Chapter 5: Broken Trust

Nathan took note of everyone starting to surround Ozpin, hobbling over.

All while he struggled to make sense of what he'd just heard:

Salem… couldn't be killed?

It didn't seem at all possible.

Was winning the fight against Salem possible?

"Salem can't be killed…" Yang said. "You all heard her too, right?"

At Yang's words, Nathan's shock became anger, as he clenched his fists and glared daggers towards Ozpin, whose face was now streaked with tears.

"I…" Ozpin made to say, only for Yang to interrupt:

"There was so much you hadn't told us!" Yang snarls. "How could you think that was okay?!"

"Yeah…" Nathan agreed. "You'd think this would be need to know info!"

"Seems like 'need to know' for Ozpin is the bare minimum!" Kanan scoffed.

"Got that right!" Nathan added; for once finding consensus with Kanan.

No response came from Ozpin, who merely hung his head in shame. Guilt and shame dripped from him like the tears endlessly spilling down his cheeks, as if Ozpin felt nothing but guilt and shame for his failures.

"Professor..."

Ruby's voice cut through everyone's anger, before all looked to Ruby, as Ozpin himself looked up to her. "What is your plan to defeat Salem?"

Defeat, not destroy. Smart wording, Ruby, Nathan admitted, only for his anger to return the moment Ozpin confessed:

"I... don't have one..."

In that moment, Nathan was ready to draw his lightsaber and strike Ozpin down, only for Qrow to suddenly lunge forward with a growl of rage, delivering a right hook across Ozpin's face that sent Ozpin flying back into a nearby tree. Damn, dude…

"No one wanted me..." Qrow said suddenly. "I was cursed... I gave my life to you because you gave me a place in this world... I thought I was finally doing some good..."

"But, you are!" Ozpin replied tearfully.

"Meeting you... was the worst luck of my life..." Qrow coldly responded.

Ozpin looked back at Qrow in disbelief at what he'd heard from Qrow, before looking down, dejected. "Maybe you're right..."

At that, Ozpin's eyes glowed, returning control back to Oscar.

"What happened?" Ruby asked as Oscar began holding his cheek, feeling the effects of Qrow's punch.

"He's... gone." Oscar said.

"That bastard!" Yang snarled.

"Tell him we're not done yet!" Kanan added angrily.

"No, this is different." Oscar replied. "He's gone. It- It's like he's locked himself deep inside my head. Our head?" Holding his head as if in pain, Oscar grunted: "I hate this! I want it to stop!"

"He just left us?" Weiss asked.

"Fucking great; what now?!" Nathan asked, both frustrated and sympathetic to Oscar. He had to feel for the young boy; Oscar hadn't asked for this responsibility.

He briefly heard Yang growling in anger before a new voice joined them:

"Enough!"

Everyone looked to see the old woman, Maria Calavera, approaching Oscar.

"We need to get move on. It'll be dark before we know it, and every one of you is spewing negativity!" Helping Oscar up with her cane, Maria added: "There's a trail over there, trails usually lead somewhere."

"Yeah; further into a fucking snowstorm…" Nathan muttered under his breath, whilst Yang said:

"Lady, I don't know who you think you are but-"

"No buts!" Maria interrupted, slamming her cane. "I understand that you're upset. Honestly, I'm still coming to terms with the fact that this is humanity's second time around. But, if we don't move, we die. And I'll be damned if I've lived this long just to die out here in the cold!"

Nathan had to admit; he saw Maria's logic.

And so did Ruby, who said:

"She's right. Come on."

Realising now his injuries would make any journey difficult, Nathan made to hobble over to Yang's bike to see if he could hitch a ride on Bumblebee, only to be met with the sight of Yang helping Maria onto her bike.

"Here."

Nathan looked to see Kanan walking over with two thick sticks that looked like makeshift crutches.

"I was making some up before the whole thing with Jinn, so… take them." Kanan said.

Nathan nodded, testing the crutches to ensure they were usable. "Okay… thanks, Kanan."

Kanan nodded. "Look Nate… back on the train; when I didn't say anything after you said I should be angry at Ozpin too for putting Blake in danger. I…"

"No need to explain yourself, Kanan…" Nathan replied. "Blake's no longer in danger. She's safely in Argus. And besides… I could see it on your face that you agreed with me." Sighing, Nathan added: "I… just needed someone to focus my anger on that wasn't Oscar."

Kanan nodded understanding. "Alright. So we're good?"

Nathan only nodded, and hobbled towards the rest of the group, stopping briefly as he saw Ruby approach Oscar with the Long Memory:

"I'm just going to be another one of his lives, aren't I?" Oscar was saying.

"Of course not." Ruby said, placing a hand over Oscar's. "You're your own person."

"Don't lie to him, Ruby."

Nathan looked to see Qrow walking past them, drinking from his flask.

"We're better than that." Qrow then said.

Seeing the crestfallen look on Ruby and Oscar's faces, Nathan then said: "And you should be better than that." Gesturing to the flash in Qrow's hand, which Nathan knew contained some form of alcohol.

Qrow flashed Nathan a dismissive look before trudging off.

Before long, everyone in the area was ready for travel, and the group set off.

The Imperial camp… or rather… what's left of it…

Baron Maleficus' eyes shot open.

His sight was blurry, unfocused. The soothing, healing sensation of bacta washed over him, indicating that he had been in some form of bacta tank.

How long had he been in there?

Were his forces intact?

Was he the only survivor?

"My lord…"

A voice! It was faintly, barely distinguishable, but it allowed the Baron to focus.

"My lord; you're awake!" The voice returned, far more recognisable…

It was Commander Wardlow Kast; the Mandalorian commander who mostly commanded his troops.

His eyes finally focused; and Maleficus could see Commander Kast outside the bacta tank.

The man looked more than a little worse for wear. A bandage was wrapped around his gut, and his armour bore the telltale signs of wear and tear, indicating Wardlow had been fighting almost nonstop.

"Be still, sir! I'm bringing you out!"

The Baron became aware of the top of his bacta tank being lifted off, allowing a crane to reach inside and pluck him out from the bacta tank, lowering him to the floor.

The moment the crane released him, and his legs touched the floor, they buckled after what felt like an eternity of disuse, and Maleficus toppled forwards.

Commander Kast was quick to catch the Baron though, and helped him stand upright.

Though Maleficus still felt unsteady on his feet, he found himself regaining strength shortly thereafter.

His eyes then fell to the outside of the camp.

Or rather… what was left…

The Imperial encampment laid in ruins, all their equipment and defences either destroyed or too damaged to be of use.

Mangled, mutilated corpses of Imperial Stormtroopers littered the area, still lying where they had fallen.

The sight stoked the flames of the Baron's anger, and he spun round to face Commander Kast.

"What happened here?" he demanded, walking up to the commander.

"Adam Taurus betrayed us, my lord." Wardlow replied. "He and his followers detonated explosives around the camp and fled as the Grimm closed in. I… I defended our camp mightily in your absence, my Lord… But… our entire force is dead. Forgive me."

Adam… the thought of the rogue faunus revolutionary brought a fresh surge of anger upon Maleficus, and with an outstretched hand, he began to Force Choke the commander.

"Better that you had joined them in death; so that you at least died in glory." The Baron growled. "But… that would both be a waste of my time and your usefulness."

Releasing Kast, Maleficus stepped further out from within his command tent, further surveying the ruins of his camp.

The sight of so many slain soldiers would usually be a subject of anger for the dark Force wielder. But in this instance, the Baron found himself smiling. "The Imperial army was useful." He said. "But we can work with this."

"W-With respect my lord; our forces are no more." Wardlow declared. "We are all that is left."

"Not for long." Maleficus replied. "Do you know what I specifically requested to come here to Remnant, Commander?"

"I… can't say I do, my lord." Commander Kast responded.

"Ancient Sith texts I discovered within Salem's library tell of an army, hidden here by the Sith Lord Darth Revan thousands of years ago." The Baron elaborated. "All of them were frozen in carbonite, so that they could be awakened from their slumber if needed."

Looking to the commander, Maleficus added: "I intend to find and reawaken that army. And from there; lead it in conquest across Remnant before finally claiming my rightful place as a Dark Lord of the Sith." Placing his hand on Wardlow's shoulder, the Baron further added: "Together… we shall find that army. And when we do… you shall lead as the army's general."

Wardlow smiled and knelt before Maleficus, saying: "I would be honoured, my lord."

Nodding, Baron Maleficus said: "Gather what supplies you can carry. We may be travelling a long time. Today… we begin a new chapter and a new era for the Sith!"

Argus, 18:15 pm…

"So… what are you and Pyrrha planning to do for your wedding, Jaune?"

Ghost glanced up from his dinner towards the engaged couple as they responded to the question from Saphron:

"We're only wanting a small wedding." Jaune explained.

"Close friends and family only." Pyrrha elaborated. "I've never been one for large, opulent weddings where everyone we could possibly know is there."

"Okay." Terra; Saphron's wife replied. "Have you began planning the wedding; or have you left it all to the last minute, as is usual when it comes to Arc weddings?"

"Nope. Pyrrha and I have been getting help from Pyrrha's dad when it comes to planning." Jaune said.

"And us!" Nora added in cheerfully.

"I don't see how devouring their wedding cake samples and necessitating another box be sent is helping." Ren admonished Nora, who pouted and looked away.

"They were tasty, though…" Nora muttered.

The table all chuckled in amusement, before Violette piped up:

"Pyrrha; if you're wondering about a wedding dress, I know someone who can help. They're amazing; and affordable too. If a little scatterbrained."

A smile crossed Pyrrha's face in that moment, and she replied: "I think I know who you're referring to."

Ghost chuckled before his gaze turned to Blake.

Nathan's girlfriend was listening in, but her face was etched with worry.

Ghost had to admit; he was concerned as well. No-one from Nathan's group had made contact yet, and it was becoming concerning.

But; Ghost had faith that once they could make contact; they would.

If not; Ghost would set out in the morning himself to find them. He owed that to Blake.

The Wilderness…

Nathan was no stranger to the cold.

Having fought in many battles during the Clone Wars, Nathan was experienced in trekking long distances in some of the most hellishly cold weather known to existence.

But back then; he wasn't badly wounded. And nor was he dressed as he was now.

The cold winds cut into him like invisible knives, slashing and stabbing at him, gradually weakening him further than he already was.

If only he'd been more careful. Maybe then he'd-

Suddenly, one of his makeshift crutches hit what was probably some form of hole, and Nathan suddenly found himself collapsing to the floor.

"Fuck!" Nathan hissed as he crashed to the floor, pain flaring up in both his leg and torso as he felt his wounds reopen a little.

"Nathan!"

Dazed and hurting, Nathan became aware of Yang dashing over, and as he shook himself out of the pain induced daze he was in, looked to the golden-haired brawler.

"You okay?" Yang asked. Her lilac eyes were full of concern, and Nathan found himself lost in them momentarily before nodding.

"I'll live." He replied.

Yang sighed. "Come on. You're going on Bumblebee."

Nathan knew better than to argue with Yang, hobbling along as Yang helped him towards her bike, on which Maria was sat.

To her credit, the elderly woman momentarily left her perch on Yang's bike, allowing Yang to help Nathan climb on.

Once Maria was re-perched on Bumblebee behind Nathan, the group carried on.

Nathan's thoughts turned to Blake, and he sighed. He already wished he had been selfish and kept her around. He could use her warmth right now.

But then he'd be placing his unborn child in danger too. And that would just not do.

Nathan merely slumped forwards and sighed, thoughts of Blake not helping his mood.

How she was going to take the news of Salem's immortality, he didn't know.

As if recognising Nathan's sullen mood; the blizzard seemingly began to pick up.

"Doesn't look like this is gonna let up." Qrow commented from where he was.

"Just wanna get this stupid Relic to Atlas." Kanan said from next to Yang.

"Let's hope we don't have to walk all the way there." Weiss added.

We'll freeze before we even reach that fucking place, Nathan thought.

"I thought trails led somewhere." Yang said sarcastically to Maria, who retorted:

"Do you have nothing better to do than to harass a defenceless old lady?"

"Everyone, quiet."

The gang all stopped at Ruby's sudden interruption, at which they heard it:

A low, metallic creaking.

"Do you hear that?" Ruby asked.

Nathan looked in the direction of the creaking, and soon beheld the source of the noise:

A large farm lay before them, consisting of a large two-story farmhouse, several greenhouses flanking a cobblestone drive that led to the house, and a red metal gate with an arch with the farm name over it, which read: BRUNSWICK FARMS. There were also at least two barns and several other smaller homes, seemingly for farm workers.

The creaking seemed to come from the partially open gate at the farm's entrance.

Nathan's eyes narrowed. The property gave him a bad feeling, and he wasn't sure he liked it.

Kanan however, wasn't so put off: "Well, at least one good thing happened today." He said.

"It looks abandoned." Weiss pointed out.

"I don't like it." Nathan stated. "Something's off about the place."

"It's still better than this." Ruby countered, gesturing to the blizzard.

"Come on, I think we could all use some rest." Qrow said, settling the matter as he held the gate open for everyone to enter through.

Nathan sighed and resigned himself to a night in what looked like a haunted house as the gate closed behind them with a resounding and chilling clang.

First off; apologies for the delay in updating. Recent shifts at work have left me a little on the tired side.

Second of all; now we are onto Brunswick Farms. The part I was most dreading writing next to the exposition dump that was last chapter, as I am hardly a talented horror writer. I'm going to give it my best shot though, so give me some slack.

For now though: REVIEWS!

dragon44pride: Solution to what? Killing Salem? I'm not so sure.

Guest: I would assume that by the time Salem started attempting to take her own life, a lot of that had already happened. However, I saw no better place than this to insert Darth Revan, as believe me; he will become very relevant as this story persists.

keybladelight: I could, but then that would use up the third and final question.

MaxTheMagnificent24: Well; now you know. He wanted to hide an army on Remnant in case he ever needed it.

Sharnorasian Empire: Sorry to disappoint you my friend. But it will be worth it when Nathan does speak to Salem. As for Revan's reasoning for coming to Remnant, this shall hopefully provide the info you seek.

That said; thank you all so much for taking the time to read this chapter. If you liked it; y'all know what to do.

I shall see you next weekend with the next chapter, which sees the group explore Brunswick, as well as delves a little into Ghost's backstory.

T-Rock14