"HAAA!"
Qrow's battle cry echoed throughout the streets as his blade cleaved another of the knights in two; straight down the center no less. Any semblance of victory was short lived however as he dashed away from incoming fire and took cover behind some debris.
He watched as several of the machines fell, riddled with bullets as Ironwood joined him behind cover. The man held a scowl that rivaled even the ice queen - unfortunately Winter wasn't there for him to poke fun.
"I've got to hand it to you Jimmy, you spared no expense in making these things a pain in the ass."
"They were designed for Grimm, not people." The General scowled as he took to battle once more, firing on both Grimm and knights with deadly precision; each shot taking down one or the other.
"Didn't you install a self destruct switch or something. You know-" Qrow blocked a claw, stepped to the side, and severed it. "In case something like this happened?"
"Emergency shut-off isn't getting through." Ironwood sent a wild haymaker into the head of a nearby knight followed by several shots and a heavy kick to it's legs; breaking the limbs as he shot through it's core, rendering it unresponsive as it's systems failed.
"So we're stuck with both these things and the Grimm?" Qrow ducked under a leaping Beowolf and forced his sword through it's core. It kicked and clawed a bit before it stilled and began to fade. Qrow wasted no time as he flung the dying body into a pile of advancing machines, which seemed to knock them back a bit.
"As much as-" Ironwood dodged the claws of an Ursa. "I hate to-" He sent several shots at it's chest, followed by an uppercut to it's lower throat that lifted it off the ground slightly. "Admit it-" He gripped it's claw and threw it over into the tusks of a charging Boarbatusk, seemingly catching it off guard as it stumbled and crashed into an empty car. "Yes."
"Well that's good, I was worried we might run out of robots to smash."
"Not the time for jokes Qrow." Ironwood called as he shot down several approaching nevermore.
"No? Then how about riddles?" Qrow let out as he let loose a series of slashes; Harbinger switching from sword to scythe midway through as it gripped into a small Ursa which he flung to the skies.
"Qrow..." Ironwood leapt atop a charging Beowolf and wrapped his arms around it's neck. He yanked which sent the creature off coarse, bashing through a few knights which made their appearance just seconds before. With one last pull he broke the neck of the creature, and it went limp as he stepped off the dissipating corpse.
"Hey, I'm just trying to keep spirits high-" Qrow was interrupted by the screeches of a flock of Nevermore. "Great... more 'fun' headed our way."
Gunfire broke through the air, drowning out all other noise as one after the other the Nevermore fell from the sky in rapid succession. Quickly Qrow's vision flicked to the source of the onslaught, a cocky smirk tore itself across his face as he saw who was responsible.
"Somebody order a tall mug of extermination?" Called Junior as his men continued to shoot down the airborne Grimm.
"Nothing better to wash down a Grimm invasion. How's it going Junior?"
"Not too bad." The gunfire slowly came to a stop as the last Grimm fell dead. "Disregarding everything going on I'd say at least the weather's nice."
"Yeah, perfect day for a war am I right?" Qrow spoke as he chuckled. "So, how'd you find us anyway?"
"You've got a loud mouth on you."
"Yep sounds about right." Qrow gave as Junior looked beside him.
"General Ironwood taking down his own machines; now I've seen everything."
"I can assure you this is not Atlas's doing." Ironwood told as the man sighed.
"I expected that. So does anybody have any idea about what's going on?"
"Two words my friend: White Fang." Qrow stated as Junior shook his head. "Back to kick us in the teeth once again."
"We'll all need a strong drink after this. But what of the boy? Broadcast showed him start this whole shebang with the Grimm attack in the middle of a match." Junior questioned as Ironwood faced him with a solid look.
"Impossible. We'd brought him in and had him locked up. As the scene unfolded at the tournament grounds I checked the security camera in his cell. He was still present even as the Grimm invaded."
"Huh, and any explanation as to how he was in two places at once."
"Not a clue, but I'm with Jimmy on this one. As off-putting and unlucky as the kid is he doesn't have the skill to pull off something like that." Qrow told as Junior raised a brow.
"Jimmy?"
"Ignore him." Ironwood said as he took a more formal posture. "Right now we need to get the situation under control." He took out a scroll, different than the usual white it sported a pure black coloring with a smooth sheen. "Status update on the Atlesian knights."
"Wrapping it up now sir, systems indicate that only thirteen remain. Eleven are being fought in central Vale as we speak and the last two are in Beacon, presumably to be handled by the team there." Came a voice as the general let out a relieved breath.
"Good, deal with them and set focus back on the Grimm."
"Roger that." The call ended and Ironwood turned to the others. Yet for a moment Qrow could have sworn he'd seen his friend click in something on it before it disappeared in his pocket.
"While Vale's being handled we need to check on Amity. Reports from earlier state that there are still civilians present there. Afterwards I'll be heading to my ship."
"Why? More toys to worry about?" Qrow asked as the General shook his head.
"No, I've lost communications with it. At this point it's safe to assume our enemy has it under their control. I intend to get it back." Ironwood held a hint of ire as he spoke, one that Qrow noticed yet ultimately ignored.
"Well what are we waiting for let's go." He stated as Ironwood nodded.
"You hear 'em men. Let's get on the move." Junior called to his henchmen as Qrow let a look of surprise fill his eyes for a second before wearing a smirk.
"So you want a piece of what we're up against?"
"Grimm is bad for business, and I've got two of mine who went to see the tournament in person. I ain't about to leave them behind." Junior told with a determined look. Qrow's smirk grew as they started off.
"Then let's go introduce ourselves to this party."
.
.
I ran harder than I ever had before, rushing past body after body of fallen soldiers as I made my way ahead. So far the halls had been barren of any remaining personnel; which was not a good sign for me. I knew Roman was good, but I didn't expect him to be skilled enough to take out an entire airship of trained soldiers.
Worry only compounded further as the vessel shook, knocking me down temporarily until the shaking subsided. I stood once more and set my sights towards the helm of the ship - or whatever passed for it anyway as I couldn't be sure in the current age. I picked up speed again, intent to find where the two had escaped too; following the bodies under the assumption it would lead to them.
Surprisingly it seemed to work, as with each passed body I found several more; as if they'd rushed after the intruders only to be taken down. Yet as I ran I found myself alerted by the sound of a massive roar. I stopped momentarily as it picked up again, and I made a split decision. I could either chase after Roman and Emerald in an attempt to get answers, or I could find the source of the monstrous sound.
With the potential lives of civilians at risk along with my duty to protect the students I chose the latter.
Something that loud had to be a Grimm, and a big one at that. I backtracked a bit, using my memory of when I was first arrested to find what I knew to be the deck of the ship. Several minutes of running and a trip up the stairs later I found myself outside. The deck was small, more of a rest spot compared to the other areas of the ship which had their own purposes, but it still allowed me the space I needed.
I leapt over the guard railing and landed below, to which I ran towards the end. I stopped just as Beacon came into view, letting the realization of what occurred overtake me.
The school was ablaze, and a tide of black seemed to mingle with the carnage. It was blurry from the distance but I was able to make out the fact that it was practically falling apart. I didn't know what happened, but I wasn't about to stand around and find out.
"Quite a sight eh. Believe it or not I was supposed to be the one to set it all off, but Cinder wasn't too trusting with you on board. So she handled it instead. Crazy lady's got connections everywhere I tell you."
I turned as the voice finished it's words; not even trying to hide my rage this time.
"ROMAN!"
"Ooh... touchy. Who shit in your cereal?"
"WHY!?" I felt the plating burn across my skin. "ANSWER ME DAMNIT!"
"Why?" Roman shook his head as I barely held myself back. "Because I'm a survivor. I pride myself on being able to make it out of any situation."
"I'LL KILL YOU!" I started only for him to tsk and wave a finger.
"Ah ah ah, you don't have time. That school of yours is already under siege, and the more time you waste with me the more of those precious students die. So what really matters here? Killing me, or saving the lives of the kiddies?"
His smirk made me want to tear him apart even more than I already did. However the more rational side of my mind held me back. He was right, I didn't have time to waste with him. I could kill him whenever I wanted, and I was sure he knew it. He'd run, but I would find him eventually. I turned and ran, all the while his laughing echoed in my ears. My blood boiled, and with a burning hatred I threw myself from the edge towards Beacon.
I wouldn't make it.
Even with my armor and increased speed I was still much too far away to even get close, and I knew it; however I had other plans. With every fiber of my being I attempted to tap into the feeling that consumed me back from Vale; back during the breach. It was odd, like a smooth warmth flowing over me. I saw the red haze seep from under my plating as I held my hand out attempting to summon a Grimm like back then.
Nothing.
For several seconds nothing came and I started to worry. Had I been wrong? Was my summoning only chance? Did I lack control? I tried to think of a reason as to why I couldn't get my power to work, only to crash into something. I tightened my grip as I was pulled along, looking up to see the feathers and familiar haze. I'd taken hold of a Nevermore, and while not exactly giant it was enough for me to comfortably remain atop.
A cawing filled my ears and my senses returned. While distracted I was so focused on summoning that I neglected the tides of rage and hate surrounding me. Looking back I saw a flock of Grimm chasing after me. It then hit me, and all of a sudden it made sense.
I could never summon Grimm; I could only control them.
Much like before the Grimm that aided me gave off no emotions, it felt more like an empty husk than the murder machines that chased us through the sky. Yet the fact that I couldn't summon them helped clear my head a bit as it meant I wasn't responsible for the death back at Beacon. However that realization didn't relax me very long as a new worry shot through my spine.
Somebody else must have brought the Grimm, meaning they could also control them, or perhaps even summon them.
This... is going to be a problem.
I never took into account that there might be others like myself, but with how long I was gone it made sense the queen would raise more champions to protect the people; or in this case attack. I felt a quick pain in my back, and my eyes caught the whisk of a giant feather as it rushed past.
The Nevermore had taken to the offensive, and the flickers of pressure that crossed my armored plates told that their aim was more than adequate. However from my perch I couldn't retaliate, and with my armor active magic was out of the question. I momentarily considered dropping the armor only to slap the thought away as without it my dominion over the beast I rode would fade as well.
I returned my attention to the land below, my eyes catching hold of the students and soldiers as they fought and seemingly pushed back their enemies. A new idea came to mind, a reckless one that I knew would cause trouble, but at the moment I saw no other options.
This is going to bite me.
I pushed forth and forced my Nevermore to dive right into the fray.
.
.
"Beautiful isn't it?"
"Yeah, but I can't exactly get any shots of the things without Atlas fighting back." Mercury said as Cinder smirked.
"Let them fight. People are quick to anger, so they'll pin the blame on Atlas regardless."
"They've almost trashed them all, so it can be argued it was out of their control."
"Atlas willingly put faulty equipment on the streets, risking the lives of citizens for the sake of pride. Sounds fitting doesn't it?" The words slipped across her tongue like a cream, both smooth and sweet with a hint of feigned innocence. Yet a bitter edge could be observed as her eyes almost lit up in excitement, all the while she looked down as the people screamed.
"Whatever you say." Mercury told as he kept the recording going, doing his best to maintain a clear view of the chaos. The audio was disabled, so Emerald had no qualms voicing her concerns.
"What if they smarten up though?"
"By then it will be too late. Once I have the power they'll all know their place."
"And what about Salem?" Cinder slowed as Emerald continued. "She said to avoid Vermillion, but how will she react now that we've essentially pinned everything on him?"
"You let me deal with her. I don't know why she suggested we avoid him, but it was only that: a suggestion. She spoke more of caution with her warning, but in the end it would seem she gave the boy too much credit." Cinder flicked her hair back as she started off.
"You're headed off?" Emerald asked as the woman waved back; not even bothering to spare a glance.
"Of course, after all..." Cinder let a vile glee wash over her.
"We must all face our destiny."
Author's note
...
Things are picking up, and the chaos is in full effect. Cinder's looking to make her play, all the while everyone's focused on staying alive.
We got a look at Qrow and Ironwood this time, holding a defense in Vale - if you can even call it that. V made his daring escape as well, all the while Roman had his fun. We also get a quick look at Cinder, preparing for her grand play.
That's all we got for now. See you later.