Chapter 23: Show of Force

Disclaimer: I do not in any way or form own Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There or RWBY. They belong to their respective owners, Takumi Yanai and RoosterTeeth Animations respectively.

A/N: I did not forget about Tyuule.

"Wait, you were going to Belnago shrine all along?" Giselle asked. Her scythe had been confiscated, she was surrounded by Rory and her friends, and she was missing an arm, so she was currently very agreeable to talking. That and her supposedly invincible dragon was still lying unconscious nearby.

"Yes, and we've been trying to tell you that before you sent that dragon on us!" Tai grumbled, "Why did you even try to kill us, if you just wanted to bring Rory to see Hardy?"

"Because she wanted you out of the way before sending the dragon against me," Rory explained, "A normal battle between Apostles ends in a draw, as we're all immortal. I would never have gone willingly, like the last few times she tried, but the dragon can incapacitate me long enough to bring me to Hardy."

"Incapacitate? How?"

"I was planning to get it to eat her," Giselle answered unapologetically.

"What? Can she even survive that?" Ruby exclaimed.

Lelei was the one to reply, "Yes. Apostles can survive bring digested and constantly regenerate even within a dragon. My speculation is that the constant digestion and regeneration will effectively cripple them, making it almost impossible to escape."

"Truly fascinating!" Oobleck noted, "Apostles are incredible. Ageless and capable of such regeneration? You must have witnessed such a great amount of history, surely. Such knowledge!"

"Okay... This is not really important now," Tai decided. "We still need to get to Belnago, and the Bullhead is in pieces. Walking would take way too long. Any ideas?"

"I'll let you ride the flame dragon," Giselle volunteered.

"Really? You'll help us?"

"Yeah, sure. My task was to bring Rory back to Hardy. If I can get her there without dragging her over, I will consider my mission complete. Oh, and can I have my arm back?"

Rory looked at Tai, who nodded. Shrugging, she tossed Giselle her severed arm back, and the latter reconnected it to her shoulder. The arm was reconnected in a fascinating but disgusting manner, causing team RWBY to look away.

"And my scythe?" Giselle asked, flexing her repaired arm. Very quickly, the tear healed, leaving no trace of any injury.

Tai shook his head, "You're not getting that back until we reach Belnago. So, how long will it take for the dragon to wake?"

Annoyed at the loss of her weapon but unable to overpower her captives, Giselle grumpily replied, "I don't know. The fact that you managed to hit it hard enough to knock it out is impressive. It could take days."

There was a rumble, then angry growling as the flame dragon stirred. Its claws dug into the ground as it pushed itself up, scanning the area. It's gaze landed on the group huddled together, and it roared in fury. Team RWBY and the others moved into defensive positions as the dragon prepared to assault them.

"Enryu! Stop!" Giselle commanded, and the dragon seemed to hesitate between incinerating them all and following her orders.

"All of you, get out of here," Giselle ordered, "I need to calm him down, and I can't do that when he's trying to kill you all."

Tai nodded, gesturing for everyone to follow him behind small hill, out of sight of the dragon.

When the group was out of sight, they mostly collapsed, finally celebrating bringing down the dragon. As Yang bragged and flexed, Tai noticed that Ruby was hanging back. "What's wrong, Ruby?" he asked.

Ruby jerked to attention, "Huh? What? I'm fine."

"No, you're not. You've been acting weird and frankly, we're all worried," Weiss added.

A flapping of mighty wings followed by the landing of a massive beast drew their attention. The group turned to see the flame dragon's maw dangerously close to them, fire flickering from within.

Instinctively, team RWBY and Tai settled into combat stances. Instead of burning them all, however, the dragon reluctantly lowered its head, pressing it into the ground. From her seat on its neck, Giselle waved.

"Get on!" she called out. When everyone hesitated, she assured, "Don't worry, Enryu won't try to eat you as long as I'm here. It's safe."

"That doesn't reassure me," Tai muttered, but led the way over. "Ruby, I'll let this drop, but remember that we're all here for you, alright? If there's anything, we can help."

Ruby nodded.

Looking up at Giselle, sitting far above them, Tai called out, "Do we just... climb up?"

"Yup!"

Cautiously, he began to climb the scaly neck of the flame dragon. It growled at his touch, but seemed mostly docile. With easy grip due to the scales, Tai made it up quickly, and motioned for the others to join him. Such was the size of the dragon that team RWBY, Lelei, Tai, Oobleck and the Apostles could all fit comfortably.

"Alright. Hold on tight," Giselle warned, immediately before she said something to the dragon. It blasted off into the sky with sudden speed, its passengers screaming.

When the Emperor of the Imperial Empire summoned the Senators to a council to discuss the situation surrounding the Gate and those from the other side, they obeyed. Even at such short notice, the Senators of the Empire gathered within the senate building. It was one of the largest structures in Sadera, constructed entirely of white marble, with numerous ornately carved columns and sculptures on both the interior and exterior; built to be an imposing testament of imperial might. Within the building, the Senators gathered in the meeting room, seated in multiple rows, one above the other, surrounding the central chamber, while the Emperor would take his seat on a large throne opposite them.

From a side, at the very top of the room, Sedge and Arta looked over the Senators as they entered, milling around. As the meeting had not begun, the servants were still allowed to accompany their masters, serving food and drinks. Many of the Senators were giving the two of them glances, varying from uncomfortable to outright hostile. It was obvious that they did not approve of even attempting diplomacy and would rather see the outsiders imprisoned and tortured.

"So, tough crowd," Sedge commented.

"Yeah, even the Atlesian military isn't as unwelcoming as this. And those guys have no sense of humor," Arta agreed.

Sedge nodded, "So, do you think Vela can impress them?"

"My wife can be very impressive when she wants to be."

"Yeah. No offense, but it's going to be hard for her. Every one of these Senators are male, and so are their soldiers. Looks like they won't take a woman very seriously," Sedge pointed out.

"They will," Arta promised, just as a servant came over to them and requested that they leave. The Emperor was arriving and the conference was about to begin. The servant informed them that they would be summoned for the demonstration when they were ready.

Stepping outside, the two of them observed as the Emperor's party arrived. Surrounded by a group of heavily armored royal guards, Emperor Molt barely gave them a second glance before entering the senate building. Behind him was Prince Zorzal, accompanied by several of his close friends, with whom he was laughing and joking loudly. Servants swarmed his group, attending to their needs. Sedge doubted that he even noticed the two men from Remnant. Pina came last, accompanied by Bozes and several other Rose Knights. She gave the two of them a respectful nod, and they did the same. Pina was perhaps the only one who wanted peace as much as they did, even if their reasons were different. She would be an important ally.

The doors closed, preventing any intrusions while the Senators went about their discussions with the Emperor within the Senate building. Sedge and Arta were left to their own devices, and although they seemed to free to explore unattended, they could both tell that there were soldiers watching them.

"Let's go find Vela. Let's see what she's got," Sedge suggested. With a nod, Arta followed him to the open area nearby.

"So, what's the timeline?" Arta asked as they walked.

Sledge frowned, "We've been through this. The Senators discuss strategy for a hour or so, then come out for a break and a feast. We'll make use of that time to do a showcase, which Vela has volunteered to take care of, before they go back in there to continue talking."

"Sounds boring. I don't think just discussing the issue for hours is going to help," Arta commented.

"Aren't you with the Atlesian army? You'd have to sit through a lot of boring briefings about the missions. It's important, no matter how much it seems like a waste of time."

"Actually, I'm more of a contractor. I wear their uniform, but I don't have a combat role," Arta explained, "I just help translate."

They arrived at the courtyard, where Vela was waiting, watching the servants bustle around, preparing for the upcoming feast for the Senators.

As promised, Zorzal had brought some soldiers over. Many of them wore the standard armor of empire soldiers, but there looked to be serveral royal guards, with flashy armor and massive halberds more decorative than useful.

The three of them watched as the soldiers marched and practiced in formation. They were mostly disciplined, yet it was obvious that the movements were just for show. Time passed.

"They should be coming out soon. It's lunchtime."

Right on cue, the Senators began filing out of the building, heading in small groups to the prepared feast. Servants immediately swarmed towards them, providing everything they wished for. Sedge let them eat their fill before he called for their attention.

"Greetings, Emperor Molt, Prince Zorzal, Princess Pina and Senators of the Empire," he began, voice carrying over the area, "My name is Sedge Plain. Many of you may be unsure of what abilities that we from Remnant have. Today, allow us to demonstrate. We will showcase our abilities, and answer any questions that you may have."

Vela stepped forward, holding her staff, "I will be conducting this demonstration."

"A woman? Do you mock us?" one of the senators called out. Several others smirked, clearly not impressed.

"Let us have a wager," Vela called out, her voice carrying clearly throughout the area. She made sure that the assembled nobles and soldiers could hear her when she said, "Any one of you who can best me in combat can ask me or my allies for anything their heart desires."

The assembled Senators went silent. They had all heard stories of the 'Men in White'; stories of incredible magic and power. If Vela upheld her end of the wager, they could aquire this knowledge for themselves and the Empire. Some of them laughed, mocking the overconfidence of this woman. Even if she could handle one or two soldiers, it was impossible for her to defeat all of them.

Pina and Bozes were perhaps the only ones who were unenthusiastic about the challenge. Without a doubt, Vela could take them all. When she had, in secret, experimented with her aura, the strength and confidence that she felt made her feel that she could take the royal guards down, alone. Add a lifetime of training to the natural ability that aura granted, Pina knew that it was a challenge that the Empire could not win.

"Hold on, what? I didn't agree to this," Sedge said.

Arta shushed him, "Sedge, please. You know the Empire's capabilities as well as I. Vela can defeat them all with her eyes closed. There's nothing to worry about."

"This is not how we conduct diplomatic negotiations. And did Vela agree to this? Somehow, I don't think-"

"Vela suggested it herself. Don't worry, it's not a spur of the moment thing. She's put a lot of thought into it. Don't ask me about the reasons, though. I'm not a politics person," Arta shrugged.

It was too late anyway; the challenge had been given. "Seriously, though, I thought this was just going to be a show of force," Sedge said, "Next time, tell me what you've got planned. I need to know this kind of thing."

"Sure," Arta agreed, "But I think you should be telling Vela that."

With the gathered soldiers hesitating about teaming up against her, Vela was beginning to get irritated. "Don't worry, I'll try not to kill you. Permanent injury at worst. What are you waiting for? Come at me! Or do all of you cowards fear a single woman?" she challenged.

At that insult, the first imperial soldier raised his sword, charging at Vela with a yell. Raising it high with both hands above his head, he brought it down in a sloppy, overconfident attack. The attack was so telegraphed that anyone could easily sidestep it, but Vela chose not to. Instead, she lifted her staff with a single hand, blocking it almost lazily.

There was a clang as metal met metal, the soldier straining to overpower his enemy. Vela held him at bay for a few seconds before sweeping her staff - and by extension, the sword - aside, before kicking out. The soldier was sent flying back, grunting as he landed on his back in front of his comrades. They quickly helped him up, suddenly wary.

The gathered Senators had fallen silent. Their food forgotten, they waited to see how it played out.

Another soldier attacked, this time from behind. Without looking, Vela seemed to anticipate his movements, striking out with her staff. She slammed it down and behind her, striking his foot. The blow unbalanced him, allowing her to press the attack. The next swing of Vela's staff disarmed the soldier, and the final swing slammed across his chest, sending him flying over the heads of the other soldiers.

That seemed to release the gates, and the soldiers rushed forward with a resounding warcry. Smirking to herself, Vela finally moved into a defensive stance, awaiting their attacks.

One by one, the soldiers tried to slash at her, each eager to prove themselves to be the one to take her down, as well as to punish her for her insult. Vela, however, proved too fast and strong for them. One by one, the soldiers were knocked back, either struck by her staff or punched aside. Even coming from all directions, surrounding Vela, she could not be overwhelmed, spinning on the spot to counter any man who approached. Her dress was no hindrance to her graceful yet strategic movements.

Fire began to flicker, first on her staff. Then Vela's dress too seemed to catch afire, yet without burning. Flames seemed to leak from her eyes, while her hair too danced with flame.

The remaining soldiers still standing hesitated. Those who had already foolishly rushed in were being carried out, leaving the more cautious ones. These soldiers were armed with a spear and shield, as well as heavier armor than the swordsmen before them.

Breathing quickly, Vela called out, "Is that all? I've just gotten warmed up." More fire flickered as she laughed.

The soldiers hefted their shields, surrounding Vela with a circular wall of metal. From the gaps between the shields they aimed their spears, forming a deadly ring of spikes. It was their standard turtle formation, except reveresed; to prevent the escape of an enemy instead of their entrance. As one, they began to advance, closing in on Vela.

Her semblance flared to life, forming a shield of translucent fire around her. It expanded, pushing the spears aside. The soldiers tried to attack it, but were unable to penetrate the wall of fire with their weapons. The fire pulsed, expanding rapidly. Behind their shields, the soldiers stood firm, but were thrown back upon contact with the fire, unable to stand against its force. They were sent scattered around the area as the wall of fire dissipated.

Vela was the only one still standing, flames licking at her dress. Spinning her staff, she slammed it into the ground as she looked over the awestruck Senators and soldiers.

Most of the spectators were shocked by the ability that they had just witnessed, not just the flaming magic but also her physical skill. One, however, was just angry. "You lot are supposed to be the best in the Empire!" Prince Zorzal roared at the scattered and defeated soldiers, "How dare you lose to one woman?! I could have done better. You disgrace us all!"

"Prince Zorzal," Vela's voice cut through the following silence. "If you are so confident in your abilities, why don't you come down here? My wager still stands; defeat me and ask for anything you desire." She stared right at the prince, hiding her feelings. This was perhaps the third time that she had seen him, and already she was disgusted at his cowardly behavior and leering gaze.

Zorzal gazed back at her arrogantly. "As a prince, fighting is beneath me," he proclaimed, pulling at a chain. The chain was connected to a metal collar worn by a woman with a pair of bunny ears. Faunus? She was dressed in torn clothing, stumbling as the prince forced her forward. "Tyuule!" he commanded, releasing her from her binding. "She was once the queen of the warrior bunnies. Go, defeat this arrogant scum! And you lot," he ordered, pointing at the royal guards, "Get her!"

Vela's face darkened further. "Even now you hide behind others. Do you think this beast will threaten me, or your decorative soldiers? Face me yourself, coward!"

But there was something about this Tyuule that Arta could feel was not as it seemed. He watched closely as she stepped forward with confidence. Not the false conviction of the crown prince, but the steady knowledge of deeper plots. Like Arta himself, this slave had something planned.

A/N: Canonically, Giselle plans to use the two young dragons to defeat Rory. Even if they didn't get bombarded by artillery, I have no idea how that's supposed to succeed. By all means, Rory should be able to just kill them, and then it's a stalemate again. The elder dragon could eat her, but the young ones don't seem large or strong enough to do that. So... How? What was the plan there?