Chapter 3
The world just got a lot smaller
Week 1: Day 4
(Velvet's POV)
I awoke from my peaceful slumber to rays of sunlight, penetrating though Johnathan's visor and into my eye. I felt wonderful today, rejuvenated, and well energized. Though my top ears are asleep for being down so long. I slowly open my eyes to a flashing warning on the side of the display. Rest of the screen was darkened and I couldn't see out it. Think that is suppose to happen. The warning read:
~Daily system check up~
-Silent mode: offline, Reason: Low power.
-Estimated time: 0734 EST
-Location: American anime sector 06, region 22, universe 1981.
Promethean vision: Limited
-Long range Communications: Offline, Reason: Main link severed, searching for sub-links
-Short range communications: Online
-Helmet emergency battery power: 11%, 35.28/168 hours remaining
~Starting up main systems~
Well that explains a fair bit about him. No idea what a Core-verse is. I'm sure he'll explain everything sooner or later. I rose out of bed and stretched. As I moved the visor started to become transparent and I was able to see more out of it. Room began brightening up as
"Morning sleeping beauty." Someone, who sounded like Johnathan, greeted. I took the helmet off so my ears could move around and not be constrained. My right ear twitched as it bounced free from it's prison. Johnathan was sitting by the foot of my bed. "Sleep well?" He asked. I looked around the room with the helmet by my lap. I let my ear stand up and wiggle a bit to wake them up. From what I hear someone was in the shower. I'm 90% sure it's Coco. If the slightly off key singing of her mother's song 'hello' is anything to go by.
"Where are the others?" I asked.
"Fox and the big guy left for breakfast half hour ago. Coco is in the shower. I've been waiting for Coco to get out so I can get mine." He explained. "They seem like nice people. Hopefully this initiation thing goes well. I have no idea what to expect." I mentally chuckled. Though I was kind of curious on what Ozpin has planned. Would he have to go though the forest and find a relic? Or battle one of the teams? Or a teacher? It would be a interesting fight between him and Goodwitch. I don't know too much about how he fights to get an accurate guess on who would win. He'd put up a good fight, but who will win depends on who thinks smarter.
"Here is your helmet back. So far the best thing I used to help me sleep." I said handing it to him. "Though it's a little painful for my ears in the morning." I added. He nodded and took the helmet. He got off the bed and went to the armor stand.
"Thanks, I'll fix the issue when I get the equipment I need." He added just as Coco's shower singing stopped and the water turned off. He placed the helmet where it goes on the stand. He the then opened up a container on the chest piece. Looked like a small, inconspicuous, plated pocket right above the right breastplate. Took out what seemed to be a round device with three claw like things forming a broken circle around it.
"Naked team leader, coming in. All guys avert your eyes right now if you feel like keeping them in your skull." Coco announced as she stepped out of the bathroom with just a long brown towel wrapped around body, and a separate orange towel around her hair. Johnathan saw this and immediately covered his eyes, blushing madly as well, don't blame him. Being the only boy in a room with two cute teenage girls, one only wearing a towel no less. I'd blush too if I was in his shoes. Sounds like the set up to a bad romance movie.
"Well, I'll make this quick before things get awkward." He said trying to feel his way around the room with his right arm while his eyes still covered. He made his way over to me, some how with his eyes still covered. He quickly found my hand and put the disk-like-thing in it. "Very long and complicated story short. As you already know, I'm not from around here, I'm a explorer and soldier of sorts, and this Holo-pad will fill you in on the bare basics. Just push the center button on the side. I'll be in the shower if anyone had any questions. I stink." He rapidly explained darting for the bathroom, hitting an end table along the way. Me and Coco sat/stood there confused and the shower started running again.
"Okay, That was something." Coco said walking over to her dresser. I averted my eyes as she changed. "Any idea what's on that thing?" She asked as I saw a orange towel get thrown across my field of view, then a brown one, i didn't look back out of respect as well. All while I was still wondering what the heck I was holding.
"I'll wait till your fully clothed to play it." I replied covering my eyes.
"Your loss. " She said quickly getting changed in her usual outfit with her beret in all.
"Well, time for some answers." I said pushing the play button. Instantly the device came to life. Small whine and a blue girl appeared on the device, flickering a bit. I put it on my end table to see better. Coco looked over my shoulder to see too. She looked to be as old as Johnathan. Same brown hair, only hers was down past her shoulders and very neatly brushed. Same blue eyes, only hers seemed to hold a brighter spark for hope. No visible scars on her. Her outfit consisted of a lab coat and jeans, a head band to keep the hair out of her eyes. Can't tell the height because to me, she looks five inches tall.
"Hello, My name is Serena Grey. Twin sister to the moron you more then likely captured for execution, currently have roasting over a fire, or some how befriended. This is a prerecorded message, I won't be able to respond or answer questions." She introduced, voice was a bit choppy but I didn't expect this. "If you understand what I'm saying so far, Please say 'continue message'."
I looked at Coco who looked at the girl as if she was studying her. "She has some nice taste in hair style, good composition, okay clothing choice." Coco noted. "Continue message." The device beeped a bit before her form flickered.
"Glad you can understand me. Before I begin, I advise you keep an open mind. What I'm about to explain may interfere with your religious beliefs." She explained with a straight face. Well I was already open minded so this part will be easy. "You are not alone, There are countless amounts of other worlds beyond yours, each one similar yet different. My brother is one of the many brave souls who explores these places. Let's start with the basics on what I am to explain. The multiverse is a vast collection of universes. Each with an uncountable amount of Sub-verses. Let's go to our example model." She disappeared and was replaced with a model that looked a bit like a galaxy.
"This is what I call a Sector. We discovered over 342 different Sectors. Each with it's own system and universes. Each Sector is comprised of several hundred Regions; Sectors are comprised of several regions deriving from the same type of source, whether it be they both are books or movies or even games. Things get complicated the more detail I go into so I'll only provide you the bare basics. Each Region has several systems, which in turn has untold amounts of sub-verses. At the center of each system is a Core-verse, or to make it simpler, a Canon-verse. A Canon-verse is formed when a piece of literature or movie/TV show or anything really from the main universe is introduced to my world, the main universe for which everything stems from one way or another. In Core-verses, Johnathan needs to be careful. If he makes a wrong move here, it could shatter the entire system and cause mass chaos. The balance of the multiverse is fragile so in these zones, he needs to be stealthy and stay out of sight. Advised he avoid them entirely." She explained returning to the picture.
"Sub-verses are when the alpha Universe itself starts coming up with ideas for said universe. I call them, 'Fan-verses' because most of them are created from fans of the whatever. Most of them are found on the internet here, most are crappy fanfictions with little to no plot and made by people with way too much time on their hands. not very often, these people are rather perverted with sick senses of humor. I call the universes filled with completely mindless sex 'Smut-worlds'. These worlds we tried to avoid because they are not worth his time to document. The sub-verses orbit the core-verse and are linked to one another. These universes he can be more reckless as it won't upset the balance because anything can happen here, and isn't on a set-in-stone bullshit from some higher being. One Sub-verse can be linked to other if the Bond between the two is great, greatest example being the strong ties between the Halo region and the Destiny Region due to both being games made by the same creators. Strong connections can allow occupants of Universe A to naturally find a rip in reality to Universe B. Those these are rare to find and are often dangerous. Weak connections are only accessible through a Multiverse portal projector. An immortal deity can create a single use portal between universes if he/she knows where to go, but their power will be limited outside their own universe. So evil deities can't create a portal to your world and take it over. Multiverse has a natural system of checks and balances to insure limited interaction between universes outside of the Explorer's infuence. Most of the Multiverse is still being discovered/researched. If your understanding this so far, please say continue." She explained
"Continue." We both said to the device, same response as last time,
"Links can be temporarally severed between the universes manually via an explosive device for example. The shock wave created by said explosion destabilizes the fragile make up of said portals. If severed, it can cause instability for a short time in that system and what it's linked to. Time frame is random depending on the strength of the link. I can go on for days but I'm afraid I have to wrap it up quickly, camera battery is draining. Now a bit about ourselves. Me and my brother are from the main universe, the one everything is tied to and synchronized with. We work for a group known as MERC, Multiverse-Exploration-and-Research-Center. Only known intelligent species here is Human or Homo-sapiens, sorry if he did something to offend anyone there. Our organization is in no way hostile toward beings we only just meet, we'd have to know you a bit longer before we come to any conclusions. I must apologize for whatever crime/crimes my moron-for-a-brother committed while being there. He can be a bit...difficult to manage by himself. He may act rash, a bit crazy, merciless when pissed. But you do NOT want to be in his place even for a second." She spoke in a deadly calm voice at the end, that made me worry a bit.
"This isn't part of the multiverse lecture, I'm telling you know about about my little brother before you think of him as a psychopath or a crazy loon. Think of all the hardships he has been though since he was sixteen years old before you make a decision about him. He's seen horrors that would make normal people go insane. He had to do things that no being should ever have to do. Made hard choices that grown men wouldn't have the balls big enough to make. He has had his world turned upside down multiple times, seen countless people die in his arms, lost sense of reason more than once." Her voice cracked a bit here "I worry about his mental integrate whenever he comes home, I worry if he's ever going to come back in one piece or at all. It's like he dies a little inside every time he steps into that portal and comes back. It's like I'm slowly losing my twin and can't do anything about it." The woman on the device wiped a few tears away from her eyes. Voice breaking a bit. I look at Coco and she held the same expression I did, we felt sympathy for him a bit. "If you're someone Johnathan trusts, please confirm it by saying one thing about him that he had shared with you. If you don't want to hear any more, please say end message."
Well there I thought a bit. I really didn't know him too well. Well there was our conversation the other day. "He can't stand the taste of mushrooms." I replied. A small beep from the device and it resumed playing. Coco gave me a weird look and I shrugged at her.
"Well he did always hated those, good enough for me. If you really are someone he befriended, do me a small favor and please take care of him till he comes back, he is all I have left. Our mother died giving birth to us, our father sacrificed his own life so that Johnathan can get home alive, no other known living relatives. All we have left is each other. He's a good guy under that marred exterior, just takes a bit to get past. Don't think of him as weak either, he's a lot stronger than he lets people believe. With the last of the battery life, I'd like to say please don't be quick to judge him. He is loyal to his friends, a gentleman to ladies he likes, modest to an extent. Please don't let him fall down into the abyss within his mind, last time I nearly lost him and he almost didn't come back. You'll know when you see him starting to slip." The woman wiped all tears away from her eyes and straightened herself up. "Goodbye and hopefully I'll see you soon, Technician Serena out." She vanished from the device as it powered down. Coco and I looked at each other again. We both looked amazed at what we heard, yet Coco looked more confused then I was.
"So if I'm interpreting what she said is right. There are other universes out there, from how heavily armed Johnathan was, I'm guessing not all of them are very friendly. We're some sort of byproduct from a larger world, our entire lives are made up for people's amusement, and our room mate could go insane any moment. That about right or did I miss something?" Coco summed up. Well I couldn't say she was wrong because I barely am able to grasp what was explained. Before I could answer Johnathan came out the the bathroom in his usual black under armor, flexing and twisting his robot arm as he closed the door.
"It's been forever since I was able to take a shower with hot water. Pain in my ass with this damn arm." He muttered walking out of the bathroom. Fully clothed, thank Monty. "Did I miss anything? Serena never told me what all she explained in that device. Gave it to me two years ago I think. Never had the time or reason to look at it myself." He asked
"Just her telling us the basics on the multiverse, and her calling you a moron a few times." I explained. He nodded in agreement.
"Sounds like her. I'll be sure to get her back when she finds me." He replied going to his armor. "Any idea when breakfast ends? I'm starving." He replied taking the left fore arm off and hooking to his arm. I couldn't help but wonder exactly what he's been though and what to expect in the future.
(Agent Rhode Island's POV)
A/N I don't Own Agent Rhode Island. Irishwitch56 from Devianart does, I have permission to use her though from the creator herself.
RVB Sub-verse 03: Aboard the 'Athena's Wrath' (over Valhalla)
Wandering down the halls of a Marathon Class heavy Cruiser. I was lost in my train of thought. Thinking about the director, his torment of the Alpha AI, CT's betrayal, the lose of both North and York, Maine becoming the Meta, Ohio going missing. Just...everything. It's like I lost my family all over again. I looked down at a lone picture in my hand. It was the final picture I have to remember them by. North was off to the side in his purple armor, sniper rifle resting gracefully on his shoulder. I was on his left in my tan mark VI armor, peace sigh up with my arm draped around his neck despite him being a full foot taller. Ohio was behind us both giving us bunny ears, tongue sticking out. York and Carolina on North's other side with their hands intertwined. I had to wipe away a tear as I stuffed the picture in my chest pocket. So many memories, some great and some painful. I just wish I could have done more to help my friends.
"Agent Rhode Island please head to your assigned pod. We're approaching drop zone, T-minus 120 seconds till drop. " A computerized female voice rang from the PA system. I was snapped out of my trance and was already on my way to my drop pod, lot faster then taking a pelican down, and it's a bit more fun than a pelican as well if I wasn't afraid of possible death on impact. Like riding on an amusement park ride, only it goes one way from orbit. The OP was simple. Go in, find the Omega AI before Maine does, get out. Can't be too hard, Right? Had to get the AI fragment before Maine or another Freelancer does. I can't keep one because my enhancement messes my neural network, but I can't let Maine get another AI and further deteriorate his sanity. This mission requires speed more than anything. I had to find Omega and I needed to find him fast. Lucky for me, I found the pod I was was looking for and strapped myself in. Unlucky for me, I was smaller than most of the other Freelancers, or ODST even, so I had to adjust everything.
Safety check. Assault rifle in its holder, Check. Pistol in its holster, Check. Armor on right, Check. Extra mags for both just in case, Check. Flare gun...What when did the flare gun come from? Who cares, Could be useful sooner or later. Exchanged a frag grenade for the flare gun. Better to have it and never need it, then to needed it and never have it. But the same could be said for the grenade. If Maine shows up the flare gun would be harder to dodge and give me time to run while it screws with his vision.
"T-minus 60 seconds to drop." The same voice said. I looked down at my light tan armor. Everything was set and good to go. Hopefully I'll beat Maine this time. But if I can stop Omega or Maine from hurting even one more person, It would all be worth it. I fidgeted nervously in my seat as I triple check everything in my pod to be sure it was going to be alright.
"T-Minus 30 to drop." The computerized voice rang. I look around to see a ODST walking by. I shifted nervously in my pod. Only done this a handful of times, yet still get nervous right before it drops me.
"Word of advice newbie, keep your mouth shut till after you land. Other wise you'll bite off your own tongue. Don't want to end up like Pitbull over there." He advised behind his helmet as he walked away. Another ODST in he background just flipped him the bird as he passed. I nodded as the pod started moving away from the steel catwalk. Oh Utah's informant had better be right about this. Since Freelancer doesn't have the resources it once has, Utah and I had to call in some favors to get a ride. I wonder how he is doing?
"Launch in T-minus 15, 14, 13,...?" The countdown began.
"It's just like a roller coaster, It's' just like a roller coaster." I muttered to myself. I took a deep breath and looked out the glass. Below I can see the planet, and what looks to be some weird forerunner structures as well. Guess I'll check em out while I'm here. Couldn't hurt to do a little sight seeing after the mission is done. Then again, it was two 'bases' in the middle of nowhere. Mountain side cliff to one base, ocean front to the other. Both in what looked to be a natural box canyon. No way in or out aside from the air. I think this was one of the many training bases the Sim troopers go to under the ruse of a 'red vs blue war' over a flag. From my experience, the troopers are rather. . . intellectually challenged most of the time to put it politely. Poor Alabama, choosing to literally drive off a cliff than to spend another minute near them.
"Ten, Nine, Eight..." The countdown continued. I tightened grip the controls as the ship shook violently.
"What the hell was that?" A male ODST yelled through the COMM link.
"Six, Five, Four..." The voice continued. Looking down again I saw a purple line starting to tear through The space under me and expanding rapidly. Center looked to be collapsing inward yet the edges seemed to rip through the void of space like it wasn't there.
"Cancel the drop F.I.L.S.S! I repeat, Stop those pods from falling!" The ODST from earlier yelled. Before anything else could happen. I felt my pod get shot down FAST. Hurtling toward the anomaly, along with three other pods. I assume those are either back up, or supplies. The pod shook with every vibration through the atmosphere, I could feel my heart shoot up into my throat. The anomaly was too large and I was going too fast to go around, I couldn't stop at all so I'm left with two options.
A.) Go through the anomaly
B.) Close my eyes and pray I miss it
As luck would have it, Option A seemed to be happening. I saw the other three pods drop into it faster and with sparks flying all around them as they went though. I closed my eyes and prayed that I would survive. Then I fell through as well.
RWBY Subverse:1981
(Johnathan's POV)
I was sitting at the breakfast table with team CFVY with a plate full of bacon and pancakes, man needs his protein to function. I was in my full MJOLNIR armor, minus the helmet. Kind of taught Velvet how it goes on properly, even though I only known them a day, she seems trustworthy aside from the little hiccup yesterday involving her, Coco, and my armor. I mean, I still have the armor and they didn't sell it for mega bucks on the black market. This shit isn't cheap, even the helmet damaged could be worth a couple of bucks to the right buyer. Besides, I can lock them in it if they try to steal it again. Good solid plan B.
Ever since I got out of the shower. Coco and Velvet have been looking at me kind of funny every now and again. Asking if I was alright and such. Far as I know I haven't done nothing, aside from getting my ass handed to me by the Knights, to injure myself. Whatever Serena has told them about me, must of changed their views a bit. Then again, finding out your not alone and, I guess you can call me an alien, is under the same roof as you. I'll ignore the looks for now.
"...In all honesty, I still think a Nevermore would kick a Deathstalker's ass any day. Harder to hit something that can fly and evade your attacks. Not to mention those feathers can do some major damage." Fox continued his little debate with Coco. I've just been nodding slightly and agreeing with both of them the whole time. No freaking clue what a Nevermore or Deathstalker is so I can't say anything. The other two members of CFVY had the same idea and stayed out of it.
"True, but a Deathstalker has thicker armor. Would take longer to get though to the soft insides for the killing blow. All the Deathstalker needs is one good shot and the Nevermore is toast." Coco countered.
"But the armor is useless if you can't get a hit on your opponent and with them hitting you. John, what do you think?" Fox asked. I threw my hands in the air in a surrender motion. Nope, not getting in between this crap.
"I'm staying out of it. Learned my lesson when it comes to debates about that kind of crap." I replied as Velvet and Yatshu nodded in agreement. Normally in debates with people I know, I stay out of it and away if possible. Let's just say that they usually ended badly with my old friends. Still think Superman would win against Guko, regardless of what Serena or anyone else says or brings up. Superman is on a completely different level. To the point I swear he was created to BE unbeatable in situations like a 1V1 without some bullshit rock. All though I'm sure the two would rather share a beer and laugh than fight realistically speaking.
"Alright, if you say so." He said taking a sip of his coffee. Before I could say anything else, my helmet started beeping. Making everyone at the table jump, hell I think I saw people from the other side of the room jump in surprise. Like a high pitch nuclear alarm. Well that alarm means two things. Either there's a multiverse space-time rupture somewhere close by, or Agent South Dakota finally grew a sense of humor. Only one of which is possible, and I highly doubt South even knows what humor is. I grabbed my helmet and put it on.
"System, disengage alarm. Show reason for activation on screen." I ordered. Small beep and the alarm went off. Almost instantly, I could feel every pair of eyes in the room shift toward me.
"What's with the alarm?" Fox asked.
"Nothing anyone needs to worry about." I replied loudly so every one can hear, now reading the onscreen warning in my head below the fault line.
~Warning: Rupture Detected~
Origin: Natural rupture
Size: Fairly Large
Linked To: RVB Sub-verse #03
Radio Frequency: 1
Would You Like To Greet Them On The COMM Link?
~Y/N?~
Rupture already? I figured it would have been at lest six days before the ruptures even started, a month at most. Guess I'll have to prepare for the worst quicker then I anticipated. I look around for the direction of the rupture.
"What are you looking for?" Velvet asks.
"Nothing major. Just a small problem. Nothing to worry about." I replied. "System. Attempt to communicate with unknown frequency." I ordered my helmet. Small beep later and the usual loading screen. I look around the table to see Coco starting to look at me funny too.
"Johnathan? What is going on?" She asked in a deadly tone that left no roof for arguing. One I am oh so familiar with.
"Nothing major, just trying to raise someone on my COMMS." I lied a bit, well wasn't entirely a lie. I was trying to reach someone, but I didn't tell her the entire truth.
~Connected~
Signal Strength: Poor, Expect Static
Helmet power level: 11% (19/168 hours remaining)
Suit collected stored battery level: 20% (35/700 hours remaining)
~Fission Reactor status: Damaged/missing. Replacement recommended
~Say Hello~
I pushed a button on the side of my helmet for the short range communications. With how i configured this system, short ranged means it links me to signals in this universe. Long ranges links me to signals across different universes, not sure what the max range for either are. It naturally shows me radio signals that don't originate from the universe I am in, to avoid unnecessary confusion. Though I'll have to recharge the battery packs to get a better signal.
If the signal is from the Red-vs-Blue universe, chances are it's either a Simulation-trooper or a Freelancer. As long as it isn't Caboose or Agent Texas, I'll be happy. One managed to beat me senseless with my own arm twice and hit me in the nuts with the force of a semi-truck so many times, I don't think I'll be able to ever have have kids of my own. While the other managed to run me over with a tank, blow me up with a rocket launcher twice, crushed me with a warthog, burnt me with a incendiary grenade, shot in the ass with a sniper rifle three times, and many more that I rather not mention. All while trying to 'help' me.
"This is Freelancer Agent Ohio, Requesting the name of the person trying to reach me. Please state your name and rank, Over." I ordered into my mic, With power low, I'll have to keep it brief. I look over to see Velvet look at me funny. I take my finger off the button. "I'll explain later."
"Johnathan, is that truly you?" A female voice asked over my helmet's speakers, filled with static but I'm able to make out who it is. She was one of the few friends I had while training with the Freelancers. Well her, North, Wash, and York. Never got along with the others too well. Maine was 'I scratch your back, you scratch mine' type of friendship. Carolina a little but it was more of a respect for each others skills and abilities. Straight up hate South with a passion, shooting at me with LIVE ammunition with the excuse that 'she was teaching me to dodge and to get better reflexes', she is the reason why I have so many scars on my ass in the first place.
"Yeah it's me, is that you Rhody?" I asked pushing the button again.
"Yeah, it's good to hear from you Ohio." She said. I heard a small crash from the other side of her, like she hit a speed bump. That can't be good
"Rhody, what's going on at your end?" I asked, ignoring the questioning glares from everyone at the table.
"Oh You know, just falling toward a building at a hundred and something miles per hour in a drop pod uncontrollably. Business as usual." She replied casually. Oh okay, just a drop. Must be a high priority mission for that. Nothing real major. . .
"Wait, your landing...WHERE!" I yelled getting up from the table and running out the door as a sonic boom filled the air. I pushed the doors open to the courtyard and looked up toward the sky, just to find her pod burning though the atmosphere with a few others. All aimed directly toward this school. This is not going to be a good day for anyone.
(Rhode Island's POV)
Some thousand feet above the ground
Well today is eventful so far. Got sucked into a weird anomaly to lord knows where, currently dropping from orbit in a death pod from some two thousand feet, and got to hear from a old friend. I chalk this one up as a good day, except for the fact that I have no idea what's below me. The pod shook from the turbulence. I look to my left to see two other post spinning though the air, deploying their brakes. I pulled a handle and deployed mine. Sudden jolt upward and I accidentally bit my tongue, at lest I didn't bite it off, still a good day.
"How long till you land?" He asked. I looked at my altitude counted in the pod. Still got a fair ways to go till I hit ground.
"2,000 feet and counting down fast. Why where are you?" I asked.
"At the castle looking school your aimed right at." He replied with some commotion in the background. "We'll discuss it when you reach the ground. Try to steer your pod to the empty Courtyard." Well it's good to hear from Agent Ohio again. He was a good friend in the year I helped train him, three successful missions together, One failed, and several good old fashion pranks. He helped me cheer everyone up when they were down. My pod shook again as I lost my breaks. I looked down at the speed to see that it was at survivable standard with minimal injuries.
"You might want to clear the drop zone. I'm coming in ho..." Was all I manged to get out before something collided with my pod, sending me off course, well I'm already off course but this time I'm spinning. Feel like throwing up inside my helmet.
"Rhode you okay?" He asked. I couldn't respond because I was too dizzy, throwing up my breakfast into my mouth, had to force it down. Bit hard to clean vomit from inside the helmet. I look out the window to see my pod spinning past a tower, clipping it a bit, toward a lushes emerald green forest. At lest no one would be hurt by my landing this way. Everything has a plus side if you know where to look.
(Johnathan's POV)
"Rhode you okay? Talk to me. Over." I asked as the first pod hit the ground a dozen feet away from me, stirring up a cloud of dust and dirt. I kept my helmet on to keep the dust from getting into my eyes. The students who came to look at commotion were trying to dodge the pods landing on them. I look to see some off center ponytail girl in white about to be crushed by a pod. She appeared to be trying to calm everyone down. Not that I blame them for panicking anyway, I would be to if I wasn't immune to the shock of almost being hit by one. I reacted and sprinted toward her. Just before the pod could reach her, I picked her up by her waist, with a yelp from her end, and pushed us out of the way of the incoming pod. I put her down back on her feet. "Stay low and watch your head." I ordered as I ran toward the frenzy. She said something or other but I wasn't listening. I looked around to see more pods landing in a random fashion, one went right though the school and into the cafeteria. One pod went spiraling out of control and , clipped one of the towers, and out of my sight. From it's trajectory, it wouldn't hit anyone so I'll let that one go. Looking around I see Velvet on a rock, who was trying to get people to calm down and not draw their weapons. I smiled at her attempt to calm people down. I chuckled a bit pushing the radio button again.
"Rhode Island you still there? Over." I asked. Waited a few seconds got static. "Elizabeth, do you copy. Over." I repeated.
Same response.
Maybe she's trying to collect herself mentally. I know for a fact that she hates these types of drops and will only do it if it's 100% necessary. Well might as well see what's in the pods. Almost got killed by one, I would like to know what is inside it worth killing me for. None have opened up yet so I'm assuming it was a supply drop in a hostile war zone. Maine is more then likely involved one way or another. Why they would use a Drop pod rather than a Resupply canister from a long sword is a mystery to me.
"Hey, big blue guy." A young female voice rang behind me. I look back to the the girl from earlier with some red cloaked smaller girl. The red one looked to be just a kid, no older then like 14 maybe 15. While the snowy one looked a bit older and had a faded scar across her left eye. Both had combat skirts. Though the snowy white one looked more like a dancer. Must be part of her fighting style or something. Though I was a head taller then both of them, two heads taller for the red one.
"Thanks for saving my partner." The red one thanked. Her silver eyes staring directly at my broken visor, as if she's trying to figure me out. Well she ain't getting any information looking at a busted visor. I'll fix it later.
"I could of done it myself, If I wasn't trying to organize everyone." She countered a bit coldly. "But since you did same me. May I ask for your name?"
"Johnathan Grey, But most people either call me John or Ohio." I greeted as the icy blue visor depolarized, letting them look into my deep blue eyes. The red one took a step back as I now looked back to the sky to see if there are any more pods incoming. "May I ask for yours as well?"
"Ruby Rose. Leader of Team RWBY." The red one introduced. Well she seems to be a bag full of happiness, potential ally maybe a friend. Could always need a go-happy kid around. Though with Rhode here now, She could use a female friend, I know I would get boring after a while. Didn't know a combat school would allow someone so young to join. Obviously skilled in a fight if she was let in to begin with.
"Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust company." She introduced. Heiress normally translates to 'rich beyond their wildest dreams', money equals resources and equipment. Another possible ally. I'll befriend these two later if needed, though Weiss may be harder because of the rich girl thing. Never heard of a company that sells dust for a living and gets rich of it. If that's the case, then I need to collect the dust bunnies under my bed and sell it here. Might as well check the attic and sell the dust collected up there too. I don't judge, if people want that type of crap fine by me.
"Well it was nice meeting you Ruby and Weiss. If you ladies would excuse me, I got supply pods to check." I replied polarizing my visor once more and heading toward the nearest pod. Heard them talking about something to me but I didn't listen to a single word of it. First pod had the Orange haired girl from yesterday morning and some big haired blonde girl trying to pry the cover off with crowbars, I'm not even going to ask where they got them from, better question would be how they got there so fast with them? Even better one is where is everyone? Maybe they got scared shit-less and ran to the basement
"Keep trying Yang, I think we almost got it." The one I remember as Nora said smacking the flat end into the crevices between the door and pod itself.
"I'm trying but it's on tight. Whatever is inside better be worth it." The busty blonde, now identified ad Yang, replied doing the same and trying to pry it off. At the rate they're going, it would be Christmas by the time they get it open they way. I might as well save them a few months. I chuckled a bit walking over the the hatch area of the pod. Searched around for the keypad. All supply pods have at lest one on the outside.
"What are you doing John?" The energetic one asked. To answer her question, I pushed the hidden button just below the bulk of the egg shaped pod. I smiled as the pad glowed green. I'm curious what is inside myself. Most likely something urgently needed on the ground if they want to risk a drop like this.
"You might want to take a few steps to the left." I replied taking a step to the side as a small ticking sound emanated from inside. Yang and Nora backed away just before the front end of the pod went flying forward and skid across the ground several feet away. "And that's how you properly open a Drop pod from the outside." I demonstrated as I looked inside the pod. Yep, definitely a supply drop. Pod's supplies was arms and munitions. Of course it has my favorite weapon in the Freelancer arsenal. Along with a standard MA37 assault rifle tucked in there like a cheeky bastard. My mouth nearly watered as I picked up the beauty from her confines. Twin barrels of pure devastation, 102 mm HEAT shaped charges, sleek design, lock on mechanism, and epic ability to completely screw up anything/anyone on the wrong end. The M41 SPNKR. I pushed the 'Test' button, making both barrels spin flawlessly, beginning to giggle like a possessed madman. I am a HUGE sucker explosions. I can't wait to blow something up. Give me a target; Anything! Don't care what it is. Just give me a reason!. I opened the reload hatch to see it empty. At least they had common sense to keep it unloaded during the drop. Why knows what would have happened if this thing accidentally fired.
"Ohhhh yeaaah, I missed this baby." I said giggling like a mad lunatic.
"What is that monstrosity?" Weiss asked with Velvet now trying to see what I was up to. I was still giggling like a madman as I inserted a rocket pack into the reload chamber. Ruby looked at it wide eyed and speechless.
"This" I had the barrels spin some more for dramatic effect "is the M41 Surface-to-Surface rocket launcher. Most call it the SPNKR as a nickname. Twin barrels providing double the damage when on the battle field, lock on feature makes it even deadlier to enemy aircraft. 102 mm High-explosive Anti-Tank rounds will tear though your adversary's armor like it isn't even there, completely destroying his or her vehicle. Manufactured to take on even the toughest armored vehicles and is able to absolutely shred though infantry." I replied mounting it on my shoulder. "Recoil is an absolute bitch, but for the power this thing gives you. I say its well worth the trade off." My helmet started to beep again. "One second, I got a call: Display message."
~Multiverse Rupture Closed~
Agent Rhode Island Is Trying To Contact You
Would You Like To Respond?
~Y/N~
Well, I now have a friend stuck here with me. At lest It is someone I get along with. I always liked Rhode, she was like a glass full of happiness and sunshine when you need it the most. I still remember the time Her, Wash, and I set up C.T's locker to explode blue paint all over her. It was the funniest day aboard that ship. York got caught in the blast though, but his reaction wasn't as funny as C.T's. At lest he has a sense of humor. Even Carolina laughed, well we managed to get a giggle out of her till she went back to 'Commander Bitchy' mode. That was a fun day up until I had to be the one to clean it up.
"Yes, contact Rhode Island." I replied. A small whirl later and her profile picture I set up for her came on. Before you get confused. This is the Helmet-to-Helmet radio, not Helmet-to-Broadcaster radio.
"Ohio, Please tell me your there?" She asked sounding a bit scared. This wasn't good. Very little scares Rhode Island. Ignoring everyone around me, I focused on what Rhodes was saying.
"What's up Rhodes?" I asked.
"I'm pinned down in the forest. Local wildlife decided I was a meal and attacked. My pistol is running. Where are you at?" She asked. I let go of the button.
"System, Trace Rhode Island's signal and display her location on HUD." I ordered pushing the button again. "Not far Rhode, Hang tight and I'll get you out of there." The scan was done. My HUD showed she wasn't too far away. 300 meters max. Few more gunshots from her end. "Rhode what's going on?"
"They found me. Please hurry." She said. Bit of screaming now came from her end. That wasn't good.
"Rhode talk to me." I called. All I got was gunfire in the distance from the transition, along with animal like howls and snarls. "Rhode Island, Respond." A flash of red shot out of the forest where I suspect Rhode's pod crashed. I knew what I needed to do, for a friend in need. Hooking the M41 on my back with one extra clip, I grabbed the assault rifle and took off running to the cliff face. I won't be losing another friend, no as long as I can help it, especially not her.
"HANG ON RHODES, I'M COMING!" I yelled at the top of me lung, ignoring the screams of people trying to talk me out of it. Right now I only have one goal, protect Rhode Island at all costs. Kill everything that dares try to stop me.
With those three things running though my mind as I came closer to the edge. I tightened the grip on my newly acquired rifle, and ran faster. I did a check list as I got closer to the edge.
Rocker launcher, Check. Assault rifle, Check. Grenade, Check. Energy swords, Check. Pistols, Check. Extra rounds for all, Check. Time to kick some ass and chew bubble gum, and I don't have any bubble gum.
I will save Rhodes or die trying. She's been there for me countless times when I needed it. I'll be damned if I'm not there for her again. I need to redeem myself for my cowardice at Sidewinder. I must save her. With that in mind, I took the leap of faith, and jumped off the cliff to rescue an old friend.
A/N: Another chapter out and edited. This is beginning to be a chore but it needs done. Finally getting around to fixing the errors I hate and plot lines that need replaced. Combining chapters to help make it not as intimidating to new readers and to help save time when I have to edit again in the future. Weeding out the filler chapters one at a time. Going to be a long year.
~Dgreen20