As Evan continued his training in the gravity room he could feel the weight of ten times Remnant's gravity push down on his body, strengthening the young Saiyan with every exercise that he performed. Taking a second to catch his breath, Evan was in the midst of thought.
"While focusing on increasing my current power level isn't a bad idea, maybe it would be better to practice using the Super Saiyan Transformation instead. If I can figure out how to enter the transformation at will, alongside being able to use it for longer periods of time, that would really help turn the tables in combat." Evan contemplated.
Concentrating Evan closed his eyes.
"Before, real anger seemed to be one of the primary factors in order to bring out the transformation. So let's see…" Evan thought to himself.
Recalling the horrific scene of Planet Vegeta's destruction at the hands of Frieza, Evan remembered the anger that had flowed within him alongside the immobilizing sorrow. Knowing that someone was responsible for wiping out his entire race, his former team, and his dear brother fueled his body with rage. As his hair began to reach up and flow higher and higher into the air, Evan let out a mighty yell.
"HAAAAAAHH!" Evan exclaimed as he transformed once again into the golden state.
With newfound power flowing throughout his body, Evan felt as if the gravity machine wasn't even turned on. Looking back toward the device and the purple tint filling the air, he saw that the machine was still working perfectly.
"Amazing! Even ten times gravity is nothing compared to the true power of a Super Saiyan! How high would I need to increase the machine in order for it to actually be a challenge to me now?!" Evan wondered for a moment before shaking his head.
"That's a question for later…For now, let's try and intentionally return back to normal. This transformation can only do so much for me if the only way that I can exit out of it is through running out of Ki and passing out." Evan thought to himself.
"If anger is the trigger to transform, then perhaps calming my mind does the opposite." Evan continued on.
Focusing once more, Evan remembered the Ace Ops, Team RWBY and JNPR, Penny, Winter, Ironwood, Sun, Neptune, Pietro, everyone that he cared about. He remembered the good times that he shared with them, and how they stood by him. Feeling his anger subside, Evan watched as his power decreased and as his hair returned to its normal black color.
"I…I did it! Alright!" Evan exclaimed as he threw his fist up into the air.
The celebration didn't last for too long as he heard a thud ring out from the metal shudder that covered the entrance to the training room. Heading over to the Gravity Machine, Evan turned off the device, causing the metal shudder to be raised back up and into the ceiling. Walking over, he turned to see Ace Ops standing outside. However, Elm quickly rushed forward and gave the Saiyan a tight hug.
"Oh Evan! I'm so glad you're ok!" Elm yelled out as she let go of the teen, who proceeded to stumble backward.
"What were you thinking back there?! Facing off against an entire army of Grimm! That's practically a death wish!" Elm exclaimed with worry in her voice.
"I agree, that was not a rational decision to make." Vine added.
"Listen, I knew what I was doing. I knew that I could take them all out, but I needed to do it alone in order to not risk accidentally firing and taking out any other huntsmen. Right now, I have more than enough firepower to take out any number of Grimm, and that's not even counting my Super Saiyan form as well. Honestly, I struggled more with keeping all those beasts within firing range and away from the city compared to actually taking them down…" Evan replied back, causing some of the Ace Ops to look surprised.
"Can Ki alone really make you that powerful?" Marrow asked enthusiastically.
"Of course. With enough time and training…" Evan simply stated.
"Well, I'm still going to worry about you, kid. You're pretty much one of the team, and soldiers don't let one of their own go solo." Elm said aloud.
"She's right, Evan. We'll all get stronger together, and you won't have to face the future alone." Clover added.
"It's a deal." Evan replied back.
"Let's meet up again for Ki training…hmmm…let's say…same time tomorrow. Make sure you let Winter know too." Evan continued on as he headed down the corridor.
/-/
As Evan chowed down on the meal before him, he saw the Ace Ops approach the lunch table and sit down next to him, with meals in hand.
"Hey guys! What's up?" Evan asked.
"Well, after what happened yesterday, words gotten around both Mantle and Atlas. You're becoming a bit of a celebrity for that light show that you did on that massive Grimm horde, although no one knows specifically that you did it yet. The public only knows that an Atlesian soldier did it." Clover stated before eating some of his soup.
"Can you blame them though? You kicked some serious Grimm butt yesterday!" Marrow excitedly proclaimed.
"Sounds like someone's in a good mood. What happened?" Elm added.
"Well, it's just that…" Marrow began to say as his eyes glanced toward Harriet, who was in the middle of eating some pasta.
Almost immediately upon doing so, the young man lowered his head toward the ground.
"…I-I'll tell you later." Marrow sheepishly finished.
"There's been a couple of titles that they've been giving you in the newspapers, but one in particular seems to be sticking." Vine said after eating some of his salad.
"A title?! I didn't think what I did yesterday was all that noteworthy…I-I mean it was just a bunch of Grimm…" Evan stammered out as his cheeks turned a bright red.
"Come on, kid! You did some good work out there, don't sell yourself short!" Elm exclaimed as she ruffled his hair.
"Ok…Well, what is it that they've been calling me? No wait! Let me guess…How about "The Monkey King!"…No, that's probably not it…" Evan replied as he struck a dramatic pose from his seat.
"Oh, what about "The Great Saiyan Man!"…Nah! I doubt any of them even know what a Saiyan is, so that's out of the question…" Evan began to question before mumbling the rest out under his breath.
"I'm stumped, what is it?" Evan asked the group.
"The Skyward Savior." Clover added.
"The Skyward Savior…Not bad…I like the alliteration…" Evan replied back as he took a bite out of a turkey sandwich.
Once the group had finished eating, they began to approach the training room. In front of one of the entrances stood Winter.
"It's good to see you face to face, Winter!" Evan exclaimed as he held out his left hand.
"Likewise, Evan." Winter said as she gave a small nod to the teen and gave Evan a firm handshake.
"So, you claim that you can teach us how to use our Ki? I certainly hope that I can pick it up as well…" Winter inquired as they all entered the training room.
"Sure! Most of the Ace Ops have already gotten theirs unlocked, so you should be able to do the same!" Evan explained as he interacted with a nearby computer terminal and had several archways rise up from the floor in a wide semicircle around the whole room.
"Don't be discouraged if you don't immediately get it. Harriet and Marrow haven't unlocked theirs yet…" Evan elaborated as he gestured to the group to sit down alongside him.
"Actually Evan, that's what I wanted to tell you guys back during lunch." Marrow elaborated as he held his hands up and created a green Ki ball in his hands.
While the other Ace Ops and Winter looked at Marrow in surprise and shock, Harriet angrily mumbled something under her breath.
"How did you do it Marrow?" Elm questioned.
"Last night, I tried the exercise when I was alone in my room. While I did it, I remembered what Evan and Clover had suggested. Then, I just relaxed, let go, and then it appeared in my hands after I did the exercise a couple of times." Marrow explained.
"Well that's great! Glad to hear that you were successful! Seems like a change in environment helped you finally unlock it…" Evan exclaimed.
"So that's what you're hoping me to achieve?" Winter questioned as she moved closer to examine the ball of energy in Marrow's hands.
"Yeah. Unlocking your Ki is one of the first steps to mastery." Evan stated.
"Fascinating. And what exactly is this exercise that will allow me to do this?" Winter inquired.
"Basically, I need you to imagine that in the center of your body is a massive amount of energy. That's your Ki. You have to take some of that energy and channel it elsewhere. I want you to slowly trickle some of that energy from your chest, through your arms, and down into your fingers. And make sure you don't bring your aura out as you focus. Your Ki is completely unrelated to your semblance and aura." Evan explained.
Closing her eyes, Winter began to concentrate as she held her hands out away from her body. For a few minutes, nothing seemed to happen, but all of a sudden, a white Ki ball managed to appear in between her hands.
"Incredible! You did that almost as fast as Vine did!" Evan shouted out excitedly.
"How did it feel?" Marrow asked.
"The sensation of drawing the Ki out felt very similar to when I created my summons. It's like I've found something that I never realized that I actually missed. And now that's it here, I feel so…energized. Like I just had a great sleep…No, even more than that…" Winter elaborated.
However, shaking with rage, Harriet held her hands up in frustration.
"Aaaagggrrrhhh…Come on! This is ridiculous!" Harriet yelled out as she got to her feet.
"Why can't I get this to work?!" Harriet angrily questioned herself.
"Harriet, it's alright. I'm sure you'll get it soon. You just…" Elm began to say compassionately.
"NO! Don't start that right now! Whatever you're about to say, it's not going to work!" Harriet spat out as she pointed toward her.
Lowering her head, Elm's face began to fill with hurt and sadness. Furrowing his brow, Evan stepped forward and raised his voice.
"You don't get to talk to her like that. She's only trying to help." Evan said aloud.
"Back off! I can talk to Elm however I…" Harriet started to shout out before her voice practically died in her throat.
Looking around, the young woman looked at her other teammates, who were surprised at the outburst, Elm's current state, and Winter who looked at her with a disapproving gaze.
"Elm, I…I'm so sorry…I don't know what came over me…You didn't deserve that, n-none of you do…I-I just feel so useless!" Harriet proclaimed as she dropped to her knees.
"All of this Ki stuff just comes to you all so naturally, but no matter what I do…I don't feel anything! No matter what you guys say to help, it's just…nothing seems to work. I'm starting to think that…maybe it's just hopeless. This is beginner stuff. If I can't even do this, then how can I even deserve to stand next to you all." Harriet continued on as she held back the tears forming in her eyes.
"Harriet…Don't say stuff like that. You'll always have a spot on this team." Marrow said aloud.
"Indeed. You are a respected member in my eyes." Vine added.
Standing up, Elm held her hand out to Harriet.
"Yeah, where would we be right now if you hadn't watched our backs during all our missions? No one's got that grit and perseverance to carry through things like you do." Elm pointed out.
Reaching out and taking her hand, Elm helped Harriet stand back up.
"I'm sorry Elm…" Harriet began to say.
"It's water under the bridge." Elm stated as the two gave each other a short hug.
Closing his eyes, Evan began to concentrate.
"Hmmm…Maybe, we should try something different for you. What exactly do you think about the exercise that isn't working for you?" Evan inquired.
"I-It's just that…I need action. Sitting on the floor for hours just doesn't do it for me. I can imagine as much as I want, but nothing's coming out, and that just frustrates me!" Harriet explained.
"Perhaps we should try to do this from a new angle. After all, there's more than one way to crack an egg. I only suggested this exercise, because I thought it would be both the simplest to understand and perform. But if you learn differently than the others, then you'll need to do something else to unlock your Ki…" Evan explained as he started to think.
"How about a race?" Evan suggested.
"A race?" Harriet questioned.
"Yeah! Just you and me! Three laps around the room. I'll even give you a head start. How about it?" Evan announced.
"Sure." Harriet replied back.
As the two soldiers readied themselves, Evan looked toward Harriet.
"For this race, I want you to try and focus your Ki into your legs instead. With every step you take, with every move you make, and with every single beat of your heart, feel your Ki come forward and give you the energy to win! Ki has always been a part of you, even if you never realized it, don't forget that." Evan stated.
Rushing off toward the other side of the room Harriet quickly completed the first lap using her semblance. As she began to complete the second lap, Winter walked toward Evan.
"Aren't you going to start running, she's going to beat you at this rate. How will she learn anything if you fail to even catch up with her, and she wins the race by default?." Winter asked.
"You'll see." Elm said aloud.
While Harriet and her semblance started to slow down as she began to complete her third lap, Evan shot forward like a bullet. By the time Harriet had barely gotten through a third of the room, Evan had completed an entire lap and was already halfway done with the second one. Seeing Evan catch up to her, Harriet pushed her body to its limits in order to stay ahead. As Evan began his third and final lap, Harriet was two thirds of the way done with her last lap around the room. Speeding up to be at Harriet's side, Evan slowed down to match her speed. Seeing a pained look on her face, Evan leaned in close.
"I know that you can do it. You have to clear your mind. Forget about your worries, your fears, everything. Right now, it's just you, me, and the race." Evan added.
As both racers completed the last turn of the race, Evan started to run ahead, giving Harriet one last look of encouragement before continuing ahead. Closing her eyes, Harriet focused intently on what Evan had said. Taking a deep breath, Harriet relaxed her muscles and let go.
Feeling her muscles filled with an intense energy, Harriet opened her eyes to see the familiar, yellow, electric sparks that normally accompanied her speed semblance alongside brand new blue sparks that flowed throughout her body. As Evan approached the finish line, Harriet sprinted forward in a blur of blue and yellow and passed him. However, unable to stop herself, Harriet ran face first into a wall, her aura managing to come forward and take the damage as she did so.
As everyone began to process what just happened, Evan and the other Ace Ops rushed toward Harriet's side.
"Harriet, are you ok?!" Clover asked with concern in his voice.
Rubbing her head, Harriet leaned back to look her leader in the eyes.
With a smirk on her face, she simply said, "I've never been better."
Holding her hands out, she immediately created a blue Ki ball. As the Ki orb dissipated however, Harriet slumped against the wall, utterly exhausted.
"A-All…I did was just t-three laps…Why…why am I…so tired?" Harriet questioned as she struggled to pull herself up.
"You managed to bring out your Ki via channeling it through your body. It's an impressive feat, but that's a step beyond what we're doing right now. Plus, whatever you did with using both your Ki and semblance at the same time, your body doesn't seem to like that too much." Evan replied.
Giving Harriet some space, Clover looked toward her with a respectful expression on his face.
"We're all proud of you." Clover said aloud.
"Indeed. You did great Harriet." Vine added as a small smile crossed his face.
"Thanks guys." Harriet replied back with a grateful smile.
"Alright! Now we've all crossed the first step! What's the next lesson?" Marrow exclaimed as he turned toward Evan.
"Flight is up next." Evan stated.
As he rubbed his shoulder, Marrow's excited expression quickly deflated into a worried look.
"Oh yeah…Kind of intentionally tuned that part out when you told us that the other day." Marrow added.
"Ok, for this exercise everyone can try and take part…Well except for you Harriet. I'm not sure if your body wants to get put through anything else Ki related today, so we're not risking anything. You fine with that?" Evan asked.
"Yeah." Harriet replied as she sat against the wall.
"Now then, I want you all to just relax and let your Ki flow, not just through your hands, but throughout your whole body. Don't pump all of it out, just a small portion through all your muscles and limbs. Make sure you don't force the process. When you use your Ki, imagine that you're a magnet, and the ground is repelling you away. Like the last exercise, don't sweat it if you can't do it today. Arguably the hardest step was bringing your Ki out to begin with, so everything from now on should be technically easier since you all can now access your Ki." Evan explained.
Closing their eyes the group concentrated as they focused their Ki. As the air rippled and flowed around them, their clothing beginning to ripple and wave in response, it wasn't long before one of them was airborne.
Floating a foot or two off the ground, Vine opened his eyes and looked on in amazement.
Turning his head upward, Evan cheered him on.
"Good! Just keep going! Stay upright! If you lean, you're going to start moving in that direction! The more that you focus your Ki throughout your body, the higher you'll go! The opposite happens if you let your Ki back into your body." Evan elaborated with an excited look on his face.
As Vine remained practically vertical, slowly moving up and down repeatedly, Winter started to rise up into the air as well. Surprised at the new sensation, Winter began to automatically move her arms and legs to balance herself. With nothing but air to stop her, Winter tumbled into Vine as the two fell to the ground in a heap.
"Not bad you two, not bad at all. Although, I don't recall one of my exercises being a backwards somersault followed up into a trust fall toward your nearest training partner." Evan joked.
"Hey Evan!" Clover shouted out.
Turning around Evan saw Clover floating in the air.
"Awesome work Clover! If you want, try flying through those archways that I set up." Evan explained as he pointed toward them.
"Same goes for you two." Evan continued on as he saw Vine and Winter get back on their feet.
"Honestly, I thought I would have spent more time practicing to try and draw out my Ki than actually learning how to fly. You always made it look so easy during your time training…" Winter replied back as she dusted herself off.
"Well, different people seem to pick Ki control up at different paces. Don't be discouraged, give it another go." Evan stated as he raised himself into the air.
Focusing once more, Vine and Winter took to the air. Controlling herself better, Winter managed to stay upright while moving very slowly back and forth. Vine however, seemed to perform the best as he glided about in both horizontal and vertical directions at varying speeds. Staying a few inches off the ground, Clover floated his way through the numerous archways that filled the room.
"How are you guys doing?" Evan asked as he turned toward Elm and Marrow.
"I'm trying my best, but I'm just not feeling it." Elm responded back as she opened her eyes up and her clothes stopped flowing in the wind.
"Yeah, I think I still need some work with letting my Ki flow before I can actually take to the skies." Marrow added as he did the same.
"Hey, you're doing good so far, I'd say. Hmmm…Ok, I think now might be a good time to stop for today. You're all progressing pretty well, just make sure you keep practicing. Flying might look tricky now, but it's an essential part of Ki control. You'll get better with time." Evan announced as Winter and the other Ace Ops floated back toward the ground.
As Evan approached the computer terminal and began to interact with it, Winter stepped forward and stood beside him.
"Before you go, I wanted to inform you that General Ironwood wishes to speak with you in his office." Winter formally stated as the various archways around the room sank back into the floor.
"Oh sure. Thanks for letting me know." Evan replied back.
Turning toward the others, Evan smiled.
"I'll see you around!" Evan exclaimed as he waved goodbye.
"Right back at ya, kid!" Elm declared as she gave him a thumbs up.
Walking out of the room, Evan moved down the hall past other soldiers, students, and scientists.
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Entering the large office, Evan looked to see Ironwood carry himself a lot more energy than when he last saw the man in the medical wing.
"Evan, I'm glad to see you." The General said aloud as he smiled.
"Same thing over here. So, why is it that you wanted to see me? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the invitation up here, but I doubt that it's to simply stare out into the afternoon sky and enjoy the view." Evan questioned the tall man.
"Heh, fair enough. Would you care for some coffee as we talk?" Ironwood asked as he brought out a silver thermos and two mugs.
Turning away from the drink in disgust, Evan shook his head.
"No thanks." Evan stated as the General poured himself some black coffee into one of the white mugs.
"You see, when I was alerted about the massive Grimm horde that had snuck through the blizzard, I was worried regarding the potential damage that the Grimm could have inflicted upon the people of Mantle and Atlas. Much to my surprise, almost as soon as I began mobilizing my troops to combat this threat, I was soon told that the horde had been quickly neutralized." Ironwood explained as he sipped his drink.
"At first, I was curious as to how that could have been done. However, upon hearing the accounts of how the event unfolded, everything quickly clicked into place. For your brave actions, you have my thanks and deepest gratitude. Words cannot begin to describe the burden that you have lifted from my shoulders…" Ironwood continued.
"Thank you sir, I'm happy to help, but I'm sensing there's something else that you wished to speak about." Evan replied.
"Correct. Word has been spreading regarding what you have done. The people of Mantle and Atlas are relieved that the Grimm attack has been crushed, and are hopeful that their savior will appear again. This has presented an unforeseen and unique opportunity for us. After the tragedy that occurred in Vale, the general public has been put into a state of fear, doubt, and worry. And all of that attracts the Grimm, which naturally brings them to our cities. Your performance today has offered a ray of light to the people during this time of darkness. Right now, we need a guardian that the public can believe in. So, in order to both exterminate the remaining Grimm that have recently entered the continent along with helping to keep morale up within the cities of Atlas and Mantle, I want you to work alongside various huntsmen teams and troops of soldiers. For the foreseeable future, you will be going on numerous missions with one of these groups to wipe out the remaining groups of Grimm that are still lurking around currently. Showing off your abilities in front of them will help to spread your newfound popularity throughout the kingdom alongside primarily providing safety, protection, and comfort to the citizens of Atlas and Mantle." Ironwood explained.
"What do you think?" Ironwood asked as he gestured toward Evan.
"This is my chance. If I'm to begin correcting my past mistakes as a Saiyan conqueror, there's no better place to start than this. This will give me an opportunity to do a lot of good for the world." Evan contemplated.
"I'll do it." Evan declared.
"Wonderful, I'm glad to hear it. I'll send you more details regarding scheduling and locations as to where you will be meeting up with these teams on your scroll. Best of luck, Evan. You are excused." The General stated as Evan nodded and left the room.
Gripping his mug with one hand, James turned his chair around as he stared out the window, seeing the wondrous city of Atlas before him.
"With Ozpin gone, I need to begin preparing for the worst. There's no doubt in my mind that the Grimm horde that reached our doorstep wasn't just some unfortunate event. It was planned, and I think I know exactly who did it…" Ironwood thought to himself.
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There we go! I hope you're enjoying the story. We're so close to 50 followers. I'm very excited! As always, thank you for reading, and leave a review if you like. The next chapter should be out either this Sunday or next Monday.