Chapter 17
Calmest before the storm
Week 4: Day 28
(Johnathan's POV)
The familiar sense of pain filled my body as my eyes slowly crept open. Every part of my body hurt, my arms weren't spared the sensation either. The one I'm not sure how it's even possible to feel pain with. Fluorescent lights burned holes into my eye sockets as I crept back to contentiousness. Talk about deja vu.
I groaned as I lifted myself up. I was back in the Beacon medical wing, back in the bed with all sorts of tubes and wires hooked up to me. Everything was the same as the last time I was in this position, even Velvet asleep on the chair by me. Only difference was the sight of two raptors fast asleep on both sides of me, and that the entire CRDL team was also in hospital beds across the room. Digital wall clock let me know it was some time past midnight.
"What time is it?" I asked myself. Apparently Rosa heard me and perked her head up at me. She barked and jumped on my lap and started nuzzling me for attention while barking excitedly. I yelled in pain as Velvet squealed awake and fell to the ground as Rojo looked up and smiled. He had a small cast over his left leg. Rosa just had a bunch of bandages but what didn't stop her from killing me with love.
"Yes Rosa I love you too." I said trying to push her down. "Down girl. Down!" I yelled pushing her off. She purred as she nuzzled my arm for attention. CRDL must really be out to not even flinch at that.
"Morning Sleepyhead." Velvet joked. I looked up to see her eyes a bit red and hair messy. She looked like she had cried herself to sleep. Felt a small tinge of guilt for making her feel like that.
"Morning to you too." I replied. "What's my diagnosis this time nurse?" I pretty much automatically said. I've been to the ER more times than I care to count. You name it, I'm sure I've been there for it at least one. Broken bones, every time. Severed limbs or shattered skull, more than once. Punctured lung or damaged heart, more than I care to admit. Only thing I can think of that I haven't been to the ER for is pregnancy for obvious reasons.
"About fifteenth puncture wounds, forty stitches all over, at least three vital organs damaged, two bone fragment still inside you..."
"And a partridge in a pear tree." I joked. She shook her head and laughed, glad to know Christmas is a thing here, maybe Santa will give me a power cell for my armor. Well that was a bit more then what I had the last time I was here.
"The doctors said you should be in a lot of pain for a while. You'll still have to go to class, combat class is optional but not recommended." She replied. Rosa purred in joy as I rubbed her head. Rojo fell back to sleep quick. "Everyone is worried about you. Rhode assured us that you'll be fine and and that you've endured a whole lot worse before, but she is still worried about you."
"I'm still up and kicking, not going down that easy." I declared as I pulled the wires and tubes off my body.
"What are you doing?" Velvet asked as Rosa tried to helped me on my feet.
"Not going to let some stupid injury keep me down." I informed getting up wincing with every step. Velvet quickly stopped me and pushed me back on the bed. Rosa looked surprised but softly barked.
"You need your rest. You pushed it too far yesterday and got hurt." She reminded. "Take it easy on yourself, for your friends." She leaded giving me the cutest set of puppy dog eyes imaginable. Damn it, she knows my weakness. I bit my tongue but I gave in.
"Alright you win." I responded laying back. "But come morning, I'm walking around."
"Good." She said letting me lay back down looking back at the ceiling thinking a bit about my life. Twice now I've been set to this exact room in this world. Over hundreds of hours spent in a hospital bed I can account for in my own world. Over three hundred times I've almost died while on a mission, in a fight, or from my own dumb luck. All in the past three years. I haven't been alive very long, almost two decades. Yet I've defied death more times than I care to count. I'm starting to get sick of it all, sick of always being thrown from one world to the next, sick of seeing friends and family sacrifice so much for me, sick of never being able to slow down and enjoy my life, sick of leaving my family to worry all the time.
I look out the window to see this world's shattered moon glowing in the night sky. I hope they're doing okay. This is the longest I've been without seeing Elaia. I worry that she's doing okay, worried if she's happy or not, worried if anyone misses me. Every time I return from a long week at work, Elaia is the first one to greet me. Hugging me and tickling me with her whiskers, asking me if I found her a new mommy yet or not. Half the time I tell her I'm still looking. Mu I know she can take care of herself. Not worried about her too much. Serena more than likely took a lot of heat for my little stunt. So she might try to kill me when I see her again.
I can imagine Velvet loving Elaia. The two would get along together quite well. Velvet understanding her pain a lot more then I can, Elaia petting and putting bows on Velvet's ears and hair.
Speaking of Velvet. I been thinking about the short kiss we shared back in the JP universe a lot. Was it on purpose and she loves me back? Or am I just overthinking things again? I know without a doubt that I love her, I'm wondering if she loves me back or not? Near death has a way of changing people. No acceptation on how many times you came close to death, it always changes people every time. Serena hasn't come to get me yet, so chances are I'm in a deadzone. That could take months, years even, to naturally clear up to the point where she can extract me.
I need to tell Velvet, almost did yesterday because I thought it would be my last chance. I'm going to be stuck here for a while, maybe even forever. This goes against every rule I set for myself for every universe. But if yesterday taught me anything it's that I need to enjoy life a lot better, take less deadly risks, allow myself to fall in love again. Because you never know if tomorrow will be there, especially with my line of work.
"Johnathan?" She asked. I shook my head and looked into her chocolate brown eyes. "You d-don't mind If I sl-sleep with you to-tonight?" She asked stuttering a bit. My face instantly light up as did hers. Wow that was a bit unexpected from her. Figured I'd have to take her out to dinner first before 'that' happens. She must have noticed my hesitation and shook her head in a kind of adorable way.
"No, not in that way." She said trying to save the conversation from going awkward. "It's just that the chair is too uncomfortable and too late for me to go back to my dorm without getting in trouble." She informed blushing very brightly.
Oh thank god I misunderstood it. I am not ready to have 'that' yet, rather wait till after we known each other a minimum of a year. Call me old fashion, but I want my first time to be for love and not lust. Either way this is a bold move from her. Small side effect of my augmentation. I don't actively seek 'that' out on a regular basis.
"Okay, only because I like and trust you." I replied throwing back. She blushed as she snuggled close to me. I wrapped the blanket over us as Rosa jumped up and curled to sleep by our feet. I smiled as Rojo snorted as he went back to sleep. Before I could do anything Velvet reached up and kissed my forehead and left me speechless. She snuggled up to me with her ears flat against her head.
"Night Johnathan." She said wrapping her arms around like I'm a big pillow. I smiled as I kissed her and pulled her closer.
"Night Velvet." I replied as a wave of exhaustion overtook me.
"One hundred and twenty three." Click "One hundred and twenty four" Click.
"Shh Coco, you going to wake up the love birds."
"Few more pictures Yang, for extra blackmail materiel. One hundred and twenty five" Click.
My eyes snapped open after that last click. In front of me was Yang and Coco, both with their scrolls out and with the biggest 'busted' faces I've seen. Coco looked more guilty than Yang with an extra tap on her scroll and another click.
"We're busted Blondie." Coco announced.
"Cheese it Puffs!" Yang yelled as they both took off like jet engines out of the room. I was more confused then mad. Why would they be taking pictures of me and... I'll kill them both later, slowly if they try twisting the story. I looked under my arm to see Velvet snuggled up to me tightly and affectionately.
"Velvet, time to wake up." I softly said lightly shaking her. She moaned and held on to me tighter.
"Too comfortable, few more minutes." She groaned. I chuckled as I shook her a few more times. She swatted my hand a bit and wrapped them back around me, well time for plan B. Hope no one near scares easy.
"Rosa, Rojo; wake up call." I ordered. Both raptors lined up and started barking one after another. Velvet squeaked as she rolled out of bed as the room was filled with the barks of the raptors. CRDL on the other side started groaning.
"Shut up! We're trying to sleep and everything hurts!" Cardin whined from his bed as he groaned in pain. I pat Rosa on the nose to get her to stop, Rojo followed soon after. Velvet rubbed her head getting up. I can tell I'll pay for that stunt later.
Hours later
Yeah, I deeply paid for the early morning wake up call. One second I'm on my way to my dorm from class, next I find myself hanging upside down, tied up in a tree by industrial grade rope. Only culprits are Weiss and Blake fist bumping as they walk away from the scene. Note to self, Weiss and Blake are not morning people! How they got me up here is beyond me, but they would have have to done some heavy lifting to get me like this. I am over three hundred pounds out of my armor, easily over a thousand in it. Guess I really need to lay off the sweets. Didn't feel any pain from the other day anymore. Injected myself with so many pain killers, I lost feeling in my other arm for a while.
"I was going to see if you had anything planned for today." A almost angelic female voice said. I forced most my body weight to make me turn around. Velvet was standing there shaking her head with the biggest smile I've ever seen in her combat uniform. "I can see you are a little bit busy so I won't ask."
" Yeah, just got a little tied up." I joked trying to break free of my restraints. She just giggled at my misery. Damn she's lucky she's my friend. "Little help, please." I begged. She kindly walked over to where the end of the rope was. She giggled a bit and held the end to untie it.
"You sure you want down right now. You look kind of funny like that." She teased a bit.
"Yes I'm pretty sure I want down." I replied. She rolled her eyes and undid the knot, sending me into the ground face first. Maybe I should have through this one through a bit more. I groaned wiggling my way out of the ropes. "To answer your question. No I got nothing planned today." I replied pulling the ropes off me.
"So you wouldn't mind spending a day on the town with me? Alone." She asked whispering the last part. I raised an eyebrow and picked myself up. I think she just asked me out on a date? Doesn't it normally work the other way around? Who am I to question what is normal and what isn't, I am as far from normal as you can possibly get. Well when a cute girl asks you something like that, there is only one possible answer to you can tell them.
"I would be an honor." I replied.
later that evening
This was nice, just the two of us in a small dead dinner in Vale, looked to be 50's themed. I got changed to my armor before leaving. Almost everything is offline but I can still wear it. Makes me feel safer knowing I have a couple billion dollar suit of armor on my back to help me protect who I love. Velvet seemed to love holding onto my helmet. I only brought my knives as a last resort if someone attacks us, energy swords hidden just in case. Velvet left her box at her dorm. Claimed it's because it's too inconvenient to carry around everywhere. Attracts too much attention.
"Why do you want to become a huntress? What sparked that interest?" I asked trying to make small talk. We ordered our meal a while ago, small fries and drink for the both of us. I am on a very limited budget. My normal money's worth jack shit here so I had to resort to doing small jobs for teachers for money. On a side note, never ask Oobleck if he needs help. I plead the fifth for my reasons.
"My grandmother would tell me all sorts of stories from her time as a huntress, Monty rest her soul. Stories of how her team took on a island full of Grimm at once and the types of Dust spells she could do. From a very young age I knew what I wanted to be. Hope to become as good of a huntress like she use to be." She replied taking a bite of the every dwindling bunch of fries between us. "What got you started in your line of work? Why did you choose to continue?" She asked.
"Do you want the honest answer or happy one?" I asked. I have my reasons for continuing my job after Dad's death. Though I haven't thought about what got me started in the first place in like... forever. Last time I recall thinking about why I joined I had both my original arms.
"Honest." she replied. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes trying to remember the exact reason. Why did I first join, let me think. Dad talking about his adventures, nope. Dad's ex boss bugging him to come back, nope. Threatened to be thrown in jail, hell no; they couldn't legally lay a finger on us then. Found it!
"It was originally to find my Mother's homeland. Dad wanted to return her body to it's place of origin. He had her cremated and placed in a ceramic jar till we can give her a proper funeral there. I guess that overall mission carried over to my when he passed. Problem is I know nothing about her personally. I mainly went on blind luck and slivers of information anyone could pull up from MERC's data banks for months. After Serena hit a dead end, we put it aside and kept doing what I did best. I may have never meet my mother; but I'll do everything in my power, to see that her remains get returned to their rightful place in her universe. I won't let dad's mission go unaccomplished. It's the least I can do to honor both their memories." I answered.
"Wow, that's...pretty deep." She replied looking surprised yet empathetic.
"Yeah, don't even get me started on the false leads my Co-workers gave me. Let's just say that I lost more then my mind on those days." I replied. I was going to ask her a question but I felt someone tug on my armor a bit.
"Excuse me sir." a new voice asked. I turned to see a little wolf faunus, no older than five, looking at me with a nervous smile on his face. "I wanted to thank you for getting rid of that big scary monster last month. You saved everyone." He thanked.
"The Rex isn't a monster, could see how someone can think that. It was just lost and confused and very far away from home. I only did what was right and returned it home before it could cause anymore trouble, no need to thank me." I replied taking a sip of mt drink.
"But a few words of wisdom kid. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you feel is right, but always follow your morals. The line between right and wrong isn't always as black and white as it appears. Sometimes you need to tread in the gray area between the two before you know which side you're on." I explained trying my best impression of Morgan Freemen the whole time. Before I knew it he ran up and hugged my leg. I was taken back a bit by the randomness of it.
"Thanks mister." He said running away. I wasn't going to question him. I turned back to see Velvet smiling.
"Kids really like you." She noted.
"Oh yeah, they love how tall I am and often use me like a human jungle gym. Some ask me how I got so big and strong. I always tell them I eat my vegetables and listened to my parents." I replied. She chuckled as she finished off the fries. Damn her laugh is adorable.
Hour later
(Velvet's POV)
We walked down the road of Vale as the sun started dipping down in the sky. Really loving our time together so far. We learned a fair bit about each other. I didn't know that Rojo and Rosa were breed to be tame com, that explains a lot.
We were walking down the street looking for something else to do. Few people sent us weird glances. Think it's because of his height or my heritage. Eh, who cares. I have Johnathan, that's all that matters right now.
"Oh let's go there." I squealed as I sort of pulled him toward a karaoke bar. Johnathan just kind of awkwardly let me pull him inside. It was pretty nice inside. Large stage stood on the back wall, large open bar off to the side. Very few people were in here, but they were at the bar area. One person was at the mic. I'll be good and not say anything else. Lots of boo's from the people paying attention. Colors were a little weird. Everything was purple and glittery. Guess that kind of explains the lack of people.
"You should try a song." I suggested as the on stage got booed off and toward the bar.
"Bad idea, I can't sing! I sound like a dying walrus." He tried to warn.
"Come on, can't be that bad." I replied.
(Johnathan's POV)
few minutes later
God damn it! The puppy dog eyes, my greatest weakness right next to cupcakes. After a little chat, she some how convinced me to sing. I hate singing now. I admit I use to sing in the shower, till I got a throat punch from South for irritating her with York's help.
I hesitantly walked up on stage and set my helmet by the box. Weird, tag on it just says 'hook up your music device to start'. I look back down and tried to give Velvet a pleading look to make me get down. She looks so excited and happy. She really wants me to play my music, I guess I got one song I memorized. Bit personal but I know it. Helmet battery is barely up, just enough juice to play a little music through it's speakers.
"System voice command: Play music on my command. Breaking Benjamin; Unknown soldier instrumentals." I ordered. Small beep let me know it is ready when I am. I took a deep breath as a I tapped the mic a bit. The feedback got everyone's attention. "Hello. My Name is Johnathan Grey. I'll be singing a song I know from out of the area." I spoke looking back at my helmet. "System: Play song."
Small beep and the song started playing. First bit got everyone's attention. I closed my eyes as I tried to visualize the lyrics. First thought that came to my head as I listened to the music was my Father. This one is for you Dad.
"Border line, Deal inside.
I don't mind, Falling to pieces.
Count me in, violent.
Let's begin, feeding the sickness.
How do I simplify, Dislocate 1 the enemy is on the way.
Show me what it's like
to dream in black and white,
so I can leave this world tonight."
I sang so far with everyone quiet. I opened my eyes to see Velvet wide eyes and smiling. Not sure if it's because of the song choice or my voice. I closed my eyes again as I continued.
"Full of fear, Ever clear.
I'll be here, fighting forever.
Curious, venomous, you'll find me climbing to heaven.
Never mind, turn back time.
You'll be fine - I will get left behind.
Show me what it's like
to dream in black and white,
so I can leave this world tonight.
Holding on too tight.
Breath the breath of life, so I can leave this world behind."
Small visions of my time with Freelancer kept popping up in my vision. All the good marines who died protecting their home worlds, the Freelancers that died under my command, all the civilians I couldn't save. Their voices kept ringing in my ears as the music kept playing. All the times I came close to pulling the trigger, all the friends I lost in my life. They two crept back into my mind as the music played. I pushed it all down to the depths of my memory as I kept going.
"It only hurts just once.
They're only broken bones.
Hide the hate inside."
I felt a small tear well up in my eye as I heard the solo. This was always dad's favorite part. I can see his face now, smiling as I felt him pull me into a hug. I smiled as I opened my eyes to find everyone listening with open ears and smiles. Velvet's was the biggest. "So I can leave this world behind." I whispered into the mic as the tear ran down my cheek.
"Show me what it's like
to dream in black and white,
so I can leave this world tonight
Holding on too tight.
Breath the breath of life.
So I can leave this world behind."
I returned the mic as I walked down. Everyone was cheering and applauding as I picked up my helmet and went to Velvet. She smiled as she patted my back. Was I really that good.
"You were amazing John. There was so much emotion was put into every word." She applauded, The memories of my horrid past faded under her smile. I can always trust Velvet, she is a wonderful person to be around.
(Serena's POV)
My gear was packed and ready to go. Enough waiting, enough time wasted waiting for the equipment to find him. The raptors have been gone too long, and I need to find him sooner or later. Mu is running out of answers for Elaia. Cole's gem is enough to get me there. Getting back will be the hard part as it leaves him exhausted after forcing the connection.
I was in a old ODST suit dad got me, little big on me but I'll live. Alice Pack on my back full of the bare essentials, got Johnathan's new power generator for his armor and a spare battery for his railgun, generator came in last week. Few magazines of .300 hollow point rounds, never knew what may be on the other end.
"You sure you want to do this." Owen asked handing over my Honey badger. I quickly pulled the bolt back and checked the ammo, full mag. I quickly shouldered it and threw my knife on it's sheath. Command has been asking all sorts of questions regarding Johnathan's lack of appearance. I had to find him quickly before they kick us out and throw us in jail for knowing too much.
"We both know this is the only options we have left. Raptor's tracking collars aren't responding. You got any better ideas I'm all ears." I replied checking my systems. VISR is online, IFF tag tracker online, ammo counter online, power levels at maximum, Portal rupture tracker online, motion tracker online. I took a deep breath as I kneeled in front of Elaia. She had small tears forming in her eyes.
"Is daddy in trouble?" She asked. I put a hand on her shoulder, best give it to her slow.
"I don't know, that's what I'm going to find out. I'll be back as soon a I can. You listen to Mu and Owen while I'm gone, okay?" I informed.
"I'll be a good girl for Mu and Owen." She promised handing me a small bag of cookies. I laughed as Cole walked up and patted my back. He asked if I was ready. I nodded and stood next to him. But something felt a big off, I looked down at my motion tracker real quick. It was functioning pretty well, except for the random glitch where it thought I was surrounded by red dots...
Wait a sec. I turned around and squinted my eyes. Barely visible was the wavy outline of an Elite behind Owen, it's sword hand down and looked ready to strike. I quickly pushed Owen out of the way just as it's red blade ignited and almost sliced us in two. Elaia screamed as I used myself as a shield between her and the alien.
The behemoth uncloaked and attempted another slice at Owen. He ducked under the blade as it sliced through a computer and send sparks flying everywhere. It roared as he jumped on it's back. I picked up Elaia and Mu's processor chip. She was in sleep mode so I can't do anything with her in this armor.
"Cole get your portal up." I ordered kicking a chair toward the thrashing alien. It grabbed Owen by his neck and threw him across the room. Cole's arms sparked with electricity as his blue stone around his neck started to glow, he shot a ball of energy forward a few feet and created a portal right in front of us. The Elite noticed and charged toward us. Owen intercepted him by throwing his body at the raging alien. Cole already went through but I looked back at Owen, he was struggling with the Elite to keep him off him with a destroyed chair.
"Just go, I'll buy you a little time." He ordered smashing a random lamp across the beast's head. Several more Elites uncloaked all around me and a few swarmed Owen. I held on to Elaia tight as I jumped through the portal. Hopefully Johnathan is ready to see us again, because we're coming to him.
(Owen's POV)
The things I do for friends. I held up a broken chair leg like a baseball bat against several giant beasts, each with their own red energy swords, no fucking fair. I was a few inches from the alarm. If I could get to that button.
Before I could charge I felt a searing hot pain in my chest. I look down to find a red lightsaber pierced through it. I couldn't breath, I couldn't move, all I felt like doing was falling over and going to sleep. The elite's disengaged their swords and moved back. I wanted to scream but the pain was too much.
"Now Owen, that wasn't very nice of you to threaten my new allies like that." a familiar voice mocked as the blade exited my chest. I slumped to the ground as Emily kneed down and gave me a sadistic smile as a new guy entered the room in armor like Johnathan's, only white with a huge visor. One of the Elite's walked up to Emily and grumbled. I slowly moved my dying body toward the button.
"We wasted time infiltrating this place, you said the heretic's apprentice would be here." It growled.
"Patience warrior. He's obviously trapped somewhere, otherwise Serena would never have put on her armor and got packed." She explained looking the beast right in the eyes. "Which means he'll have no where to run to. Portal is over there, go through it and find him if you're that brave. Remember he'll be expecting you and be prepared." She informed. The lead elite let out a distasteful growl and started speaking in his native language. Almost to the button, if only I can reach it. It didn't say a word I understood. The rest of the Elite's in the room charged toward the portal full sprint. I was left alone with three insane psychos.
"You better be right witch, we can not allow that piece of scum to survive. Only Sangheilii warriors must know the way of the sword." He spat out as he went through the portal. Emily chuckled as the portal closed behind him.
"What's so funny?" A flaming guy asked from the white guy's shoulder.
"They're in over their heads. Johnathan was intensely train by Thel 'Vadam himself for a while, non stop day and night. Better to send in the pawns in to infect his fragile mind with seeds of fear and paranoia. We'll have our chance when he's at his weakest." She explained turning toward me as I coughed up blood. "Looks like my old computer guy is still alive, would you put him out of his misery Maine."
The white guy growled as he walked toward me with his brute shot blade toward me. I didn't fear death, I know it's coming. The only thing I can do now is close my eyes, and hope he ends it quickly. I'm sorry I couldn't buy you more time Serena.
That's a wrap. Plot thickens and we have out first character death, first of many to come. Hope you all enjoy. I'm trying to pump out as many chapters as I can before I start work. When I do start, I'll have less time to write and more time will pass between chapters. Couldn't resist but to have this be a fluff chapter between the main pairing. The Penny X AI fragment will happen, I'll let my followers be the ones who vote on who it will be. Either Delta, Theta, or Mu. I'll find a way for the winner to work.
We learn more of our character's past. Before the hardcore halo nerds pull out their gravity hammers and spartan lasers to kill me, please keep an open mind about everything. Everything in my story happens for a reason, those reasons will be explained later in the story.
Only one review this time.
Pwnerdude1- Thank you for the compliment. I agree my Beta is pretty good, he helps out with the stress of editing by a LOT. I owe him big time for agreeing to Beta reading the story. Thank you WetworkzNinja.
That is all I have for today. Please stay tuned, we are about half way done with the story. Planning on adding everyone's favorite lovable team-killing idiot sooner or later. Got a few ideas for him and Johnathan, this is going to be funny. I suggest you all to listen to the song he sang. I was debating on having him sing either that or 'Dear agony'. Figured this was better, but that is just my opinion. See you all later. Peace
~Dgreen20
Oooooh the plot thickens! it's getting pretty crazy all of a sudden, i'm kinda worried though, me and elites don't mix well (but I'd take a billion angry elites over one pissed off Tex, anyone in their right mind would). and if the hint Dgreen dropped me is any indication to what I think it is. we might have a lot of covenant vs large angry reptile vs main protagonists coming up pretty soon, so hold on to your butts ladies and gents, and keep your limbs inside the cab because you're all in for a heck of a ride pretty soon. till next time everyone!
PS: not sure what Pwnerdude1 said but I think I like it. and thank's to you Dgreen. dude, this is one of the most epic and original ideas I've seen in a long time. I'm just glad you let me be a part of this in more ways than one, so thank you Dgreen20.
WetworkzNinja