A/N: I was able to storm through the last chapter quickly. Quite impressive given my recent blockage due to certain events that involve someone pointing out the truth that she sees my work with other people OC's as bad as Sexual Abuse. I'm still lost in everything that happens, I only know is that she will NEVER understand my suffering of the Sins of Lust.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas that day. I know I had a good time with my family, made it through that chapter as well, and in this game I play Dissidia Opera Omnia, a miracle happen for one of the characters a friend of mine and I were hoping to come but thought to be impossible. It's a Christmas Miracle I say.

Moving on. Our Shadow Hunter friend had an unfortunate event but was able to make it out, and now he had a debt to repay with the one who saved him. And because of that, something terrible happened with only one word as a clue. "Marina". What could it mean?

Chapter 23: Jailbreak

Nighttime falls on Vale's Isolation Prison.

Day after day after day, Gaia sits in his cell, working on making license plates and smashing rocks, and eating horrible food that makes ones' vomit taste better. The daily life of a criminal. Then everything changed when he had a visit a few weeks back.

He can still picture it inside his head. Arthur Watts claims himself to be the father of Selena Akimura, the girl he kidnapped and attempted sexual abuse upon her. He had his major doubts about knowing the real father until Arthur showed him photographic evidence of his position.

Only it wasn't evidence at all. Just a photo of him with something written on it.

'December 21st. Midnight. Be ready.'

After that, Arthur spoke to him in a matter that implies he is maintaining his role as Selena's father. When it was time for Arthur to leave, there was one thing he said that capture Gaia's mind.

"When we next speak, I would like to hear about the young lad who thwarted you. Oh, and don't forget...The Idol is the Brightest Star."

And then Arthur winked after that last comment.

"Who is that man?" Gaia whispers to himself.

Arthur is checking his Scroll, it's 5 minutes to Midnight. Arthur lays low on a cliff halfway down the mountain, he then sets his scroll down and activates the hologram of the prison hold. Arthur looks at the security footages on his laptop. After creaking his fingers, he gets to work.

"You ready, Hazel?" Arthur asks.

Hazel stands close to the back wall of the prison, avoiding the searchlights. "Are you sure this plan will work?"

"Don't doubt my genius. It took a lot of convincing to get Salem to provide us the reinforcements we need." Arthur says. "Once the guards are busy taking care of the Grimm Attacks, I'll guide you to his cell and you break him out. Just take out the guards quickly, and don't get spotted." Arthur finishes up his work on the footages, putting them on an endless loop of an empty hallway that shows a guard patrolling every 5 minutes. "I've finished taking care of the security footage. It's one minute to midnight, be ready."

Hazel has two Dust Crystals in his hands, Earth and Fire.

Midnight comes. The distant churches chimes their bells of the top hour. None of the prison guards can feel at ease at this time. Some among them can feel something bad is coming. They know it.

Their prediction comes true.

An alert blurs out. Not an alarm for a prison break, but for a Grimm Attack. Nevermore's and Lancer's swarm in from the skies and Beowolves start climbing up the mountains invading towards the prison's main gates.

The Prison's auto defense system kicks in and the wall guards and missiles force their attacks on the Grimm. Arthur taps into the radio fragrance and listens in on the channel.

"Grimm attacks are at large, more than our defense system can handle. Patrol units, guard the prison cells. The rest, to the front lines."

Arthur communicates with Hazel. "Now's your chance, Hazel."

Hazel injects the dust crystals onto his shoulders. Hazel powers up in earth and fire, and with a single powerful punch blasts a combustible hole in the wall. The hallway is clear of guards, lucky for Hazel. "All right, I'm in."

Arthur activates the tracker and sees Hazel's dot on the hologram. "Go straight and make a right at the end of the hall."

Hazel follows Arthur's instructions. He follows the path he is given. Once in a while, Hazel hears the sounds of Prison Guards rushing and hides out while they pass. In some hallways and rooms, Hazel finds a guard or two. When they're not looking, he walks upon them from behind and knocks them out.

"You need to hurry, Hazel. It's only a matter of time before they defeat the Grimm." Author says.

"Can't you just deactivate the defense system?" Hazel asks.

"If I do that, it'll only draw suspicion. They'll realize the attack is a diversion and know it's an infiltration mission. Stick with the plan!" Arthur argues.

Hazel makes his way through the Prison Hold. He arrives at the Prison Hold where Gaia is kept, only there are a lot more guards in here for him to be able to make it quick and undetected. This is a predicament.

"There are more guards in here, Arthur. I can't take them all out without drawing attention. What should I do?" Hazel asks.

"No time to think. You'll have to improvise." Arthur says.

Hazel then takes out a Lightning and Wind Crystal. He injects it on himself along with the earth and fire, powering up even more. Hazel stands at the doorway, raises his fists, and slams the ground. A wave of crushing earth, molten flame, and lightning surge through the hall, startling the guards and taking the hits before they can even react. Some of the bar cells break apart from the slam, even the prisoners within are startled.

When the room settles, Hazel walks in until he arrives at Gaia's cell, who looks at Hazel terrified. "W-w-what are you!?"

"The Idol is the Brightest Star." Hazel says. Gaia instantly calms down hearing that, confused at first but realizing it was what Arthur said, followed by the wink. He catches on, it's a code word. "Come."

Hazel starts moving with Gaia following him. Until Arthur calls in. "What did you do, you big brute?" He sounds upset.

"I did what you said and improvised," Hazel says.

"You improvised something all right. The guards noticed the quake you caused and are responding to it." Arthur says. "Get out of there quickly."

Hazel and Gaia move quickly through the hallways. The guards run all around. Those who have spotted Hazel and Gaia take immediate action. Hazel takes the guards out with his dust-enhanced punches. The guards fall easily against his might. One of the last few guards sends out an alert to the other guards about Gaia is breaking out and was knocked out before he could finish his sentence.

"They're on your way, leaving the Defense System to handle the Grimm Attack." Arthur says.

"We're almost out." Hazel says.

Arthur groans. "I'll slow them down." Arthur starts typing on his laptop. "I'm surrounded by inconvenience!" With a single push of a button, Arthur activates the Lockdown Mode.

An alarm blares and the hallways start to become sealed with thick metal walls. Hazel and Gaia hurry through the hallway. Hazel finds himself at a crossroads. Two hallways become filled with Prison Guards heading towards them, only just before the lockdown walls seal them off. Hazel and Gaia take the only path that is left.

When they reach the end, they make a break for the hole in the wall. The whole Prison is in an uproar looking for their escapee while he is long gone.

Once everything calms down, the prisoners are still in their calls, the security system and lockdown mode deactivated, the Warden discusses the situation with the Huntress and two officers who have visited.

"We're not sure where he has gone, but we discovered a hole in the rear end of this building. He must have escaped from there."

"Don't worry, I'll handle this. This criminal harmed one of my students." Mashika takes out her spear, spinning it before getting a grip hold on it. Implying she's serious. "I have a score to settle with him."

Deep within the woods, Arthur and Gaia sit by the campfire. The two of them are silent, even though Gaia has a ton of questions about everything that has happened tonight. Hazel returns with some news regarding the Prison Guards did not follow them anywhere.

"That's good, but let's not count them out just yet. I advise we rest shortly then make our leave." Arthur says.

"Of course." Hazel says, taking a sit by the fire.

"Look, I appreciate you two busting me out of prison, but this whole thing is crazy. What is it that you two want from me?" Gaia asks.

"I apologize for the character scenario I put up when we first met. But rest assured, you have something we want." Arthur says. Gaia is left confused. "I already told you before: That I would like to hear more about the young lad who thwarted you."

Gaia is about to speak but pauses, he thinks back to when Arthur left that day. He did say that but it slipped his mind he means it in a way he's undercover. Speaking it in a plain open sentence in the form-meaning he's planning his next visit.

"Our employer is after something, and she found a connection during the event of your criminal act on that day." Hazel says.

"We already know about you, Gaia Menethil. So you are not the one we seek." Arthur says. "But the boy, however..."

"Just tell me what you want." Gaia says.

Arthur smirks. "I want you to explain to us everything that happened. No minor or hidden detail is to be left out."

Gaia doesn't say anything. He can never forget a single second of what happened on that day. And given that these two would break in prison and free a criminal, he knows they're bad guys, who are most likely targetting the very guy that ruined his chance of crazed happiness with the daughter of his beloved Idol.

"I'll tell you everything...But you must do something for me." Gaia says.

"We broke you out of prison, surely that is enough." Arthur says.

"What is that you desire?" Hazel asks.

"Obviously I can't stay here in this kingdom." Gaia says. "Get me out of Vale and to a destination of my choosing, and I'll give you the information you seek."

"Very well then, but no tricks," Arthur says. "Believe me when I tell you, our employer is someone you do not want to make an enemy of." Arthur stands up, straightening his coat. "Let's get a move on, we've delayed long enough."

While the three of them are moving about in the woods, Mashika is on their trail. Half an hour later of their departure, she arrives at the campsite. She examines the extinguished campfire. "It's only a little warm. They were here not too long ago." Mashika says.

"There's only one town at the end of this forest: Omiga." One of the officers says.

"Don't be silly, they wouldn't be stupid enough to go into a crowded area." The second officer says.

Mashika thinks for a moment. "No, it's possible that is where they are heading. I think it's worth looking into."

Hours have passed. It's almost sunrise. Arthur, Hazel, and Gaia arrive in Omiga. The town is large and crowded even in the early morning. Gaia is in a trench coat, ahead, and some sunglasses. Arthur tells Gaia to keep a low profile while they're in town. His suspicions are right, for there are several holo-posters of a Wanted: Gaia Menethil.

"That's our escape." Arthur points at the Airport tower in the southeast of the town. "We just book a ride on the airship and then take over once we're out of radar range." Arthur says.

"Let's make this quick." Gaia says.

The three of them reach for the tower, only to be stuck in a long line. Gaia feels impatient having to wait, but Hazel and Arthur remind him to keep it low. During their wait, Mashika and the officers have arrived in the town. They alert the other officers about their escaped fugitive and send out an order to locate and capture Gaia.

Atlesian Knights patrols around the town. Some of them get close to Gaia's location. When they close, Gaia lowers his hat and tucks his face out of sight. Mashika and the officers keep searching, asking the citizens if they have seen the man they're after. But no luck.

The line moves slowly. "They're everywhere looking for us." Gaia says. "We should force our way in."

"We do that, we'll draw in unwanted attention." Arthur says. "Just be patient and stay low, we're almost there."

They wait in line as they draw closer to the checkpoint. As they do, Gaia gets more nervous as the offers and Mashika searching the streets become closer and closer. Finally, it is their turn and the security asks for their identities. Authur hands the man his, Hazel's, and a third Scrolls. The security guard checks them all, Authur and Hazel Scrolls pass, but Gaia, his fake ID is taking a long while. Hazel and Authur put on a serious expression, they silently brace themselves for action, until Gaia's ID gets a pass.

"You're clear. You may enter."

Authur takes the Scrolls as they enter the tower. They all board the elevator, Gaia loses the hat and glasses and lets out a relieved sigh. "That was too close."

"Never doubt my genius." Authur says. "Now put your disguise back on, you're going to blow our cover."

"We're in the clear, Mister Authur. What could go wrong?" Gaia asks.

The elevator opens, and two guards were on their way in until they noticed the elevator is occupied. However, they take notice of one of the peoples riding. "That's him! It's the fugitive that escaped!"

Hazel grabs the two guards and smacks them at each other's heads, knocking them unconscious. The rest of the guards took notice of this and take action. Authur upsettingly glares at Gaia. "You were saying?"

The alert of the Airport Tower reaches out to all the officers. When Mashika hears of this she immediately takes action. She hurries over to the tower. At the top, there's a lot of noise of gunfire and combustions. One of the guards gets thrown off the tower and crashes onto the ground. Mashika activates the Dust Bracers on her legs, filling them with Gravity Dust, then she starts running up the tower.

Hazel fights off the guards blocking their way to the airship. Authur and Gaia follow him from behind, Authur shoots his pistols, counting down how much ammo he has left. They finally reach the airship, Hazel busts the door open. When they are inside, Hazel removes the pilot's within and then Authur takes control.

Mashika finally reaches the top of the tower. "Thank you, Patrick." She says smiling. The engine of the stolen airship starts up. Mashika realizes this and then rushes towards it. But it's too late, for the airship takes flight. Mashika watches the airship getaway, several guards start heading towards another airship, and she goes to join them.

The stolen airship soars through the skies of Remnant. Hazel is under the control pads while Authur is driving, telling Hazel what to do. "After you remove the green wire, connect it to the yellow one and then remove the blue."

Hazel does his work. "There." Hazel slides out from under the pad and sits up. "The tracking beacon is deactivated."

"Good work. But we're not free just yet." Authur says. He turns his attention to Gaia. "All right, we did what you asked, now tell us what you know."

"All right, all right. But first..." Gaia turns on the navigation system and puts in a destination. "Take us to this location, and I'll give you what you want on the way. It'll be a long flight."

Suddenly, there's an explosion from behind, it shakes everyone within the airship. A Proximity Alert goes out. He looks at the radar to track another airship is following them. "It's going to be an even longer flight." Authur gets a firm grip on the control stick. "Hang on!"

The stolen airship suddenly gains high altitude, and the Airship in pursuit follows. The stolen ship flies high into the clouds, taking evasive maneuvers. The Airship lost sight of the stolen one. The pilots fly all around trying to find the enemy but are having no luck. Unbeknownst to them, the stolen airship appears behind them.

Authur aims the targeting system onto the airship. Once the target is locked, he fires a missile. The missile hits the airship by the wing, the guards lose control and altitude. Mashika acts fast, she opens the door to look out, having her eyes set on the stolen airship as it flies over them. With the Dust Bracers still filled with Gravity Dust, Mashika jumps high towards it.

Mashika readies her lance, changing it into a whip, she soars closer to the stolen airship. As soon as she's close enough she starts to slow down, and then she uses her weapon to get hooked onto the wing. Mashika pulls herself until her feet land on the side of the stolen airship.

Authur flies the stolen airship out of the clouds, changing the radar. "We've lost them, good." Not long after their escape, there's loud banging happening above. Authur groans annoyed, he knows what that could mean. "Hazel, go check it out."

"Yes, of course." Hazel says.

Mashika is on top of the airship standing firmly with the Gravity Dust keeping her held in place as the insane force of winds blows against her. She jabs her lance onto the hull of the airship. As she is trying to break in, Mashika gets hit by a blast of first from behind her shoulder. She turns to look at her opponent.

Hazel stands before, with Gravity Dust Crystals injected on his legs, Fire, Lightning, and Light-Hard Crystals in his arms. Hazel looks at Mashika aggressively. "My, aren't you a big one." Mashika says.

"You made a terrible mistake coming here." Hazel says. "You may not be him, but you are still one of his lapdogs!"

Mashing that only confuses Mashika. "Him?"

"Ozpin will pay! I will avenge Gretchen's death!" Hazel shouts in anger.

Mashika doesn't say anything, she can tell by his vengeful nature he cannot be reasoned with, not even her Semblance can charm the man when his body is filled with rage and adrenaline. The only thing she can do is respond with action. Putting on a serious face, Mashika charges forward to Hazel. Hazel shoots firebolts at her, which Mashika dodges. She spins her lance before she comes within range to jab. Hazel blocks the lance with his arm, which triggers a Hard-Light Shield that blocks the attack.

Hazel grabs Mashika get the leg and slams her to the ground. Hazel delivers a fistful smash but Mashika rolls out of the way before he hits her and hits the airship instead. The whole airship shakes from the impact of Hazel's Dust-Infused Strength.

Authur keeps the controls steady until the quake ends. "Watch where you're hitting, you big brute. You'll smash us out of the sky!"

Mashika strikes at Hazel with quick blows of her lance and feet, all of which Hazel blocks. On her last attack, she leaps back changing her weapon into a whip. When she lands back on her feet, Mashika coils Hazel around with the whip, and with a push of a button, the whip electrifies Hazel. Hazel grins his teeth fighting against the static. He's already using his Semblance to block out the pain of his crystals. Hazel uses his strength to break out of the whip. He delivers several swings of his fists on Mashika, who dodged all of the hits.

Hazel keeps attacking Mashika, causing her to move back until she is cornered by the edge. Mashika strikes with her lance, but Hazel grabs the lance just before it hit his hand, and forces it out of Mashikas' hands as he tosses it away. "Give my regards to Ozpin!" Then he punches Mashika right out of the ship, and she falls until she splashes into the ocean. When Mashika resurfaces from the water, she could do nothing but watch as the airship gets away out of her sight.

Hazel returns into the airship, reporting to Authur that the threat had been naturalized. "That's good. Hopefully, nothing else happens afterward." Authur actives the Auto Pilot, having it locked on the destination Gaia inputted, then he turns his chair to face Gaia. "All right, now. Tell us everything that happened between you and the boy."