RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 20: Echoes of Freedom
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^
Lily had always remained headstrong ever since she was abandoned by Cody in the past. She endured. Fought. Unleashed her pain that had granted her rise in the ranks. The bluenette's mindset had wilted day by day the more she fought Cody. It led to her utter hatred turning into an obsession that made her become Mad Rogue. But now…
She felt sorrow. Anguish. No form of hate or bitterness.
Her hollow lilac eyes stared at the grave she made for Experiment 801… Crystal Cobalt. There was no place to bury a body of a terrorist in the eyes of all across Remnant. They wouldn't want to bury someone who is helping a monster that is destroying mankind. Thus she buried her beneath a lonely tree, her Technomancy created the coffin, the tombstone, a place for Crystal to rest in peace.
Her tear ducts were no longer able to create tears and her mind was trying to repair from the reality of the situation. A part of her wanted to go back to Faust and continue Evol's goal. The other half… just wants to give up on life. The feeling was tugging her left and right, unable to find her decision.
Her lilac eyes looked up at the sky, seeing the brief red colors in the sky. No doubt the Box was still analyzing the planet to construct the walls. "Why… should I be here…"
"Because there is always a reason for someone's existence."
Lily stood on guard from the voice, as walking out from the shadows was none other than Blake, the Faunus not wanting to cause trouble as she held her hands up in defense.
"I'm not here to fight or anything, Lily…"
"Why are you here."
"At least… hear me out."
The Faust agent gritted her teeth in pain before dismissing her technoblades.
"They told me what happened and… I'm sorry. I know it's not something to hear given Faust has been labeled as a terrorist organization outsizing the White Fang." Blake winced to the slight frown. "But I know you are grieving… and conflicted."
"How can you possibly understand how I feel?! You were a White Fang yourself! Not some agent like Faust is!" Lily barked.
"But I know what it feels to have to blame for Brothers' knows how many mistakes I've made during my days in the White Fang."
"Please… you still got away scott free… I'm forever tied down and won't ever be able to escape Faust and what I've done…" Lily looked at the coffin. "Those who defect are to be returned… and changed."
"You betray, you become a Smash." Blake realized. "Just like your former council."
"Yes… but for me? I'm as good as dead." She raised her palm as magic coursed around. "Because I have the gift the gods gave centuries ago. It can't exist in a changed era."
"Gods gave centuries ago…? What are you talking about?"
"Our world is nothing but a lie. As is your headmaster." Lily trailed off bitterly. "It is why for someone like me, my fate is sealed…"
"Then fight with us… If you are going to be targeted, don't you want a chance to fight back?"
The Faust agent angrily conjured a metal claw that hovered above Blake, threatening to shred her. She faintly remembered what Crystal told her, making her slowly dismiss the hovering weapon.
"Cody believes it should be time to fight back… Finally stop Evol's plans."
"You can't stop him. You've seen him thrash Cody around. Even as 'Cross-Z Charge' he hasn't reached Evol's level."
"But you do." She gestured to the belt in Lily's hand. "If you can just help him-"
"AND WHAT CAN HE DO TO HELP ME FOR ABANDONING EVERYONE OF GROUP 900?! Every one of them are Smash or dead by experimentation failure!"
"But the ones still within their cells aren't…" Blake reasoned. "He wants to try and save those imprisoned wherever they are."
"… Get away…" Lily angrily looked at Blake. "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!" Her magic burst as the blades stabbed the ground between her and Blake. The Faunus stepped back slightly.
Blake could only frown, her cat ears beneath her bow dropping as she began to head off, only to stop and turn around to her, "Ask yourself this… just what are you now?" She said to her before turning back and heading off from Lily's location.
Lily lowered her head and her tears finally returned.
XXX
Qrow stared at the clock on his Scroll as he waited for the elevator to come to a stop. His crimson eyes fell bitter upon how much time was left before Evol brings the walls to separate the four kingdoms. He was too upset to even drink, especially after his niece had been down due to Lily's harsh words. He hated what she said but regrettably most of it was the gods' honest truth in reality.
Yang hasn't said much about the bluenette either given the meaning of being a Huntress. She practically punched Lily who was unarmed. A Huntress attacking an unarmed woman gives a lot to say in regardings to reality. The world can be cruel and from what he saw in that girl's eyes, she had to crawl her way out of hell but it made her who she is now. A top tier agent of Faust who also beat the shit out of Ice Queen Winter who was the best and James' right hand.
As for the snake himself, the guy has his sick way of having fun. He was an eccentric evil bastard who was planning to eat the world. Salem was a dangerous foe but Evol is a literal being of the cosmos. You cannot top something like that unless you are an entity of equal or stronger level. Sadly… no one here was strong enough to beat him. The snake was only in Phase 1 and demonstrated his strength. There was no doubt he had more Phases to become.
And yet, Ozpin still believes the hope lies on the spawn of that snake, the one person he hated more than James… Cody. That brat somehow has started to make Yang see him in a different light, enough for the uncle to be on full protection mode over is niece. It annoyed him how much Yang wouldn't stop talking about that boy to both her father and himself. He wanted to give him a little 'chat' but Yang sold him out and now can't be closer to the boy without his nieces being around him.
The elevator came to a halt and entered, seeing James and Ozpin talk in regards to the coming end as the walls Evol planned to summon will happen. After all…
"Ozpin you know we only have 24 hours left, everyone around the world is already panicking and Grimm activity is rising." James sounded tired but also seriously worried. That's a first but he wouldn't blame him.
"I know James and as you may have forgotten Eden is heavily fortified by the barrier he designed himself. A barrier similar to the one in Forever Fall but at a massive scale." Ozpin too sounded tired.
"Then why can't we attempt one last attack? If I'm going to die I'm doing so, fighting." Qrow stated, as he wouldn't let this slide while laying down. "Evol has been cooped up on a kingdom he hid from the world-"
"And sank in the past before bringing it back up." Goodwitch added bitterly.
"That and surely he keeps in contact with his agents all around. I bet my flask he is ensuring they make their strike once the walls come up."
"Qrow in case you didn't notice. Nothing has been able to penetrate the barrier. Nothing."
"Then what do you expect us to do? It's not like our answers will just walk up to us." Qrow drawled.
There was nothing but silence but Ironwood's earpiece rang. "Excuse me." Ironwood stepped aside as the others talked.
"Oz… we no longer have time to debate. If we are going to survive this, we have to fight back now." Qrow stated, as much as he trusts Ozpin, with this enemy they can't afford to be careful anymore.
"We can only rely on-"
"Oz, that kid is the son of Evol. You better choose your cards right because you are entrusting our lives to an alien hybrid."
"Son he may be to Evol. But as you can see, he wants nothing more to do with him than we do." Ozpin noted, "There has to be more of a reason as to why he continues to let Cody live for this long. This can't be the only time he's had a child from the other worlds he's devoured."
"What? Are you sure?" Ironwood's rise in tone earned their attention. "Stay right there. Just… hold your fire."
"More problems that erupted in Atlas, Jimmy?"
"You three are not going to believe who landed on Beacon's landing pad in a Blood ship." The general informed them. "It's best if you all come along."
The three were puzzled before following the general. Exiting the school building they saw countless students whispering and murmuring whereas the faculty and Atlas troops tried to keep them back.
Drawing closer, Winter saluted to James but her arm was shaking slightly.
"Are you sure it's her?"
Winter took a shuddering breath at the bitter memories. "Y-Yes sir…"
"You are dismissed, Winter. If you need a requested R&R-"
"No. I'll stay."
"Mind telling me who exactly?" Qrow inquired, making Winter point. The four looked at the ship and saw a familiar girl who was staring, not once moving an inch. "You gotta be shitting me…"
It was Lily.
"Under Remnant's Article of War: Article 6, section 8, I am here to provide words that will provide closure in regards to the missing and kidnapping by warmongers." Lily spoke. "I am here in my own volition to disclose what I know."
For once, this took all of them by surprise. They didn't expect the second in command to Evol, to simply come over and give them what they needed.
"But only to Cody."
"Of course… Always a catch." Qrow sighed.
"I'm afraid Cody is in Vale, Miss Lily." Ozpin revealed.
"Then bring him here. Otherwise my information goes to my grave."
"Not even letting us rest up… Figures." The veteran scythe wielder rolled his eyes, taking out his scroll to contact Yang and request her assistance to get the boy here.
XXX
Cody couldn't believe it. He wanted to be sure he wasn't dreaming but he was sure as hell wasn't when Yang brought him to Beacon. But during the flight he saw the stealth-amphibious airship made by Faust and when they landed he saw her.
"Lily…?"
The bluenette stared.
"W-Why… are you here?"
"…To tell you everything I know…" She confessed.
"Why…? After everything you said to me… why change? I thought that my suffering was enough for you?"
"I am already dead where I stand. What's the point of making you suffer when I am already dead." Her fingers curled. "I am not sure where I can be. In a casket or just help Lord Evol. I want to deny it again and again but even then, it is so hard to believe what is right and wrong. I…" she lowered her head. "5 years… 5 years I killed countless lives in the name of Faust. I tore apart bits and pieces of myself so I can live. And look at me." She began to laugh dryly yet somberly. "Mayhap… Mayhap Crystal was right. After your escape, all the pain forced my mind to tear apart and become a killing machine… just so I can live when others don't survive."
She shakingly dropped down, planting her hands on the ground. "So much pain I delivered in his name. So much separation and death… I lost who I was. Lost my name because I had to keep up the satisfaction of the council. I'm sorry…" Her fingers clawed the ground and cried. "I am sorry for everything I said to you! Sorry for the pain I delivered onto you! I just wish I was dead as I should have been 12 years ago when that lance pierced me!"
"Lily…" Cody frowned softly, seeing the girl that he cared for long ago, has resurfaced after so long. He walked over to her, the rider soon pulling her into a hug to comfort the young lady, grateful that she had finally came back to him. "I forgive you Lily… I know there is alot to say for the things you did… but you had to live. Just as I did when I lived on the streets after the escape. I stole from people. I may sound less compared to what you did but I still felt the guilt. I felt the guilt for abandoning all of you to save myself. But the reason I kept living was because you taught me that. You taught me to keep my ground."
"As touching as this is… We're on a deadline. What are you going to do to help us stop Evol?" Qrow spoke up, as there was a better time for this moment.
"She said she will only say it to me, let her abide by that." Cody frowned. "I need a place to talk to her… without eavesdroppers."
"I know of a place. One I believe, even Evol won't know about." Ozpin chimed in. "You two can follow me"
Cody nodded to Lily before the two followed Ozpin. But upon it whispers followed.
"Is she really going to help?"
"Didn't she admit she killed people for five years?"
Lily said nothing as it was the expected words to overhear. They entered an elevator and Ozpin stepped aside. "Just press the hidden emergency button. It will lock the elevator in place during its ascent."
"Okay…"
The elevator doors closed and the elevator moved but Cody pressed the button, causing the power to shut down. "Lily, what is it you wanted to tell me?"
"There are other kids being kept for experimentation. Evol hasn't ended it after 999."
"Figures… That bastard just loves to toy with everything…" Cody frowned.
"Not just kids either. But kidnapped adults who were undergoing hard times of their lives. As of recently the highest number he reached is 2000."
"2000?" He repeated in shock. "That's… nearly 1000 others he took after I left five years ago!"
"Yes. And Evol mentioned more to his box. The box isn't just an artifact that summons the walls but he already has all the panels connected yet… why would he have the black panel kept aside?"
"What?"
"I watched him place Fullbottles into one panel, causing the red aura you guys saw pass through your bodies. He needs more, Cody. Whatever it is, it involves a Trigger for his real power which is locked within the box."
"… He needs to have all the bottles inside all the panels to unlock it to retrieve it." Cody reached into his pocket and procured the said Bottles he took with him. "Is that why I'm still being kept alive other than being his son? Why have one spare panel?"
"To replace one panel with it. That is where his mortal body is no longer needed. Cody, the Trigger unlocks his real power while the black panel-."
"Will allow him to regain his true form, thus making him completely unstoppable…" Cody's skin ran pale.
"He knows you will do something to attack him soon. He knows it." She grimaced. "I… I am willing to take you to where they keep the children and kidnapped adults. And from there… to take you to Eden."
"Eden is protected Lily. We can't get in."
"Not if you have something to enter through."
"… The ship you took!"
"Only the transportations and machines made from Blood Tribe technology he made can enter, nothing else."
The rider pondered, as this would be their only chance to truly stop him. If they fail… Remnant is doomed.
"We may need more help than just us…." Cody requested to Lily.
"No, Cody I told you-!"
"Lily, you said so yourself. I am not as strong as Evol. But if the facility holding everyone is guarded then we are outnumbered by two against Brothers' knows how many Guardians – both normal and heavies." Lily bit her lip at Cody's rebuttal.
"I… don't want to have anymore people killed because of me…"
"I know you don't… Neither do I. But, this is our last chance to truly stop him. If we fail, we're all dead either way. So why not go at it, full force?"
Lily glanced at him before lowering her head. "Only four people… no more."
Cody smiled softly with a nod, "I know the perfect four to help us… I trust them… Will you trust them too?"
"…."
The blonde tapped the button, allowing it to go back down upon reactivation before the doors slid open. Ozpin was there who took heed. "I take it the conversation went well for you both?"
"Yeah… and um, Ozpin?" Cody started. "We will need four people to join us. Not of Ironwood's choice but Lily's choice."
"That can be arranged… Who are you requesting?" Ozpin looked to the rider.
"… Ruby Rose. Weiss Schnee. Yang Xaio Long. Blake Belladonna." Lily listed. "No one else."
"Team RWBY?" Ozpin noted before he nodded, "Very well, I'll inform them of this task."
Lily walked but paused her step. "Be sure to inform them it may be their last… because this opportunity is one we might not survive from."
"I know… This is Remnant's last chance to prevent the wall's rise. Brothers' speed, you two."
Lily felt the whispers in her ear, making her cover her ear. Ozpin briefly caught the emerald glimmer in her lilac's eyes.
"May I have a word with you, Lily?" Ozpin requested.
The Faust Agent stared before looking at Cody. "Tell your… friends to meet me at the Amphibious."
"I will…. See you soon… Sis." He said with a faint smile before leaving the two alone.
Lily looked at Ozpin. "What do you want from me? I am not telling any information as it went to Cody."
"It's more of… reassurance for you, Lily." Ozpin informed her. "Tell me… what are you doing about with the voices you hear?"
"… How did you…?" Her arm flared with magic.
"How much did Evol tell you about my life… or I should say, 'lives.'" Ozpin pondered.
"… Enough to know you were called originally Ozma the Hero centuries past."
"Then you should clearly know what I mean… I know that feeling too." Ozpin said to her. "The feeling that you're never alone… the words you hear from someone else in the back of your mind. The feeling of being replaced by that very same voice."
"…"
"When did it start?"
"… After… my magic awakened…" She murmured. "Evol said a name before… Vernage."
"Vernage the Saint… Princess of Eden." Ozpin took a deep breath. That name was indeed familiar to him. To history during his days as Ozma. A princess who would have been queen whose kingdom sank into the ocean. The princess was labeled a saint because of her ability, her sharpness, honesty, traits that was befitting for a noble lineage. A time before he was born. He had only heard of that name as a child upon a book of history. And one thing about her was her hair that was bright as silver unlike his own. Eyes that glimmered as bright as genuine emeralds.
"I… expected some kind of spirit… But not hers." Ozpin stated with shock. She had been reincarnated upon death and rebirth as an infant. Unlike him. Yet Lily was the first case.
Qrow was right. Vernage implanted her soul into Lily upon their dying breaths. Lily was still alive because of Vernage's soul being the only thing to keep her breathing. Otherwise… Lily dies.
"What have you been doing about her voice? It seems to me that you're continuing to try and bury her."
"… Because she…" Lily bit her lip.
"What is she to you, Lily? Do you remember her? Remember her voice? Her appearance? Memories you shared with her?"
Lily said nothing. She turned around. "I have to go. We are on a time limit."
"Just want to give you one last bit of advice…. Don't shut her out… If you truly want to move on and be better? You have to accept her as well… she is apart of you now." Ozpin said, wanting to give her some advice from his own experiences of this. Even if they're not fully the same, they do share that similarity now.
The Rider ignored him but briefly and joined the others in their daunting task.
XXX
Ruby fidgeted nervously during the flight. Her silver eyes would occasionally peek at Lily who was busy on the controls of the amphibious. Given its name, it was able to travel underwater and in the air. They weren't underwater mind you but there was still unease.
One, this was something they can die from and not come back alive.
Two, Lily was here.
Three, her teammates stared at Lily's back.
Four… well, she prayed they survive this.
Both Ruby and Yang couldn't go with calling their father about this. They knew how he'd react and seeing his faces and his words would only make it hurt more for them to leave. The young sister hugged Yang as she returned it, both praying this wouldn't be their last day together.
Weiss was looking at the video of Winter that her sister sent her. Tears also in her eyes as Winter was giving her a message both of them needed to hear. Winter was so proud of Weiss for her wanting to be more than just another Schnee name. Even more so when standing up to Faust too. All of the troubles and turmoil they had due to their family was now under the bridge, as they only both hope they can see each other again in person.
As for Blake, the Faunus only had a letter made. But refused to send it until they know that they won't be returning. She still worried that her family disowned her after deciding to stay with Adam. Worried that they too won't accept her back. She gave every ounce of her thoughts on that letter, and asked Ozpin to send it to her family, should the mission truly fail. Her only regret is that she couldn't be with them one last time.
Finally, for Cody. The young rider was looking at a new weapon. Penny delivered it to him right before they left. Pietro made it for him, in hopes of granting him a new power, but the scientist couldn't create a power source that can wield it properly. So instead, it remains as a weapon. A knuckle, to be precise, one that when inserted his Dragon Fullbottle, will grant him a powerful punch to be used.
Penny even gave the boy a hug… a reminder that no matter what, she sees him as a friend as well. Even more so…. A brother. He fought back his tears again, as for once he had a family to return to now. He won't let this be their last mission. He'll make sure everyone is saved and makes it out in time. For this, is his vow. Eden and Evol will fall on this day, and he'll make sure of it.
Cody then felt a hand on his own, making him look up to Yang who had a soft smile on her face. He smiled back at her, as he hugged the fellow blonde.
"Yang… thank you for believing in me…. I owe you so much for sticking to me, even when I didn't want you to." He thanked the busty brawler for her support.
"Hey we're friends aren't we?"
All eyes went to Lily who was busy before she flipped a few panels, rotating them. Then she pressed a key, allowing the group to notice the border of Vale, the forests still spread across the terrain.
"We are here."
"Where? I see trees."
Lily conjured a screen and swiped it towards them, becoming five screens that displayed the forest but when the spectrum changed, it revealed a massive single-floor building. "The reason why no one ever detected this base is because the ones who patrol this area are Faust' agents. Better to say lies than confirmation of such a sight."
"If we weren't fighting these monsters… I'd honestly think this technology could do Remnant good…" Weiss noted with some awe, earning the looks of the others. "What? You can't deny that they have some cool stuff! We are in a freaking ship that also goes underwater! Big shields, machines that act on their own accord better than the AKs. They even made a whole continent that was in the middle of Remnant come back up from the depths!"
"I think she's more jealous about you two having the armor than she realizes." Yang said with a smirk.
"I am not jealous!"
"Didn't you draw some kind of armor suit with your face on it?" Ruby pointed out.
"Ruby, how could you?!"
"Sorry!"
Lily glanced at the bickering then at the descent of the ship. The trees began to fade, revealing a hatch that began to open.
"Won't they suspect us?"
"This ship was to be brought for maintenance. They don't realize the rest of you are here aside from me. Just let me focus right now…" The hatch closed above them as the ship deactivated. She removed the straps and walked. Flicking her hands, her Semblance created five devices for them. "This will keep you guys hidden but only for a short time."
"What is the plan, then?" Blake asked.
"Target the Nebula tanks. But I recommend you reverse its flow into the main power. It will cause a malfunction and render this base into oblivion."
"Like blown up?"
"No. Oblivion as in the reaction of energy will cause a situation where this will be a perfectly shaped crater."
"… Y-You mean it will be swallowed through zero matter?!"
"Yes."
"So this literally could become a suicide mission, even if we're caught…" Weiss grimaced.
"I warned you all of it and you agreed to it."
"We know… Just didn't expect us to possibly get sucked into a black hole was one of the death options.."
"Where does the Nebula stuff come from anyway?" Ruby asked. "Remnant solely has dust."
"Evol."
"Eh?"
"Lord Evol created it himself as the Nebula was from his world since its compounds are not found here."
"Are you telling us this Nebula is… chemicals from space?!" The heiress gawked.
"… That's one way to put it." Lily shrugged.
Ruby soon began to snicker, trying to hold back her own laughs. "Cody and Lily took in space farts…"
"Quiet you!" Weiss exclaimed.
"Girls, let's just do what Lily advised us. We have literally 12 hours before Evol activates the box." Cody looked to Lily as he nodded, "Lead us the way then, Lily…"
"Of course."
"Are you sure we can trust her, Cody?" Yang whispered. "I know she is helping but… she…"
"I do." He turned to the girls, "Believe in her, as you believe in me. We have come this far… we can't turn back now."
Team RWBY looked at one another and nodded.
XXX
The infiltrating went smoother than expected. With Lily busy with her own tasks, the others were sneaking into the fuel chambers. Cody remembered well from this place. The feeling of the odd chemical being pumped into the chamber he was in, feeling weird and different as it changed his body completely into what it is now.
"So… how do we reverse the flow?" Weiss questioned.
"Can't we just hit its valves until it can't pump anymore?" Yang shrugged.
"Not unless you wanna turn into a monster." Cody sighed, "Gimme a second… I'll try to get the controls to work…" He said as he went over to the control panel, trying to remember back on those days when they used him for it. The memories of the pain and anguish he felt either when he went in obediently or by force, his body shivering from those memories flooding back in. His fingers trembled but a hand rested on his shoulder, making him glance at Yang. Looking at the screen he took a deep breath and remembered the buttons they pressed.
[WARNING: REVERSING FLOW WILL CREATE GRAVITATIONAL IMPLOSION. DO NOT PROCEED FURTHER INPUT]
"Yeah, not happening… I can't wait to blow this place up." Cody frowned, proceeding with the reverse flow, but placed an unremovable timer on it, this way they had time to find the others, save them, and escape. "Alright, timer set. We have an hour to find the kidnapped people and get them all out of here."
[WARNING: QUARANTINE CELL UNLOCKED. BE ADVISED: SUBJECT LEVEL - LOST.]
"That's not a good sign…" Weiss grimaced.
"Why did it do that?!" Yang exclaimed.
"I-It wasn't supposed to! The only way for that place to open is if…" Cody trailed off and gasped. "DAMN IT!"
"What?"
"Lily! She must be after the one person she hated the most as I did!"
"That must mean…"
"Beta is here!"
XXX
Beta rolled across the ground, coughing and vomiting upon the thrashing Lily gave her. At first it puzzled her as to why 932 released her… only to beat the hell out of her.
"Y-You… little…. You won't get away with this, 932…." Beta hissed in pain.
"They won't know it was me, Beta." Lily drawled. "After 12 years being toyed with by your so-called affection. You… always made me sick!" She kicked her.
"I was… helping you… You were my children… and children like you needed to be punished…" Beta said, giving a wicked smile, full of evil, "You were just too worthless for me to notice… Unlike 931."
Lily scowled and relentlessly punched Beta again and again, blood staining her fist. "You only saw him as a guinea pig because you discovered he was Evol's son! Alpha… that asshole deserved to die for the leers he sent me. All of you Council members are just monsters in human flesh!"
"We were meant to be gods! You were just tools for that goal!" Beta hissed.
"You want what it means to be amongst gods?" Magic appeared in Lily's hand. "I'll give you one!" She slammed lightning against Beta's chest, shocking the woman who began to scream in agony. "How is it, Beta? How is it mother to feel the power the gods' gift was left to me?!"
Beta continued to scream but Lily could only grin. She was relishing in seeing the woman who tormented them writhe in pain. 12 years of torture. She was about to continue to torture Beta but was pulled away. At first she thought it was a Guardian but it was actually Cody.
"Lily, please stop!" Cody pleaded to her, a look of worry on his face.
"Let go, Cody!" Lily yanked her arm away but Cody tugged her. "You know as much as I do she deserves it! Just as you did to the other Council Members who became Lost Smash!"
"I know that. But not this way. You're just going back to how you were. You're better than this, Lily! We have a more important job to do, than to waste it on scum like her."
The bluenette glared angrily at Beta as Cody held her arm.
"You started helping me, Lily. Don't turn back now… please."
Beta grunted, spitting a tooth out while her muscles beneath her skin were tingling from the agony. "Go on… kill me you brat. You will just be the machine you became… just a dead girl walking… go on… DO IT!"
Lily's eyes flared and yelled, raising her blade and brought it down.
… But it did not impale Beta. It impaled the collar of her fatigues.
"Wha… KILL ME YOU BITCH!"
Lily stared, "I promised Crystal, that I will stop thinking as a killing machine… but as the human I was. I'm no longer the killer you groomed me to be." She made the blade of magic vanish. "You can rot with this place as your grave."
"Rot…? You want me to die here… after everything I've been doing?!" Beta began to cackle. "Then if that is what you want from me…" She raised the Lost Fullbottle. "We go together!" Twisting it, black smoke shrouded her body and dispersed into the Lost Smash.
[WARNING: HAZARD LEVELS IN VICINITY RISING]
"And together, we will go to hell!" Her body blew steam, no doubt the rise of her Hazard.
"As much as we need to go… I think she just raised the alarm." Cody noted due to Beta's change into the Lost Smash. "Ready Lily?"
"For once…? Yes…"
The two riders soon held up their drivers, strapping the belts onto them as they inserted their bottles, ready to change and fight.
They raised their respective Bottles before readying their stances. "Henshin!"
DRAGON IN CROSS-Z CHARGE!
BATENGINE!
Cross-Z summoned his wrist blade whereas Mad Rogue brandished her Steamgun and technoblade.
"Let's dance." The two rushed towards the Lost Smash who cackled in delight. The Scissors Lost Smash leapt with great force, tackling the duo out the quarantine chamber, through the wall, and into the familiar meeting room, rolling down the stairs and landing on the cold steel floors. The meeting room itself became a makeshift arena.
"If I can beat you two and bring your heads to Lord Evol, then I can remain! Then I can show my new children the same love I showed you two…"
"Like hell you will!" Cross-Z lunged, delivering the first blow but not before feeling the blades of her arms strike his midsection.
"Oh trust me! I will! I truly can't wait to rip and tear you two into shreds!"
The next attack was parried by Mad Rogue's technoblade and pelted a few rounds into the Smash. Footsteps echoed and Cross-Z saw the small mob of Guardians. "Crap."
"I'll deal with the Guardians! Take care of Beta in the meantime, Cody!" The Bat Rider created a few claws that grabbed the magic swords she created. She commanded their assault, allowing the blades to attack the robots with herself fighting off the machines.
"You got it!" Cross-Z understood and blocked the next attack. He grunted as the collision was a struggle for him.
Beta glared at the rider, "To think, you'd become such a disappointment, 931… After all of the love I gave you."
"You gave me no love. The only person who ever did was my real mother and Lily!"
"She was worthless… a Faust defect. The only good thing she did was make you for Lord Evol to use. I only wished she became one of my experiments to see you die now."
Cross-Z felt a knee to his stomach, making him buckle before Scissors hoisted him up and kicked him into the two chairs. "For defects deserve to be guinea pigs!"
The Smash gathered energy in its limbs, becoming sharper by the second before molding into an orb. She laughed and launched it directly at the blonde.
Suddenly Cross-Z saw Mad Rogue as she shoved him away, the orb of energy blasting her to the wall. The impact and power knocked the girl against the steel wall, denting it before her body collapsed.
"LILY!"
Cross-Z tried to run to her but Scissors got in his way. "Failed to save someone yet again, 931." She mocked. "Instead she protected you just as she always did for you."
Cross-Z steadied himself, now wary. Beta was getting stronger because of her Hazard. What can he do?
XXX
"Wake up…"
Lily's eyes fluttered open, seeing the black petals floating away. The girl grunted and sat up, seeing the familiar meadow but all of its flourishing white flowers were black as the night, wilted and lost their vibrancy. Only one glowing white flower remained.
"I'm back here again?" Lily looked around. She slowly approached the flower, witnessing its color and glow fading. A memory flashed in her mind the moment she touched it.
The area shifted and Lily saw her younger self, dressed in dirty rags and her long yet wild hair still obscuring her right eye like it was still doing now
She searched through the garbage for any food but the loud growl of her stomach only gave evidence of her starvation. The young Lily held her stomach before she hid when people walked by. Looking at the food stalls her eyes watered to all the delicious food Mistralians had to offer. Alas… she has no money.
But then… saw something that felt like a fairy tale. A very beautiful woman with flowing silver hair that could be mistaken as the moonlight that fluttered by her grace. A golden metal bracelet hugged her wrist and her eyes were like shining emeralds. Her skin was a bright color. Her garbs were fully and completely black that was almost gothic in design but the way she walked and moved with grace spoke otherwise. Her right shoulder and arm was covered in silver armor whereas a black cloak rested over the left shoulder, embroided with silver markings. Her long thigh-high boots hugged her agile legs while the skirt was long in the back and somewhat short in the front. The torso was shrouded in black too but left a small portion of her skin exposed.
Young Lily could see men ogle at her goddess-like beauty. The weapon she carried was two swords on her hips. And by brothers, there was a huge katana on her back. A master of three swords?
The woman also had a black choker around her neck. Lily stared as the woman spoke to the stall owner. The man didn't even argue nor protest on the deal the woman made. The words were sharp. Her honesty was untainted. As if she was a walking saint in black. Her stomach growled again, making Lily stare at the cooked sandwich that was provided to the woman who gave a courtesy bow of gratitude. Like a bow a princess would do.
Unable to resist, Lily watched the woman walk away before moving and 'bump' into her all the while stealing the bag of the sandwich. Burying herself into the alley, Lily licked her lips to the delicious sandwich she stole.
"I knew I was right." Lily tensed and slowly turned around to notice the silver-haired woman staring down at her. Lily's fight or flight responses hit, as she attempted to run, but the lady stopped her.
"Hey, hey! It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you." The woman whispered, kneeling down to her level. "That isn't who I am."
"A-Am I… in trouble?"
The woman tapped her chin and tilted her head. "Hmm…. And what was it that made you think that?"
"I-I…" Lily raised the sandwich. "I'm sorry… I'm just… I just want to eat delicious food."
The woman stared before shaking her head, pushing the bagged sandwich back to her. The street child looked at her in disbelief; the silver-haired lady was allowing her to have it.
"Go ahead and take it, little one. It'll do more good for you, than it does me." She gently pushed herself up to stand.
"Y-You… you mean it?" Lily looked at the woman, shocked from her kindness. All the adults would drag her after taking from them. They would always yell at her, calling her thief. Rat. The little bot due to her Semblance she awakened so early.
The pure silver-haired Huntress rested a hand close to her chest. "You have my word."
From there it felt like fate. Day after day, the young Lily would find the silver maiden people call her. Some call her a Saint Huntress. The black swordswoman. A Moonlight Warrior due her hair that looked like the actual moonlight.
The maiden had begun to show her tricks, telling her stories that were fairy tales. Like the Saint of Eden. The Silver Lines that take of a warrior who fought tirelessly, never giving up. Carrying three swords. One being a large katana in which the child Lily once commented if the woman was like that girl in the story.
Day by day she felt so happy.
The teenage Lily witnessed the memory shift into that day.
The silver-haired woman in black was in the midst of fighting a familiar armored figure in red. Her emerald eyes are full of unwavering determination and fury against the snake, Evol.
The young Lily was hiding behind a garbage can and secretly watched the maiden release indescribable power that didn't look like a Semblance. Like it was from a fairy tale.
"Still as annoying as ever, Vernage… How many more times will I have to kill you until you finally stay dead?"
"Not until you are gone from this planet for everything you destroyed! For everything you poisoned!" She raised her two blades but the twin weapons shattered upon Blood Stark's kick.
Vernage skidded but not before she reached to her back and procured the large katana-like weapon. The hilt gleamed in yellow before she dashed forward, striking him with her beloved blade.
The snake crashed into the stalls before Vernage unleashed a blast of lightning. Smoke and fire erupted and she waited. Suddenly a sharp sensation sliced through her arm, causing her to gasp in pain, stumbling.
"As the phrasing always goes… 'Never back up a snake in a corner.'." Evol snickered as a tendril raced back into the alien's body. He struck her with his alien poison… again.
The maiden staggered but the young Lily frantically got in between, spreading her thin arms in an attempt to protect the older woman. The lifeform cocked an eyebrow.
"Leave her alone!" Evol chuckled from the little human's attempt to protect her.
"Well, look at this, Vernage! A pet… how endearing… you normally would be alone and never be attached because of your devoted mission."
"She… has nothing… to do with this…" Vernage cringed in pain.
"Tomato, tomató." Evol heard a clink and looked down to see a ball. Plucking it, he pointed at it while looking at the girl. "What the heck is this supposed to be?"
The tiny orb hissed before it released a tar-like substance on his face. The lifeform grabbed but it was sticky that it glued his hands to his face. He tugged and tugged until he slipped from the fruits.
Vernage grunted and picked Lily up after sheathing her treasured weapon, running.
The maiden ran and ran, feeling Lily clutching onto her. Her brain was becoming numb by the ongoing loss of blood, her Aura trying to repair the missing limb as her magic worked on the poison working in her system.
"Come on! I know a place we can hide!" Lily said to the maiden, pointing to a direction.
The reincarnate grunted again and moved. Her steps slowed down before falling to her knees and releasing Lily. The young street orphan pulled Vernage but couldn't. "Y-You have to get up! Please!"
"Go Lily… just run…"
"No! Not without—" Vernage's eyes widened in horror when a sharp lance pierced the young girl. Lily slowly collapsed and dropped dead right before her eyes.
"Now that wasn't a nice thing to do, brat…" Evol hissed, as he began to walk towards the two girls.
Vernage grabbed her blade but she wasn't fast enough to feel the lance pierce her too. It was yanked from her torso before Vernage fell beside Lily. Her emerald eyes began to lose its radiance but her eyes couldn't move away from the sight of the child. Such a young girl who had to live in the streets until she became her happiness.
With the remaining strength left in her, she shakingly pressed her forehead against the child's own. 'I give my life unto thee…' she whispered. 'For my soul bindeth thee...'
Her life gleamed before a small glowing orb left Vernage's body and slowly hovered into Lily. The gaping wound began to meld together, bone and flesh stitching together as the destroyed organs regrew within. With it, Vernage's body became limp and with it revealing the reality to Lily.
Vernage left her body and into her, reviving her.
Tears began to swell in her lilac eyes, her hand resting on the cross-shaped scar beneath her outfit. She was dead but brought back because of her.
"Do you remember me…?"
Lily sniffled before nodding.
"Say my name."
"Vernage… the one who had always protected me when I was in the streets…"
"I was…" Vernage smiled, "I knew I couldn't stay around others long, in fear of them getting in the crossfire… But… with you? I just couldn't leave you. To be honest, if I had one more day? I would've adopted you."
Lily cried her heart out when Vernage hugged her.
Starting from the last white flower, the wilted meadow suddenly flourished with its bright white colors.
"I'm here for you, Lily."
"I… I'm so…" Lily choked up on her tears and emotions boiling out. Wanting so much to say and apologize for, yet Vernage simply hugged and comforted the girl.
"I know… It's okay… I forgive you, my little flower." Vernage smiled softly, "But right now… you must wake up. You still have a duty now. Go… help Cody and do as I have done. I will assist when the time is right."
"Will… Will I see you again?" Lily asked her.
"You will upon our confrontation with Evol. I promise."
White petals dancer around them, shrouding Lily.
XXX
A blast of wind hurled the Lost Smash away, making Cross-Z look to see Mad Rogue awake. Her visor showing the emerald green hues of her eyes behind the mask, as she launched a powerful gust to throw Beta off of the dragon rider.
"Lily…?" He got out, surprised by this.
"I'm better than ever… Cody." Mad Rogue took a step before she dashed with wind. The Scissors Lost Smash staggered but felt a burning fist driving straight into her abdomen.
Beta gasped painfully from the blow, before a bolt of thunder was unleashed upon the Lost Smash, causing the enemy to cry out in pain from the magical attack.
Cross-Z took this opportunity to take out the Magma Knuckle, inserting his Dragon Fullbottle within it before he pressed the center button and rushed in.
BOTTLE BURN!
As Beta finally got hold of their bearings, they soon see the Dragon Rider racing towards them. The Lost Smash sent out several scissors to slash and push the rider back but a gale of wind knocked them out. Mad Rogue was using her magic to protect Cross-Z so he can deliver a powerful blow.
As more scissors and wind clashed, the rider got close before he reeled his fist back, before slamming the knuckle weapon into the face of Beta, unleashing the built up fiery punch onto the enemy.
VOLCANIC KNUCKLE!
ACHAAAAAA!
A powerful burst of blue fire erupted from the hit, sending Beta flying into the wall, embedding her in it and weakening her as sparks broke off of her armored body.
"That… was for everyone you killed…. Beta." Cross-Z panted from the blow, feeling an aftershock of the attack as his arm that used the weapon and attack, shivered from it. Pietro was right… It needed something else to power it, otherwise it's backlash could make him lose a limb.
"I was… supposed to… live…" the Lost Smash fell and exploded, her body dissolving into the Lost Bottle.
Mad Rogue panted and took a deep breath. "That leaves one last-" Cross-Z hugged Mad Rogue tightly, surprising the latter.
"I was scared I lost you again…" his voice shook from worry.
Mad Rogue raised her hand slightly before moving it and patted his helmet. "Let's regroup with your friends."
"Right."
XXX
"Are you sure it's this way?" Weiss asked, as the four girls were asked by Cody to go off in the other direction and follow a certain path to find the cells of the kidnapped people, but it seems they may have gotten lost.
"I-I think so?" Ruby stuttered.
"Let's just hurry because we are on a timer."
"Yang's right we-" Blake paused as her bow twitched.
"Blake?"
They saw her gaze turn in which they followed her sights and saw a line of Guardians with their rifles, jogging to the left hall as if something got their attention but the second line caught sight of the four.
"Intruders by East Wing of Cells. All available units: Reconvene to location." Aside from the warning sirens, the alert of intruders rang across the facility.
"Seriously?!" Weiss gawked.
"Guess we're going to have to fight our way through!" Yang frowned, reading herself to fight.
"Yang there are more of them than us!"
"I know that! But Cody asked us to help find the cells. We can't just stop now!"
The Guardians stood in formation, aiming their rifles. With no cover for the girls, they were in a chokehold of the line of fire.
Just as they were about to fire a burst of violet aura shrouded their metal body and slammed them into the ceiling until they were flattened. They turned their heads to see Cody and Lily, as the violet aura was around Lily's hand.
"You girls okay?" Cody asked them, looking worried.
"We're alive, thank Brothers. How did…"
Lily rubbed her arm. "I've learned a few more methods of magic from her…"
"From… who?" Ruby questioned.
"I'll… explain later… right now we have 20 minutes before the facility begins to crumble and then become nothing."
"Are we even going to make it?!" Weiss got out, scared for her life now.
"You do realize we are 2 minutes from the cell block."
"Then let's hurry." Blake stated as the group headed off to the cell block.
The jog didn't even take long but the girls slowly looked over the railing, seeing a massive arc-shaped area filled with numbers. They made it to the cell block.
"By Brothers, how many have been staying here…?"
"… Too many for as long as we remember.."
"I remember Beta mentioning if they had more time? They literally could hold an entire continent's worth of people here and still have more room to spare…" Cody grimaced, a frown of disgust on his face.
"How many are here now?"
"400 are currently here. The others had been transported elsewhere."
"Dammit…" Cody growled. "At least we're taking out one base."
"How can we get those doors open though?"
"As vice commander I still have authorization over the system behind Evol." Lily explained. "If I can get to the Control room I can disengage the locks on all the doors, freeing the kids they took in and adults they kidnapped."
They lost their balance upon the rumbling, making them look up to see fragments of burning debris raining down.
"We gotta make it fast!"
The group nodded as Cody and Lily bolted to the control room, however the raining debris destroyed the bridge leading to the control center. "Crap!"
Lily looked around before seeing the protrusion above. "Blake right?" She recalled, earning a nod. "I need you to use your weapon to line up onto that beam!" She then looked at the others. "You four can guide the children and adults once Blake and I open the doors!"
"Be careful, you two!" Yang said to them, as she was worried for her partner but will trust in Lily, as did Cody.
Blake twirled her weapon before throwing it. At first she thought it would miss but the Rider used her magic and it made the blade coil correctly onto the beam. With the ribbon, she and Blake swung across the burning bridge and rolled across the metal floor. "You okay?" The bluenette asked the Faunus.
"I'm fine, let's hurry this up before they send anyone." Blake responded to her.
Entering the control room, the two saw the machines who quickly grabbed their guns but the weapons were yanked into Blake's and Lily's hands. The two machines looked at each other then at the duo but were met with a blade across their metal necks, decapitating them.
Lily tapped the keys before looking at Blake. "I need you to go to that side and on three, we twist the ignition switch."
Blake nodded and jogged over to the other panel.
"One!" Their hands gripped the keys. "Two!" They were set. "Three!"
With a twist of the keys, the holographic lights presented a notification.
WARNING: CELLS 1600-2000 HAVE BEEN UNLOCKED.
One by one they watched the cells open, making the rest of Team RWBY and Cody witness children varying ages 5-17 peeking from the opened cells. A few adults saw the doors open.
"We're here to get you out of here. Come on!" Cody called out to the people. Hoping his words will reach them and they believe the group that they can finally be freed.
"Come on!" Ruby tried to gesture them out. "You guys are free!" The four saw how hesitant they were to leave their cells. "They're scared…"
"Because anyone here who leaves risks being captured and turned into Smash…" Cody murmured.
"Everyone listen to them!" Cody looked back to Lily. "You all may believe that freedom isn't real but it is! Look at Cody, 931! Me, 932! We are proof that we are finding freedom! If Faust wants to take you back…" her fingers curled. "What right is there if we just stand around?! We are human beings! We are not slaves to those like Evol! We are all humans! For there is Glory to mankind!"
There was silence but a child who looked to be 10 sniffled. "I-I want to go! I want to see my mom and dad!"
Voices began to echo. Team RWBY and the two experiments began to hear the chorus of agreements. The echoes of freedom.
"Then go with them! Let your wings fly free! Just as I have!" Lily shouted.
The few adults began to help the children exit the cells but with haste. Team RWBY began to assist, gesturing to the hall.
"Ruby! I need you and your sister to guide them to the North hall before the Guardians catch up!" Lily advised. "Blake, Weiss, protect the civilians from the rear!"
Cody smiled, "You girls heard her! Let's get these people out of here!"
The bursts of flames was enough evidence for them to follow the formation. Group after group they followed, allowing the two former experiments to follow after them. Just as they were passing the last cluster of cells, a rapid tapping reached Cody's ears. He slowed down, making Lily look behind her. "Cody, why are you stopping!?"
Cody looked to his left and rushed ahead the tapping occurred again. He stopped and felt his mind have a flashback to the numbers he saw.
Cell 1931/1932.
He gripped the metal door and pulled but the sparks was enough to show the problem. Lily caught up to him but saw what he was doing. "Cell 1931/1932 can't open! It's jammed!"
Lily looked at the door then at Cody. She stood next to him, channeling her magic. The metal door creaked loudly until it was finally shoved aside. The light glimmered and the two saw two kids who clutched each other in fear when they saw him and Lily. Their hair was disheveled and dirty, their bright blue eyes looking up at the two. One was a boy and the other a girl, both looked no older than four and five years of age. Both held resemblances.
The girl hugged her brother tightly.
"It's okay. You're safe." Cody consoled the two. He paused when he noticed the boy had cloth wrapped over his left eye and sniffled with a sneeze. A fever no doubt. "Don't you two want to leave this scary place?" The girl frantically bobbed her head. "Then let us help you. Okay?"
He extended his hand to the two. The siblings nervously looked at each other then at him. The duo ran around Cody and clutched onto Lily's legs. He chuckled slightly but the good thing was they were convinced. Another explosion erupted, scaring the two children.
"We gotta hurry. We are running out of time."
Lily picked up the two and nodded in agreement. The duo ran and ran, their minds replaying the day that changed them. The memories of them escaping long ago, the possibility of fresh air once more and the freedom from this torture.
They wobbled when another explosion erupted. Crossing the northern bridge of the facility, another tremor caused more debris to rain down. Lily gasped and tossed the two children to Cody who caught them when the bridge broke. "Lily!"
She avoided the raining metal and flames before she jumped. Just as she thought the edge was in reach, her fingers couldn't reach. Her eyes widened.
Just as Lily was about to fall, an arm grabbed hold of her. It was at that moment, it felt like she and Cody were kids again. As if it was a path if they truly escaped… together.
"I'm not leaving you behind this time, Lily!" Cody grunted, pulling her up.
Lily looked up at Cody, her mind racing to the memories. She wanted to speak but more explosions were occuring.
[WARNING: GRAVITATIONAL IMPLOSION IN T-MINUS 5 MINUTES]
"Talk later, escape now." Cody said to her.
She nodded before she picked up the siblings and they ran. Entering the hangar, they saw the others. "Guys!" The blonde noticed.
"The ship!" Yang pointed at the ruined amphibious. "We can't leave without a ship!"
"What are we going to do?!" Weiss exclaimed.
Murmurs echoed all around in fear.
Cody chewed his lip in conflict. How were they going to escape?
A ring suddenly echoed, making Cody blink. He patted his pockets before feeling the Scroll. He rapidly pulled if and saw it was Penny. "Penny can't talk right now!"
"Is there a switch?"
"Eh?"
"There's a surprise! Can you open the metal doors on the floor I'm looking at?"
"Was that Penny?" Ruby overheard.
"She… said about a metal door on the… floor…" Everyone looked up, realizing the landing bay hatch that leads outside.
Lily caught on to the implication. "You don't think…?"
"One way to find out." Cody looked to his right and hit the switch. The panels slid open but with trouble but it finally opened, revealing Penny who flew down and landed.
"Salutations!"
"Penny?! W-What are you doing here!?"
"Up!" She pointed upward. Looking up again, everyone gasped to Atlas airships and in one of them was Winter.
"Everyone get one! We're leaving this hell hole." Winter shouted to everybody.
The airships descended, causing the children and adults to rush into the airships. Lily and Cody were the last two but when Lily looked back, she saw a shade of Night Rogue. It stared at her before it walked into the flames, signaling she was no longer the killing machine she was. To finally run for her freedom.
"Lily?" Cody called to her, worried from seeing her look back to the flames.
"It's nothing… Just seeing my old fears finally die." Lily turned back, giving him a brightful smile as they boarded the ship.
The small fleet of Atlas airships finally took off and left. As they finally reached past the forest, a loud explosion erupted, causing the group to look back as they see the base crumbling. The illusion tech fading out as the base began to dent, reshape and collapse in on itself before a black sphere erupted from beneath it, only to fade away as the base and area it took hold of, was now gone from their sight.
"Th-That's… what Zero Matter does?" Winter uttered.
"Imagine once Evol obtains his power of said capability to eat the world." Lily murmured, earning loud gulps from Team RWBY.
"I'm more confused as to why you are all here? How did you even get here?" Cody looked to Penny. "We never told you we were by the border of Vale."
"Father found something from your Sclash Driver!" Penny beamed, "He discovered a certain data box within it and linked it to your other driver. Only to see it connected through by some odd energy, similar to the signals for when Smash comes forth or you two transform."
"Data box?"
"Mhm! Father realized then and there that we have a backdoor to work against Faust's tech!"
"Until Evol finds out given his quick work."
"… That is right!"
"Which is at this moment." Lily snorted.
"Poo."
Cody pondered for a moment, "I still think with that discovery… You guys could make a new advancement against them. While it won't fully stop their attacks and hacks, it could still render them immobile for a bit, for you to stop them."
"It won't." Cody looked at Lily. "Evol is smarter than Pietro and Watts. Given how long he lived, it won't take long until he patches it up, which he can do in seconds."
"But would it work against his driver?" Weiss spoke up.
"It won't as I just said." Her eyes trailed.
"But you have a copy of his driver, no?" Blake spoke up, "Couldn't we examine it and find some weakness?"
"Unless you want Evol to knock on your door."
"We already took down one of his bases. I say, we're still in his sights." Yang noted.
"And I am excited for it!"
Everyone quickly looked around before seeing a teal snake dangling on the metal ceiling. Its eyes glowing slightly. "You clearly lit up the fireworks. I watched the whole thing and man it felt like straight out of a movie."
"… You let them back track the signal to pick us up." Lily realized.
"Yup. I'm not stupid to notice someone peeking in on my technology." The snake 'shrugged'.
"Why?! Why are you just toying with us?" Cody hissed, ready to just lunge and punch the small snake.
"Why? For my entertainment, of course!" Evol's voice laughed through the snake, "It'd be so boring to just sneak around and eat a planet. I wanna work for my meal. I want to see how you all handle against something as destructive as a black hole! I want to have fun, and you lot and this world? Are so far the best entertainment I've had in eons."
The snake slithered until it landed on Lily's shoulders. "And I saw the gleam in her eyes. She is awake isn't she, bat-chan?"
Lily stared before she yanked the snake and glared, "I know you were the reason I died. She is the reason I am alive, not because of you. You butchered us."
"And yet, I kept you around. No? You still serve some purpose for me, Bat-chan. Enjoy my belt because when you and my kiddo come see me, I look forward to a talk with dear Vernage."
"What are you talking about?"
"You two can waltz in and get to see my grand construction of the walls. Don't worry you will get front row seats because I will be waiting for you two. Well, three because of Vernage who is within you."
"It's that close to being completed?" Weiss gasped.
"Maybe. Maybe not." Its tongue flickered. "Be ready Cody. Lily. For there is more to it than just the Sky Wall I have planned." The snake faded away in mist with laughter.
Cody growled, looking to Penny for a moment, "I hope we can figure something out to smash that snake in the ground for good… Cause I'm so tired of him."
"Duly noted."
"Um, Lily," Ruby spoke up. "What did he mean by Vernage within you? That you are alive because of her when you… died?"
Lily lowered her head. "… I'll tell you everything about it… once Cody and I stop Evol."
"And we will show that punk who is boss." Cody couldn't agree more with her.
Their fight with Evol was finally approaching.
XXX
A/N: Another one to talk about! Now, this one is of course planned. In order to truly get the people to safety, both Cody and Lily had to do it with RWBY to free them. Not only to finally put their demons to rest but also to move forward. Many of the experiments who had family will def return to them, while the ones who have none and were abandoned will be given a chance. Of course that'll be shown later.
The biggest thing was not only Lily's finally freeing herself from Evol's influence and fear, but also them saving two experiments that are basically reflections of Cody and Lily. The number's they have say it all. They're meant to represent the two riders but more pure and connected than the currant ones.
Though No.1931 is def meant to also represent a bit of myself IRL. The cloth over the eye representing how I'm blind in one eye. Thought it'd be an interesting detail to have about it.
But with that said, more will be revealed soon. until then, later minna!