The dense expanse of Vale's forest stretches endlessly ahead, its canopy of trees casting dappled shadows upon the forest floor. A solitary figure moves with deliberate grace through the towering trees, each step carefully placed to minimize sound upon the rugged terrain that lies before him. Clad in sleek black armor, he melds seamlessly into the shifting patterns of shadow, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced vigilance.
To venture alone into such wilderness might be deemed folly by some, but not to this individual.
Years of training as a soldier and protector have instilled within him a deep understanding of his environment, rendering the pursuit of his quarry a seemingly effortless endeavor. With steady breath and unwavering focus, he moves forward, his senses attuned to every rustle and whisper in the forest.
As the lone figure continued his search, the rhythmic thumping of helicopter blades echoed through the dense forest, signaling the presence of the Blackbird patrolling overhead. Its distinctive silhouette emerged from the treetops, a formidable machine bristling with weapons and adorned with the markings of its past battles.
The Blackbird's sleek, angular design cut through the air with precision, its menacing presence accentuated by the mounted miniguns and missile launchers protruding from its sides. Its matte black finish blended seamlessly with the shadows of the forest, a silent sentinel watching over him, and the battlefield below.
As he listened to the steady hum of the helicopter's engines, he felt a sense of reassurance knowing that backup was close at hand. With the Blackbird prowling the skies above, he knew that he wasn't alone in his mission in the dark night deep inside the emerald forest.
The lone soldier keyed his comms, establishing a connection with the pilot of the Blackbird. "Blackbird, this is Thorn. Do you have eyes on my position?"
Static crackled over the radio before a voice responded, clear and concise. "Roger, Lieutenant. We've got you on visual. What's your status?"
"I'm still on the search for the missing team of huntsmen," Thorn replied, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. "No sign of them yet, but I'll keep you updated."
"Copy that. We'll maintain our patrol pattern and standby for further instructions," the pilot affirmed. "Hey, just so you know, I'm not feeling too confident with just the three of us, we should have brought more guys with us on this mission. An extra Blackbird would be nice."
Thorn nodded, though the gesture was unseen over the comms. "Calm yourself, Finn. If you see one of them flying towards you, just remember that you're piloting a gunship for a reason. So shoot back at them." he said.
"You got it, Thorn. We got your back," the pilot assured him before the radio fell silent once more.
With the Blackbird hovering overhead, Thorn felt a renewed sense of determination. He knew that he wasn't alone in his mission, and with the pilot and their firepower at his back, he was more than ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Though the threat of rain looms overhead, it holds no sway over him; his gear is prepared for such eventualities. Weathered by countless encounters with the elements, he traverses the landscape with ease, his footsteps leaving only the faintest impression upon the ground. For him, nature is not an obstacle to be overcome, but a familiar companion that greets him with each cautious step he takes.
The symphony of creatures in the night fills the air with its harmonious melody, yet none seem to take notice of the solitary figure passing through their neck of the woods. Perhaps they sense that he harbors no ill intent towards them. Indeed, there is no cause for fear, for he is not a harbinger of chaos, but a guardian sworn to protect all life within Remnant.
As both moonlight and the shroud of darkness gently embrace his armor, he holds his rifle in the low ready position, poised for any potential threat. With the barrel pointed downwards and away from non-threatening elements, he remains vigilant.
Scanning his surroundings from left to right, he periodically glances upwards and downwards, ensuring both his footing and awareness of his environment. Ready to engage at a moment's notice, he maintains a steady focus on the task at hand.
Thorn slowed to a halt, dropping into a prone position behind a weathered tree trunk. His gaze remained fixed on the path ahead as he reached for his communications device, speaking softly into it, "Thorn to Black Actual, do you copy? Over."
He awaited a response. "This is Black Actual, go-ahead Thorn," the radio officer replied. Glancing at his watch, Thorn relayed his situation report, "Reached the target destination. No sign of the target. Requesting advice, over."
"Maintain surveillance. We must locate them before it becomes critical. Their last known whereabouts coincide with your current position. Blackbird, can you detect any traces of their presence? Thorn?" queried the radio officer.
"Negative, we got nothing up here." Finn said as he looked below through his NVGs.
Thorn surveyed his surroundings. "No visible traces," he reported. Looking through his quad NVGs, "Biosignature scanners are not picking up traces," he said.
"Copy that, Thorn. Hurry it up, guys. Those huntsmen won't rescue themselves, sensors have picked up a possible Alpha Nevermore in your vicinity," said the radio officer.
"Oh great, just what we needed," Finn said sarcastically, not sounding too thrilled about the news.
"Roger, but don't worry about us, Atlas tech always got us covered," Thorn assured, his confidence unwavering. "I'll report back once we've located them."
With a swift movement, viewing through his scanner, still unable to pick up any sign of evidence of their presence.
Rising to his feet, Thorn pressed on with his search, picking up the pace as he tried to find the missing huntsmen with renewed determination. As he pushed forward, his mind wandered back to the moments preceding his arrival and his discussion with the commander. He knocked on the door, the sound echoing through the quiet corridor. "Come in," a voice called out from within. He turned the doorknob and entered, greeted by the sight of an elderly man clad in sleek black armor, seated behind his desk.
"General Vitalius, you requested my presence? What seems to be the matter?" Thorn asked, his voice steady as he stood at attention.
"At ease, Lieutenant. Take a seat," the General replied, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk. "I have a new mission for you, considering your recent complaints about being stuck at the base and teaching the new recruits."
A small smile tugged at Thorn's lips as he settled into the chair. "I'd welcome a mission, General," he said, anticipation flickering in his eyes as he reached for the file the General slid across the desk.
However, as Thorn skimmed the contents of the file, his expression sobered. "Missing huntsmen? Unranked mission?" he murmured, his brow furrowing in concern. He glanced up at the General, seeking confirmation in his expression. "You're sending me out on a rescue mission, sir?"
Vitalius nodded, his voice carrying a note of regret as a somber expression settled on his face. "I'm afraid it is, Thorn. I understand your reluctance toward these types of missions, but would you be willing to hear me out on the matter?" he asked.
"Of course, sir. I'm all ears," Thorn replied, maintaining a professional demeanour. "Though I must admit, rescue operations aren't exactly my forte. Qrow, on the other hand, excels in such scenarios."
The General nodded understandingly. "I wish circumstances were different," he began, his tone reflecting a mixture of solemnity and determination. "With Colonel Ares and his Black Angels en route to Mountain Glenn, and Captain Branwen leading his Black Ravens out on a Grimm hunt in the outer sectors, our options are indeed limited. I need someone I can trust to handle this mission. The Black Centurions and I are needed here, in the city."
"If Colonel Ares were available, he'd handle it with precision. And Qrow, despite his unconventional methods, has a natural talent for leadership," Thorn acknowledged.
"Indeed, they are both highly capable individuals. However, circumstances dictate that you, are the most suitable candidate for this particular mission," Vitalius affirmed. "There have been concerning reports of huntsmen teams taking unranked missions solely for monetary gain, driven by greed. It's a troubling trend, especially considering the risks involved. The recent loss of veteran huntsmen on such missions is a stark reminder of the dangers at hand," the General explained, his tone grave.
"However, amidst these troubling developments, I've received a personal request from an old friend. There's a worried mother out there who fears she may never see her daughter again if we don't intervene," he added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
"General, you're aware that favoritism in this matter could damage our already fragile public perception. If news of this decision were to leak, it would only exacerbate our strained relationship with the public," Thorn expressed his concerns.
"Yes, I understand the implications. However, this is a personal matter for me as well. I've watched her daughter grow into a capable huntress, but the mission she's undertaken with her comrades is beyond their skills and experience. The repercussions would be mine to bear alone; you need not concern yourself with it," Vitalius replied solemnly.
Thorn scrutinized the General, his expression serious. "I assume you accepted her request personally, without payment, too? What are the odds she accidentally reveals our arrangement?"
"She's given me her word of secrecy, Lieutenant. You can trust in that. But if this is troubling you, remember that our work often extends beyond monetary gain. You, more than anyone, should understand that" Vitalius responded, his gaze unwavering. "Why question it now?"
Thorn sighed inwardly, maintaining his composure in front of the General. "I detest seeing our operatives treated unfairly, Jon. I don't want to give the public another reason to resent us. We're not their enemies; we fight the Grimm alongside them. It is unfair that our men had to suffer discrimination as a reward. Is it because we are mercenaries?"
"In today's world, the reputation of mercenaries has taken a hit. But we can't let the actions of other companies define us. We hold ourselves to a higher standard. Despite being labeled as soldiers of fortune; we're not cut from the same cloth as those who've strayed from their moral compass. Our goal isn't about seeking fame or glory; it's about doing what's right, about saving lives. In a world where rules are often ignored, we must be the ones to uphold them," Vitalius said, his hand resting reassuringly on Ghost's shoulder.
Thorn nodded thoughtfully. "Does Ozpin have knowledge of this? I imagine he wouldn't be pleased if we acted without his knowledge. After all, he's one of the four owners of the Shadow Company."
Vitalius's expression hardened at the mention of Ozpin. "What Ozpin knows is of little consequence to me. I'll face any grievances he might have when the time comes. Though I wish I could handle this matter personally, my duties demand my presence here. Nevertheless, if you prioritize compensation, I'm prepared to triple your pay from my own pockets upon the successful rescue of her daughter. You have my word," Vitalius explained with solemnity.
It was a difficult choice, but not one that Thorn was not hesitant to choose. He needed a break from teaching the recruits every now and then, so this mission was another reason for him to get out every once in a while. As he quickened his pace, his senses heightened, attuned to the subtlest signs of disturbance in the surrounding terrain. With each step, he felt the tension in the air thicken, an ominous prelude to what lay ahead.
Soon, the landscape began to change around him. Trees bore scars of recent conflict, their bark gouged and splintered by the fury of battle. Broken branches littered the forest floor, a testament to the violence that had transpired not long ago. With each passing moment, the signs grew more pronounced, leading him deeper into the heart of the aftermath. His trained eyes scanned the area, searching for any clue that might reveal the fate of the missing huntsmen team.
Amidst the chaos, he spotted something that caught his attention—a discarded weapon, likely belonging to a fallen huntsman. Its metal blade glinting faintly in the moon light filtering through the canopy above.
Drawing closer, Thorn knelt beside the weapon, his mind racing with possibilities. What had happened here? And where was the huntsmen team he had been sent to find? With a sense of urgency, he continued his search, determined to uncover the truth hidden within the shadows of the forest.
There is a trail of blood nearby, it might lead to one of the missing huntsmen.
Retrieving the discarded weapon and securing it on his person, Thorn ensures that it would not be left behind to fall into the wrong hands. Alternatively, if he succeeded, he might be able to provide the troubled huntsman with a means to defend themselves.
As his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, his gaze locked onto movement in the distance, a subtle rustle of leaves. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on his rifle, finding reassurance in the familiar weight of the weapon in his hand.
From the rustling leaves emerged a low, sinister growl, echoing ominously through the stillness of the forest, accompanied by a pair of red glowing eyes peeking from its darkness.
In a swift and fluid motion, a single Beowulf leaped from the cover of the bush, its primal instincts driving it to attack Thorn with ferocious intent. However, he was prepared, his reflexes honed through years of training and experience. With lightning speed, he raised his suppressed rifle and took aim, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that tore through the air with deadly precision.
The creature's trajectory was abruptly halted as the bullets found their mark, sending it tumbling through the air in a chaotic spiral, crashing onto the ground with a resounding thud. It's momentum carrying it forward until it collided with a nearby tree. For a fleeting moment, the forest was filled with the sound of splintering wood and the creature's anguished roar.
Then, as quickly as it had appeared, Thorn sends a few more rounds into the Grimm's skull, finally letting it begin to dissolve into a swirling cloud of ashes, its form dissipating into nothingness before his eyes. With a steady breath, he checks his rifle, the tension in his muscles. The tension in the forest was palpable as he pressed onward, his senses on high alert despite the darkness that surrounded him. Each step brought him closer to the source of the blood trail, a grim reminder of the danger that lurked nearby.
As he approached a small clearing illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, his eyes narrowed in focus.
Before him lay a pile of Grimm carcasses, their twisted forms a testament to the battle that had recently taken place. Yet, amidst the carnage, there was something else that caught Thorn's attention—the abrupt end of the blood trail. It was as if the trail vanished into thin air, leaving behind an unsettling mystery. Consulting his scanners, detecting a faint and erratic heartbeat emanating from the direction of the clearing. Despite its feeble nature, it hinted at the presence of life amidst the chaos left in the wake of the Grimm. However, as he surveyed the area, he found no trace of the huntsman aside from the pile of Grimm at the center of the clearing.
A sense of urgency gripped him as he realized the gravity of the situation. It became clear that he may have stumbled upon the first of the missing huntsmen, their whereabouts obscured by the sinister remnants of the Grimm's rampage.
Swallowing his saliva, Thorn scanned the area for any lurking Grimm, ensuring it was safe to proceed. Satisfied with his assessment, he darted toward the pile of corpses.
With a swift motion, he activated the heat blade from his vambrace, its intense glow casting an eerie light in the darkness. With calculated precision, he began slicing through the Grimm carcasses, his movements swift yet careful to avoid harming the trapped huntsmen in the process. As he pushed and cut away the wall of Grimm flesh, he could barely discern a bloodied human arm amidst the gruesome pile. He held onto hope that the arm remained attached to its rightful owner.
Thorn struggles to pull out the huntsmen buried beneath the weight of slain Beowolves, but with a final pull the unconscious huntsman is finally free of its grasp. Switching on his helmet light, Thorn inspected the huntsman's body, he had taken a heavy beating. Lots of cuts around his body as it looks like, but it was nothing that Ghost couldn't fix with his med kit.
Opening a small pouch on his belt, Thorn retrieved a gel applicator and used it to seal any small wounds. The huntsman grunted unconsciously in pain as he applied first aid. "Thorn to Blackbird, I've located the first huntsman. Prepare the stretcher for evacuation," he whispered into his radio.
"Roger, on route to your location. Be advised, the noise might attract Grimm, so stay vigilant," Finn cautioned. The Blackbird soared over the trees, arriving at the small opening where Thorn and the first huntsman were located. Another member of the team, accompanying Finn and Thorn, began operating a pulley system, lowering a stretcher to retrieve the injured huntsman and prepare him for evacuation aboard the aircraft. After completing all available treatments, Thorn secured the huntsman onto the stretcher and hoisted him up into the Blackbird.
"One huntsman onboard, and no Grimm in sight. So far so good. I'll keep track on our progress. Keep searching,Thorn. We'll take care of your passengers up here." Finn relayed as he trailed behind. Thorn gives a thumbs up, keeping his med tools back in his pouch and continuing his mission.
Ever so carefully, he looked constantly on his scanner for the next huntsmen, it was a miracle to find another faintly beeping signal of a heartbeat. But as soon as he had reached the second signal, he was caught in between the thick trees and bushy grass.
His scanner shows that he is right at the spot where the next huntsmen should be, until he looks up and sees where the huntsmen, or huntress, was actually located. She was right on top of him, the unconscious huntress, dangling precariously from the tree branches over a height that might finish her off if she falls off on its precarious perch.
It was as if the situation was mocking Thorn if he could ever succeed in retrieving her from this desperate situation. With a deep breath, he assessed the situation, weighing his options carefully.
One wrong move could spell disaster, triggering a collapse of the already unstable terrain and sending both him and the huntsman plummeting into the depths below. Thorn knew he had to tread lightly, any misstep could result in catastrophe. Before attempting a rescue, Thorn did his best to determine the huntsman's state of consciousness and any injuries that she may have sustained. This will help him priorities his actions and decide on the best approach.
Her body seems to be laying on its front, her arms and legs dangling while her chest and shoulder are being suspended from the height.
Spotting a sturdy tree nearby, he devised a plan to retrieve the dangling huntsman safely. Swiftly retrieving climbing rope from his pack, he set it aside for immediate use. Activating the spikes embedded in his boots, he ensured added stability for climbing.
As he ascended, Thorn pushed aside the low snarling sounds of Grimm echoing through the trees, confident that Beowolves couldn't climb trees of this height. Reaching the top, the huntress was within reach, but he couldn't shake the nerves gnawing at him. The fear of failure fueled his adrenaline.
With slow, deliberate movements, Thorn edged closer to the huntsman. He extended a hand cautiously, ready to offer assistance and pull her to safety. However, the sound of shifting and breaking branches beneath and around him served as a stark reminder of the danger lurking beneath them.
As he got closer to the dangling huntress, the tension in the air thickened. Each movement felt like a delicate dance on the edge of disaster. Suddenly, a loud crack shattered the silence, and a branch beneath the huntress gave way. With lightning reflexes, Thorn lunged forward, reaching out just in time to catch the falling huntress.
Time seemed to stand still as they hung in mid-air, suspended between safety and peril. His heart raced with relief as he held her securely in his grasp.
With a steady hand, he pulled her weight closer, ensuring her safety before lowering both of them back down to solid ground. However, as he took a glance down, his relief soon turned to dread. Below them, a pack of Grimm had settled in the clearing directly beneath their position. The trees were too dense for Finn to attempt a rescue from above without alerting the Grimm.
Cursing inwardly, Thorn quickly surveyed their surroundings, trying to formulate a plan while struggling to maintain their precarious balance. His mind raced as he assessed their perilous situation. With the pack of Grimm lurking below, he knew they needed a distraction to buy them some time. Swiftly reaching into his gear pouch, he retrieved a small, palm-sized device designed to emit a high-pitched sound capable of drawing the attention of nearby Grimm.
Taking careful aim, Thorn hurled the device with precision, sending it soaring through the air towards a distant patch of foliage. As it landed with a soft thud and activated, the device emitted a shrill, piercing noise that reverberated through the forest. Immediately, the pack of Grimm below stirred, their attention diverted by the unexpected disturbance. Thorn seized the opportunity, swiftly lowering himself and the huntress to the ground before the Grimm could come back.
With a silent prayer of thanks for his quick thinking, he quickly ushered the huntress to safety. Revisiting the location where he had rescued the first huntsman, Thorn swiftly tended to the injured huntress while maintaining communication through his radio. "Finn, I've located the second huntress. Prepare to send down the stretcher," he relayed.
"Copy that. We're on our way to your location. Hold tight," Finn responded, his voice carrying assurance over the radio waves.
Her wounds seem to be graver than the last, Thorn used his med kit and used a specialized medical stapler to close up bigger wounds to help keep her blood from escaping. Her injuries appeared more severe than the previous huntsman's. Thorn meticulously applied first aid, utilizing his med kit and his medical stapler to close larger wounds and stem the flow of blood, prolonging her life.
Once again, Finn arrives promptly with the stretcher, and Thorn wastes no time securing the injured huntress before moving on to the next task. "I found her tangled in some branches, likely ensnared by a Nevermore," he reports. "I had to climb up to retrieve her, and there was a pack of Grimm waiting below. I had to use a noise maker to distract them."
"That sounds rough. Good job on finding her. We'll make sure she's stable, her aura's completely drained. We're halfway there. Keep going," Finn acknowledges, his voice carrying a tone of encouragement as he flies them to a safer location.
As Thorn pressed deeper into the dense forest, his senses on high alert, he stumbled upon another clearing shrouded in an eerie silence. A chilling breeze swept through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of blood and decay. His heart sank as he spotted the lifeless body of the next huntsman lying amidst the scattered remnants of Grimm.
Approaching cautiously, Thorn observed the scene before him. The huntsman's body bore the marks of a fierce struggle, evidence of a valiant last stand against the relentless onslaught of Grimm. Yet, despite their courageous efforts, they had ultimately succumbed to the overwhelming tide of darkness.
Kneeling beside the fallen huntsman, Ghost paid a silent tribute to his bravery and sacrifice. Their unwavering determination in the face of insurmountable odds spoke volumes about their character and dedication to their cause. He checks his identification if this is indeed one of the missing members, he is.
It was a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of their world, where even the strongest warriors could be brought low by the merciless forces of Grimm. With a heavy heart, Thorn vowed to honour the huntsman's memory by continuing the mission with unwavering resolve to save the last member of his team. Though the loss weighed heavily upon him, he knew that their sacrifice would not be in vain. Drawing strength from their courage, Thorn rose to his feet, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He will come back later to retrieve his body once the last member has been recovered.
"Finn, I located the third huntsman," he relayed over the radio. "Excellent, administer aid if you can and prep him for extraction," Finn responded.
"He's gone. His injuries were too severe. I was too late," Thorn replied solemnly. "I'm moving on to find the last member now. No time to waste."
"Damn... Alright. Just watch your back out there. We can't afford to lose you," Finn said, concern evident in his voice.
Thorn understood the risks involved, but his commitment to completing the mission superseded any concerns for his own safety. Sent by Vitalius, he was determined to see it through to the end. Following the last heartbeat signal, he pressed forward with urgency while remaining vigilant. Reaching the source of the signal, it led him to a foreboding cave entrance.
"Caves, I hate caves." he said as he grabs his radio, "Finn, my scanners are picking up the last signal in a big cave, likely a nest. Hold off on contacting me until I return," Thorn's voice echoed with determination, tinged with a hint of apprehension.
"I see you. That looks like a big hole down there. You think the Alpha Nevermore might be in there?" Finn's voice crackled through the radio, carrying a note of concern.
"Probably. You just keep those guns ready for when things get rough. Understood?" Despite his confident words, Thorn couldn't shake the knot of tension tightening in his stomach.
"I've been itching to get these guns spinning. All this firepower and I don't even get to shoot a single bullet tonight?" Finn's tone held a mix of eagerness and frustration, the anticipation of action palpable even over the radio.
"Alright, I'm going in. She doesn't have long. Thorn out," his 's voice softened slightly, betraying a hint of urgency and worry as he prepared to face whatever dangers lurked within the dark cavern. Steeling himself, he entered the cavern, activating his night vision and raising his rifle in readiness for any Grimm that dared to confront him.
Venturing forward with utmost caution, Thorn observed the source of the ominous noises echoing within the cavernous walls. It was a cacophony of snoring and stirring, the telltale signs of Grimm slumbering deeply in the darkness. With an idea in mind, searching through his pack and finds a few explosives charges. He places them in strategic locations as he makes his way deeper inside the cave.
The peril was palpable, the risk immense, venturing into a Grimm nest was a task that would make even seasoned huntsmen hesitate. Yet, Thorn was not one to retreat, especially not now, entrenched as he was in the heart of this dangerous territory. His mind raced with the thought of marking this location for Qrow and his Black Ravens, a strategic spot to return and eradicate this sizeable nest lurking within the depths of the Emerald Forest.
Silently weighing his options, acutely aware of the overwhelming odds stacked against him. The cavern seemed like a death trap, each shadow concealing a potential threat. Entering a vast chamber, and Thorn beheld the object of his dread right before him: the Alpha Nevermore, a monstrous creature whose sheer size and ferocity dwarfed any regular Nevermore. Only the foolhardy or the desperate would dare to challenge such a formidable foe. It was evident that this team had ventured into the depths of the cave in pursuit of this imposing creature for its generous bounty.
As he rounded a corner, Thorn stumbled upon another grim reminder of the fate that befell the other huntsmen teams who dared to challenge the colossal beast. A grisly pile of decayed bodies lay strewn amidst the cavern, infested with flies and decay. Thankfully, the last remaining huntress lay nearby, relatively unscathed. Kneeling beside her, he inspected her body for any severe injuries, finding no severe looking injuries on her.
A fleeting sense of relief washed over him as he began to carefully extricate her from the cave. However, the sudden movement caught the huntress off guard, and her eyes fluttered open, meeting her own reflection in his visor. Reacting swiftly, he placed a hand over her mouth, urging her to remain silent with a subtle shake of his head. As realisation dawned upon her, fear surged through her veins, sending her heart racing and arousing the slumbering Grimm nest.
"Stay calm," Thorn whispered urgently, but his words fell upon deaf ears as one of the Grimm spotted them. With no time to spare, he swiftly raised his rifle, dispatching the creature with a precise shot before deploying a couple of canisters, enveloping them in a dense white smoke.
"Stay close!" he instructed, grasping the huntress's hand and leading her out of the cave. Thunderous roars echoed behind them as the Alpha Nevermore awoke, unleashing a cacophony of shrieks, commanding its minions to attack the intruders.
As they made their way out, they passed by the explosive charges Thorn had strategically placed earlier. One by one, they activated their sensors, detecting the presence of Grimm nearby. With precision timing, three carefully planted traps sprung into action as they detonated. The ground trembled as stones cascaded down, blocking the passage behind him and the huntress. However, not even the cave's natural defenses could halt the relentless advance of the Grimm horde, as they pushed through the rubble and the fallen bodies of their brethren. The alpha nevermore was not too far behind them.
The huntress groaned in pain as her pace shifted from running to limping. "Get up," he urged, lifting her up over his shoulders and sprinting as fast as he could. "Finn, get ready! I'm coming out with the last huntress, multiple targets behind us, wait till we're in the clear!" Thorn yelled into his radio.
"What the hell happened down there!?" Finn's voice crackled through the comm.
"Chaos! Commence covering fire on my mark!" he shouted back. Emerging from the darkness of the cave cam the sight of Finn hovering overhead with his minions already spinning.
"We're out! Light them up, Finn!" Thorn shouted.
"Guns, guns, guns." Finn said as he unleashed a hail fire of bullets flying into the opening entrance of the cave, gunning down the Grimm as they topple over each other trying to rush towards Thorn. The other shadow quickly lowers the stretcher for Thorn
"Take her up! Stay clear of the alpha nevermore!" Ghost shouted as he sprinted towards the awaiting stretcher. The Blackbird's crew wasted no time, swiftly hoisting the injured huntress aboard. Thorn raised his rifle and joins in on the carnage that Finn was inflicting upon and fired with everything he got until the entrance of the cave was completely pilled up with the bodies of Grimm sealing up the entrance."
"That should hold them for now. Last passenger secured, I'm hovering down to you, get ready to jump!" Finn said as he stops the rotary of his guns and lowers the Blackbird for Thorn to get on. The loud shrieking pf the Alpha Nevermore continues to call to as the Grimm are already stating to break though the pile of fallen Grimm blocking the entrance.
As Thorn reached the aircraft, he leaped onto the platform, securing himself as the Blackbird began to ascend. The roar of the Alpha Nevermore reverberated through the air as it finally emerged from the cave, its massive form casting a dark shadow over the forest below.
Finn maneuvered the Blackbird skillfully, keeping a safe distance from the enraged Grimm. "Hold on tight! We're getting out of here!" he called over the noise of the engines. Thorn and the other shadow resumed their attack as they shoot at the Nevermore.
With a burst of speed, the Blackbird soared higher into the sky, leaving the Alpha Nevermore behind. Thorn spared a glance back at the looming creature, a reminder of the dangers they faced as shadows. But for now, they had completed their mission, and their focus was on getting the injured huntress to safety.
Catching his breath, Thorn tapped into his comms, his voice tinged with relief and exhaustion. "This is Thorn to Black Actual, we got them," he said, his gaze shifting to the three huntsmen loaded safely aboard the Blackbird.
"Black Actual to Thorn, great job, team. Bring them back to Beacon for the infirmary," came the response over the comms.
But he hesitated, a sudden determination in his voice. "Actually, patch me through to the Commander. I need to talk to him," Thorn requested.
When the General's voice came through, he spoke with a mix of weariness and conviction. "General, this is Thorn. I saved the daughter as you asked."
"Excellent work, Lieutenant. I'll send you your payment as promised," the General replied, likely expecting gratitude.
But Thorn's response was firm. "Actually, scratch that, I don't want it. If Ozpin's going to dock my month's pay as punishment, so be it. At the end of the day, we save lives. Like you said, no honor or glory. But only the right thing to do."
"Why the sudden conviction?" Jon inquired; his tone curious.
Thorn paused, considering his response carefully. "Sometimes we all need a reminder. And I got mine tonight. I'm sorry for being doubtful. I was just feeling lost for a moment."
"It's alright, son," Jon reassured him. "We all have our worst moments. The only thing we can do is to move on. Report back to me and get some rest."
Thorn nodded, acknowledging Jon's words. "Yes, sir. I'll do that," he replied, a sense of relief washing over him.
As the conversation came to a close, the huntress stirred from where she lay, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "Wait, what is your name? I should know at least the name of my savior." But she was unable to stay awake as she began to fall asleep.
"Ethan," Thorn responded gently, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with the tension of the night. "My name is Ethan Rose."
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A/N: I feel it should be fair that I should at least update the new version here. But I can't delete the old one, sentimental to me. Anyways, onto the new rewrite, as you may know, Jaune is no longer the main character. Not that I hate him that much, but I wanted to have more freedom with the characters I've made.
As you also noticed a new character in the mix. Ethan Rose, i guess you guys would know who he might be related too. But I wont awnser question. All will be revealed in time. No fun when I spoil stuff in my notes.
This rewrite was a challenge, in my old version, I started out with a narration prologue, but when I read it, I noticed that this information might be too early to reveal, and sometimes I can't help that it feels like a lore dump. And I hate that, also with Jaune, he may have the least amount of background, but I wanted someone I didn't have in my roster of original characters.
So here is Ethan Rose. This name is play on the name from Resident Evil. I felt that Ethan was a fitting name for this character. He's not important to the main story. And he won't be bothering most of the main storyline. This was a rule I had when making OCs, they have to be related to the main cast, but not too special to change the entire canon.
So, this is basically, a different story but still within the Rwby verse. Shadow Company is a mercenary group, but they are owned by multiple owners. Ozpin is one of them, like the original R:SC story. Huntsmen are more seen as corruptible and darker than the show.
The gear Ethan used is revealed to be from Atlas, so I guess you guys might know who the next owner of Shadow Company is.
I'll post the rest of the other chapters I have already posted on A03 to here. But The notes will be different as I will need to write more on my thoughts and the changes. Like for this first chapter.
Okay, so the entrance does look similar to MW2 (2022) version of Ghost scouting through the desert canyons. Unintentional, but it worked out well, so I kept it going. I originally planned to have Ethan fight more with the Grimm on his own. But then I realized that Ethan barely gets hurt in that sequence, so I scratched it and made it stealthier and be a rescue mission then a fighting one.
Of course, there needs to be a reason why Ethan is doing all this in the first place. Which is why I introduced Vitalius earlier this time. And made a considerable reason for Ethan to take this mission. And also have him to mention the other guys too. And the other chapters, 'chapter' is what I call the squads and groups of the shadows. Also, a small reference from Warhammer 40k. But this is the only reference I have used so far.
Another rule I made when I wrote the story, all chapters must be named after something that isn't usually in the color black. Angels, Ravens and Centurions may not seem to be fitting, but with their established traits and skills I have already made. It sorts of explain their profession when it comes to fighting the Grimm.
Black Angel sounds like they follow the book, but when they are on the skies, they will dominate anything Grimm that dares to challenge them. Black Raven is cunning and adaptable to most situations, they may be the smallest chapter in the company, but due to their special founding, their skill range is nuts. More on that in the later chapters. Black Centurions are the guys that kill Grimms with dust swords and dust shields as part of their arsenal. The most hardcore bunch.
Certain characters of my own may not show soon, I am slowly tackling this as I go. I'm not in a rush so I can carefully plan out my story. However, I'm not sure if I'm keeping the other changes i have made, such as changing Adam's role into a guardian/teacher for Blake instead of the psycho ex nonsense.
But I'll get to it when it arrives. Alright, I think that is all I have to say, this chapter is long enough, and I hate writing long ones. Too much to edit and read check.
Hopefully this new one would still be alright.
Thank you all so much for reading.