A.N: Here we go, the awaited showdown between Hansel and his big tormentor throughout the investigation arc. Hope everyone enjoys it.
Chapter 40: Mightier Than the Sword
As the early hours of Friday dragged on, the events leading up to what would become known as the Charge Against Atlas suddenly began to take place. First there were four maximum security prisons on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Atlas. Just past midnight, these four prisons suddenly received reports that a single individual was approaching the prison walls.
Then, five hours later, a barely awake James Ironwood, who was enjoying morning coffee to get himself fully perked up for the day, suddenly received a call. He recognized the number. It was Colonel Ombias 'Omby' Green, one of Ironwood's top field commanders.
The Atlesian General immediately perked up at the sight of the name and number on the caller id. "What is it, Omby?" Ironwood asked.
"General, there's been an incident involving several of our maximum security prisons."
That was not the news that James Ironwood needed this morning. "How bad?" He asked.
"Four prison populations have been cleaned out entirely. And the constant snowstorms last night have completely covered any tracks. I'm having my soldiers try and find some sort of trail, but we're not having any success."
"Any survivors? What about the guards? What about the wardens? Each warden was an A-Class fighter." Ironwood pointed out. "How could all four prisons have been wiped out so easily?"
Ironwood could practically hear Green pause, struggling to say what was next. "One survivor, General." Green revealed. "The rest were found slashed, stabbed and smashed to pieces. It wasn't a Grimm attack. People did this, General. People orchestrated this breakout."
Ironwood's expression stiffened at this. Was it Salem? No, this was far too 'loud' for someone like her. Then the only other evil organization that had the guts to pull something like this was Gray Jackal. And it was actually Gray Jackal that made the most sense.
As Ironwood thought it over, he thought about everything that could have led up to this moment. Hansel Kobalt arrived here at Atlas nearly a week ago to investigate Gray Jackal's secret activities. Then he had managed to kill an elusive serial killer, who was later discovered to have been working for Gray Jackal, per Winter and Hansel's report. And now, a massive series of prison breaks had been perpetrated all across the outskirts of Atlas and Mantle.
Ironwood did not have to be a genius to know that all of this was connected. Not that he blamed Hansel for this. If anything, he was tempted not to inform Hansel about all of this because he knew Hansel would blame himself for this happening. However, Ironwood knew he would have to inform Hansel if his theory was correct and Gray Jackal was responsible.
First thing's first though: he had to go and survey this situation himself. He also had to interview the lone survivor himself, and confirm his theory. If Gray Jackal really is responsible for this...then they need to have their threat level elevated, maybe even on the level of Salem herself.
Ironwood shuddered at the thought of what else came to his mind. And gods forbid if the two groups teamed up. I'm not sure if Remnant could hope to win if we were placed in a situation such as that.
"I'm on my way, Green." Ironwood told him. "I need to see this for myself."
One hour later, Specialist Kelly Kay was finishing up a morning workout in preparation for his match with Hansel Kobalt. He took a moment to examine his twin pistols, Blood Keys to make sure they were both in tip-top shape. He's mostly known for his swordsmanship, so I can't let him get anywhere near me. Kelly noted to himself. But those Purgatorial Flames get rid of any weakness to long-range he would have.
I'm going to have to really rely on my Semblance for this fight.
Then, much to Kay's surprise, someone knocked on his door. Kay raised an eyebrow. He rarely got visits so early in the morning. He opened the door and saw the most unlikely of guests: Trypan Moon, who was carrying a briefcase. "May I come in, Specialist Kay?" Moon requested in an eerily calm tone of voice.
Kay raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Can't see any harm in it." He admitted before standing off to the side. "Come in, Doc."
Moon walked inside and placed his briefcase on the table. Kay's gaze was drawn to the black briefcase. "Okay, clearly you've got something for me." He rolled his eyes. "What have you got in there, Doc?"
Moon let out a chuckle as he began to unclip each lock on the briefcase. "A little bird told me you're going up against the Blue Demon today."
Kay stiffened at the mention of Hansel. "Yeah, I've got a match with him, what about it?"
"You really got yourself in one hell of a mess, eh Kay?" Moon taunted. "You slap one of his students, piss him off, piss off General Ironwood and Specialist Schnee, and no matter how this match goes, you will be disciplined. Really doesn't seem fair, does it? I mean, is it a matter of pride at this point?"
"And what if it is?" Kay demanded. "That bastard shouldn't be walking so freely after what his family did! It ain't right!"
"Oh don't worry, I agree with you. I sympathize with you, Kelly, I really do." Moon assured him. "And frankly, while I can't help you get out of the punishment you will receive no matter how the match goes...I can at least help you leave this battle feeling like more of a winner."
Kay frowned as the last lock was opened up. "And how can an egghead like you manage that for me, huh? I fail to see how you can help me."
Moon chuckled as the briefcase opened up. Kay's eyes widened when he looked inside the briefcase. "Oh, I think I have an idea of just how I can help you." The egghead could not help but taunt. "So, what do you think?"
You won't get in my way any longer, Kobalt. The Crooked Man vowed. This hotheaded fool won't be able to resist the chance to get rid of you himself. And I just offered him the keys to do just that.
And now, seven hours later, Hansel Kobalt was calmly meditating on his end of Atlas Academy's battle arena. He had actually gotten to the arena an hour early after lunch to keep himself calm for the upcoming battle.
Not like there had been much else he could have done. Ironwood and Winter had both left due to an incident that had been reported to them. Hansel did not have the details, unfortunately. "I'm sorry, Professor," the soldier who reported to him had said, "unfortunately, you're on a need to know basis on matters outside of your jurisdiction, especially when the general himself is still uncertain about how bad this actually is."
Hansel at least understood that. However, he was still very concerned. If Ironwood had taken Winter with him, then it must be a serious situation. He clearly trusted her more than anyone else, after all. Hansel heaved a sigh. I can't worry about that kind of stuff right now. My focus should be on this fight.
Meanwhile, up in the stands, Team RWBY was looking down at Hansel. "That is the calmest I've seen the professor." Blake admitted. "He's the last person I'd ever expect to see meditating before a fight."
"Well, yeah, isn't it obvious why?" Weiss noted. "He's trying to make sure he doesn't lose his temper and maim that bastard specialist on the spot...no matter how much he probably deserves it."
Yang growled at the mere mention of Kelly Kay. She was not going to forgive that green haired bastard for striking her little sister. Hell, a part of her wished she could trade places with Hansel and pound the jerk into the ground herself. Ruby, for her part, just kept her gaze on Hansel. Her eyes then wandered, taking note that the stands were more full than they had been before.
"A lot more people are attending this match." She noted.
"I mean, can you blame them? Not every day you get to see two pros duke it out like this." Blake reminded her leader and friend. "And one of them is pretty famous...er...I guess infamous would probably be a better way to describe the professor."
Ruby frowned slightly. "Well, look at this way," Blake smiled at her, "now, even more people can watch the professor win."
"I mean, it's not like it's going to be easy." Weiss pointed out. "Don't get me wrong, I want to see Professor Kobalt crush this guy. But he's still an Atlesian Specialist for a reason. And they're usually A or B Class fighters. I know my sister is probably A-Class. Professor Kobalt's got his work cut out for him if he's going to beat Kay."
"Who gives a damn, I want him to wreck this guy." Yang growled.
Weiss and Blake both sweat-dropped at how furious Yang looked. "I'm beginning to think you're the one who needs the meditating, Yang." Blake said with a deadpan expression on her face.
Ruby then saw a familiar face enter the arena from the other side of the battlefield. "Everyone hush up." She ordered. "Look, he's here."
Yang almost shot out of her seat to boo Kay's very presence, only to be grabbed by Blake and Weiss and yanked back down. "Don't you dare embarrass us." Blake hissed.
"Do you think I don't want to boo him? I want to boo him!" Weiss added. "But I also don't want to make a fool out of myself."
"Umm...is everything okay here?" Team RWBY turned to see a very nervous Charlie Magnolia.
"Charlie? Shouldn't you be working?" Weiss asked.
"Dr. White called and said that something very personal came up on his end." Charlie shrugged. "So, I have a very rare day off and thought I'd spend it watching Professor Kobalt fight. Figured that watching him fight would give me new ideas on weapon or gear design."
Charlie took his seat. "Are you even the least bit curious about why he's fighting Kay though?" Blake asked.
Charlie shook his head. "Not particularly, I heard there was some sort of big argument. That's really all I need to hear. I mean, it's no secret Specialist Kay's not the nicest guy out there. Figured if anyone was going to get into an argument with the professor, it'd be him. And besides, I already know who I'm rooting for in this match anyway. Professor Kobalt's your teacher, so I'm gonna root for him."
Meanwhile, back on the field, Hansel Kobalt rose from his meditative seat. Kay gave him an arrogant smirk. "You had a nice nap?" He taunted.
Hansel did not respond. He simply frowned. He was not going to stoop to this guy's level and get into some taunt-off with him. Kay, however, was surprisingly not bothered by the fact that Hansel was not interested in interacting with him in the slightest.
Kay just grinned. "Okay, fine, don't talk. It doesn't matter to me. It really doesn't matter in the slightest."
Hansel narrowed his eyes at how confident Kay looked. Kay then turned his attention to the ref overseeing this match. "Yo, let's get this started, yeah? I want to get this started and blast this guy's ass into next year."
Kay could not help but give an even bigger smirk when he saw the impassive look on the ref's face. However, the look in his eyes told a different story as they darted to Hansel. That was an almost pleading look. The ref was pleading to him to really hurt Hansel.
Well now, looks like this is going to be easier than I thought.
"Okay, I want a clean match. Whoever depletes the other's Aura first wins the match." The ref told them.
Hansel raised an eyebrow at the ref leaving his statement at that. Usually, in officiated matches between pro Huntsmen, the referee made sure to point out to the combatants that killing and maiming was not allowed.
Students did not typically have the strength to kill or maim their opponents, but pros were leagues above them. They had a lot of power and therefore a lot more responsibility in using it. That meant if they were not careful, they could maim their opponents at least and kill them at worst.
So why the hell was the ref neglecting to say something, huh?
"Are both combatants ready?" The ref cut Hansel from his thoughts.
"Of course." Kay grinned.
"Yeah, I'm ready." Hansel nodded.
What am I doing? I can't think about that kind of stuff right now. I need to focus on getting this fight over with.
"Hey, I'm just now noticing." Yang spoke up. "Teach went into this fight without that cloak of his."
Team RWBY looked at Hansel once more and gasped. He did indeed enter this fight without his weighted cloak. "Does that mean he's taking this match seriously?" Weiss asked.
"Either that...or perhaps he wants to end this fight as quickly as possible." Blake offered an alternative opinion to consider.
"Begin!" The ref yelled.
Kay quickly trained one of his twin pistols onto Hansel, only to discover that the Beacon professor had already moved from his spot. Before Kay could even blink, Hansel had grabbed onto Kay's outstretched arm and then delivered a devastating punch right to Kay's stomach.
Kay almost vomited his breakfast from the blow. "Not done yet." Hansel said impassively before delivering rapid-fire punches to that same spot on Kay's stomach.
Charlie's eyes widened. "Whoa, he is unbelievably fast!" Charlie then looked to the spot Hansel had started in, and gasped, seeing a small amount of black fire on the ground.
Oh, I get it, he added inwardly, he used his Semblance to give himself a boost to outpace Kay. He knew that Kay had the advantage in range on account of being a gunner, rather than just a direct fighter like he is, so he moved to immediately make that advantage irrelevant.
Hansel then dug his right foot in the ground and spun a full 360 degrees before tossing Kay away from him. Press the advantage on your opponent, keep them off guard, don't give them a single chance to fight back! Hansel reminded himself before pointing his right hand at Kay.
Kay's eyes widened as a massive column of fire blasted from the palm of Hansel's hand. Shit! Kay frantically thought as a portal suddenly opened behind him.
Kay vanished into the portal just as the column of flame collided with the spot he had formerly been in. Hansel narrowed his eyes as he lost track of Kay's Aura and presence by extension. Did he use some sort of Semblance to get away from my attack?
A portal then opened up behind Hansel and Kay emerged, pistol drawn on him. I'll blow you away!
Kay pulled the trigger and fired on Hansel. Hansel, however, had regained track of Kay's presence and spun around, avoiding the bullet as it grazed past his face. Kay narrowed his eyes in frustration. I guess I shouldn't underestimate the reaction time of a professional Huntsman mentored by the world's strongest man.
Kay then turned his attention to Wolf Fang, still sheathed inside of Hansel's scabbard. He hasn't used his katana yet. He noted. Is he not taking me seriously? No, there's something else with this demon's attitude. His demeanor is completely different from yesterday.
Kay thought back to when Hansel had him by the collar yesterday and the look he had in his eyes. It was downright ruthless and furious. But this time, Hansel was calm and impassive. Dead focused on nothing but beating Kay handily. Dead focused...and yet was refusing to draw his katana for some reason.
I don't know whether to be pissed he's not taking me seriously, or to be pissed that this demon has the nerve to play human with me. Kay snarled inwardly. You know what I think I'll just get pissed either way!
Kay fired on Hansel again and again with his right pistol Hansel easily avoided each bullet. He saw electricity crackle around each bullet. So the bullets in that pistol are laced with lightning dust? Hansel noted. Probably to slow me down upon coming into contact. That just means I can't let myself be hit.
Well, that's fine, I didn't spend months doing dodging practice with Glynda back in the day for nothing!
"I don't get it." Yang was confused. "Why hasn't Teach drawn Wolf Fang yet? I mean, I know better than anyone that guy can pound you into the ground with just his fists, but he'd have an even bigger advantage if he used Wolf Fang."
"I honestly thought that he had gone into the fight without wearing his weighted gear because he was taking this fight seriously." Blake admitted. "But the fact he isn't using his sword...now I'm not so sure!"
Ruby was now watching the fight with concern on her face. She found herself thinking back to her conversation with Hansel two nights ago. "I've vowed never to turn a blade on an innocent life, only on the wicked."
Is this his moral code speaking right now? No, our fight on his first day of teaching, he barely held anything back. There's something else motivating him to act this way. Ruby remembered. Professor...what in the world is going through your head right now?
Kay narrowed his eyes as his right pistol ran out of bullets. I have to retreat and reload this right pistol. The weapon inside my left pistol...that's a trump card I need to save for later!
A portal opened up behind Kay that he quickly retreated inside to reload. Hansel frowned at the sight. So he manipulates some sort of space as his Semblance. He opens up a portal and that allows him to retreat and do whatever the hell he wants before reemerging.
At least I now understand how a guy like this managed to become a pretty famous Specialist if all he's good at is having a quick draw like some gunslinger from older times.
Hansel then put both his fists up in a classic boxing stance, hopping from left to right. Now, where's he going to come from? Thankfully, it seems the downside of the technique is that I can sense his presence as soon as another portal opens up.
And that means, a portal opened up right behind Hansel and a pistol-toting arm emerged, this becomes a battle between whomever's physical abilities are superior. And in that regard…
Hansel spun around and grabbed the arm, yanking Kay out of the portal, much to his shock. I'm stronger! Hansel declared, throwing Kay over his shoulder.
Hansel then pointed his right hand at Kay, who instinctively pointed his left pistol at Hansel. No, I won't get it off in time!
Hansel then impassively shot Kay point blank with another column of black fire that sent the Specialist flying away. "Alright!" Yang cheered from the stands. "Sword or not, Teach is doing really well!"
Weiss' mouth dropped open in amazement. I was so busy worrying about Ruby during their sparring match, it never really registered with me, but now I see it. Professor Kobalt's on a completely different level. Other than the Headmaster and Professor Goodwitch...the only people I know right now who could fight him and win are my sister and Ruby's uncle.
Blake was thinking along similar lines, being the most battle-experienced of Team RWBY due to being a former White Fang member. It gave her the most insight into Hansel's overall skill level. Speed, power, technique...the only other person I've seen with such incredible balance of the three is Adam. Geez, and this guy only claims to be a genius of hard work. She noted with a scoff before gasping. No...that's actually probably the best way to describe it. Only someone who applies themself every single day could reach a skill-level like this.
Yeah, I see…
Blake and Weiss then found themselves thinking the exact same thing. This is how you get to be a pro!
Kay was blasted all the way to the other end of the arena. He took a moment to gauge his current amount of Aura. Damn it, we're at the start of this fight and I've already lost a third of my Aura? I guess I should've expected this. Still…
"Why the hell aren't you drawing your katana, Blue Demon?" Kay demanded, getting to his feet.
Hansel scowled. "The last time I used Wolf Fang in a simple sparring match, I hurt someone who didn't deserve it." He admitted.
Ruby's eyes widened, hearing Hansel's words. Her. He was referring to her. "In the end, I guess I am kind of a demon." Hansel acknowledged. "Every time I draw this sword, someone gets hurt or worse. Not that I blame the weapon of course, if it hurts, maims or even kills someone it's doing the job it was made for."
"However, no matter how much of a bastard you are, I don't want any permanent injuries on my conscience when we're supposed to be allies. This is just a sparring match, not a fight to the death." Hansel reminded Kay. "After all, if you can't continue as a Huntsman, someone else who can't fight will suffer as a result."
Kay instinctively began to shake with rage. This demon. This damn demon. How dare he talk like a human? HOW DARE HE?
"Kay," Hansel continued, "despise me as much as you want, I don't care. It doesn't change the fact you and I are on the same team. I have no intention of using my sword in a fight like this. No, I'll just use my fists to teach you a lesson."
"And besides, my strength isn't just in my sword." Hansel continued. "You're fighting against a man who has honed his body and soul through eight years of constant training."
At that moment, Kay snapped. "A man? What man?" Kay snarled. "I DON'T SEE A MAN! JUST THE FUCKING BLUE DEMON! A DAMN MOCKERY OF ALL THOSE WHO SUFFERED FROM THE TRAGEDY!"
Hansel sighed sadly. I see...so my theory about you was correct, huh? He mused. Kay, you…
"Play human all you want, but it changes nothing!" Kay yelled.
"Your existence is nothing but a crime! An unforgivable sin against those who paid for the rest of your damn family's sins! The fact that you have the nerve to walk around like you do, acting like you have any right to live a normal existence...IT PISSES ME OFF!"
Kay pointed his left pistol at Hansel. Now or never than, eh Doc? Kay smirked inwardly. Time to pierce the demon's heart!
Kay then fired a single round from his left pistol. Another bullet? Hansel frowned before rushing forward. No matter, if I keep pressing my assault on him, I can take him down regardless of what he shoots at me.
However, much to Hansel's surprise, one of Kay's portals opened up right in front of him and the bullet went right inside. Wait, what?
"The bullet?" Yang gasped in surprise.
Kay chuckled. It seems you assumed that my Semblance only transported me through portals, but that's not entirely accurate.
My Semblance is called Two-Way Door! I can open a door and enter one way and then exit another way. However, I'm not the only one who can enter! Anything I desire can enter the door, even my bullets.
This is the real reason I'm feared as the Gunslinger! Kay revealed. Because once my bullets enter the door one way...
A portal suddenly opened near Hansel's right knee. They can exit from another way!
And I've got a brand new secret weapon just for you! Enjoy!
Before Hansel could react, the bullet flew right out of the portal and pierced right through his right knee from the side, exiting from the other end. Hansel's eyes widened before he let out an uncharacteristic yell of pain.
The Beacon professor stumbled forward before falling to his left knee.
"Professor!" Weiss, Blake and Ruby yelled, horrified.
"Teach!" Yang added.
Charlie's eyes widened. "That shouldn't be possible! The bullet tore right through his Aura!" He exclaimed.
Wait, tore...through his Aura? Charlie gasped, realizing the current situation. No it can't be...Dr. Moon, what have you done?
Kay saw the open wound on Hansel's body and laughed. "Oh wow, they may be just a prototype but they really work! The bullet went right through your Aura, just like he said they would!"
"Huh? You're giving me Aura piercing rounds? That's a project you eggheads have been working on lately, right?"
"That's correct." Dr. Moon nodded. "I'm sympathetic to you and your plight, Kay, I really am. That's why I'm giving these to you. The fact that Hansel Kobalt can walk around and live his life so freely after the sins his family committed is simply...deplorable. It's a situation I want to try and mend. They're only prototypes, but they'll do just fine."
"I'm counting on you to make him pay for that, and to show everyone what my Aura-piercing rounds can really do!"
"You've got eight rounds. Make them count."
"One down, seven more holes to go." Kay promised.
"This is bad." Charlie muttered before repeating that statement at a rapid-fire rate. "This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. This is bad. THIS IS BAD!"
"Charlie? What's wrong?" Weiss asked in concern.
"I don't know how, but Kay got his hands on our prototype Aura-piercing rounds." Charlie replied, pale as a ghost.
"Aura-piercing rounds?" Blake's eyes widened.
Charlie nodded. "They're exactly what it says on the label." He explained. "The bullets use hard-light Dust to give them an extra kick that allows a bullet to punch right through a person's Aura."
"What the hell?" Yang yelled. "Why would your kingdom make something like that when we fight Grimm?"
"Yang, you do remember we're also dealing with evil people now, right?" Weiss reminded her. "But I just don't understand how Kay could've gotten his hands on the prototype! A Specialist shouldn't have that level of clearance, right?"
"There's only one explanation." Charlie admitted. "Dr. Moon, the man in charge of the project, must've given Kay the bullets. But I just don't know why he'd do that!"
Ruby's eyes widened. Is this the work of that mole the professor's after? Or is this just some personal vendetta like Kay?
"I don't understand." Ruby spoke up. "Why isn't the ref stepping in? These matches are supposed to avoid permanent injuries, right?"
Blake looked over at the ref, who was just watching the match impassively. "He...he doesn't look like he's planning on acting."
Back on the battlefield, Hansel clutched his right knee. Shit that hurts! He complained inwardly as he saw blood pour from his open wound on both ends.
How long has it been since I've actually bled like this? Hansel wondered. My Aura's very strong and vast, so usually I get through fights without blood loss. But this guy just punched right through it with that shot? And he was talking about a prototype? What prototype? And who's 'he'?
Hansel's eyes widened. Could it be…
"Kay, listen to me!" Hansel yelled, trying to reason with his opponent. "You're being manipulated!"
"Don't try and distract me because you're losing!" Kay yelled, firing another piercing bullet. He was clearly not interested in listening to reason.
Hansel instinctively rolled away from the bullet, only for it to vanish into another portal. Hansel gasped. No, it vanished again. And I can't sense its new direction until it's too late!
Normally, Aura allows you to sense danger, but not if something's presence vanishes entirely, like if it vanished inside of a spatial portal! And because the bullet is still traveling at likely the average 1700 mph, I can't sense where it's coming from and react in time!
A portal then opened right above Hansel's left shoulder and the bullet came down and pierced right through it. Hansel let out another yell of pain, clutching his shoulder. "Two shots." Kay counted.
Hansel got to his feet. My right leg hurts like a bitch. He noted. But I can still move. That means I can still fight.
Hansel looked over at the ref, who was just watching this happen impassively. These kinds of matches aren't supposed to maim, and he's not doing a damn thing, so I guess I can't count on his help.
Hansel then looked over at Kay. Those piercing rounds are coming from his left pistol. If I can just keep my speed up, perhaps I can overwhelm him before he can do any lasting damage.
Hansel then got into a sprinter's stance. I'll use my flames like before, and give myself a boost!
Hansel rocketed towards Kay. Kay then raised his right pistol and fired at Hansel. Those are normal bullets! Hansel assured himself as the bullets bounced off his Aura. Don't falter, focus on Kay!
Kay then trained his left pistol on Hansel and fired his third piercing bullet. Here comes what I have to be worried about! Hansel pointed his hands at the ground and blasted himself upwards, out of the bullet's trajectory.
"He's in midair!" Weiss exclaimed.
"He won't be able to dodge well!" Charlie added.
Hansel saw the bullet vanish into the portal. Here we go!
Hansel began to blast himself from side to side and up and down with brief, controlled bursts of flame from the palms of his hand. Kay watched Hansel's trajectory change constantly with a frown. I can keep my bullet inside of my space and that won't be a problem...but I can't get a read on his position when he's like this!
"Nice!" Yang exclaimed. "I bet he picked that up from me."
"He used a similar tactic on Ruby." Blake reminded her.
Hansel then changed his trajectory once more and flew towards Kay. This momentum...it'll be more than enough!
Kay narrowed his eyes. Stand your ground, Kelly! He told himself. No way you'll falter before this demon! Not after what you've been through! Stand your ground…
A portal then opened just before Hansel was right in front of Kay. ...so that he's right where you want him! The third bullet came out and pierced through Hansel's right hip.
Hansel let out another yell before gritting his teeth and punching Kay right in the jaw, sending him flying backwards. Hansel landed unceremoniously on his face. Damn it, that hit killed a lot of my momentum!
Kay quickly got to his feet. I underestimated his resolve to win. Hansel admitted.
Kay scowled, knowing he was now down to less than half of his Aura. I guess I need to step it up. Kay noted before smirking. How do you like this little gunplay, demon?
Kay then tossed both pistols into the air, much to Hansel's surprise. Then, that surprise turned to horror when the pistols vanished into a portal. Kay grinned when the portals opened up once more and the pistols fell again. Hansel immediately realized what had happened. No way, he's either switched pistols or he's changed nothing...but now there's that crippling doubt about which one is which!
Kay then pointed both pistols at Hansel and fired one round each. Is the one with the piercing rounds still in his left or his right? Hansel wondered. Then the bullets vanished into portals making him gasp. No...now I don't know where they're coming from and which one I have to be wary of!
Blake watched this new development in horror. This Kay guy...he's an ass, but now I see why he's a Specialist. The ways he uses his Semblance are simply incredible.
One bullet came from behind and struck Hansel in the back. It did not pierce through him though. Almost immediately, the other bullet emerged and pierced right through the palm of Hansel's left hand.
Not good, Hansel thought, the damage to my body will make the stress my Semblance puts on me almost unbearable!
Ruby watched all of this in horror. She then overheard a few Atlesian students who were watching this fight talk amongst themselves. "Man, he started off well, but now he's getting his ass kicked. Guess that's just the inevitable result of picking a fight with a Specialist."
"Didn't he challenge him too? What a moron."
"Those girls had to have won in spite of him. No way a guy this useless would have taught them anything useful."
"Didn't he also kill Jack the Ripper? Jack must've had the flu to lose to this guy."
You're wrong… Ruby trembled in anger. You're all wrong!
Kay then fired two more rounds from both pistols. The four bullets quickly disappeared into portals. Then, one by one, four portals opened around Hansel's body. One bullet pierced through his left foot. One went through his right side, just below his right lung. The other two bounced harmlessly off his right shoulder and stomach.
Hansel's eyes widened, his mouth open in a silent scream of pain. Blood loss...is catching up to me. Indeed, Hansel was surrounded by his own blood now, like a Jackson Pollock painting.
Hansel then collapsed onto his hands and knees, wincing at the open wounds he already had in those areas.
"Professor!" Weiss and Blake yelled in worry while Ruby and Yang just watched in open-mouth horror.
Charlie looked at the ref, whose impassive expression was replaced with a look of smug satisfaction. No...so the ref was never unbiased from the start. He realized.
Kay just laughed as he approached Hansel. "Two shots left," he said, "I wonder where I should place them? I mean, I've got them, I might as well use them, right?"
Kay grabbed onto Hansel and fired a piercing round right through his left side, right next to his stomach. Hansel vomited out blood from the blast before Kay tossed him onto his back. "It really is a waste isn't it?" He snarled. "Someone like you is still alive, while the hundreds of good people who died in the Tragedy of the Flames, the tragedy your family caused, don't get that luxury!"
Hansel's eyes widened at being reminded of the Tragedy. "Why the hell are you still alive, huh?" Kay demanded. "Why does a worthless demon like you get to live, while my friends and family are gone?"
The crowd of students began murmuring their agreement among themselves, much to the horror of a very small minority. "You never should've come here!" Kay exclaimed. "Someone like you, will never be accepted among us! Normal people! True Huntsmen! Because you're nothing but Ozpin's attack dog! A worthless demon who's existence at this point is a damn crime and a slap in the face to everyone who lost someone in that Tragedy!"
Ruby wanted to march right down there herself. "He's wrong! Professor Kobalt knows what a true Huntsman is! And this guy isn't one of them." She muttered.
"We have to do something." Weiss muttered. "We can't let this go on."
"The fight's over." Blake nodded.
"We may not have our weapons...but I'll break the bastard in half all the same." Yang nodded as well.
"But don't take my word for it!" Kay exclaimed. "Let's see what the crowd thinks! Let's hear it for the Worthless Demon, kids!
Maybe it was an adrenaline rush from the ruthless excitement pouring from Kay, but much to the horror of Team RWBY, the Atlesian students began chanting. "Worthless Demon!" They all cheered.
Team RWBY froze in horror at what they heard, completely forgetting their plan of storming the arena and protecting Hansel. "I can't hear you!" Kay encouraged them.
At this point, it was indeed the energetic adrenaline rush brought forth by Kay's peer pressure and status as an authority figure. It was bringing out the worst in the Atlas student body. "Worthless Demon!"
"Come on, louder!"
"Worthless Demon!"
Blake listened to all of this in horror, thinking back on what Hansel told her when he told Team RWBY the truth about the Tragedy of the Flames.
"Someone like you who has the luxury of hiding what you are...you'll never understand how lucky you really are."
This...this was what he meant...
However, there were a few students who weren't participating. Flynt Coal looked disgusted. "This is going too far." He muttered.
Neon Katt nodded in agreement. "This is wrong, is what it is." She added.
"Now then," Kay cheered, "let me hear it just one more time!"
At that point, Ruby could not take it any more. The smaller, more honest soul snapped. "SHUT UP!" She screamed louder than any student.
The entire arena fell dead silent. Hansel, who had been drifting in and out of consciousness, let out a small gasp, his eyes widening at Ruby coming to his defense.
Ruby almost had tears of rage in her eyes as she glared at literally everyone within a 180 degree radius that was not a friend of hers. "HE'S BETTER THAN ALL OF YOU! YOU STUPID BASTARDS!" She screamed.
Everyone in the arena looked at Ruby in disbelief for that statement. Ruby then turned her attention to Hansel and pointed her index finger right at him. She then yeled down to him in a forceful tone of voice that even Yang did not know she had "Professor!" She yelled. "Don't you dare lose to this guy! Because everything you've been through...has made you stronger than he can ever hope to be!"
One by one, each member of Team RWBY smiled proudly at Ruby. "All these people who talk like they know you, like they're somehow above you," Ruby continued. "they don't know what real courage or strength is!"
"So get up damn it! Get up and show them! SHOW THEM!"
At that moment, Yang knew she could not let Ruby be the only one to get some words in. She cupped her hands to her mouth and yelled down to Hansel. "Teach! You better not lose after that! Otherwise, I'm going to tell everyone you like making girls cry."
Weiss smirked. "Prove them wrong, Professor!" She told him. "Show them the strength we know you have!"
Blake did the same. "It's your fault I don't know how to give up. Don't lose after that." She demanded. "Get up! Don't lose to this joke of a Huntsman!"
Kay growled "Those damn kids…"
Kay then heard the sound of a commotion near his feet. He turned back to Hansel and gasped, watching in shock as the professor rose back to his feet.
"The hell? I filled you with seven holes! How are you standing up?" Kay demanded.
Hansel groaned. "Geez...why the hell did they have to make it sound like they're looking down on me?" He muttered.
Kay could have sworn he saw a small smile on Hansel's face. "Still...being cheered for, for once...can't say I dislike it."
Hansel then turned his attention to Kay. "Kay...sorry about this, but I really can't afford to let you beat me now."
"After all, I'd be a pretty lousy teacher if I couldn't win in front of my students."
Kay narrowed his eyes. "Don't bullshit me you fucker!" He screamed. "As you are now, even normal bullets can bring you down!"
Hansel then placed his working hand on Wolf Fang's hilt. I've still got one arm, one arm's all I need. Hansel assured himself. And, I've got just the technique to turn the tide in this fight. It's gonna hurt like a bitch afterwards, but desperate times call for desperate measures and all that jazz.
I don't like using high-level Aura techniques like these in public because they give too much away on what I'm capable of, but I've got no choice.
At that moment, Hansel's body stiffened, his Aura became visible, shining brightest around his midsection. "What's he doing?" Weiss demanded.
Blake's eyes widened. "No way...this technique is…"
Aura exists in all living things. And those who have unlocked Aura can therefore channel it into their body, even to specific parts to increase things such as arm strength, leg strength, etc. However, this also extends to even internal parts of one's body, such as the adrenal glands.
What Hansel Kobalt is doing is an advanced application of Aura channeling known as: Aura Adrenaline.
By pumping Aura into the adrenal glands, Hansel is accelerating the rate of adrenaline being pumped through his body. In normal cases, adrenaline triggers the body's fight-or-flight response mechanism by providing muscles the strength to either fight danger or flee from it. However, by using Aura to increase adrenaline flow, Hansel has increased his muscle strength even further for a temporary boost in strength and speed.
Good, I can feel the adrenaline rush, and it's diverting my mind's focus from my injuries. Hansel noted. Two minutes. That's how long I can maintain this.
That's more than enough.
Hansel vanished from sight, much to Kay's shock. "What?" He could only say before something smashed right into his stomach.
Kay looked down and saw the hilt of Wolf Fang dug right into his stomach. Hansel then unsheathed Wolf Fang and sent Kay flying from the sheer force of the movement. Time remaining, 115 seconds. Hansel noted as he moved to pursue Kay.
What the fuck? Kay managed to recover. His demeanor completely changed! And he doesn't give a damn about his injuries anymore!
Hansel then sprinted towards Kay, Wolf Fang drawn. I have to fall back, gain some more distance! Kay quickly opened up a portal and tried to retreat inside.
He was only halfway inside before Hansel caught up to him. Using his supposedly disabled arm, Hansel grabbed Kay by the collar and yanked him out of the portal. He quickly spun around and slashed Kay across the stomach.
Oh no! He's taking my Aura even further down!
Kay summoned another portal and managed to fall into it before Hansel could grab him. The portal quickly closed.
Time remaining, 100 seconds…
Kay reemerged from another portal, pointing the pistol with the last Aura-piercing round right at Hansel. Hansel noticed Kay's presence and charged right towards him. I have to make this final shot lethal! I have to! Kay frantically thought to himself. If I don't…
At that moment, Kay saw a vision of himself being bifurcated by Hansel right down the middle. This lunatic is gonna kill me!
"DIE!" Kay yelled, firing the final round.
The bullet traveled towards Hansel. I can do this! I can win! I can kill him! Kay frantically assured himself.
Then, much to his horror, a single upward swing carved the final Aura-piercing bullet in half. Hansel had swung Wolf Fang with such force that it cut a weapon that's meant to punch through Aura in two.
Time remaining, 90 seconds…
Kay sputtered in terror, realizing he had nothing left to defend himself from this very determined and pissed off foe. "Okay, okay, you made your point!" He exclaimed. "How about we just be friends instead, huh?"
Hansel ignored Kay and continued to close the distance. Kay yelped in horror and quickly retreated into a portal, barely avoiding Hansel's next swing. "Come on, man!" Kay pleaded. "You're going to kill me if this keeps up! We're friends, right?"
Hansel ignored Kay's pleas and continued his pursuit. Kay frantically screamed in terror as he continued to retreat into his portals and then re-emerge further from Hansel.
Time remaining, 75 seconds…
Then suddenly, much to Kay's horror, when he attempted to create a portal, nothing happened and when he tried to sink back into the nonexistent portal, he instead tripped and fell onto his rear.
Time remaining, 70 seconds...
Hansel then leapt into the air, Wolf Fang raised above his head. Kay screamed in terror as he saw the shadow of death once more. He raised his hand to try and stop Hansel, dropping both his pistols in the process. "Okay, okay!" Kay yelled.
"Okay, alright, I give up! I surrender! I lose!" Every single Atlesian student looked at Kay in disbelief at how terrified and pathetic he sounded.
"PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!"
Hansel then landed, stabbing downwards. Kay looked at the blade in disbelief. It was mere inches from his face and planted firmly into the ground, between his legs.
Time remaining, 60 seconds…
"I want you to remember this." Hansel said to him.
"I want you to remember the day a demon held your life in the palm of his hands. And he didn't take it."
Hearing that, Kelly Kay's eyes rolled into the back of his head as the Atlesian Specialist fainted in terror. Neon, who was very close to the arena, wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"What?" Flynt asked.
"The dude pissed his pants." Neon groaned, visibly grossed out by the fact.
The ref just stared in shock. He was so shocked he did not even call the winner. Of course, everyone knew who won. Kay had surrendered. They all heard it.
Hansel impassively sheathed his sword and began walking to the arena's exit. He winced, feeling the aftereffects of Aura Adrenaline already. Just hold it together until you're out of sight. Hansel told himself. Do not give these people the satisfaction of seeing you fall.
Hansel made his way out of the arena, desperately trying to stay upright. As soon as he was out of sight, he felt his strength leave him. And...there I go. Hansel noted as he began to fall forward.
However, he found himself not hitting the ground. Someone had grabbed him. "We've got you, Professor." Hansel's eyes widened, he looked to his right to see Ruby Rose had caught him, gazing at him with a gentle and worried smile.
"Kid...let me go," Hansel weakly ordered, "you don't want to get my blood on your uniform."
"How can I be a Huntress if a little bit of blood grosses me out?" Ruby countered.
"She's right, let us help you out, Teach." Hansel looked to his left and saw that Yang Xiao Long had caught him as well.
Yang grinned. "That was awesome, Teach. You were totally badass out there."
"Yeah, but you were cutting it a bit close, don't you think?" Weiss Schnee folded her arms, looking at Hansel in concern.
"Oh don't be like that, Weiss, the important thing is that he won, right?" Blake Belladonna chided her.
"All I'm saying is he should try to take better care of himself so stuff like this doesn't happen!"
Hansel felt the last bit of his strength fade away as his consciousness began to leave him.
Perhaps when he woke up, he could thank these four properly. Both for their support and for their candor.
A.N: Interesting fact, a lot of this chapter was inspired by episode 4 of Chivalry of a Failed Knight. If you haven't watched it, you should. It's a little pervy at times, but the perviness gets kinda wholesome because the main couple gets together 4 episodes in. I mean, usually you need to wait an entire season for the main couple to get together, but the fact we didn't this time actually gives it a better grade in my book.
This was actually one of my favorite fights I've written so far. It would be pretty well-choreographed if it was animated. I guess watching Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen and Fate make for great ideas for fight choreography. Because man, the studios behind those three series love to flex when it comes to animation and choreography.
Anyway, hope everyone enjoyed this. As you can tell on my profile, I'm over halfway done with the One Piece Campaign Chapter. What can I say, having a real life job and working for a living can take up a lot of time. I'll see you all next time.
