Cover Art by CHE3ZY
You know the usual. Vote for your favorite OC on my profile, share this fic, and please let me know what you think the reviews. Enjoy.
Solitas - 4 Years Before the Start of the Series:
General Ironwood and Dr. Haze stood on an elevated platform; the same one they stood on years ago when the 100 candidates arrived. Where once stood 100 frightened children, now stood 79 hardened Guardians. All of them were lined up perfectly in formation and stood at parade rest. They were still kids, but they sported incredible physiques for their age. For seven years the Guardians endured the most hellish training imaginable. They'd outgrown their instructors, having learned everything they needed from them. Before they went back to their old lives, the instructors had said their goodbyes to the candidates, never knowing their true purpose. They were tasked with the protection of mankind, with the destruction of Salem. They needed to be the best and they were the best by far, and their instructors made sure of that.
Cassandra had beamed with pride, knowing that her children outperformed even the most well-trained prodigies in the world. The up-and-coming Pyrrha Nikos of Mistral stood at the top of world rankings in her age group, and her impressive performance reports were dwarfed by even the lowest ranked of her Guardians.
The Guardians, all between the ages of 12 and 14, had already proven themselves on the battlefield. They would only continue to grow and get better, but at their current rate of progression, it was clear they would outclass any elite unit stacked against them. That, of course, was if they did not receive these surgical procedures that would augment them into superior beings. After receiving these augmentations, these children wouldn't be humans or faunus anymore. They would ascend to a higher plane of evolution where no human or faunus on Remnant would be able to fathom competing against them.
James closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. Over the last seven years, they'd lost 21 candidates. 3 from suicide, 7 from escape attempts, and 11 from training accidents. He and Cassandra didn't show it, but the loss of each candidate stabbed their hearts. They knew that there would be casualties, they didn't fool themselves of a zero-casualty scenario. Nonetheless, it pained them greatly. James glanced over to Cassandra, taking note of her calm demeanor. She didn't express it, but she deeply loved the children, albeit in her own, twisted way.
Cassandra was mentally preparing herself for what was about to happen. The Guardians, her children, were about to undergo the surgical augmentation procedures. The simulations she ran were nothing less than frightening. The projected survival rate was less than 60 percent. More of them were going to die here and it hurt her. The surgeries would be extensive, invasive, and dangerous. The doctor glanced down at the portable tablet she held.
Guardian Surgical Augmentation Procedures
Titanium Ossification Grafting: Advanced material grafting onto skeletal structures to make bones virtually unbreakable. Recommended coverage not to exceed 3% total bone mass because of significant white blood cell necrosis.
Muscular Enhancement Injections: Protein complex injected intramuscularly to increase tissue density and decrease lactase recovery time.
Catalytic Thyroid Implant: Platinum pellet containing growth hormone catalyst implanted in the thyroid to boost growth of skeletal and muscle tissues.
Occipital Capillary Reversal: Submergence and boosted blood vessel flow beneath the rods and cones of the subject's retina. Simulations showed a marked visual perception increase as well as increased night vision.
Superconducting Fortification of Nervous System: Alteration of bioelectrical nerve transduction to shielded electronic transduction. Simulations showed over 300% increase in subject reflexes as well as a marked increase in intelligence, memory, and creativity.
Circulatory and Metabolic Modification: Subjects to undergo numerous circulatory modifications. Heart implanted with a synthetic compound which significantly increases its capacity to pump blood. The blood composition is modified to allow for faster clotting and immunity to all toxins. Subjects to receive an additional chemical compound to aid in the healing of wounds. Intestinal bacteria of subjects to be altered to enable the digestive system to absorb more nutrients from food.
Gene therapy: Subjects to undergo extensive gene therapy, involving the lengthening of the telomeres and increasing the effectiveness of chondrocytes. Simulations indicate a significant slowing of aging.
Subjects to receive Compound V-734, a neural-altering non-carcinogenic mutagen that alters key regions in the individual's frontal lobe to enhance aggressive response, making the animal part of the brain more accessible in times of extreme stress. This allows the subjects access to enormous reserves of strength and endurance and enables them to remain fighting even under the influence of a wide systemic shock that would be instantly fatal to a normal human. Simulations indicate the potential negative side effects of uncontrollable aggression and degradation of higher reason centers of the brain.
Dr. Haze looked up from the tablet and back towards the children. Following the surgeries, it would take six months for the candidates to fully recuperate physically and re-learn how to adjust to their newfound speed, strength, reflexes, and vision. Those who survived would be gods among normal humans and faunus. Through the fusion of superior training, technology, and biology, they would be the ultimate warriors, the winning edge humanity needed against Salem.
She couldn't delay it any longer. It was time. The doctor gave the general a gentle nod before she addressed the candidates.
"My children," said Cassandra, "the time has come. For the last seven years, you have succeeded in conquering every test in front of you, and now you must do it again. I have full faith in you all and I am so proud of you. Good luck and fight hard." She paused to smile at her children before she turned her attention to Ironwood. "Go ahead, James."
Ironwood didn't need to be told twice.
"Guardians," he stated loudly for all of them to hear, "I congratulate you for completing your preliminary training. The last seven years have been a grueling test of your minds, bodies, and souls. Though we've lost brothers and sisters along the way, they did not die in vain for you all carry the torch for them. The final stage of your training awaits. This will be the hardest challenge you've ever faced, and it will be a test each of you must face on your own without the help of your brothers and sisters."
Ironwood took note of their emotionless gazes. Their eyes held no fear. They'd been briefed on the dangers of the procedures they were about to endure, but it was all necessary to become true Guardians. They knew what they were made for. They knew of the unstoppable force that mankind faced in the form of Salem. They knew what all their training was for; what their brothers and sisters died for.
"Guardians," said James, "let us sing the Cabure an."
The Guardians snapped to attention before they sang in unison.
"Kote!
Kandosii sa ka'rta, Cabure an.
Remunata a'den mhi, Cabure an.
Bal kote, darasuum kote,
Jorso'ran kando a tome.
Sa akaan nau tracyn kal, Cabure an.
Kandosii sa ka'rta, Cabure an.
Remunata a'den mhi, Cabure an.
Bal...
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Ori'dush talyc runi'la solus cet o'r.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Ori'dush talyc runi'la trattok'o.
Sa akaan nau tracyn kal, Cabure an"
James internally grimaced. His very soul was in agony because he knew that many of the faces before him would not survive the nightmarish procedures ahead. All he could do was wish them the best of luck.
Location Unknown – Present Day:
High above the treacherous landscape surrounding Salem's imposing castle, a cloaked aircraft cruised through the air with the grace of a predator seeking its prey. Rahm manipulated a holographic interface that displayed real-time aerial imaging of the dark fortress below while Jai piloted the aircraft. The screen flickered to life with intricate details, revealing the ominous spires and foreboding architecture that characterized Salem's domain. The castle, perched on a rocky precipice, cast a shadow over the desolate terrain. Its imposing silhouette melded seamlessly with the jagged cliffs, a testament to the fusion of ancient mysticism and advanced technology that fortified its walls. The aerial imaging displayed the castle as a complex labyrinth of towers, courtyards, and interconnected chambers. From behind his helmet, Rahm's eyes were glued to the holographic display, as he began the analysis with a precision that mirrored the high-stakes nature of the mission.
"What do we got?"
Rahm looked over his shoulder, taking note of Terre before he answered his brother.
"Take a look at this," said Rahm. "Aerial imaging suggests that the most direct route to the castle is heavily surrounded by Grimm, but I've identified alternate routes."
The holographic projection zoomed in, revealing highlighted pathways through the treacherous terrain surrounding the castle. Narrow ravines and hidden passages became apparent, providing potential covert entry points for the Bad Batch. Rahm pointed out key locations, Jai glanced over as he continued to pilot the Albatross.
"The terrain here is rugged," continued Rahm, "providing natural cover. We can exploit these formations to approach undetected. However, we need to be mindful of potential Grimm activity in the vicinity. The rocky outcroppings might harbor Beowolves or other Grimm, and we need to avoid unnecessary engagements to not alert Salem."
Rahm manipulated the holographic controls, overlaying the potential Grimm concentrations on the aerial image. Red markers highlighted areas of heightened Grimm activity, cautioning them against careless maneuvers.
"Keep in mind," said Rahm, "we can expect higher concentrations near the castle. Stealth is going to be our ally." As the analysis continued, the holographic display revealed the internal layout of the castle. Rahm pointed out strategic chokepoints and key chambers of interest. Each detail was scrutinized with a meticulous eye, ensuring the three Guardians of Special Mission Unit 117 had the best possible information before descending into the heart of Salem's stronghold. The holographic image slowly faded as the tactical briefing concluded.
Terre nodded, taking in all the information before he quickly analyzed it. The leader of the Bad Batch took a moment before he spoke.
"Brothers," Terre spoke with a calmness in his voice, "this mission is what we've trained all our lives for. This is what our brothers and sisters gave their lives for."
Jai and Rahm silently listened as their brother spoke.
"Our primary objective is to locate and eliminate Salem. Secondary objectives, time permitting, include disrupting communication channels, eliminating her followers, and securing any critical artifacts. We're walking into the lions' den, Bad Batch. We're on our own. This will be our greatest challenge yet. The honor of our brother Guardians and our sister Guardians rests on our shoulders. We owe the success of this mission to them. To Penny. We may have failed to protect her, but we can certainly avenge her. Trust your training, stay vigilant, and remember that unity is our greatest strength."
"Cabure an, said Jai and Rahm together.
"Cabure an," replied Terre.
A brief silence was shared among the brothers as they gave each other reassuring nods.
Terre spoke up.
"Chap," said Terre, "I want a boots-on-the-ground reconnaissance done. Meet back up with Doc and me when you're done."
Jai nodded as he transferred control of the Albatross over to Rahm. They were truly on their own. With the CCT system down, the boys had no means of talking to Atlas for any sort of backup. In all fairness, they were in their element. They were meant to operate off the leash; fully independent. After numerous months of undercover work at Beacon, they were finally back where they belonged. To think it'd only been a day and a half since they left Beacon.
Rahm flipped a switch on the control console as the cargo door opened, and a deafening blast of air swirled through the aircraft's interior. Jai did a quick inspection of his gear and weapons before he walked over to the cargo door, stopping to look back at his brothers.
"See you boys soon," said Chap before he jumped out of the aircraft and into the Land of Darkness thousands of feet below.
In the dimly lit medical chamber of Salem's imposing castle, the air was thick with a palpable sense of urgency. The room, adorned with dark tapestries and ominous symbols, provided an eerie backdrop to the dire situation at hand. Cinder, the once indomitable Fall Maiden, lay unconscious on a sterile operating table. Her torn and bloodied attire bore witness to the ferocious battle at Beacon, leaving her in a state of grievous injury. Dr. Arthur Watts, the brilliant but enigmatic scientist in the employ of Salem, moved with a sense of purpose as he prepared to undertake the formidable task of saving Cinder's life.
Clad in his customary refined attire, Watts meticulously donned sterile gloves, the cold metal clinking softly against the backdrop of an ominous silence. The medical chamber was an intricate network of advanced technology and archaic mysticism. Holographic displays flickered to life, casting an ethereal glow across the room. Wires and tubes connected Cinder to a myriad of machines, their soft hum blending with the distant echoes of the castle's forbidding corridors.
Salem, the dark mistress of the castle, watched the proceedings with an intensity that matched the severity of Cinder's injuries. Her regal form, bathed in the dim glow of flickering candles, exuded an air of stoic authority. Emerald and Mercury, Cinder's ever-loyal disciples, stood at attention beside the Grimm Queen, their expressions a mirror of concern.
Watts, with the precision of a seasoned professional, examined the holographic scans of Cinder's injuries.
"The damage is extensive," he muttered, his voice carrying a tone of clinical detachment that contrasted with the gravity of the situation. "But I will do what I can to stabilize her."
Salem's eyes, crimson and piercing, remained fixed on the surgeon.
"Failure is not an option, Dr. Watts. Cinder is crucial to our plans."
Watts nodded, acknowledging the weight of his responsibility. As he began the delicate process of assessing and repairing Cinder's injuries, the room fell into an uneasy silence. The only sounds were the rhythmic beeping of monitors.
Emerald and Mercury exchanged worried glances, their loyalty to Cinder and the cause evident in their eyes. Salem's gaze shifted between the surgery and her attentive disciples; her thoughts veiled behind an impenetrable facade.
"How much longer, Dr. Watts?" Salem inquired, her voice cutting through the tense stillness.
"The procedure is delicate," Watts replied without looking up from his work. "I won't rush it. We need her at her best for what lies ahead."
The holographic display shimmered with the severity of Cinder's injuries, revealing fractured bones and torn muscles in what remained of her left arm, internal bleeding, trauma to her head, and the charred remains of her left eye.
Watts continued his meticulous work, his hands moving with a grace that belied the complexity of the task at hand. As the surgery progressed, time seemed to lose its meaning in the shadowy chamber. The fate of their grand design rested on the shoulders of the unyielding doctor, and the outcome of this surgical dance would determine the trajectory of their dark ambitions.
Emerald couldn't contain her anxiety any longer.
"Will she be okay?"
Watts spared a brief glance at Emerald, his surgical glasses catching the ambient light.
"I will do everything in my power to ensure her survival. The rest is up to her."
Emerald felt a soft, yet firm hand rest on her shoulder. She looked up and saw the tall Grimm Queen looking down at her.
"I have other matters to attend to," said Salem, "be sure to help Arthur with whatever he needs."
Emerald and Mercury nodded to their Mistress before she turned and left.
As the Queen of the Grimm made her way to the upper level of her castle, she looked far from pleased. When Emerald and Mercury arrived with Cinder clinging to life by a thread, the Grimm Queen was furious. She didn't show it outwardly, opting to maintain her calm demeanor.
She didn't waste time and had Watts take the Fall Maiden to the medical wing in the lower levels of the castle. Salem made sure to grill Emerald and Mercury for every piece of information on what transpired. Unfortunately, the offspring of Summer Rose unleashed the power of the eyes and Cinder was utterly defenseless. The Grimm beetle she implanted within Cinder to steal the Fall Maiden's powers was the cause of the young woman's current state. Once Watts stabilized her, she would work to return her to a more useful state.
The halls of her dark, yet extravagant castle echoed with the sounds of her heels clicking on the floor. There was no one else here. Hazel and Tyrian were off on their own missions, which left the Grimm Queen alone with her thoughts.
As much of a setback as Cinder's current state was, the plan succeeded with overwhelming success. Beacon lay in ruins, Ozpin was dead, communication between the Kingdoms was shattered, and the seeds of distrust and war were sown.
The world witnessed Atlas mechs attacking the "innocent" people of Vale and the White Fang's attack only sparked further animosity between humans and faunus. Negativity throughout the world was at an all-time high, and the Grimm were more active than ever before.
Despite these successes, there was a mystery from the battle. Emerald and Mercury informed her that the Wyvern never attacked Beacon. She sent her Grimm seers in the area to search for the Wyvern but it was nowhere to be found. They only found a massive crater. In all likelihood, it was destroyed. The two children mentioned a massive explosion of unfathomable power on the night of battle. Perhaps Atlas had developed a new weapon? It was difficult to say.
In any case, she would have Watts look into it once he was done saving Cinder's life. For now, she would relish this moment of victory against Ozma. Though he would return, she took great pride in knowing how much damage she'd dealt to his operations.
An evil smirk etched itself onto her chalk-white face.
"This is the beginning of the end Ozma, and I can't wait to watch you burn."
Vale:
"Isn't it a bit soon for a withdrawal?" Asked Theodore.
Ironwood was dressed in a fresh uniform, but his physical appearance showed a man who hadn't slept at all in the last 36 hours. During that time, Atlas had managed to drive most of the Grimm out of the city, but Beacon Academy was still firmly held by the Grimm. Glynda, as acting Headmistress of Beacon, urged James to focus efforts on Vale first. Beacon had long been evacuated and its reconquest and subsequent reconstruction could wait.
Ironwood glanced at Theodore from across his desk with a raised eyebrow. Glynda and Qrow were seated next to Shade's Headmaster. James stole a quick glance out his ship's window and out toward the now mostly peaceful Vale.
"His forces can't stay here any longer," replied Glynda, "the last thing the world saw was rogue Atlas mechs attacking innocent civilians. If they stay any longer then this will only look more and more like an occupation. Furthermore, as the Headmistress of Beacon, I am saying their job here is done."
James felt the sting of her words. She wasn't intentionally cold, but she was cold nonetheless. She was right, however. His forces had done enough for the military and Huntsmen of Vale to finish the job.
Theodore couldn't help but give a reluctant nod. She was right.
"Very well then," said the Headmaster of Shade as he got up from his chair, "I should head back to Vacuo myself. With the CCT system down, I would prefer to make sure that my neck of the woods is okay."
Glynda nodded.
"Thank you for your help, Theodore," replied Glynda, "I wish you safe travels."
"Good seeing you again Ted," said Qrow.
"Thank you, Theodore," said James as he rose from his seat and extended his hand, which Theodore gladly shook.
"Take care," said Theodore, "hopefully Oz returns soon."
With his goodbyes said Theodore took his leave. There was a moment of uneasy silence before Qrow spoke up.
"So now what?"
"I'll depart with my ships before the end of the day," replied James. "What are you going to do Qrow?"
The alcoholic Huntsman took a drink from his flask before he replied.
"I'll stick around Vale for a bit. Yang and Ruby are getting released from the hospital today, and I think Tai is going to need my help keeping an eye on them for the next couple of weeks."
James nodded.
"At least Ruby will be in good hands," replied Ironwood, "with Glynda's permission I was hoping to relocate Pyrrha to Atlas."
Glynda and Qrow had their attention on James entirely at this point.
"Care to elaborate James?" Asked Glynda.
"Pyrrha barely survived her encounter with Cinder Fall thanks to Ruby's timely interference, and I fear that Pyrrha can become a target for Salem."
Qrow and Glynda gave reluctant nods of understanding. James was right. Pyrrha needed to be kept under close watch until they were sure she wasn't a target. Atlas would be the safest place for her.
"From what I've heard," said Qrow, "it wasn't just Ruby's interference that saved Pyrrha."
Glynda nodded.
"You still haven't explained what those three soldiers were doing there," she said with narrowed eyes.
James locked eyes with her.
"Once the attack on Beacon began, I sent out an SOS signal to them. Fearing the worst, I sent them to the tower to protect Pyrrha, Ruby, and Weiss and bring them back to the safe zone. And I think my decision paid off."
He wasn't wrong. Had it not been for those soldiers of his, it was quite possible that Cinder would have killed Pyrrha and Ruby.
"Fair enough," conceded Glynda reluctantly, "but that doesn't explain how you managed to destroy the Wyvern."
"I had one of my ships drop an experimental bomb on it before it could even think about attacking Vale."
Glynda wanted to voice protest. Something about all this didn't seem right. She couldn't explain it, but as rational as James' explanations were, she felt like he was withholding information. Call it a hunch.
"Any chance we can meet these soldiers?" Asked Qrow. "I think I owe them a thank you for saving Ruby's life."
"Maybe sometime in the future when they're less busy," replied James.
Qrow shrugged.
"Sounds good," replied the alcoholic Huntsman, "I'd better head over to the hospital. Ruby and Yang are still unconscious, and Tai is going to need help taking those two kids home. Jimmy, Glynda, always a pleasure. See you two love birds around."
Qrow smirked and made for the door, leaving James and Glynda alone in an uncomfortable silence. The two stood only a foot apart.
Glynda sighed; though the crisis had ended, their work was far from over. On top of that, Ozpin was nowhere to be found, and his leadership was needed now more than ever. James felt something gnaw at him; he understood just how massive the shoes Oz had left for her to fill were.
"Well, I suppose that means we'd best be off to our duties, General," Glynda said as she straightened herself up and made for the door.
James raised an eyebrow. That was the first time she called him that.
"Glynda, wait."
Glynda stopped in her tracks, her back still facing James.
"Yes?" She asked. "Was there something else you needed?"
James placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Glynda still kept her back to James.
"Glynda, I'm sorry."
She only slightly turned her head to look at him, seeing how sullen and... tired the man behind her was.
"What's this about?"
James grimaced momentarily before he looked into her bright green eyes again. He examined her angelic features, silently reprimanding himself for the pain he caused her. He hated himself for it, but it didn't make things right. To make things worse, he was about to leave her with a mess he was partially responsible for. His rogue mechs caused a great deal of damage that would take years to fully repair.
Glynda could see through the slight twitches in his eyes that he was trying to find the words and failing to on each attempt.
"For everything, Glynda. The rogue mechs, the mess I'm leaving you with, the pain I've personally caused you."
Glynda closed her eyes, before turning her head back to face the door.
"It's appreciated, James. But right now, the world needs more than your apology. You and I have worked with Ozpin for years, we both knew the tasks that we would undertake would be monumental. We can't afford to make mistakes like the people we're meant to protect and serve."
Her words pierced his very heart. She was right.
"That said, we can't help prevent those mistakes when we keep secrets from each other, James."
James felt the sting of her words. She was doing it again. The cold exterior she put up was her defense mechanism. He was the cause of that coldness. She was always blunt, but she was never this cold. She didn't become this way until after he'd broken her heart. After he called off their engagement. He did it to protect her from getting involved in Project Guardian. He never stopped loving her; he would never stop loving her.
"If there is one thing you have in common with Ozpin, it's that you bear these things without trusting your allies. Even I knew he wasn't perfect, but..." Glynda paused, trying to form the right words, "Nobody loved humanity more than him, except maybe you."
Now she was beginning to speak her mind, unearthing old feelings long since buried. But, ever the stalwart, dutiful woman she was.
James' free hand clenched into a fist. He could feel tears trying to form, but he kept them at bay. He grabbed hold of both her shoulders and turned her around to face him fully.
"Glynda, you're right. Everything I've done, I've done for humanity. But you're wrong about one thing. I've also done it for you. I love you; I've always loved you, and I will continue to always love you."
The night they spent together roughly three weeks ago before the Grimm breach was one of so many repressed feelings they had for each other. That night they saw the people they'd fallen in love with so many years ago again.
Glynda looked at James, seeing the sincerity in his expression. But she also saw a certain sorrow, a certain conflict brewing within him that she wasn't sure how to respond to.
"My weakness has always been caring too much and not knowing when to stop. I'm sorry Glynda. The biggest regret I have in my life is you not being in it and I'm the cause of it. I've put myself in this position."
James' soul felt like it was on fire. The pain he was in was unimaginable.
"This self-inflicted pain has eaten away at me for years, and I will have to bear it."
Glynda placed a comforting hand on his face. The part of her that still loved him wanted to help him more than anything, but she had work to do. They both had work to do. Giving into their vulnerabilities now wouldn't help anything.
"Whatever secrets he had or his reasons for having them, that never changed my loyalty for Ozpin, and that wouldn't have changed anything between us years ago. Any regrets or misgivings we have about the past need to be put behind us, as our roles are much bigger than that now. And now, they're calling us to fulfill our duties."
She could feel herself waver a bit, but she had to quickly recompose herself; whether to hide it all from James or to rally herself... It hardly mattered now.
"...Safe travels, General." As she left the door, she quietly brushed aside the tears beginning to form in her eyes, taking in the brevity of their talk.
James stood in his office, alone. He needed to leave. He couldn't stay here.
Location Unknown:
Guardian Zero-Three-Seven glided over the rocky terrain surrounding Salem's castle with frightening silence. Being the only member of Bravo Squadron, he was the optimal choice to conduct the reconnaissance. Ideally, this would have been a job for a Guardian from Charlie Squadron but unfortunately, there were none left. His WRAITH armor cloaked him against the terrain, making him virtually invisible. As he approached the potential infiltration routes identified in the earlier aerial imagery, he assessed the landscape with a scrutinizing gaze.
The holographic display on his HUD flickered to life, copying the intricate details of the terrain and potential entry points. Jai scrutinized the landscape, comparing the aerial analysis with the reality beneath him.
The ravines were narrower than anticipated, which could limit escape options.
As Jai navigated through the rocky passages, he noted the accuracy of the aerial imagery in identifying potential Grimm concentrations. Red-eyed Beowolves lurked in the shadows, confirming the need for vigilance.
Jai's gaze shifted to the holographic markers indicating potential Grimm concentrations. Adjusting his course, he silently maneuvered around the danger zones, maintaining a safe distance from the prowling creatures.
He went about marking areas with increased Grimm presence. As Jai neared the castle's perimeter, his eyes scanned for signs of any defenses not mentioned in the aerial imagery. His sharp eyes managed to pick out a few. Sentry turrets on top of the castle walls and patrolling Nevermores came into view.
Those external defenses wouldn't be a problem on the way in, but they could potentially be a problem on the way out. From his position, he could see that the main entrance was fortified as anticipated.
It took Jai two hours to completely circle the entire perimeter of the castle. At some points, he had to scale the castle walls to complete the full 360. The Grimm were posted on nearly every corner of the castle but they were none the wiser to the Guardian's presence.
Once the reconnaissance was completed, Jai made his way back to his brothers. His HUD indicated they were 20 km south of his position. Jai didn't rush his way back. They had time. There was no need to risk getting spotted because he was in a hurry. Slow was smooth and smooth was fast.
It took Jai 40 minutes to get back to his brothers. Rahm and Terre stood outside the cloaked Albatross patiently waiting for him.
"Enjoy the sightseeing?" Asked Rahm in a joking manner.
Jai nodded.
"What do you got?" Asked Terre.
Jai opened a compartment on his vambrace and typed in a command. Instantly, the intel he gathered was shared with his brothers' HUDs. It didn't take Rahm and Terre long to sort through Jai's intel. Jai had taken the liberty of highlighting the areas where there was increased Grimm presence.
"Looks like the aerial imagery held up pretty well," said Rahm, "the only significant differences are the narrower ravines and the automated defenses at the tops of the castle walls."
Terre silently reviewed the intel, plotting a course of action. Jai took note of his silence and decided to speak up.
"I've got a suggestion for you, boss," said Jai.
"Go for it," replied Terre.
"The main entrance is obviously out of the question," said Jai, "but there's potential along the castle walls overlooking the cliffs."
Jai typed in a command and an image of the castle walls overlooking the nigh bottomless cliffs flashed across their HUDs. The image zoomed in to reveal a large enough crevice in the wall that went deep within the structure.
"I see," replied Terre, "if we can exploit that crevice then we may be able to infiltrate the castle."
"Looks like we'll need to do some serious wall scaling," said Rahm with a smirk underneath his helmet, "should be fun."
"Then it's a plan?" Asked Jai.
"It's a plan," said Terre as he finished prepping his gear. He gave his brothers a moment to do the same before he spoke again. "Bad Batch, it's time for a witch hunt."
The witch hunt is officially underway and the boys are ready to go. Things between James and Glynda aren't looking great and as you can see, James is taking it hard. Yes I know. The Guardian augmentation procedures were taken from Halo's Spartan 2 program and the Cabure an is a slight alteration of the Vode an from Star Wars Republic Commando. You all knew that this story took inspiration from both of them when I stated it a long time ago haha. Watch the boys take on Salem next chapter. The unstoppable force against the immovable objects.
-Dude64