Beyond the black

by Dgreen20

The multiverse; a near endless collection of worlds. Many so similar, yet different. The vast void between right and wrong couldn't be more blurred. When a young explorer finds himself trapped, who can fully predict the consequences until its' too late. For his past is coming back to hunt him. What scars will this leave on the innocent world. (Massive Crossover, Halo and RVB heavy)

18. One final rodeo

Chapter 22

One final rodeo

Week 5: Day 39

~Warning!~

Body parts from beloved characters will be ripped, sliced, and blown off this chapter, plus one will be tortured horrifically. Much to my agony but I got to try to accurately portray the Meta's attitude in battle. He is not merciful and will not hesitate to rip/slice limbs off or blow shit up. Plus, things will be getting dark and painful to read later down the line. I have a twisted mind.

(Johnathan's POV)

The day was coming to a close, the dorm rooms were quiet. I was brushing Elaia's hair as she purred happily, yes Khajiit can purr and it is freaking adorable. Arm was still in a sling but not important right now. Rhode was cleaning her assault rifle for the inevitable fight ahead. Rosa and Rojo were uneasy right now, they can sense their Alpha is stressed. Serena was handing Rhode the equipment she needed to clean her rifle. Velvet was beside Serena petting Rosa to calm her down. RWBY was out looking for Blake their way, wandering around Vale yelling her name. Coco was in the room as well serving as a extra voice of reason and opinion. Mu was on Velvet's scroll trying to find out what Maine's next play might be. I hate my fucking luck some times. I finally get a little peace, and now I got this crap to worry about. Everyone was in their combat uniform/armor, except for Elaia, she was in a custom set of Ursa footie PJ's Coco got her. Even had a special hole for her tail, I owe Coco big time. Harder then hell to find clothes for her. I shutter at the thought of her entering puberty. I wouldn't know how to begin to answer half her questions.

I learned Owen sacrificed his life to buy Serena and Elaia time. He was a good man, bright young mind. Taught me how to be Rosa's Alpha, seeing as she imprinted on me instead of him. It pains me that he died, but I feel better knowing he didn't sacrifice himself for nothing. He gave them a chance to live. May he rest in peace in where ever he believed he goes after death, I won't judge. He was Jewish, I think. Never asked what religion he belonged to.

I still remember when he tried to ask Serena on a date. He was a shuddering mess with a cliche boutique of roses and a box of chocolates. Of course I gave him hell as I promised dad to test him. They're relationship lasted one date, barely that. Serena said she felt no chemistry between them so they remained friends. Honestly, I think he still loved Serena after that day. Just as her silent knight from a far, keeping her safe and helping her to the best of his ability. Like batman bit more geeky and less ass-kicking. I believe he sacrificed himself for her. While I admire his bravery, I don't like that he had to die. I wanted to at least give him a great big, bone crushing hug for dumping these raptors on my head before he died. Guess that will have to wait till I bite the dust as well, damn it.

From what Serena tells me. Blake and Weiss got in an argument about the White Fang, few words were exchanged, Blake said something Yang didn't mention to me, and then she ran. Turns out she has been missing for two days. They decided to ask for my input yesterday after Maine and Emily robbed a dust shop and killed everyone inside plus a few dozen heavily armored cops. They said that 'I might know them and how to deal with them' after Serena did her digging. Did I mention how much I fucking hate my luck?!

"So your telling me that Maine is here, in this universe, with my psychotic ex who is now a Sith lord with Force abilities and both of them want to kill me?" I summarized her explanation. Not good, this is not good at all. The Elites were bad enough. Now I have to worry about the Meta and Emily. To top it off, Blake runs off to who knows where and we have no idea where to begin looking.

"Unfortunately that is true." Serena confirmed handing Rhode her oil cloth. "Emily alone is bad enough, but the Meta makes the situation a thousand times worse."

"I don't get it, why is his ex after him in the first place?" Coco asked. Damn I wanted to forget that moment. The feeling of her literally stabbing me in the back, the feeling of being played like a pawn in a chest game. Speaking of feelings, for some reason I've been getting a weird tingle at the base of my neck for the past nine days. Velvet says it's my Aura trying to determine what my semblance would be. Apparently my Aura is really small so it takes longer for me to know what my semblance is, and longer for me to heal. Like 'less then half of what normal people here have' small. No idea how they gauge how much 'Aura' I have or what the standard Aura levels for normal people are. Well I don;'t mind it being less then normal, I'm not too over powered that way. I'll have to install an Aura meter in my helmet now to keep an eye on that. New thing on the 'to do' list.

"She was the Raptor's original Alpha, Johnathan replaced her except in Azula's eyes. She trained Azula and sort of trained Rojo to be efficient killers. Rosa was Owen's attempt at a more domesticated Raptor, more suited as an house pet then a cold blooded killer. Emily originally trained in the Star wars universe as a Sith apprentice for two year. She needed a blood transfer in order to gain the force abilities. Doesn't work that way in the core-verse but it did in a few sub-verses, and she is really in tune with her abilities. Thought she needed a constant supply the more she uses them. Digesting Force-sensitive being hearts worked best but they needed to be fresh, as in 'harvested while they were still alive' fresh. But the side effect is that your judgment gets clouded and you go insane if you eat too much, plus it never lasts long. She'll burn herself out of she uses her Force abilities for too long without a resupply." Serena explained. "Johnathan broke up with her after she ordered Azula and Rojo to slaughter a Tuskon raider camp, well several camps, in their sleep, one that killed her friends, and she participated as well. Everyone, children included, were slaughtered under her blades. Even a few had their hearts eaten by the crazy woman. Rojo was hesitant to listen but Azula did so without question. Emily became depressed after words and tried to kill herself twice, but quickly turned that pain to anger after a small talk with Darth Vader, a really epic Sith lord. He used her anger to have her turn on Johnathan and to be his puppet. She stabbed Johnathan in the back after regaining his trust, and almost succeeded in killing him. Cole was with them at the time, he fought her off with the help of a bunch of idiots, who all died horrifically, while Johnathan recovered enough to strike back. He got out of it relatively intact."

"If I remember correctly I got my arm sliced off, thrown it in lava, original armor parts destroyed in said lava, force choked, electrocuted, and stabbed. I call that one heck of a hospital bill with additional scars." I chipped in. "Never mind that. Let's focus on the issue at hand." I said putting the brush down and picking up a few hair ties. Elaia knows what we're talking about. She didn't really like Emily to begin with. Told me it was because she gets a 'funny' bad feeling when Emily was around. I would have to agree with Elaia, I should have listened to her gut. Would have saved me a painful month in the hospital. Yes I can braid hair, learned it from Rhode awhile back. Rarely needed it but it I a use full skill to know."Let's focus on finding Blake first and foremost. Get the number of allies and friends up before we do anything about Emily or Maine, because we'll need every possible fighter against them. Especially if they have an army at their backs, which if I know Emily she does."

With Maine and Emily here, I'll have to play it smart, keep Mu far away from them. If Maine gets a hold of Mu, game over for me and my friends. Mu is the only AI I got access to that is capable of running my suit. Without her I can do next to nothing to stop them from hurting my friends and family, and I consider Mu part of my family. I pray Blake isn't anywhere close to either.

"Okay, let's think like Blake for a minute. Where would you go to be alone for a while?" Velvet asked tapping her chin.

"Yang have you checked Tukson's shop yet?" Coco as always, was one step ahead of us and already had Yang dialed up. The bookstore with the Puma faunus? I know that guy, Velvet showed me his shop once or twice, he's a nice guy. One of the few that allow her to enter without being around me. I'm not joking, people shat their pants when I broke through the doors to the anti-faunus hospital, then stepped on and broke a metal chair when they refused to get Velvet the help she needed. Another time is when me and Velvet went to the movies. I got up to go to the bathroom for not even five minutes, when I got back some asshole was pelting popcorn at her ears, even got a kernel in one. That guy got a swift yet hard kick in the balls with my armored boot before he could throw another one at her, we got kicked out but it was worth it to protect her. And when someone tried pulling on her ears again at lunch. One look at me closing in on them, they stopped what they were doing and ran like hell as chairs flew at them. I have 'slight' anger issues when people are assholes to my friends/family or refuse to help them in their time of need.

"That was the first place we checked. Nothing there but a bunch of books and the really nice shop owner. I'll have to go back there for Blake's birthday, when ever that is." Yang replied. Speaking of Birthdays, I believe Elaia's is close. In what . . . two weeks, three weeks. She tells me she was born on twenty fifth of Last Seed, or August to my time and February to the people in the southern hemisphere. Time is very confusing to me when I got like three hundred different place's ways of telling time to remember. We're in Late July right now I believe, well this world is in July. I'll find something to get Elaia, probably will get a fishing pole and show her how to use it. When I leave this lifetime, I want to be 100% sure Elaia is capable of taking care of herself. The skill to fish is a invaluable one, especially to someone who loves fish as much as her. I just hope the trout population don't go down too much after I do so.

"What about the fish taco stand, one by the 'Dust till dawn' mini mart? Think I remember her mentioning it once or twice." Rhode asked reassembling her rifle. Didn't I just get done thinking about fish?

"Checked there, nothing good. Wait what. . . . no Ruby I am not paying thirty lien for a single taco meal, not unless it was made and blessed by Monty Oum himself." She joked.

"What about. . ." I was about to say.

"Before you say anything else. Yes we checked everywhere we think she would be, No sign of her. We're down to wondering around like blind bats, yelling her name through the streets, hoping she wants to talk." She replied. Wait a second, where would the last place we would find her be? When people don't want to be found, they go to the last place you'd expect them to be in. If Blake wanted to be found by us, she would have came back by now.

"We're not thinking like Blake right now. She's smart and knows her team is looking for her. If you were Blake, where would the last place you would expect your team to find you?" I asked.

"A dance club but I already checked most of them out. Junior had nothing useful to squeeze out this time." Yang explained. I won't even ask, not worth it. Probably don't to know the answer.

"What about your alien gizmo thingy daddy?" Elaia asked. "You used it to find me a lot. Why can't you use it to find the kitty girl?" Got to love being six years old. Everything problem can be solved with a simple answer and easy way. Elaia never grow up, It is a huge trap and an enormous pain in the ass. Elaia gives new people she meets nicknames till she remembers their real name. Apparently Blake's nickname is kitty girl. How she came up with that is anyone's guess. Probably the eyes, they do look cat like.

"Sorry but it's not that simple. Yes I can track her but not unless I know what her electro-print, or a scent to simplify it, looks/'smells' like to know where to start. Even then it would be tricky for me to find her without her knowing we're looking for her. I'm always able to find you because you want to be found." I explained tickling her a bit, earning me a laugh. "It's a good idea, but I can't do it. It's not like I can track her scent . . . . like the. . raptors . .can. . ." I paused for a bit. Wow am I blind, the solution was in front of us the whole time. I've been so worried about Maine and Emily that I forgot about the raptors. "Elaia you're a genius!" I praised kissing her head. Velvet and Coco looked confused at each other as I got up and started rummaging around the room with my good arm. "Rhode, start loading up the rocker lockers. Mu, I need you to run the collar tracking program, link it to our scrolls and helmets. Rosa and Rojo, come." I ordered. The Raptors barked as they strolled over. Rojo's leg was looking a while lot better then my arm. For one his cast was off, and it looked good as new. Rosa purred as I pet her.

"Uh, feel free to fill us on your train if thought." Coco asked trying to avoid Rosa's wagging tail. I swear this raptor is part dog, she acts a lot like one. Might be hidden in her DNA somewhere. I forget what exactly is inside her, Lavender corn snake I think is what Owen used to fill the gene sequence gap, well partially used. I could be wrong, I forget what is exactly in her DNA. Genetic science is not my forte.

"Yang you may want to get everyone back to the air docks right now. You guys do not want to be too far in town when I get there." I warned slipping Rosa's collar on. She barked happily. She jumped back on the bed and in Velvet's lap, where Velvet resumed petting her.

"What, what's going on? I can't exactly see what's happening through my Scroll you know!" Yang yelled as Rojo barked and let me slip his collar on, I seriously hope this works.

"We're finding Blake, and we got the best dang trackers I know to help." I said smirking as everyone's face darkened at the thought of my plan. "Mu you may want to warn Ozpin that I'm going to release Azula and tell Alice the plan as well. I'm not taking any chances of Maine or Emily finding Blake first."

---

Hour later

I've done some pretty stupid stuff in my life. I was stupid enough to fight the Elites solo while injured. I was even dumb enough to trust South and let her put a tattoo on my shoulder, then removed it the second I got home. I even dumber to trust Caboose to watch my back and not shoot it, huge mistake in the end. Even stupid enough to take on an entire Talmor fortress with only my energy swords and my bare hands. But this has got to be, by far, the stupidest thing I have done in my life, EVER!

We were at the air docks in Vale with three electric lock containment boxes Port let us borrow, a Raptor in each one. The sun slowly set but was barely hanging in there. I plan to release them when it goes down, they work best at night. Their predatory instincts kick in and they run faster to find their target. Air was cool and perfect for the mission ahead.

I agree this isn't my best plan but it's better then nothing at all, which is what we had before. Azula is pissed off and wants to get out the most. Had to wrestle her to the ground before Coco put her tracking collar on. Had to make a deal with Azula to keep her from biting my ass off today. She does this for me, she can live in the dorm room a long as she doesn't try killing/hurt anyone. I think she accepted, hard to tell when I don't speak raptor. Think a bark and her not snapping at me means yes. Still going to sleep with a gun under my pillow.

People were gathering around as I made a few final preparations for the mission ahead. Coco and Yang were keeping an eye on people to be sure they don't get too close. I asked JNPR to keep an eye on Elaia while I'm out. Nora gladly accepted without any questions. I told them exactly what to do for each situation with her, and that Serena would help. Had to beg her to stay behind. Guess I know which one of us got more of dad's stubbornness then the other. Weiss was, for a lack of better work, pissed I even thought of this without proper authorization from the Vale city counsel. She tried to lecture me on how this is a bad idea and how we know nothing on these animal.

I worked with them before on similar 'search and rescue' missions. Yeah I'll admit their work in urban environments could use some work. I'm all ears if she has any better ideas, but this way is the fastest I know of. Ruby is no where to be seen. According to Yang and Weiss, she was distracting Penny while they ran for it. No idea who Penny is, I probably don't want to know either. Weiss still had to wear a eye patch, apparently the energy sword cut pretty close to her eye and nicked some of er eyelid, sounds painful. Yang explained the situation a bit. They also said that they found out that Blake is a cat Faunus, which makes a whole lot of sense now that I think of it. The girl does have a unhealthy appetite for fish and poultry like foods, mostly tuna and chicken. Alice was on perimeter control with Yang and Coco. She hesitantly agreed to this idea, said it could pay off I can keep control of the Raptors.

Ozpin granted us the use of a tranquilizer rifle just in case Azula gets out of control, gave it to Alice because she is the best shot out of all of us and has the best judgment. Rhode was prepping her vehicles for the search ahead, Goodwitch let us barrow a heavy duty motorcycle and truck for this. Alice gave Rhode her twin SMG's to use, seeing as she needs a better weapon to use just in case. Alice had the rocket launcher on her back just in case as well. Better trained, better weapon. I used all sorts of aura healing drugs to speed up the process of healing my arm. Still sore but at least I can work with it, I fought with worse injuries then this and won. I always find a way to survive. Mu was with Serena and far away from me. If I do run into the Meta, I rather not take the risk of him getting Mu. Rather he have to pry her from my cold dead corpse then my pissed off sister to get to her. Serena can be a lot worse then me when she is mad.

Ozpin already alerted the cops on what I am doing. They are on stand by at their stations in case things go south, as in Azula goes on a rampage . They are ordered not to shoot my Raptors unless it is for a really damn good reason, like they're trying to kill them first. Only Weiss was for the idea of alerting the caps at the beginning, till I describe it as a plan B type of thing. Freelancer drilled into my head that you always need a plan B and C, just in case. Still working on plan C. Got roughly 12% of the plan done, better then no plan. I was loaded with weaponry. Energy swords at my hip, assault rifle on my back, pistols on my belt, knives on my shoulder pads, grenades on my belt just in case, and plenty of ammo for all.

"Think they'll find Blake before anything else does?" Velvet asked holding one of Blake's spare shoes. Should be enough of a scent for them to track her with, Azula is the tricky one I can't speak for. Rojo and Rosa won't kill unless given the command, Azula might if she thinks Blake is prey. If someone else is around her target or tries to hurt her target, she won't hesitate to kick their ass and rip them a new one. This is a good thing yet bad when one considers Azula's temper and how she uses it.

"I don't know, but we have to try something." I replied pressing a few buttons on her Scroll. Three screens now showed up, each one showed the insides of each box. Three more showed up on the side as smaller ones. Those were mine, Rhode, and Alice's helmet cams. So she can be at peace knowing we'll be safe. Azula's screen showed her banging on the side to get out. The uplink is set and ready to go, and the trackers are ready, all we need is the vehicles to get finished with their inspection before we can begin. Now I know Velvet will be safe, at least I hope she will be at Beacon. Emily and the Meta can be a little sneaky when they want to, not going to enjoy it when I meet them again. "I set your scroll to receive what their collars are transmitting. You'll be able to see what they see." I informed handing her the Scroll. I smiled at Velvet. She put the boot down as I wrapped my arms around her. Her fuzzy ears barely brushed up against my chin as I hugged her. I never realized how much taller I am to her till now. One horrible part of my augmentation, but I don't regret it. Without it, I wouldn't have the power needed to protect what I love and who I love. I knew the coincidences of the augmentation before I accepted it, I knew stuff like this would happen.

"When we begin, you'll want to stay far away from the Raptors. When they start hunting, they don't stop till their target is found. Don't want you to get hurt." I warned as I held her in my arms, probably for the last time if Maine or Emily are close to Blake's general location. Velvet wrapped her arm around me and looked me in the eyes. I can feel how worried she is about this and me just by how she's holding on to me tightly. Like she won't let me go at all. "I won't do anything to hurt myself sweetheart. I'll try to stay safe." I promised as she gave me a quick kiss for good luck, well I had to bend down to kiss her but I won't complain. Feels nice having a special someone that I love in my arms again, well arm. Eh who the hell cares, feels nice holding someone I can call my girlfriend, regardless of which arm I can actually feel anything with.

"Don't make a girl a promise. . ." She said starting a quote from Cortana.

". . . If I know I can't keep it." I said finishing her quote. Told her a bit about Halo during the hours in the hospital we spend talking. Told her about my short adventure with the Chief, Cortana, and the Arbiter. The Ark wasn't all that great in person, just another place with people trying to kill me and flood jerks trying to eat me. Lots of plasma and needle rounds flying at me, Cortana was interested by Mu's existence being a fragment of a full AI. Johnson was a much bigger badass in person then the games can show. The man strangled a Brute to death with it's own guts, then used the body as a meat shield from plasma fire while he shot back. No words can describe what he did to the poor Grunt that tried to mess with him. Poor Jimmy never seen it coming We separated after Rhode coughed to get out attention. She didn't need to say anything for me to know that they're ready. I nodded that I understood as she walked away. I looked back to find Velvet

"But, before you go do your thing . . . tell me that you won't push yourself too far this time. Promise me you'll take it easy and let your arm heal." She asked looking into my eyes with a pleading look. I gently took her hand in mine and gave her a light smile.

"I swear I'll try to take it easy. Unless of a extreme situation" I promised giving her a light kiss on the cheek. She smiled as I walked her to the safety of Yang. I only needed to nod for her to know what is up.

"If you think that you'll get in trouble this time, let me know so I can get my ass kicking boots on." Yang said walking away from the crowd with Coco and Velvet. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in. I let it out as I grabbed my helmet from my belt. Time to begin the hunt.

"Alright everyone listen up!" I yelled to the crowd of people in front of me. People of various races and ethnic backgrounds, all gathered to figure out what the hell I am doing. I pointed to the containers as Azula smacked hers once more. "In those boxes are three of the best damn trackers on this planet. Their sense of smell is a few thousand times greater then ours. While they may be highly trained, they are far from domesticated. They will not hesitate to rip apart anything that threatens them and eat them alive, very painfully too if I might add." I informed as they all shut up. "When those doors fly open, they will run out and find their target with our team close behind. They won't stop for anything and won't give up until their target is found. I can not stress enough how incredibly dangerous this is."

"What are they?" I heard someone yell.

"Velociraptors, pack hunters. While I don't have time for questions, I will tell you all to do this; get indoors and warn your friends, family, anyone to do the same." I warned holding my head. "These are highly dangerous pack animals, they will not hesitate to kill someone if they feel threatened. I strongly urge you all to heed my warning. I'm putting a lot on the line for this test run. I don't want it to start or end in bloodshed, so everyone head back home and warn everyone you know."

"Why should we take orders from you?" Someone yelled.

"You know what, if you want to get eaten then by all means stay here, I'm not stopping you. This is happening whether or not everyone is ready. Longer we stall, longer they're out and about. I highly suggest you all think hard on what you want to do." I warned throwing my helmet on and walking away from the crowd. I took a deep breath in as the HUD flashed on. Looked just like my regular HUD only with the Raptor's position marked on it. I seriously hope this works. Rhode gave me a sympathetic look as she handed me the boot again. I let it out as I took the boot. "We only have one shot with them Rhode, let's bring Blake back."

With that, I marched forward to the Raptor's cage. If they want to get killed by Azula, then I won't stop her, I can't stop her. I'm almost out of lock down paint rounds. Alice would have to be one hell of a shot to stop Azula. I sent a silent prayer to Monty to protect Velvet and my friends. Now that I know this world has a god, couldn't hurt to ask them for protection for my friends. I calmly started waving the boot in front of the first cage.

Rojo, helped rise him from a baby. He imprinted on Emily as his mother, I was more like a teacher to him. I taught him how to do matador matches as the bull and how to obey orders. I am glad to have him by my side. Despite the slight complications we have without Rosa or Azula around. I love Rojo like a member of my family. One thing dad taught me early on, family is more then blood relations. Family is about trust and love for one another. DNA says one thing but actions speak a lot louder then DNA and words ever could. Rojo is like a brother to me, we get in sibling like fights and make up with a matador match. Rojo sniffed the boot before he began slamming against the doors as well. Good, he has her scent. I moved on to the second cage door.

Azula, hates my guts and we both know it. Emily trained her to be the best killer around. She shows no mercy and loyal only to her Alpha. When Emily stabbed me in the back, she ordered Azula and Rojo to finish the job and to kill me. Rojo couldn't do it but Azula had to problems attacking me. We have an understanding for now, I know she'll try to kill me first chance she gets. But I need her help. No one else can possibly keep track of Rosa and Rojo while hunting like this. She sniffed the boot and violently smacked against the door with a loud screech. Just as I feared: she wants to hunt, she wants to kill, she wants to get out and be a real Raptor. Hopefully she can restrain herself from hurting Blake. I brought the boot to the third and final cage door.

Rosa, my other baby girl. Trained from the start to be calm and perfect for a house pet. Sort of efficient in combat, but damn can she track. She is more like a giant scaly dog then an ancient predator. She won't hesitate to take a life but only if it is the only option in her mind. If anything she'll sooner snuggle Blake to death then purposely hurt her. Rosa sniffer the boot but sneezed and letting out a loud bark.

"They're all set and ready to go." I declared running away from the boxes and jumped on the cycle, it was heavily outfitted to hold my weight. The truck behind me looked a tiny bit like a hummer. Inside the truck was Rhode at the wheel and Alice in shotgun with the rifle ready. It seemed pretty well balance having a extra thousand pounds on the side. Only one way to test if it will works. People were still around the perimeter, I shook my head as I held the remote in my hands. They want to get trampled I won't stop them, can't say I never warned them.

"Are you sure this is a good idea Ohio?" Mu asked me from the radio. "Chances of success are high but at the higher risk of Azula killing Blake."

"What choice do I have Mu, this is the fastest way I know of to find her. We both know we need Azula to help keep the other two in line. Keeping a friend from dying to Maine or Emily's hand is always worth the risk." I replied.

"Your mind is made up, I know I can't talk you out of this." Mu said defeated. She knows first hand how stubborn I can be when I make my mind up. "Hacking all speaker systems though out the city to play your favorite chase riding song. All evidence points to Maine being at a dock for a Dust shipment. If I'm right, don't be afraid to call for back up." I smirked under my helmet. Mu knew just what to do in every situation given to her. Wouldn't be alive today without her.

"Alice, Rhode, you ready?" I asked. I looked back at Alice as she chambered in a tranquilizer dart. She's locked and loaded. Rhode revved the engine twice, she's ready.

"This was your idea Ohio, you call the shots." Rhode replied from our COMMS.

"I agree with the Freelancer." Alice informed. "You're their Alpha, show them that their trust is not misguided." I took a deep breath as I held the remote to 'release the hounds', so to speak. Azula shrieked and hit the cage door again as I looked to the crowd as 'Angles fall' by Breaking Benjamin started playing. No turning back now, we need to find Blake. We need to find her before the Meta does or worse, Emily. Sun was long past gone as the black of night set in. Here goes nothing. I puffed by chest out and hit the button. The Raptors shot out like speedy gazelles on the plains of Africa, jumping over the crowd and bolted down the street. I gunned the gas and followed them. Rhode and Alice followed me close behind.

Azula shrieked loudly as they climbed/jumped over a parked car. I made a hard right to avoid it but kept on track. Rosa was running beside her with her tail flailing all over the place. Rojo was on Azula's other side keeping his eyes focused on the road ahead as he swerved to avoid someone. All were sniffing the air wildly, taking in every scent around to find the one they were looking for. Azula shrieked loudly as she flattened her body and ran faster, Rojo and Rosa soon followed with the same shriek.

"They got a scent trail. Alice, keep your sights aimed at Azula. Can't risk her going on a rampage." I ordered swerving to avoid incoming cars.

"Acknowledged." Alice informed. Azula made a hard left down a road, Rosa and Rojo soon followed. I quickly followed as the cycle hit the wall from the tight turn but kept going. I heard the hummer squeak as it tried to gain traction from the sudden change in direction. I kept my eyes focused on the raptors. I raced up beside them as Rosa looked at me surprised to see me there. I gave her a nod letting her know I won't go anywhere. Rojo soon slowed down to race beside me. Azula rolled her eyes and stayed in front of me. So this is what it feels like to be Chris Prat. Feels nice being able to ride beside them without Azula trying to kill me.

"Velvet your boyfriend is a badass." I heard Coco say through the Comms. Well she's not wrong. A Mjolnir armor wearing Freelancer, riding on a pimped out motorcycle beside the deadliest animals known to mankind, with a robotic arm and two energy swords ready for a fight. That doesn't say badass then I don't know what does. . . Maybe on a flaming chopper would I be more badass. Azula snapped her head right toward the docks and bolted that direction. Rojo and Rosa followed beside her down a narrow ally single file. I barely was able to fit through the narrow passage. Rhode stopper the hummer before it hit the wall. I stopped the bike to look back at them for a brief moment.

"Just go, we'll find a way around!" Rhode ordered turning the car around and driving off elsewhere. I returned my attention to my Raptors and sped off in their direction. I looked up to find an airship landing at the Docks. One with a red wolf head with three claw marks through it. Oh this is going to be a 'fun' day. Mu did the calculations, 68.32% chance that Maine would be at a dock with Dust shipment. Why else would the White Fang be here? Maine is more then likely with them for better ammo and knowledge. I said it once, I'll say it a thousand more times till the day I die. I hate my fucking luck!

"Azula, kill hostiles. Rosa, Rojo, protect the target." I ordered. They barked to let me know that they knew their roles. Hate to send Azula to kill people, but if the White fang are here, then it isn't for a good reason. We'll need brute force to get Blake out of there alive, especially with Maine here. I punched the gas hard and zoomed toward the airship as more approached. Azula screeched loudly as she ran full speed ahead, with Rosa and Rojo in tow. Blake please don't be doing what I think you're doing. "We got the Fang to worry about now. Alice, any ideas?"

---

(Theta's POV)

Minutes earlier

"Hey! What's the hold up!?" Torchwick yelled exiting the airship with Maine close behind. "We're not exactly the most inconspicuous group of thieves at the moment, so why don't you animals pick up the pace?"

The docks were different from how they were described during the debriefing. At least a hundred shipping containers were stacked everywhere. All filled with Dust from the Snowflake logo company. Beta was on Maine's right shoulder as was Delta, Iota, and Eta. Gamma and Omega were on his left, Sigma was nowhere to be found. I was floating behind his helmet because I don't want to see another robbery. They couldn't see my anyway as I am portraying myself in colors not seen in the visible spectrum, same as the other AI. Helps us keep hidden when we want to be alone or to eaves drop on people.

Delta still hasn't found a effective way to escape yet. Beta sort of taught me how to turn myself into a 'ghost' and hijack machines. I figured out how to hijack a blender for a brief amount of time. I'm not as strong as she is so I can't take things over for a long period of time. She says it comes with tons of practice and discipline to master that ability like she can.

"You could be a bit kinder to the Faunus. They deserve at least some respect for all the hard work they've been doing." I replied. Torchwick scuffed as he smoked his cigar. "And you know those are really bad for your health."

"With how easy things get done now with the Meta around, I got a good reason to smoke one of these puppies. I'll show the animals some respect when they can get one simple job done right first." He replied. "Meta, why don't you go watch the perimeter. If the cops show up, you know what to do." Maine growled as he reloaded his Brute shot and walked off cloaking invisible running off. "I hate it when he does that, always so hard to find him again. . . . No no you idiots. That's not suppose to go there. What do I have to do to get some decent henchmen. One very simple task, and you manage to screw even that up."

"We're trying but the cables are bulky, heavy, and have sharp frays that cut our skin." One of the deer Faunus complained.

"For the love of . . . . Stop complaining or I'll kill you and feed you to the Meta!"

"Does he eat people?"

"Do you really want to find out?"

"Yeah sure. I mean if it's with someone else then sure, fuck it let's do it."

Maine ignored the last comment as perched himself on top of a shipping container, overlooking everything going on and a good line of sight to the city. The Faunus are working hard, I really don't like Torchwick. He isn't too nice to the Faunus. Calling them mean names and often putting himself above them. I like the Faunus, they are just a little misguided right now. They are so adorable I just want to give them a hug and make their pain go away. I wonder if their ears/tails are as soft and fluffy as they look?

"Beta, glad you can join us today." Sigma said popping up beside us.

"Fuck off, Sigma. I'm only here to watch the bowler hat guy get his ass kicked when Maine grows tired of his bullshit." She hostilely replied keeping herself between us and Sigma. He just brushed her hostile attitude off and flashed away to somewhere else. If Beta could roll her eyes, she would have done it then and there. "Asshole." She swore under her breath.

"No, you idiot. This isn't a leash." Roman said. Maine looked back at what was going on. Some girl with a black bow sneaked up to Roman and held a black Katana up to his throat. "What the -Oh, for fu. . "

"No body move!" she demanded as several White fang members upholstered their weapons and aimed them at her. Nice censorship lady. Maine growled as he made his way to the trouble cloaked.

"Wow there, take it easy little lady." Roman said calmly. She undid her bow and let it fly into the win, relieving a pair of violet cat ears. I'll admit they were cute, I almost want to pet them if I wasn't surrounded by animal people all day and night. Though she did look familiar a bit. Wasn't she with Ohio when he got hurt? Maine was less then a 35 meters away now. Not good for her, or me.

"Brothers of the White fang, why are you aiding this scum?" She asked. Torchwick just laughed as the animal people were hesitant on what to do next. 30 meters and closing up behind her fast. Some reason I heard the faint shriek of an animal. One that sounds like it is on the hunt. Probably one of the Grimm things I heard about the other day.

"Oh, kid, didn't you get the memo" 25 meters.

"What are you talking about." 20 meters.

"The White Fang and I are going in on a joint bushiness venture together." 15 meters.

"Tell me what it is or I'll put a end to your little operation." 10 meters!

"I wouldn't exactly call this a little operation." 5 meters! Two of the airships from earlier showed up and diverted the cat girl's attention. Torchwick smiled as he fired his cane at her feet. Sending the cat girl flying into Maine as he grabbed her by the back and threw her into a shipping container. She hit the container with enough force to leave a massive dent in the side and moved it. Her sword skid across the ground and nearly went into the water. Torchwick just dusted himself off as Maine growled at the kitty girl, now uncloaked for everyone to see. "Have you meet my new friend, the Meta. He is a man of very few words but with his skill set and determination, doesn't need to speak to get the point across." Maine cracked his knuckles and readied his Brute shot as the cat girl got up and started running. Maine fired round after round at her. She was too quick and hid behind a cargo container. Maine growled as he reloaded his weapon. "Meta, why don't you go handle our guest. Deal with her as you see fit. Just be sure to get rid of the body when your done." He ordered walking back to over see the robbery. Okay I really don't like that guy. Excuse my potty mouth, but that guy is a freaking jackass.

Maine didn't wait a second as he begun advancing to her hiding spot. Two of the animal people walked beside him. A banana peel hit the top of his helmet as he got close. I looked up to find a monkey person jump from the top of the warehouse toward us. Maine didn't waste a second to roll out of his way. The monkey person used the deer person as a springboard to back flip to the clearing.

"Leave her alone." He warned. Maine growled and fired his weapon rapid fire. The Monkey man was faster and begun dodging and shells as they exploded around him.

"Delta, what are the odds of their survival?" I asked as the monkey guy took out a bow staff and started to fight off some of the animal people.

"Factoring in Maine's speed, strength, special training, and weapon effectiveness. Also factoring in their known speed and overall weaponry effectiveness and the amount of training needed to master it. Odds of survival are over 149,548,987 to 1, and that is being on the optimistic side of things." Delta replied as Maine ran forward blade first. The monkey guy saw this and adjusted accordingly. He dodged Maine's first few attacks. Converted his staff to shotgun nun-chucks. Gun-chucks. (A/N Dear god that joke is so bad, even Barbra would face palm at it.) "Correction. 137,546,764 to 1 now. Still not good odds."

Maine dodged every blast from the guns as the Monkey kid used the recoil to deflect Maine's shots. Maine used a few strategic blasts from his Brute shot to separate the kid from one of his weapons, it flew across the ground by the crates. Then the kitty girl came back to play. Maine growled as he used the blade end of his weapon to block the strikes from the kitty girl. Blocking her chain scythe strikes and the gun-chucks. As the bladed end came back his way. Maine ducked under the blade and grabbed a hold of the ribbon. He yanked on it hard sending the kitty girl forward. He grabbed her by the chest quickly slammed her into the ground with enough force to crack it. I swear I heard several of her bones break. He then threw her into the containers half way across the docks just in time to blocks more blasts from the monkey kid's gun-chucks.

I'll admit the kids have skill, but Maine was an out of the box thinker and doesn't mind playing dirty to win. He used the monkey kid's anatomy against him. He fired his Brute shot at the kid's gut, turned around during the brief moment the monkey kid staggered. Maine quickly grabbed the kid's tail and used it to pull him closer. This caught the monkey guy by surprise as he was pulled by with a pained yelp, but Maine didn't stop there. He used his other hand to push the kid back. Using all his strength he ripped the kid's tail off violently and threw the kid half way across the docks next to the kitty girl. (A/N So sorry to the fans of Sun but I needed to portray the Meta's lack of any real restraint or mercy properly. While the Elites I made may toy with their victims, the Meta will straight up kill them 9/10 times. Save for the female Insurrectionist. He saw the chance for a troll, he took it. The Sleeveless one had it coming so he go his karma. Be glad I had Sun and Blake last a paragraph against the Meta, I like him to so I slightly tilted it in their favor to have him and Blake survive longer. The Blood gulch crew only survived thanks to good luck. They were lucky the Warthog didn't fall off the cliff when Epsilon Tex detonated her charges, or that the tow cable was still attached when it blew up, or that the Meta wasn't paying too much attention to what was going on around him till it was too late.) Blood shot out of where the blonde's tail use to be like a red fountain, coating the area around him blood. If I could vomit, I would have right there and then, Delta and Iota looked away as Beta and Eta winced commenting 'that's got to hurt'. The kid cried in bloody agony from his missing limb. Maine discarded the severed appendage as he readied his Brute shot again as he moved closer preparing to fire.

"Yes, kill the bloody fool. Blast him into oblivion!" Omega cheered as Maine got closer.

"HEY!" Someone yelled as a rock hit Maine's visor. He growled furiously as he looked back to figure out who threw it. Standing on top of the building was a very young girl in red. If I remember right, she is one of Ohio's friends. Maine growled ferociously as he turned his attention from the Faunus pair to the new girl. "Leave my friend alone!"

"Well, hello Red. Isn't past your bed time?" Torchwick asked leaning on his cane casually. "Where's your over grown gardening tool, is it in the repair shop today? Did the big bad lizard break it?"

"Ruby, are these people your friends?" A new voice asked showing up behind Red. Coppery orange hair, energy green eyes and some type of gray combat skirt on. I know her, Penny. Read about her during a debriefing. Only AI on the planet that can produce an 'Aura'. Does that means she is 'alive' or extremely advanced? Maine growled as Sigma popped into view beside him.

"I agree Maine, she is a good asset to have in the future. Best we capture her before things get complicated." Sigma informed. Wait, is he talking about Penny or Red? "You already know what to do." Maine growled as he sent a surprise blast at Red. Several barks filled the air around us. "What the heck is that?"

As if someone was answering out questions, something jumped out from between two cargo boxes and collided with one of the Fang's people. The animal in question was bipedal, almost six foot tall, killing claws on both her feet, blue streak down her back, and her jaws locked around the deer Faunus's neck. She quickly dragged the faunus into the cargo containers with pained screams coming fro the poor guy. More barks and screeches from all around us. Maine looked back up just in time to dodge a few swords from Penny. He growled and started shooting rounds at her rapid fire.

---

(Velvet's POV)

"Wow Azula doesn't waste any time before she gets bloody." Yang commented as the video played Azula's POV of her fight on my scroll. Using the cargo containers as a mean to ambush her prey, which happen to be the poor White fang members who got in her way. The deer faunus she dragged was bleeding to death as she ripped his throat out and swallowed it. I wanted to puke there and then, then again who wouldn't in my shoes. Coco was watching the video with her eyes critically watching the screen. We were all on the airship back to beacon. Mu was monitoring my scroll to be sure we get the right videos and that they can't be hacked easily. The video was gruesome, I could hear the gurgled and desperate cries for help as Azula left him for dead on the docks. I knew she was dangerous but I didn't think she was this cruel. This is just . . . no words can describe this, it is that horrifying.

"I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy. Azula is ungodly merciless and brutal." Coco replied as Azula got another Fang member. This time tackling a Wolf one into the containers before using her sickle claw to gut it painfully down the center, ripping his rib cage open with ease, before running to another place, all while the Fang missed every shot taken at her.

"I almost feel bad for the poor saps." Weiss commented. Coco and Yang looked at her weirdly. "What, I said almost. But I do feel bad for the Monkey Faunus. Having your tail be ripped off like that must not be painless at all."

I can imagine that as well. Sure getting my bunny ears pulled is one thing, but having them ripped off like that would be a thousand times worse. Rosa's screen showed her nudging an injured Blake and the Monkey faunus to get up and follow her. Rojo was keeping an eye on the Meta's fight while she did so. The man was a beast. Blocking swords left and right, shooting his weapon at the ginger girl to disorient her, using the blade end to block the incoming swords. Johnathan's screen showed him sneaking behind the building with his rifle ready to fire. In front of him was the ever dwindling group the Fang had, he had his Promethean vision on. It was pretty cool to see his enhancement from his point of view a bit. Hostiles glowed red while friends glowed green. Must be very useful in close quarters.

Three bullheads flew in firing their chainguns at Azula's last known area. Wow the Fang really want that Dust. Azula barked as she ran behind the containers for cover. Rosa pushed Blake and the monkey guy behind one for cover. Rojo watched a bit more before joining Rosa. The remaining Fang members ran for cover as well.

"Hostiles have air support. I repeat, hostiles have air support. Take 'em out SPARTAN." Johnathan relayed through the Comms. Rhode Island's helmet cam showed her truck busting through a chain link fence gate. She's almost at the docks. Alice's cam showed the bullheads in view with her rocket launcher out. They were still a fair while away but the bullheads were visible. Alice let both rocket loose from the twin barrels without hesitation. The rockets soared through the sky with a flaring streak. The first rocket impacted the front of the first bullhead and engulfed the cockpit in a fire ball. Second one impacted the engine of the third bullhead. The first one leaned left and hit the second one as all three fell toward the water, right over Ruby, barely missing her by a foot. Making Yang go wide eyed for her little sister's safety.

"All yours Ohio. ETA ten minutes till arrival." Alice replied as the truck came to a stop at a cement barricade. "Make that twelve minutes. Hit a road block, proceeding on foot."

---

(Johnathan's POV)

"Weapons free at the AO. Protect the target at all costs. Neutralize all hostiles by any means." I ordered flicking the safety off my assault rifle. Had to abandon the bike, not useful in the long run for the fight ahead. Meta was distracted by some ginger girl. I'll admit the has skill, being able to survive more then a minute with the Meta is a feat on it's own, let alone being able to hold your ground against him. I quickly rounded the corner and deactivated my Promethean vision. Without missing a single beat, I went full auto and took out the remaining White fang members in cover, my rifle clicked empty as the last guy fell. All of them were dead before they hit the ground.

One thing Freelancer taught me; if you have a chance to take your opponents out early in a fight, do it without any regret or hesitation. Best to end the fight quickly and efficiently. Longer it goes on, more of a chance you'll mess up and the more civilian lives that are lost. Minimize damage and casualties. I looked up at my ammo counter. 256 rounds total in my possession, eight mags left. Not enough to take on Maine, not by a long shot. I'd need my Railgun to even think about taking out Maine. Unfortunately it lacks the power supply to properly fire without blowing up in my face.

The bowler hat guy already left on a bullhead commenting 'these kids just keep getting weirder and weirder'. The ear deafening sounds of Maine's brute shot filled the air as I can tell he was running out of patience. Kid won't last much longer without some support. I quickly reloaded my rifle before saying three worlds I'll probably regret later down the line.

"Azula, sic 'em!" I ordered running from my cover toward Maine. Arm still hurt like hell but I'll survive, hopefully. The ginger girl was barely able to hold Maine back as he brutally fought through her barrage of swords. I raised my rifle and started firing short controlled bursts at Maine till the rifle ran dry. The volley of bullet didn't seem to hurt him at all, if anything it seemed to only piss him off more. 224 now.

Maine growled as he turned his attention to me and fired his bruteshot at me before using the bladed end to deflect swords by the ginger girl. I used the rigorous hours of South shooting my ass to dodge the grenades as they exploded around me. I still want to shot the bitch but I'll thank her for drilling that kind of evasion into my skull. Azula jumped out of nowhere onto Maine's back and bit down hard on his neck. He growled in a bit of pain as Azula raked her claw down his back and tore some of the armor ligaments. He punched Azula hard in the face, forcing her to release her death grip with her jaws, and threw her off him just in time to duck under several swords shooting his way. Azula went flying toward a cargo container and dented it on impact. Azula brushed it off as she ran to attack again. Limping a bit but that never stopped her before. I've seen that raptor chase after me with obviously broken legs and ribs, she'll fight till her last breath, I know that for a fact. I put my rifle back and pulled out my knives before rushing toward Maine.

"Agent Ohio. What a pleasant surprise to see you're out of the intensive care so soon." Sigma greeted on my Comms. "But given your record from Freelancer, I'm not so surprise to see you forcing yourself to fight us right now." I ducked under the blade swinging toward me but only to be punched in the gut by the rampaging Freelancer. Let me note something real quick. Maine punches with the force equivalent to being hit by an Excavator. I felt nothing but pain in my gut. The force of the impact made me stagger as he kicked me to the ground hard, then brought his blade around for another attack. He brought it down only for the ginger girl to grab a hold of one of her swords to counter his. He growled as he refocused his attention back to her. I got up just in time for Azula to use me like a spring board. She screeched wildly as she jumped on top of Maine again.

This time Maine expected Azula as he delivered a swift roundhouse kick to her side, making her go flying into another cargo container. He aimed his brute shot and fired several times at the container above her before going back to the ginger girl. The cables holding the box up snapped as the grenades impacted them. I bolted toward my fallen raptor as the container started falling. I spreed my arms apart and caught the container. Every muscle in my body ached as the several ton container fell on my shoulders, I can hear the servos in my robotic arm whine and threaten to burn up under the stress, my other arm felt close to breaking again. The floor under me cracked under the combined weight of myself and the container. Azula looked like her life was about over. If I hadn't gotten here when I did, her life would have been over.

"Get out of here Azula! Go find Rhode." I ordered straining to lift it. Azula barked once and limped out from under the container. I refocused my attention on Maine who was deflecting a wheel of swords with his blade, which used the force generated by the blade's momentum to cut several of them in half. A Bullhead came in from who knows where anymore to fire it's chain gun at Rosa's last known position. I took a deep breath and grunted as I used every ounce of strength I possess to lift the container higher. "Leave them alone!" I yelled tilting the container back a bit before throwing it at the Bullhead. The pilot was either too stupid or slow to realize the container was coming at them to move the airship fast enough. It struck the side with enough force to move it, them exploded in a enormous electrical explosion, sending parts of the 'bird' all over the docks. Bolts of Dust powered lightning struck the ground all around the docks. I had to shield my eyes before my visor polarized. One of the bolts hit me and sent me flying back into a container, my rifle went flying in a random direction. Every fiber in my body ached in pain as I forced myself up. "System: status update." I ordered forcing myself to stay up.

~System status~

Energy levels: stable

Battery: active and working at 100% efficiency

Armor integrity: 95% Visor needs repaired.

Promethean vision: Stand by mode

Energy sword levels: Charged and Combat ready

Short range radio: Online

Long range radio: Offline

Motion restrictors: Active

Force-multiplying-circuits: Active

Azula status: Engaged in combat

Rosa status: Tactical retreat

Rojo status: Unknown

~Time: 2154 hours~

Everything is still good. I shook my head as I felt a large sting of pain shoot through my body forcing me back down. I had my fist to the ground as I let the pain take it's course. The ginger shot back next to me with the soles of her shoes skidding across the ground. Azula was once again on Maine's back, tearing apart what bits of armor her claws can get a hold of. This time Maine was getting pissed at Azula and grabbed her by her neck, just to slam the raptor to the ground. Making Azula screech in pain. I could hear Rojo's pissed off attitude as he jumped in and clamped down on Maine's shoulder. Rosa rushed off elsewhere with the monkey guy (who was groaning in agony over his severed tail) on her back and a injured Blake beside her, using the raptor was a guide dog. Ruby was guiding Rosa and the others away. Blake was holding her chest in pain with one hand and the monkey guy's severed tail in the other. Her black vest was stained red with blood. Unknown whether it is her blood or the monkey guy's. Poor kids never stood a chance against Maine. Should have release the raptors sooner. The monkey guy was using Blake's bow as a makeshift bandage. I'll admit I'm not too surprised to see violet cat ears on Blake. Her personality, attitude, and habits make sense when one thinks about it.

"Target is exiting the AO with Rosa, what's your ETA?" I asked forcing myself to my feet.

"Found a few Whiskey-Foxtrots and neutralized them on sight, ETA: six minutes." Alice explained as I charged Maine. Whiskey-Foxtrot. . . Oh the White fang. Maine quickly ran backward toward a wall and smashed Rojo against it a few times, forcing Rojo to let go of Maine's neck. He grabbed Rojo by his tail and threw him across the docks through a empty container. I showed up just in time for Maine to fire his brute shot at me rapidly. I did the serpentine to avoid the grenades as they exploded around me. When I got close I brandish my knife and ran the front end across his unarmored gut, quickly hit him in the back of the neck to force him lower, then flipped my knife to stab him in his shoulder. Maine groaned as he brought the barrel of his brute shot to my pulled the trigger. The explosion caught me off guard and forced me to release my grip on my weapons, and Maine took full advantage of this. He punched my groin with enough force to dwarf a train crash. I fell to the ground in agony as he delivered a uppercut to send me flying back. My screen threatened to shatter under the force of the impact as I landed on solid concrete. My jaw hurt, my head hurts, hell the list would be a lot shorter if I list off the things that don't hurt. The ginger girl stood in front of me with what was left of her swords out and ready to continue. Maine just reloaded his brute shot as penny's swords began to circle together and hum a bit. I right before a giant freaking green laser shot out of it. Maine quickly activated his dome shield just before the laser made contact with him, the laser cut through multiple steel container behind Maine and caused them to explode. Smoke blanketed the covering area around the impact sight.

"Salutations, I'm Penny. Are you one of Ruby's friends?" The ginger asked helping me up and putting her swords away, which some how went into a backpack. Man she is strong if she can help me up with no trouble. Before I could introduce myself, Maine's brute shot was hurtled toward Penny and the bladed end cut off her right arm then embedding itself in the concrete behind me. Maine ran from the smoke full speed and threw me aside like a football player after the QB. I flipped through the air and landed on my gut with my visor cracking more and more. Damn it did that hurt! Felt like I just been ran over by a truck loaded with bricks. I couldn't see anything from my visor without it being hazy and full of static.

"Oh.. the targ.. .s in ..r sights, mo...g to EV.." Rhode replied through the Comms, it was full of static and but I could understand it just fine.

"Proceed to EVAC Elizabeth, protect the target at all costs. Leave Maine to me, I'll buy you guys some time. Whatever happens, do not come back for me." I replied as I forced myself up and threw my helmet off to the side. I know the situation is dire when I call a team mate by their first name. Maine rarely ever leaves survivors. If he decides to go after them, they'll be in for one hell of a firefight. They need time to EVAC Blake and her friend to a hospital, I'll buy them that time.

The cool nighttime sea breeze flowed though my buzz cut hair and across my ghostly pale skin. Every scar that was exposed to the night air felt every bit as painful as the day I got them. Every bone in my body ached. The Titanium plated helmet bounced across the ground as Penny frantically tried to hold her ground against the Meta, where her arm use to be is nothing but sparks and wire now, her swords were all over the ground, many of which were in multiple pieces scattered around, few were still usable. . . sort of. Maine had a capture unit out and slashing it around with his brute shot back on his back, trying to get the ginger, but Penny was agile and used her smaller size to evade Maine, backing up while dodging the spike of the capture unit. Maine saw this and changed tactics. He used his freehand to grab his brute shot again and fired a round at Penny's feet, then kicked her square in the chest into the building behind her. Cracking the cement walls and fell to the ground with a loud thud. Multiple areas where skin use to be now showed a metallic gray shell of android. Her clothes were burnt and torn in many areas, few areas were smoking. I don't know that much about machinery, but I know that she is in trouble if she doesn't get repaired soon. Penny tried to pick herself up with only one arm but couldn't in time. Maine grabbed her by her throat and impaled her with the capture unit right in the chest.

"NO!" Ruby yelled from the roof top as Penny's body sparked and the light from her eyes started flickering. The capture unit glowed green to signal an AI was captured as Penny's body went slack (A/N I know Penny is not an AI like Alpha, Cortana, or Serena but she is technically an AI as she was created, but the circumstances of her 'birth' are unknown. Like whether she was programmed like that or made the same way 'smart' AI are in Halo, or a fragment of a full one with failed versions or other wise known to her as possible 'siblings'? We'll never know until Rooster teeth tells us, so till then I'm going with this route and sticking to it). Maine threw Penny's empty shell aside as it. It was then that Maine now focused his attention back to me as Sigma now popped up on his shoulder smirking. I looked up to find Azula doing her best to get Ruby out of there. Then I look back at Maine only to hear a evil growl emitting from him.

"This can end one of two ways Agent Ohio." Sigma warned. "You either give up Mu's location willingly or . . ." Maine locked the capture unit on his back as a miniature green version on Penny appeared on his other shoulder. Her facial expression told me she was scared beyond belief before disappearing again. "We kill you and take it from you by force; choice wisely Agent Ohio." Damn it, this is not good at all. Maine now has another AI to his collection, got to save her. Mu would have my head on a platter if she found out I left an AI at the mercy of Maine. While I hate the idea of having to fight Maine like this, the idea of him getting Mu without a fight sickens me more so. The choice is pretty clear to me. I igniting both my energy swords and held them in an aggressive stance. Sigma just scuffed at my response before turning his attention to Maine. "I see how it is. Meta, Sic 'em"

Maine growled as he charged toward me full force with his blade ready to slice me apart. I stood firm and blocked the blade with my own. Plasma sparked all around us as we begin our deadly dance. Maine firing his brute shot while I dodged it, me sending strikes at him only to be deflected by his bladed weapon. Both combatants countering one another flawlessly. It was like an art, a tale older then any language, Teacher vs Student, Alpha vs Omega, Brawn vs Brain. Maine taught me almost everything I know about close quarters. But that doesn't mean he taught me everything he knows, or that he knows what I learned over the years. I dodged while he fired, and right when I think I had the jump on him, he flared his over shield to deflect the blades. I ducked under his punch and used my blades to catch his blade between them. Man that gun can take punishment. Then again, look at the guy wielding it, so it makes sense.

Maine was a relentless foe. He never gives up, never gives in, and never lets up. He tries to overpower his adversaries with raw power and strength, and he has both to back it up. Me on the other hand, my style is loosely based on a Sangheili sword style, forget the name right off the bat. Consisted of using my blade to it's fullest, seeing it as a extension of my body instead of a weapon, fighting with a rather loose sense of honor instead of just trying to kill the other guy. Thel' Vadam made sure I understood what he taught me the hard way, as in he spent half an hour kicking my ass around the training arena non-stop if I complained. He was not a nice teacher, but at least he never shot me in the ass. No he just kicked it all over the place. I used everything I have to keep Maine's blade away from me. I may be strong, but Maine is stronger and better trained. He used my strength against me. He moved to the side as I stumbled forward. He quickly kicked me in the back as hard as he could, I could feel my spine fracture under the stress as I shot forward into the container. My swords deactivated and fell away from me.

I slammed into it with enough force to dent and move it then on the ground with a loud clunk. I pushed myself up with my robot arm while my human one held my chest. I looked up quickly to find Maine standing over me cracking his knuckles and his neck a bit. I quickly threw a punch at him, only for it to be caught in his monster hands. He sadistically twisted my hand back and forced me farther to the ground. Sigma popped on and walked down to meet me at eye level.

"Any last words Agent Ohio?" Sigma asked as Maine raised his fist above his head. I've seen him do this once before. Knocked a guy's head clean off with a single punch. My head is unarmored right now so there is no way I can survive this without outside help. I grind my teeth together to hold back the pain as Maine twisted my wrist more. He was about to bring his fist down when Rojo jumped out from behind a container and latched on tightly to Maine's shoulder. Rojo was hurt, badly. I can tell his ribs were broken just my first glance, leg was cut open wide and bleeding, several areas on him were cut and bruised. Maine let go of my fist as Rojo racked his claws down Maine's back. I fell to the ground with a thud as I heard Rojo scream and growl as he tried to stay on Maine.

"Come on Ohio, Opera isn't over till the fat lady sings." I heard a new voice say. I looked up to find Rhode there extending her hand out, she looked perfectly fine except for her missing arm band. I quickly took it as she helped me up. "You need to get out of that 'lone wolf' mindset of yours Johnny. You're leading this fireteam for a reason, don't forget you have others to help you." She informed as she handed me my discarded rifle. I nodded as I took the rifle and pulled back on the charging handle, chambered in a round and ejected the spent one.

I heard Rojo scream loudly again. Rhode and I looked back to see Maine throw Rojo off him and to the side of a building. Rojo hit the building with a loud thud and broke through the wall, and Maine didn't stop there. He wielded his Brute shot and fired at the top of the wall, forcing the top half to collapse on top of Rojo as he gave a loud shriek of pain. Maine then turned his attention back to us.

"Get to cover!" I yelled firing my rifle as Maine fired multiple shots at us. Rhode was nimble enough to dodge them as she ran behind a cargo container. I was just fast enough to outrun the blast as I jumped over the wing of a bullhead I destroyed. I need to get to Rojo, need to see if my raptor is alright. I quickly reloaded my rifle now keeping track of the rounds in my head. "Rhode,tag team!" Ordered going full auto on Maine. My rounds impacted his over shield and still pissed him off. Maine growled as he reoriented his focus on me and loaded a new belt to is weapon then fired back. Multiple grenade blasts hit the wing and around me. I had to duck down as the blast from the grenades nearly burnt my eyebrows off.

I looked over my cover to fire again, only to find it went dry again. 192 rounds left now. Rhode ran from her cover and fired her twin SMGs. I quickly reloaded my rifle just as Maine started charging toward Rhode. I readjusted my aim and fired again as I ran toward Rojo. Maine saw this and started firing away at me. I barely dodged the grenades as they exploded behind me. I ran behind the fallen wall Rojo went through. Rhode quickly ran from her cover and started firing at Maine again. He turned his attention away from me and went back to Rhode.

I quickly tossed my rifle to the side and started moving the rubble off Rojo's head while Rhode had Maine's attention. He was barely breathing, one of his horns was broken off and barely holding on by a thread of skin, rest of his body was under a large concrete slab, his raspy voice was enough for me to know he was in deep danger. I pet his neck a bit as my eyes started to water. Now I am normally a pretty strong willed guy, it takes a lot to make me cry. Seeing a close one, like Rojo, in a state like this is pretty hard for me to control my emotions. Everyone with a soul cries when they see someone they consider family hurt like this. Rojo is family to me just as much as Serena or Elaia are.

"You're going to be okay Rojo, I'll get you out of this." I promised cracking my voice as I hooked my hands under the slab and started lifting it off him as grenades exploded outside. What I saw under the slab horrified me. I've seen people mercilessly ripped apart by ravenous zombies, eaten alive by wild animals, tormented by evil master minds, burned alive by dragons, but this is one of the hardest thing's I've had to see happen to a loved one. Metal rebar jutted out of Rojo's chest, his leg was bent at a bad angle with his bone sticking out, multiple ribs jutting out of his chest. It's amazing he's still alive right now. I quickly threw the slab off him and gripped the rebar. "I'm not going to lie Rojo, this will hurt. But it needs to come out" I warned. "I'm sorry buddy." I swiftly pulled the rebar out of his chest as he let out a pained yelp. I threw it aside as I gently pet my companion and held him in my arms.

"Shh Shh Shh, it's okay Rojo, It's okay. You're safe now buddy, you're safe now. I'll protect you." I comforted in my sweetest voice. Rojo barked as he tried to nudge my hand. Tears slowly dropped from my chin onto his leathery skin as I gently pet him, trying to ease the pain as much as I can. "You're going to be alright bud, We'll find someone to fix you, we'll find you the best damn vet on this planet and they'll fix you right up." I tried to comfort as breathe started growing shallow. Too late to call Alice back to get him out of here. I can't leave Rhode to fight Maine alone. I can't do anything to help him but comfort him in his final moments. I don't want him to leave, not like this. Not when he has so much to live for, still has his entire life ahead of him. Rojo's breath started getting shallower as he gave me a low and merciful purr, he laid his head on my lap as his eyes started to close, probably for the last time. "Don't leave me buddy. Please, don't go." I pleaded holding him closely to me as his chest stopped moving and he gave his final breath.

The Spanish bull has finished his last rodeo. He has passed from this lifetime on onto the next. Tears fell from my cheeks onto his now lifeless form as I held his closer. The pain of losing another friend swept over me again. My heart felt as if it has been shattered as I held Rojo in my arms. I felt completely useless again. All that training, the augmentation, this armor, is worthless if I can't even save one friend with any of it.

"Ohio! I need help. Can't hold out much longer!" Rhode yelled over the gunfire and explosions that filled the air outside. I gritted my teeth as I looked outside. Rhode was fighting close quarters against Maine. He swing his blade down, she moved out of the way and fired controlled bursts from her guns.

Something snapped deep down inside of me. Every ounce of mercy I held while fighting the Meta, died with Rojo. The grief and sorrow was quickly disappeared as anger and vengeance coursed through my veins. I didn't feel many more pain, my body no longer hurt, my heart no longer felt broken. All I felt was pure anger that it needed to be let out into the world, and I know just who to release it all on. I gently laid Rojo's body back down and looked back at the fight before me.

This isn't Maine, this isn't my old instructor. Maine would never try to hurt Rhode, not even if it was his only option. She is too much like a little sister to him, to all of the Freelancers. Agent Maine I once knew is long past dead. This is the Meta; a coldblooded killer, a ghost, a monster. My vision went to red as my body glowed cobalt blue, I charged toward the Meta with a blinding fury. All rational thought left my mind as I focused on one thing, and one thing alone. MUST! KILL! META!

(A/N Now begins the fun part for me. 1V1 match between a pissed off Ohio and the Meta. Sorry for killing off Rojo but I need to balance the story and flesh out Johnathan's character more. This shows how he deals with lose and makes him more believable. We all do different things during times of grief, his is a lot more destructive. Rational thought is thrown out the window, this is Johnathan at his absolute worst and what Serena is afraid of him becoming. To the walking dead fans, think of it as Johnathan going 'crazy Rick' on the Meta. This is where he gets dark and very evil, as in borderline psychopath evil. Viewer discretion is advised.)

I came barreling at the Meta with enough force to pick him up over my shoulder, used him as a shield as I rammed though a container or two, then slammed him into the ground head first. He retaliated by grabbing my back plate as he rolled to his feet and throwing me toward a cargo container. I went through the container and out the other side. I slammed my robotic fist into the concrete. I broke though most of it and stopped just before I went off the edge. I didn't waste a single second before I charged the Meta again. He saw this and charged toward me as well. Rhode was very smart and ran for cover while I was in this state of mind.

I reached down to grab Gambol Shroud and readied Blake's Katana for the worse. Our blades clashed in the middle with a shower of sparks, metal scrapping against metal. I got more ferocious with my strikes as The Meta countered all of them all. I didn't give up easily or quickly. I used all my strength to push my blade forward and forced the Meta back. He did the same thing as last time and quickly moved to the side. I learned from last time and grabbed his foot before he kicked me, then lifted him up and slammed him down on the ground, hard enough to crack the cement around us.

The capture unit detached from his back and slid across the dock. Meta noticed this and brought his brute shot out then shot me twice. The first blast hit the dead center of my chest plate and made me stagger and drop his leg. The second shot missed but exploded right by my ears. My ears run as the Meta started running toward the capture unit. I took aim and activated my grappling hook. The hook end zoomed past the Meta and onto the capture unit, I gave it a sharp tug as the Meta jumped to get it. The unit slide across the dock to me as I retracted the cable. The unit went flying into my hand as the Meta charged me again. I hooked the unit to my back and blocked the Brute shot again with Gambol Shroud.

The Meta swiftly forced my blade out of my hand and moved to strike again. I ducked under the blade and hoisted the behemoth of a man up by his gun and forced him to the ground, having him be disarmed as well. I used the second of hesitation to punch him as hard as I could in the gut, breaking his shields. He growled ferociously as he used both his feel to kick me off. I flew into a container and moved it easily three times it's length then hit the ground with a loud thud. I forced myself up and ran toward the Meta again, as he charged toward me again. All while my fist started glowing like crazy. Not the Aura type of glowing either, like a someone in Skyrim trying to cast Magelight or anything light related. Eh, I don't care why it's doing that or how. As long as my fist connects with the Meta's face, or helmet. As long as I hit the bastard. The Meta and I meet up in the middle ready to punch each other. Our fists collided with one another with a loud bang.

The resulting collision exploded in a rainbow of color as I punched the Meta back to a cargo container. Blindingly beautiful color. I looked at my arm to find my fist glowing like that while the rest of my arm was covered in a cobalt blue overshield. I don't care how it got there or what it is for. I looked back at the Meta to find him pushing himself up. I clinched my fist and ran over to him. He got up and threw a punch at me. I dodged it and hit him in the face with my other arm, cracking the glass on his helmet. I didn't stop there, I kept punching him as hard as I could in the gut repeatedly. Then I noticed the chips at the base of his neck, his AI. Each conveniently labeled by their Greek letter.

He noticed my moment of hesitation and hit me hard in the groin. I doubled over in pain as I backed up from him. He didn't waste much time before hitting me in the chest again, forcing me to fly across the dock and into a container yet again. I forced myself up to find myself by Penny' shell. The Meta charged toward me with a fist ready to punch me again. I quickly grabbed the shell by her feet and smashed her metal shell across the Meta as hard as I could. The area around us erupted in a blinding shower of electrical sparks as Penny's body broke apart against the Meta. Her body parts flew all over the place and landed who cares where. Her head bounced across the dock and landed somewhere near Rhode's last known location. The Meta recovered and went to punch me again but I caught it with my robotic arm. I swiftly twisted it at a awkward angle and heard a satisfying snap as his wrist broke. He growled in pain as I punched him again in the chest. Leaving a large fist sized dent in his breastplate.

"This is for North." I declared kicking him hard in the gut and twisting his arm behind his back, then forced his arm, right where the elbow is, to bend at a very bad angle with a loud snap and cry of pain from the monster. "For Carolina." I grabbed the beast by his chest and forced him to hit the concrete face first, cracking his visor even more. I didn't waste a single second before I turned to punch him as hard as I possibly could in the kneecap, earning yet another groan in pain as it broke. "For Rojo." I got up and raised him above my head horizontally only to force him back down, hard and fast on to my knee, earning even more groans in pain as I broke his back as well. I tossed him in the air then kicked him square in the chest, sending the brute through a cargo container and landing where the bullhead remains were. I cracked my knuckles as I walked toward him with full murderous intent in my veins. I grabbed him by his neck as he tried to force himself up with one arm and lifted him up in the air, hearing him gasp for air as I squeezed on his throat more. "You took a beloved family member away from me Meta. Now I'm going to take something you hold dear from you." I reached behind him and yanked out a few chips from his neck. He growled as he used his good arm to try to force my arm off, but I am not budging at all. I opened my fist to find exactly the right AI I was looking for. Delta, Theta, Eta, Iota, and Tex. I gently held their chips in my hand as I looked back at the Meta. I can hear him barely breathing as I squeezed on his throat more. In the back of my mind, I felt a little sorry for him. But that feeling was quickly squashed as the thirst for vengence over took me. I put the chips in my chest pocket before raising my fist to finish him off.

"Ohio stop this, please."I looked behind me to find her standing behind me with her weapons on the ground and my helmet in her hands, hers on her belt. Her eyes were full of fear and were pleading with me. "This isn't you Ohio. You're a lot better than this, stooping to his level would only make you as bad as he is. Yes I get he killed Rojo, but hasn't he been through enough already? You broke his wrist, his elbow, his knee, his back, plus who knows what else." She pleaded walking forward slowly. " The police are on their way and with heavy trucks to hold him. Just put him down Ohio, let him live. You got your revenge, you took most his AI, Just let him live."

"If I do that he'll break out later and hurt more people. People I care about and love. I can't take that risk. He needs to pay for what he did to Rojo, to North." I replied

"He will pay. Just not now, not like this. I want him to pay for what he did to North, believe me. But I don't want a friend to stoop to his level to do so." She replied putting a hand on my shoulder. "Please Johnnathan, for your friends and family. Don't stoop down to his level, we both know you'll never come back."

I looked back at the Meta, he was still scratching at my arm to let him breath more. I can feel each ragged breath he takes pass though my hand. I want to end him, right here and right now. It would be easy, wouldn't even take a second. To stop him from hurting my family or friends in the future. I can't take the risk, but Rhode is right. I do know that I'll never go back to normal if I stoop to the Meta's level. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Damn it this was a tough choice.

I was about to make a decision before someone drop kicked me. I let go of the Meta as I stumbled back into Rhodes. I looked up to find a tiny little girl with a umbrella, standing between and me. She couldn't be more then five foot, weird hair style that reminds me of Neapolitan ice cream for some reason, one eye brown while the other is pink. She just stood their smirking at us as she picked up the Meta's brute shot with her umbrella.

"Oh no you don't pipsqueak." I said grabbing Rhode' pistol from her hip and firing it a few times. What happened next I am still trying to figure out. When the rounds hit, the girl and both shattered like they were made out of glass. I looked around to try to figure out where they could have went. Only to find the girl on a bullhead lifting off with the bowler hat guy, the Meta was aboard but was growling something I couldn't hear. Sigma popped up on his shoulder and cupped his mouth to be louder.

"You won the battle, but you have yet to win the war. We'll be back Ohio." Sigma yelled. I raised the pistol and took a few pot-shots as it started leaving. All the rounds hit the side of the bull head, except one, that one hit the hat off the cigar smoker.

"Damn it, he got away." I swore as I gave Rhode her gun back. I started walking away when I suddenly got struck with a wave of pain and exhastion. I fell to the ground holding my head in absolute agony. My mind felt like someone dragged it through a barbed wire field that was coated in lemon juice and venom. I couldn't keep my eyes open for much longer. I felt so damn exhausted and in pain it was unbelievable.

"Ohio!" Rhode yelled as she ran to my aid. I can feel them, the AI. I can feel them in my head. Delta, Theta, Tex, Eta, Iota, even Penny in my head. I screamed in pain as I can hear their voices flow through my ears and into my mind. I started to back out with Tex's only words echoing though my head.

"Ohio, you brave idiot!"

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That a wrap people. Sorry for hurting Sun and technically killing Penny sort of but I got plans for Penny in her AI form. I can hear the hate now but keep a open mind, we know next to nothing about Penny. We don't know if she has a AI form or not, because technically she is an AI when you think about it. Well I am exhausted and need sleep. Last few ten hour days at work has me beat. Now time to answer a few reviews before I pass out from exhaustion.

Maronmario- Thanks, I tried to make it fluffy and sweet for the readers. Hope this is a good balance between the fluff and action the rooster teeth fandom craves so much.

No other reviews. On a curious note. Who do you think the AI should go to out of the people at Beacon I introduced? Johnathan can't keep them all. I was thinking Velvet gets Theta, Ruby gets Penny till her body is fixed or she gets a new one, Blake or Nora gets Delta, Jaune maybe Eta. iota I hit a dead end there. Tex might get her own body. I don't know. Just a idea, want to know your opinions on. Speaking of which, polls are in. Penny will be paired with

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DELTA! With a whopping 4/5 votes. Sorry to the person who voted for Theta, Delta won. I'll find a way for him and Penny to work out. Though I personally don't see Delta being the romantic type, then again I don't see Penny being one either. Was thinking of adding Sigma or Gamma to the mix but there is no way in hell I can see it happening. Omega maybe because he is kind of an idiot, an evil idiot but an idiot no less. Doesn't really think things through too well, RVB seasons 2-5 proves that. Didn't give enough background about Mu for her to be a good candidate now that I think about it. Be sure to check out my other Facfictions, diversity never hurt anyone.

That it for today people, see you next time. Out of curiosity, could Penny's laser be bale to crack the Meta's dome shield? I mean the thing took a dozen or so missiles rapid fire like it was nothing. I can't do that good of science or math so if someone would let me know, that would be great. I tried researching it but couldn't find anything. I'm sure you'll all figure it out and let me know, I'll edit it then, for now I'm heading to bed. Giving this to my beta to edit. Have fun Beta.

~Dgreen20

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(Insert beta noted here.)