as in an instant her eyes glowed bright with a magenta flame, as a burst of power and magic shot Evol back. And before he could react, she slashed behind her and dragged as many as she could to the other end of the portal before she closed it.
The camp was silent aside from the mangled bodies around. Evol sighed in dismay and approached the tent. One by one, items were tossed out. Aside from worthless items, he tugged the familiar red crate and hefted it on his shoulder. He whistled innocently and paused midstep. He looked at the entrance of the now abandoned camp, seeing a Seer idly floating and stopped when it drew to nine feet of distance.
"Yo! Guess you saw my charisma at its best, huh, Salem?" Evol mused, saluting to the Seer.
"All I saw, was a temper tantrum from you, monster…" Salem's voice echoed from the Seer.
"Says you whenever you learn Ozma is alive and thriving." The Seer glimmered as he could feel the rise of frustration and anger at the jab.
The Seer then hissed as its tendrils lashed out to attack Evol, but he easily swatted it away before destroying it with the crate he carried, an amused chuckle as he finally got her to snap.
"Like I said, unlike you, I can do things in days when it takes you years." Snakes coiled around him. "Just wait, Salem. Be ready to have a taste of the Sky Walls."
XXX
If there was anything Ruby felt, it was confusion and the growing sense of anxiety. All she remembered when she woke up was finding herself against the console in the CCT and found by Atlas guards who then arrested her for conspiracy against mankind as an accused agent of Faust. She didn't do what they said! She was trying to stop the mysterious girl before Lily showed up! She tried to give her testimony but they wouldn't listen to her. Nor do they believe her.
Her head was hung low as she was in what was best described to be the interrogation room within the police station. It wasn't the officers that were taking to her but Atlas soldiers with Ironwood being the one talking to her.
"What do you have to say for yourself Ms. Rose?" Ironwood scolded.
"I'm telling you, it was Lily and someone else! I didn't do anything!" Ruby repeated herself, a very sad look on her face. "I-I wouldn't work with Faust for the bad things they do! You know Lily is a mean person!"
She jumped in intimidation when Ironwood played footage of the security cameras. It displayed footage of her entering the elevator including knocking out the guards.
"T-That's not what happened!" She gasped from the footage.
"DON'T LIE TO ME!" Ironwood's snapped, slamming his hands on the table, making them dent from the force.
Ruby flinched and whimpered, "I'm not! I couldn't do such a thing… It goes against what my parents taught me… What Yang taught me…" she felt her eyes sting from the oncoming tears. "I-I wouldn't…"
The door suddenly was pushed open, allowing the general to notice Yang.
"Ruby!" Yang's voice rang out, earning her sister's attention as the the sisters embraced each other.
She wasn't the only one as Qrow entered the interrogation room.
"James, you best let go of my niece, or so help me!" Qrow hissed, grabbing the general's collar.
"Qrow, I had enough games to delay myself from this damn mess Evol made. Your niece was found in the CCT, she assaulted my men and nearly hacked into the systems."
"And you think my niece is an agent?! Do you forget that damn snake can hack our feed? He obviously altered that footage!" Qrow spat out with anger, ready to just punch Ironwood and take Ruby back to her dorm. "For Brothers' sake this snake is doing this for his sick form of his personal vacation!"
"Qrow, this isn't a matter up for debate!"
"To hell it isn't! You're accusing an innocent girl!" The Huntsman snapped. "How about talking to that bat bitch that is in the school instead of my niece?!"
As the two adults argued, Yang hugged Ruby to comfort her from the accusation that was mentioned. The sisters knew each other better than anyone else. Yang fully knew that she couldn't do this, especially since it was Ruby's dream to be a huntress.
But before more shouting could occur, Cody marched into the room, slamming his fist through the table to earn everyone's attention and silence.
He looked to Ironwood as he withdrew his limb from the now destroyed table before walking up to him. But in a surprise stance, Cody placed… the driver into the general's chest?
"Let her go. I'll tell you everything I know, alongside studying my belt more and what I know about it." Cody said, literally offering the secrets to the General.
"Cody what are you doing?"
"I am not sitting back when Goodwitch said Ruby was accused of treason." He hissed. "I know Lily had a hand in this… I will not let some prick like Ironwood here accuse an innocent girl… one that I can't help but admit that I like seeing them happy."
"Now see here, Cody-"
"NO! You listen General! It was because of your stupid paranoia against Evol you were so focused on him and not your freaking self and others! You care about the betterment of the world?! I see someone who sent a squad to kidnap me! Send their own people to die! You wanted my belt?! Congratulations, you can let Evol come and kill you when he finds out!"
The general was taken back by the lash out, shocked more to see that for once the fear and resentment in the boy's eyes that he saw before, was now changed. Even more so, protecting someone the boy stated to resent over. General looked down at the driver as he took it up, albeit gently as he sighed.
Maybe his paranoia was indeed getting the better of him. After learning so much about Faust and their leader, he was already over the edge with his fears. Salem was one thing, but Faust was on another level of fear.
The general grimaced bitterly and handed Cody back his belt. "Fine… But I also expect you to tell us every minor detail you can remember. I… rather live than die from my blindness."
"Good choice, for once." Cody huffed. "It won't be much though just so you know."
The man chewed his lip before he nodded. "At least we'll have some… appropriate knowledge…"
Qrow looked on at the boy, as he leaned into Yang before whispering, "Hey, Firecracker?"
"Yeah?"
"Is he the guy you keep yapping about?"
Yang tensed to the defensive look in his eyes. Ah crap. "U-Um… w-well…" She laughed nervously. "S-Say Cody!"
"What?"
"You might wanna run from my uncle here… like now."
"Huh? Wait, why?" Cody got out, confused.
"Just do it!"
Cody looked at Qrow who cracked his knuckles lightly. Oh. That is what Yang meant.
… Yeah, he should run. Immediately he bolted from the hall. Only to hear a slashing crash as Qrow was hot on his tail, scythe in hand and eyes boiled red.
"Seriously?!" He yelped, ducking as he ran.
"You're not worthy of firecracker's heart!" He cackled out.
"What do you mean by that?!"
Yang leaned over from the doorframe and whined. "Goddammit Uncle Qrow… this is the third time…"
Ruby however had her head hung low.
XXX
Lily idly tapped the screens that appeared around her as she sat on the floor. Her Technomancy Semblance provided a view of the school's areas. It was currently Sunday, thus the last day before she returns to Faust and the humans to see their fun be crushed. Her emerald eyes stared as her semblance conjured human-size metal claws that also typed, her connection to the metal digits feeling like a second limb. It swiped the screen to her gaze, seeing the security camera of the police station.
Despite the… odd chase between Qrow Branwen and Cody, her gaze was fixated on Ruby. Silver eyes full of guilt and shame. Good. That brat deserves it. Ruby Rose had to stop chasing dreams to be a hero and wake up to the real world she was in.
The idea that Cinder gave to put the blame on Ruby, made the rider grin from seeing this girl's dreams be crushed, just like her own dreams. Why do they get to live in luxury and bliss?
Heroes never existed.
The knock of the door reached her ears, "Enter." She continued her work in the midst of her call. The door clicked before opening. Peering upward, she noticed a girl with mint-hair. She cocked an eyebrow before she clicked her tongue. Ah right, the illusionist. "I take it Cinder or that ice cream mute snuck you in?"
Emerald rested a hand on her hip. "Spare me the attitude… Cinder wants to have an update." She remembered Cinder telling her and Mercury about assisting Evol. It shocked them, sure but given the situation they were in? She didn't know what to think. She trusts Cinder. She doesn't trust the others.
"Evol plans to resume his work tomorrow. I have to send a Lost Smash as ordered for it to be killed by… him." She swiped the holoscreen aside. Emerald eyes met ruby red. "Unless you have a problem with him, I will gladly make sure you don't get to deal with it."
Emerald tensed. The wave of intimidation not only made her uneasy but uncomfortable. "H-Hey, it's your revenge story, not mine." She raised her hands in defense. "I'm just doing this for her."
"… A girl after her heart huh…" Lily murmured, pulling up another screen.
"How did you-"
"I'm not stupid to notice the way you speak of her in your tone in the first sentence." The Rider huffed. "Nor notice the way you look at her."
"S-She just gave me a new life is all… I just want to pay her back." Emerald said, a soft blush on her cheeks.
"Just don't let emotions like that distract you from the objective."
"Of course. I'm a professional. If you need me again like last night, just let Cinder know." The mint-haired woman waved off and exited the dorm room, her Semblance active.
With Emerald gone, Lily looked at the screens before she shifted her gaze and expanded it. Before her was the image of Cody and his so-called friends. She had work to do as Evol's grand plan was nearing its tipping point.
'Will it all be worth it in the end for you?' The familiar voice whispered in her ear.
"Shut it…" Lily tried to drown out the voice again.
XXX
Cody sighed heavily as he was relaxing with his friends. Though relaxing wouldn't exactly be perfect given he had run for god knows how many hours earlier from Yang's uncle. "Why is your uncle so protective of you?"
"You really want to know?" inquired the buxom blonde.
"I still don't get what he meant, Yang."
"Ugh… boys are so dense…" Weiss shook her head as she seemed ready to just say it since the girls knew well about what Yang means.
"What is that supposed to mean?!"
"You'll know when you realize it you dolt."
Cody grumbled to himself before looking at Ruby who was hugging Cross in her arms. "How are you holding up, Ruby?" He asked her, wanting to try and relieve some stress from the scythe wielder. There was odd silence, making the others look at the student.
"Ruby?"
"I'm…" The red-cloaked girl murmured, her voice above a whisper. "Not…"
"Ruby, you know that it's not you to blame." Yang consoled her.
"They make it sound like it is."
"But it's not." Cody shook his head, "This is just how Faust is. Either eats at you slowly or throws everything nasty at you until you crack. Trust me, you're doing fine Ruby. I believe in you after all."
Ruby hugged herself tightly. The girl hasn't forgotten the words Lily said to her.
'Heroes don't exist. It's time you wake up to reality when those like me are proof of it.'
For heroes to not exist. For those like Lily are living examples of the horrors they endured when no one saved them. No heroes. Noone saved them, they saved themselves but in turn became different.
Just like Lily.
No one saved her or the others after Cody ran. She endured and looked where that got that girl? Lily became a girl enduring torture into a killing machine. All because no hero came to save them.
No hero came to stop Evol's progress that was happening now. They kept failing…
"Is she right…"
"What do you mean?"
"That heroes don't exist… that… death is part of reality."
"Ruby…" Yang frowned softly from hearing this, "Of course Heroes exist. What makes you believe that?"
The leader of the team felt the emotions within her reach its tipping point. "Why didn't anyone save Lily… or Cody in the past? Why… Why can't anyone stop Lily… stop Evol?" She pushed herself off the bed. "Why is it every one of us is just standing here and doing nothing when Evol, the great and powerful eater as he proclaimed to be, is preparing the end of the world! Why…" Her lips quivered. "Why hasn't anyone done anything to stop him?!"
"Ruby it's… it's complicated."
"How is it complicated?!"
"Because we don't know what can truly harm him." Cody spoke up, "As far as we know, he's invincible…. That's why we can only progress and hope to find something. If we just give up, we all die…"
"So that's it?" Ruby spread her arms slightly. "Heroes can't do anything?"
"That's not-"
"Then what is it really?" She lowered her head and arms together. Tears swelled in her eyes. "Like mom… death is reality…" She covered her face and cried. "Lily's right… Brothers she is right…"
"She isn't right, Ruby." Cody said, soon holding Ruby's shoulders, "If you think that, then why did you get this far on your own? What made you want to do this? Didn't you want to be a Huntress to help people and fight monsters?"
"What about the people Evol and Lily hurt?! The things Faust did!" Cody grimaced at her rebuttal. "Wh-What about all those people they are experimenting on… Wh-What about…" She shut her eyes, shoving Cody's hands and ran out of the dorm.
"Ruby!" Weiss tried to stop her but to no avail.
"Just what got into her?" Yang questioned.
"Lily did… trying to break her spirit as well…." Cody grimaced.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Don't you remember the words Lily kept saying to you three? The threats Evol has done?" He reminded them. "It's psychological warfare. To destroy your spirit by threats, words, and jabs that question your existence. Your ideals. Your own life…" he held his arm in discomfort. "It's one of the key aspects that makes Faust, well, Faust… to see how someone will break down once the words of reality kick in. And-" He lifted his head but saw Yang was missing. "… She left didn't she?"
"Yup."
XXX
Clothes were being set into the luggage whereas a Guardian was idly waiting as it held it for Lily. She was glad she finally got to leave the stupid school now that Sunday was nearing its evening. Looking at the dress she wore to the dance, she huffed and tossed it with the other worthless items that will be left behind.
The door was suddenly slammed open behind her and the drone.
"YOU BITCH!"
Ah yes, that girl. Lilac met crimson, seeing the blonde's shoulders heaving and her teeth bare with rage.
"Hm?"
"Don't be coy! You made things difficult for Ruby!" Yang hissed, ready to brawl this time.
"And? It's part of growing up in reality." Lily resumed folding her belongings. "She is naive and doesn't see the world of its colors. To be a hero? It's a child's dream. Grow up."
"There's nothing wrong with dreaming to be a hero! You're just upset you never got one.." Yang barked. "What gives you the right to say such things to her?! To frame her?!"
"I didn't frame her. Last I recall she attacked the guards and attempted to hack into the CCT. Already students are gossiping about her doing such a thing." Lily fiddled with her priceless hairband on her ponytail. "And I'm guessing you've been hiding the nasty things written about her for her unforgivable actions in the name of Faust?"
"Shut up with your lies!" Yang shouted, fist reeled back to punch the Faust agent. A loud impact of skin echoed, the air threatening to break. Her fist was firmly pressed against Lily's face… but she didn't react. Nor moved. Just a cold yet dead gaze in her lilac eyes.
"That. Is why heroes don't exist." Yang's brows slowly widened in realization. She attacked when Lily hadn't lifted her arms nor cast magic. She took the whole brunt of it.
No weapons on her.
A Huntress attacking an unarmed citizen.
Yang slowly stepped back, seeing the blood on her knuckles that were not hers. Lily focused on her Aura, repairing the damage on her face. "You get it now don't you?" She walked around the blonde and the Guardian stood by her. "Some hero you are. Enjoy the last of your days because starting tomorrow, the end will begin."
"Y-You're… just as empty and soulless as your boss… A monster in flesh." Yang glared at Lily.
"Tell that to Cody as he is a hybrid, not me." The bluenette walked away, students avoiding her and her robotic escort.
"Ruby…" Yang shivered before she turned to run and stop her sister from leaving.
XXX
Evol laughed, dancing around the box that was set on the pedestal within the center. The Blood Tribesman was on the tower that touched the heavens, making preparations. The hardlight energy that protected the box was still active, and already he has all the panels. All he needs is the Lost FullBottles but right now it was time to start the conclusion of phase 3.
He set the crate down and looked left and right and inputted the password. The crate opened, revealing the panel. "My precious. Come to papa~!" He yanked it out, marveling at it. "The last panel. Finally." He stood up and approached the center, feeling it vibrate upon the close proximity. He raised it, allowing it to swiftly attach onto the box of Pandora. "Once the Lost Panel is complete, the walls will then reveal the true state. But, it needs more."
"Lord Evol." Lily walked into view as she bowed, "I see your trip was a success."
Evol spun on his heel. "That it was! Quite boring but exciting!" Evol beamed, stepping down from the circular steps. "It's only a matter of time as the Panel is installed!"
Lily leaned over, seeing the box. She furrowed her brows in puzzlement. "Um… Lord Evol, I don't see the black panel yet it looks complete."
"Huh? You must be seeing things, Lily. I have it right here!" He raised the panel in question.
The bluenette paused, darting her head to the box then at the panel. "W-Wait, how-?
"I haven't installed this one yet because there's an important step needed. You see my dear, instead the box holds another part of me. The… trigger if you will."
"A.. trigger…?" Lily pondered.
"My true power." He sneered. "I just need more Fullbottles in each panel to make it open and release it. However before that, we have to put up the walls, have Boyo kill several more of our Lost Smash. Once I achieve the final phase, this black panel will become the replacement panel for one of the panels you see which will then allow me to eat the world after achieving my real form."
"Is… he even truly needed for this, Lord Evol?" Lily questioned, "You're expecting so much from him… yet he wants to destroy you…."
Evol stared before he laughed. "Don't you know what I do? I die, I come back as long as my gene exists on this planet."
"Then shouldn't he die with the rest of these fools? Why make him stronger?"
"Phase 2."
"Phase 2? I thought we are near the end of phase 3?" She pondered.
"You'll see soon enough, Bat-chan." His lenses stared at the box. Opening a hand, he flexed his palm. A cluster of Fullbottles was handed to him before he inserted it. Most of the panels lack it except one panel. Right now, he wants to show everyone a taste by its aura. And when the climax is reached, so do the walls. He closed the panel with a click.
Evol stood tall as a crimson aura pulsated from the box, traveling all across Remnant. The sudden shift in the air briefly knocked Lily onto her rear.
XXX
A blurry red light phased through Ozpin, startling the man for once. This feeling… this was something else. Not the same feeling from Salem nor Evol. Could… Could they have completed their plans so soon?
XXX
Salem briefly saw a crimson wave brush past her, stopping her in place. Like phasing through water. This sensation… could that mean…
"Evol." She realized.
He was about to initiate the start of the end.
XXX
Raven staggered to the brief wave of transparency that phased through her and her bandits. She looked up at the sky, seeing the tower of heaven in the distance.
"Damn it…"
Evol was preparing for the next step. Looking at her tribe then at the tower shielded by the blood dome, she curled her fingers.
Her mission was set.
XXX
Qrow nearly spilled his flask as Ironwood stumbled to the aura that phased them.
"The hell was that?"
"Are we too late?" Ironwood grimaced as his breathing began to waver with panic.
XXX
Lily looked around then at Evol who chuckled darkly. There was no doubt the box's energy was analyzing the planet's structure and size.
"What do you want me to do?"
"I'll assign you two Lost Smash. Two of which being our Council Members Eta and Alpha."
"Not Beta?"
"Not yet." Evol spread his arms like wings. "You know what to do."
Lily kneeled, "I understand."
XXX
"Ruby stop, please!" Yang pleaded as she tried to pull Ruby back to Beacon to talk some sense into her sister.
"Let me go sis!" Ruby squirmed.
"Not until you hear me out on what I have to say!"
"NO!"
"Ruby please!" Yang pleaded to her sister, pulling her into an embrace to not let go of her sister. "Just listen for one second for brother's sake!"
Ruby slowly stopped struggling to listen to her sister, but the young girl was still scared over everything and wasn't sure what to do now as she listened to her sister's words. The mean words Lily said, being framed for a crime she did not commit, even the scrutinizing words that were a harsh reality from the Faust Agent due to the girl's struggles.
"I know you are distraught, upset by what Lily said." Yang consoled her. "But that doesn't mean to give up on a dream."
"But-"
"But nothing!" Yang shook her head, "Yes… they weren't saved… But that doesn't mean future kids can't be rescued either. We all can still make that chance and be their heroes…. Didn't mom show us that from every story she told us? That we can make the difference?"
The younger student chewed her lip. "How can we.. when no one including Cody doesn't know where it is?"
"We… keep trying… If we give up? Then we all lose… and I don't want to lose my home… or my family from these monsters…" Yang grimaced, hugging Ruby tighter with that worry in her heart. She too wondered where Faust does their work.
Eden was THE home of Faust that is also Evol's dominantly protected domain with bases extremely hidden around the world. The only ones who knew are the possible high rank members but alas the only ones was Evol, Lily and the now discharged High Council members.
While Cody did escape, his mind must've shut out how he exactly left and where it was after the years of trauma and coping he had to overcome afterwards. They can try one more time, but Yang wasn't very optimistic believing he'll remember enough.
Sirens blared, startling the two. At first they assumed it was a breach alert but it wasn't. Tiny round drones in the air were responsible and projected an image of Evol who was giddily pressing a button that was making the sound from the broadcast.
"Oh, I'm going to have fun with this new toy!" Evol snickered with delight. "Wait, we're live now? Oops. Well that's embarrassing. Ahem, ladies and gentlemen… and Faunus. As you all know your vacation is over and the countdown resumes! I noticed the timer is at two weeks. I've taken the liberty and DECREASED it to one week!"
"What?! That wasn't your deal!" Yang scolded the hologram.
"Furthermore, I want to include that I am sending out two Lost Smash. Former High Council members Alpha and Eta. Two which you Cody if you are watching this my boyo, have to kill them. I can tell you are just itching to execute them for all the things they did."
"I hate this snake…" Yang hissed in anger, knowing that Cody is already on the move to the location.
"Be sure Bat-chan takes the Lostbottles. As to Atlas military, keep out please. Intruding on business is a big no, no. Until then enjoy the broadcast of the upcoming fight with boyo. Ciao~!"
Yang and Ruby were soon frozen in fear as the feed turned to the stage of the fight… and it was right where they were at.
"…Shit."
"Dad said its not polite to cuss when you're being watched Yang…" Ruby admonished, wanting to try and cheer her sister up with a light joke.
Yang wanted to give some response but seeing Ruby's light smile made her smile back and hug her again. While they were in danger, Yang knew Cody would arrive and help them in time. She believed in him and knew they'll be okay in the end.
She quickly nudged Ruby, the duo jogging and took cover. It was silent as other people had done the same. A ship suddenly materialized from its stealth and the hatch doors opened, allowing Guardians to land before motioning.
It was nothing but the sisters winced to the loud sound of punches, seeing two coated people fall flat on the ground. They were Alpha and Eta who groaned in pain.
Alas the ones who forced them to fall off the ship was Lily and 801 who was in her Owl Smash form.
"I hope you know that you'll meet you end soon, 801 and 932…" Eta hissed, glaring at the two.
Lily pressed her foot against Eta's head. "How when Cody will be executing you and Alpha?"
"We won't lose to that failure like you did!" Eta yelped when the bluenette kicked the former member's stomach.
"Hey!" All eyes went to notice the former experiment.
"Welcome, Cody." Lily hissed. "Ready to assist Lord Evol's plans once more?"
"More like ready to just get some good revenge and show you up again."
The bat rider huffed and shoved the two chosen forward. "Your problem is with them, not me."
"I got some beef, but that can wait." Cody rolled his eyes as he placed the driver onto his waist. With the Sclash Driver equipped, he raised the bottle for it. "Henshin!"
With his Cross-Z Charge armor equipped, 801 shoved Alpha and Eta, "You know your roles. Do it."
The two gritted but complied, raising their respective Lostbottles. Twisting them, the two transformed into a Bomb Lost Smash and a Ice Lost Smash. The two Lost Smash rushed towards Cross-Z who brandished his wrist weapon.
"If I can kill you, 931. Lord Evol will see that I'm worthy to remain!" Alpha hissed.
"Yeah, like how you could keep me and every other kid in your chains." Cody spat out. He ducked from the Ice Smash's attack but was met with an explosive punch to his torso by Bomb Lost Smash. "GUH!"
"Cody!" Yang gasped from the hard hit, earning the attention of Alpha and Eta.
"Ho? Seems you made friends, 931…. I wonder what Smash they'll make?" Alpha chuckled evilly.
The two Smash screamed to an electrical shock.
"Know your objectives on Cody. Not witnesses." Lily warned. "Continue your fight with him… that is Evol's order! Otherwise I will do it myself to execute you both!" The two Smash quivered but obeyed when they were shocked again.
"U-Understood…"
"Gruh… at least I don't have to go back and forth now…" Cody gritted as he got ready to fight again. The teen evaded Bomb's attack including Ice before delivering a double jab into the Bomb Smash's form. The beast grunted before he jumped and kicked the Ice smash in the face.
Alas that gave its comrade the opening to grab Cross-Z by the ankle and threw him through the glass window. The teen rolled across the lobby of the main floor.
'Reducing the time to one week now and two Lost Smash at once? Just what is that bastard thinking?' The rider pondered in his thoughts, inserting his two dragon bottles into the weapon, ready to strike when he's ready.
The two former High Council Members stalked into the lobby, causing Cross-Z to keep a defensive stance. His head swiveled between the two, discerning who will strike first. And it was the Ice Lost Smash who unleashed a trail of sharp ice, hitting the blonde while also damaging a small portion of the lobby. The dragon rider blocked the fist but winced upon the brief explosive impact the second attacker released. He felt two blows to the stomach before he was hefted up and thrown into a support pillar that cracked by impact.
His armor slid down but saw the incoming enemy. "Crap!" He rolled away, causing the hit to obliterate the pillar instead.
"Do you really think you have the odds you brat?!"
"I don't care about my odds… I just want to avenge those you killed and tortured so that we all can be free from your shadows." He slowly stood up to them. "Even if I'm considered a monster or accomplice… I won't ever stop saving people, that is my vow!"
"You know that you can't even become equal to Evol, offspring or not!" Ice Lost Smash barked.
"Maybe so… but I'll be damned if I don't try my best and make him regret making me an enemy!" He said, before launching the powerful ball of fire from his weapon, before charging through it as he struck the Ice Lost Smash into the abdomen before he let out all of his fire semblance into Eta the Lost Ice Smash.
The Rider coughed when the Bomb Lost Smash punched him, the blast launching him to the main floor's upper balcony.
"You're nothing but a tool, 931. Something for us to abuse and make us into something better… It's the reason why Evol is keeping you around, to make him even stronger than before, like any other useful tool." Alpha huffed, "Now stay still so that you may fulfill your role as being our food for evolution!"
The Ice and Bomb Smash hopped over, seeing the teen crawl slightly until he was against the wall as his support.
"Once we regain our footing and hold back in Faust? We'll make sure you suffer forever more…."
"STOP IT!" The two paused and looked over the balcony, seeing Ruby looking up at them.
"Piss off brat."
"Hasn't he suffered enough from your inhumane actions? Don't you have any heart?"
"Heart? A heart?! Like the evil this world has done to half of the population?!" Ruby flinched. "Thugs crawl the streets, police hardly do their work! The Council across the cities had done absolutely nothing to improve! Those animals of Faunus resorted to violence because humankind had treated them like shit for centuries!"
"And you think it's fine to kidnap children and turn them into monsters?!" The female blonde snapped, walking up to Ruby and held her gently.
"Says you young ones who train to fight Grimm!"
"We chose that life! You didn't give them a chance!" Yang barked back.
"Oh yeah?! Tell that to your headmaster who is nothing but an ancient soul much like our lord Evol!"
Yang frowned. She mentally took note of it for a later date. "And yet, we still chose this life. Unlike you, who's now the same pawns as you made so many others…"
"Let's just kill 931 and get it over with." Ice Lost Smash scoffed. "Evol is already going to cause the end of the world. They're worthless."
"Agreed." The two turned their backs on Ruby and Yang, focusing on Cross-Z.
"I said it before… and I'll say it again." Cody said, slowly getting back up, "I'm not going to die here until I avenge everyone Faust has killed. Bet on that!"
He ducked as the Bomb Smash's attack hit another pillar. It turned towards the human hybrid but felt the weapon across its body. Ice rammed Cody against the balcony railing, punching his face in rage.
Yang and Ruby nodded and was about to assist but were stopped by Lily and the Owl Smash whose turrets detached from her wings.
"Sorry you two, but you're not helping him." Lily shook her head.
"Ugh, can't you be lame somewhere else?" Yang rolled her eyes.
"Says the daughter of a killer." With a flash of red, Yang rushed in slamming her fist into Lily and sending her flying back. The bluenette flipped but she had higher experience and landed with ease. She saw Yang's fist reared back. The bluenette scoffed and focused.
The air churned before Yang gagged to the burst of wind slamming into her stomach, sending her high into the air. Yang's eyes winced but noticed data gather above her and created a metal hand that punched her down into the ceramic floor.
"Yang!" Ruby gasped as she attempted to help her sister, only to be stopped by 801.
"You cannot interfere at all. Orders are orders." The Owl Smash warned.
"I'm just trying to help my sister!" Ruby huffed, firing a few shots at the Smash.
"You both are trying to interfere with 931's task to kill the Lost Smash. Meddling is forbidden." The turrets detached from her wings and fired at her.
"Why are you people so worried about us helping? Is your boss that scared to have Cody grow?"
"You do not hold Nebula like us."
"Nebula?" Ruby repeated but grunted when Owl's wing slammed into her stomach, sending her into the reception desk.
"Nebula is what powers us. Nebula is what you humans lacked. It strengthens our bodies, our brains, all of our organs."
"M-Maybe so… but… some of us can't just sit back and watch someone suffer to fight others…" Ruby gritted.
Owl aimed her wing, causing the two turrets to point from Ruby's left and right whereas Owl herself was approaching from the center, preventing any escape.
"Don't you care for Lily? For Cody?" Ruby questioned the Smash. "Why do this if you care for them?"
Owl stared for a moment, her head craned slightly before the wings fluttered slightly in reaction to her emotion.
"You…. do care for Lily…" Ruby gasped. "You want to help her too."
Owl gritted before causing the turrets to charge up. Ruby felt a bead of sweat drip from her forehead as the weapons were about to fire at her. Ruby closed her eyes, her heart dropping as she believed she was about to die right here.
"GAH!" Owl looked up, seeing the Ice Lost Smash topple over the railing and crash onto the desk and explode. Ruby crawled away, witnessing the High Council member's body slowly turning black.
The weakened Eta weakly raised an arm, "To hell we go."
Eta's body dissolved and was absorbed into the LostBottle. Owl plucked the bottle and looked at Ruby.
With Lily, Yang did her best to hold her ground but her Semblance was reaching its limit due to the countless weapons Lily created. Her Magic is already weakening the blonde.
"Why…? Just what does he see in you?" Lily glared at Yang as her own emotions were boiling to the surface. "You say you are his friend but that will only lead to betrayal!"
"I promised myself that I'll be there for him…" Yang panted from the fight, "Because that's what true friends do… I don't abandon others because they hurt me…"
Lily growled, her grip on her sword tightening. "What… a load… of BULLSHIT!" Blades manifested behind her. Her lilac eyes flaring upon the magic within her. "This is for interfering with Faust matters you bitch!"
The girl yelled and launched her technoblades at her. Yang scrambled, avoiding the barrage. Several blades sliced her sleeve and arms. She yelped when two grazed her right leg.
"Yang!" The blonde noticed Cross-Z who used his Pyrokinesis, stopping the six blades that would have impaled her. The Rider panted, lowering his arm.
"When will you get up to my speed?" He joked, trying to make things lighter for the other blonde.
"When you stop being such a dork." Yang giggled from his joke.
The Lost Bomb Smash grunted painfully, rolling over and saw the weakened pillar. Its gaze looked at the others that were cracked or broken. It crawled before pulling itself up by the pillar. Looking at the humans, it whistled loudly to catch their attention.
"If I am to die for a cause…" it smashed its fist against the last pillar. "WE ALL WILL DIE TOGETHER!"
The building rumbled, everyone looking up to see the building was shaking. It was about to collapse from its loss of support.
Cody quickly turned as he rushed to Yang, covering her with his body to protect her. Though he flinched as he turned to Ruby who was still stunned with fear from the Owl Smash.
"Ruby!" Yang cried out with fear.
Ruby's silver eyes dilated to the massive debris that was raining directly at her.
Suddenly, the Lost soldier quickly used her wing turrets and raised her arms high. The debris landed but the Smash grunted, struggling to keep hold of it from crushing Ruby, Yang, Cody, and Lily.
The Owl Smash gritted her teeth underneath her kaijin form. "To the… entrance!"
"Wait… what are you…?" Yang got out, confused and shocked.
"Following what my heart says."
Ruby's eyes widen upon hearing this, "We all can get out of here then! If Lily just-"
The debris continued to rain down, causing the Smash to buckle. "If the Bomb Smash dies, he will also create a massive explosion that will destroy this entire building. GO!"
"801, you can't!" Lily barked. "This is a direct order! We all are to get out!"
There was silent but the Smash tossed the LostBottle to her. "Just go, dammit!" She buckled again. "I can't… hold on much longer!"
"Not without you!"
"I said-!" Owl paused when it noticed the Bomb Lost Smash. Looking at the four then at the charging Smash, she forced the turrets to keep hold and tackled the Bomb Lost Smash, its entire body glowing red hot.
"801!"
The explosions immediately caused the group to be rendered unconscious from the blast radius.
XXX
Cody coughed, rolling over slightly and grasped his head to rid the ringing in his ears. Smoke and ash littered the area upon the collapse of the building.
"Y-Yang…? Ru…by?" The rider groaned out, as he hasn't had this much pain since Evol took form.
"We're okay…" Yang and Ruby groaned, their clothes covered in soot.
Lily though grunted, slowly sitting up and coughed. Her lilac eyes scanned her surroundings to locate the Owl Smash but found her.
Lily's eyes widened in horror upon the gruesome sight. 801 was slouched as the debris lingered but a metal pole was pierced through her chest, through the heart itself. Another pole protruding from her leg and shoulder as well.
"801!" She scrambled onto her feet, rushing to the fellow experiment.
The experiment weakly turned her head but blood trickled from her lips. "You… all survived… I'm glad…"
"You saved us…" Yang uttered.
"Yes…." she nodded weakly, "Your… sisters words… They finally made me open my eyes… I… am sorry for what we did to you all…"
"You didn't have to do this for us…" Ruby teared up, feeling sorrow for the ex-smash's sacrifice.
Lily fell to her knees, trying to pull the metal rods. She was about to create a tool but 801 stopped her. "8-801 just let me get you out! The medical facility can help you!"
"Lily… you know as…. Well as I do… this won't save me…"
"But-!"
"I was one of the Pardoned…" the brunette coughed.
Lily's eyes widened, "Y-You… lied?"
"Why else… was I here to assist?" Her hollow eyes trailed bitterly. "When I was chosen as a soldier… I fought because not just the gods and the world lied to us… but because I had no one left… I was from a village that was attacked on the outskirts by Grimm… a Faust Search party took in whoever they can… Alpha was the one who found me. Days became years… I endured the experimentation. And yet one day… there was a girl… for someone two years younger than me quickly rising up the ranks…"
"Me…"
801's smile was weak but strongly continued her words. "Despite the hatred you held… I knew what it was like. My hatred was nothing because I had to move on and I served for Faust for a cause… seeing you fight for your belief… was fresh air for me."
"I am just a-"
801 rasped and tightly gripped Lily's wrist, "Stop thinking like a killing machine… and be human."
"But… I can't…" Lily shook her head, "I've done too much harm…"
"Can't… or won't?" The older girl questioned weakly. "Lily… you must see that… like me… your heart wants to yell out its honesty. It's truth… stop bottling it away… stop…" she then sniffled. "Stop acting invincible when you are only human. You have the gift of the gods for a reason… Evol only stole it from an unwilling man he took over centuries ago."
"He…. saved me…" The bluenette felt 801's grip squeeze more.
"Stop lying to yourself Lily. For brothers' sake… stop. Lying to yourself is more painful than lying to others."
The girl coughed harshly, her head craned down slightly.
"… 801… did you… have a name?" The brunette raised her head, looking at Cody who spoke.
"My name…?" 801 looked to be on the verge of tears. "It's… been so long anyone… asked me that. My name is Crystal… Crystal Cobalt."
"Crystal… heh… good name." The rider smiled softly before he felt something in his hand, as he looked down to see that she had given him something, he looked closely as it was a few Fullbottles in his hand now.
"Take them…" Her head leaned back and looked at Lily, releasing her grip and handing her the LostBottle gained from the now dead Alpha. "You two… are the only ones who can truly stop… Evol… Please…"
"Lily… fight… for our glory. Remember these words Lily… Glory to… man… kind…" Crystal's body slumped against the debris. Her open eyes no longer held any life as her smile remained.
"C-Crystal?" Lily shakingly nudged her but got no answer. "C-C-Crystal…? You can't…"
The three others stood there as they said nothing, not wanting to make things worse.
"Crystal! Crystal!" Lily wept, trying to awaken the deceased pardoned Lost Soldier. "You can't leave me! Please don't leave me! That's an order!" She tried again and again but to no avail. "Crystal!"
"L-Lily we-"
The girl shoved Ruby's arm, somberly yet glaring at them.
"GET AWAY!" Lily shrieked. "JUST GET AWAY FROM ME! YOU ALL ARE THE REASON SHE DIED! MURDERERS! ALL OF YOU!"
"She protected us from a worse fate." Cody spoke up, "Don't blame us for your anger again, Lily."
"Y-You… don't get the right…"
"True, I don't get the right to dictate how you feel… But I know from experience, lashing out will only make the pain stay." Cody responded, as he knew this feeling well, "We can at least give her a better honor to make a proper burial for her, as the one who remembered their heart before the bitter end."
Lily trembled, lowering her head before crying in anguish as it began to rain.
XXX
Within Eden, Evol watched the broadcast before he made it cut off, leaving the people of Remnant to stew with their thoughts. As for the alien ruler? He was more upset than the words that 801 gave to them.
Glory to mankind… not a phrase he heard for so long.
"Vernage, you sly bitch." The woman must have passed by the village 801 was from. His crimson lenses stared at the frozen image of Lily's anguish. He zoomed in, seeing the brief green hue in her lilac eyes.
Vernage was closer to waking up.
"Seems I have to make sure Bat-chan's programming remains… Or else I'll have to kill her again." He pushed himself off the gilded throne, striding down the steps as the Guardians saluted. The large doors were pushed open, the lifeform noticing two of the heavy drones who were dragging Beta and shoved her onto the red carpet. Not too far was Cinder who slowly basked in the grand chambers that had once belonged to the ill king of Eden ages past.
"Subject Beta created an attempt to flee containment."
Evol said nothing, staring down at the woman as she was quivering. "Alpha and Eta are dead now. That leaves you and Omega as my last former council members."
This made Beta shiver and lose color in her face from the reveal of that, "J-Just… me and… Omega?" She gulped with fear.
"Yes. Yes. That is right~."
"P-Please! Lord Evol! Please spare me! I can do so much more than you realize!" Beta grabbed his ankle, looking up at him like a beggar desperate for forgiveness.
"You already have. Take her to the base in Vale's borders!" He began to walk, escorted by a few Guardians. "I got a tower to start up soon. Can't have any bothersome things happening here."
"Lord Evol! Please! I BEG YOU!" The drones began to drag her away, allowing Cinder to watch the sadistic nature Evol hides beneath his eccentricity. He was indeed the brother of a ruler.
"Do you have a problem with what you saw?" Evol questioned her.
"Of course not. She knew what she did and still went with it." Cinder shrugged.
"And how do I know you won't do the same? Hm?" Evol questioned.
"For I know fully well that unlike with Salem? Your might is more terrifying to defy. After all, you are a part of the cosmos compared to her." Cinder pointed out.
Given what she heard about him, he was practically a black hole who ate planets for thousands of years. As long as she can get some bit of that power and continue living on like him? She'll do everything he asks and the thought of defying would swiftly end everything she has worked up to be. Unlike Salem, this one was true power of the stars. Evol stared before focusing on the walk.
Cinder still found some amazement regarding Eden. The ancient architecture of that era remained intact and Evol mixed his xenotechnology with it. The entire kingdom is protected by his barrier that can only be accessed by him or the Guardians he has complete authority over.
"I must admit, cinderella. That your addition is different. Yet at the same time, you remind me a lot of myself."
"I'm humbled that you accepted my request, Lord Evol."
"For now. One wrong word, step, lie, scheme, or gesture." He brushed his thumb across his neck. "Get the picture?"
"But of course. Schemer I may be as well, but I am no fool when it comes to true deception that you wield." Cinder nodded, knowing fully well she wouldn't be able to lie and manipulate her way through this, like she has done with Salem so far.
"… Good!" His gaze was set on the tower, a red pulse emanating from it. "The time is approaching and by then the walls will come up for the world to see." He raised his arms. "I just need more Fullbottles to install into the box for phase 4."
"How shall I help you then, Lord Evol?" Cinder offered to help.
Evol pondered and recalled the Fullbottles 801 gave Cody. He snapped his fingers and Cinder swore a lightbulb appeared above his head. "You have that minty illusionist on speed dial right?" Cinder nodded. "Have her use that illusionist work and get me those Fullbottles. This will get me a headstart in the Phase 4."
"What of Mad Rogue?"
"… What about her?"
"If I may be so blunt… It's quite obvious that she'll betray you from that. I've seen that in many others before I crushed them beneath my heel… It's only a matter of time before she fights back." Cinder pointed out to the snake. "Wouldn't it be wise to kill her?"
Evol stared then at the tower. His mind ran simulations of outcomes, theories, etc. it was nothing but it then clicked. He chuckled darkly. "Actually… I just had a lightbulb. Keep an eye on Lily. I want to make sure she wakes up."
"She…?" Cinder questioned. "You make it sound like someone is within Lily–" her voice died in her throat to his glance.
"As I've said… just keep an eye on her. Okay? If you do so… A reward may be in it for you." Evol enticed with a reward, something special from him would make sure Cinder doesn't get any ideas. He waved his hand, hopping onto a platform that hovered him towards the tower in the center of Eden.
'Just you wait, Vernage. I smell a fight between us brewing just like the good old days. And oh hohohoho, I am going to enjoy our happy reunion.'
XXX
A/N: Heya minna! Man its been awhile huh? Very sorry for the slow updates. Tbh, I just kept forgetting to update things and such. Sometimes sleep and just loafing around just feels good to me, ya know? Anywho, big update drop here with many chaps.
Now I won't be doing every author's note on these chaps, mostly cause the fire i had when making these are burnt out and may not say much on them. Some may still have such notes, but mostly I'll only be talking about specific chaps instead. Like this one! Lily turning due to Crystal's death. I needed to have something big to make Lily snap out of it, and her losing someone she was slowly bonding with was a good choice imho.
With that said, more to come! Until then, later minna!