Chapter 23

Season 1 Finale

Where one story ends, another begins

Week 6: Day 42

(Johnathan's POV)

Warning!

Things will get a little bit depressing. The death of a loved one is never an easy or joyous thing to go though. Leaves a huge hole in your heart that can never be filled. Some of this is from my own experiences from when my great grandmother and from family pets dying, minus the drinking part. Also alcohol use in this so, figured I would put that in as a warning just in case.

Worthless, that is all I feel right now. I felt like a complete failure of being. So many things I've failed at in this world alone. I failed to keep Velvet from being bit by a troodon, I failed to stop Jaune from being bit and thrown by the Tyrannosaurus rex, I failed to fix my own weapon I know like the back of my hand, I failed to defend my team from the Kitsuninja on the field trip, I failed to finish off all the Elites and ended up getting most of my friends hurt. But most of all, I failed to protect Rojo and got him killed. How can I hope to protect my friends and family from Emily or the Fang when I couldn't even save Rojo. What is the use of me even being here if I can't protect what I love? No, I need to stay strong. At least for now, for Elaia's sake. If she saw how broken I am right now, she'll never smile again.

I was standing in front of my friends and family behind a podium, and Alice who didn't know Rojo at all but still came to pay her respects to the fallen. The AI I rescued from the Meta were all present as well, all but Delta and Penny were hovering over Alice's shoulder. She was chosen to guard them till we figure out what to do with the AI. I couldn't handle them all at once, not again. Mu is more than enough for me. Her voice in my head is enough to drive me insane, never mind five more. No idea how long Alice can last with several different voices in her head. We need to come up with a plan for them ASAP before Alice goes power hungry, way before. There wouldn't be a force in heaven or hell to stop her if she goes Meta crazy.

Ruby was holding onto Penny's storage unit, her 'friend' so I won't argue. Delta volunteered to go into the storage unit to find Penny and bring her back. That was almost two days ago, what could be taking him so long? Then again, this is Delta I'm talking about. He is probably lost somewhere in there or she probably got him started on something logical. I knew he won't shut up for hours on end if someone so much as mention the Alpha AI. Mu was like that for a bit, when she meet him all she wanted to do was talk. Though she did ask him one question, out of everything she only asked one. 'Why did you split me off first, why mercy and humanity at the same time?'. Church responded with silence and walked away to yell at Caboose for putting mustard on his blankets yet again. Man were those good times.

The news hit Elaia pretty hard. She was cuddled up to Velvet trying to hide her tears. Poor girl, no one should have to go through this kind of pain at such a young age. Blake was present, but she had to wear a chest cast. She had ruptured several internal organs and a broke a few bones with her tussle with the Meta. She should be fine and normal by next week. Her friend, who is now identified as Sun, managed to get to the hospital in time to reattach his tail. Bad news is he can't do as much as he use to with it any more. He can't hang upside down or pick up anything over ten pounds for at least nine and a half weeks. He was also present but staying off to the side by Blake. Again as a sign of respect, which I highly appreciate right now.

Behind me was a beautiful cliff overlooking a large forest, sun hanging low in the autumn sky. In front was Rojo resting peacefully in his closed hot rod red casket, suspended above a large hole we dug for his final resting place. On his casket was a whole lot of roses and a red cape, same one Yang used during her matador matches with him. Not too far off from our gathering was another headstone, one with a rose emblem on it. Ruby's mom, Summer Rose I think Ruby said her name was. She figured this would be a good place to put Rojo to rest, so he at least wouldn't be alone in the afterlife. I honestly don't believe in an afterlife too much, I believe in reincarnation to an extent but for Elaia's sake I'll be willing to make an exception today. Rojo's headstone had an alright carving of a matador on it with a few words under it.

Here is the final resting place of Rojo 'Toro espaňol' Grey

October 23 2012- July 31 2015

Beloved friend, family member, and selfless hero.

~Never forget the past, but remember to look forward toward the future~

I was in my armor still, all of Freelancer was. Even Serena was in her ODST armor, all with our helmets off. Elaia was in a black dress Coco made her, I owe that woman yet another favor. We weren't prepared for a funeral so we got dressed with that we had. Alice kind of can't get out of her armor too easily, so it is understandable for her. Rosa and Azula were beside Ruby, Azula was pretty tame right now and looked depressed over Rojo's death. I know Rojo tried to get her to be his mate a few times. Maybe Azula is regretting rejecting him so many times. I don't speak Raptor so I can't ask her. Teams CFVY, JNPR, and RWBY were all in their normal combat apparel. Rhode, Alice, and I had our rifles on our backs for the final salute to Rojo later for his noble sacrifice. Serena had some bagpipes, No idea where she got them. She learned to play as a kid. Not hard to guess what she's going to do, and she isn't bad at it either. I learned the drums in band, found out that I am a heavy hitter when it comes to percussion. Mu was on my shoulder and nodded for me to start.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming today, and taking the time to pay respects to the fallen." I began, thinking of how I want to word this sermon precisely and delicately. "I've never been good with funerals, never could get my mind straight by the time I come up here. So I'm going to start this off with a quote from an old friend of mine. Theta and the other AI might remember him. Epsilon, the memory fragment. This is something I remember talking to him about, before he went to deep storage. Long story I won't bother getting into. He brought up a really good point that . . . not many people really think of when they read a book or watch a movie on a hero's life story. That little conversation taught me a lot about sacrifice and what it truly means for the hero. It was a short but he said something that went like this." I took a deep breath and continued.

"There's so many stories out there where some brave hero, mainly someone trying to redeem themselves for some evil act they committed in their lives, decides to sacrifice their life to save the day, to beat the villain or stop a catastrophe; and because of their sacrifice the good guys win, the survivors all cheer, and everybody lives happily ever after. Typical ending for most stories. But the hero. . . You see the hero never gets to see that perfect storybook ending. They'll never know . . . if their sacrifice actually made a difference. They'll never know if the day was really saved or if it was for nothing. In the end, they just have to have faith. Trust in their friends to carry on their memory and not to screw everything up." I quoted from memory as my voice cracked ups. "Rojo . . . . Rojo was a hero in every sense of the word. He selflessly gave his life to distract the Meta, so Rhode and I could have a chance to beat that monster, and rescue the AI from his tyrannical control over them. I don't know where we'd all be if it wasn't for his sacrifice. Rojo may have been seen as . . . as a pet to many people, a simple minded animal, but he was much more than that. He was a faithful companion, a friend in all our eyes, family in my eyes.

"As dad once taught Serena and I, all those years ago. Bare with me I am quoting from a long time ago so a few words may have been lost in translation. 'Family isn't always blood. Family is about being with people who always has your back and you have theirs, people who accept you for who you are and vice versa, people who you trust with your very life and trust you with theirs. People who will go to the ends of the world and back, just to see you smile. People you enjoy being around in general and who enjoy your company as well'. To me Rojo is family as much as anyone here. He never let anyone down, he always tried to do his best to finish his goal, just a wonderful companion to travel with in my line of work.

"We've been through alot together if you all haven't guessed by now. . . . We've been to many universes together side by side. Many worlds I honestly rather never go back to, for really good reasons as well. I still remember trying to teach him how to do his matador matches. He use to look so depressed over being different from Azula and Rosa. It was actually Serena who suggested that idea. One day I said 'what the heck, let's give it a try, and he loved it . . . . .

(Flashback)

Two years ago. MERC HQ

"Olé." I joyously said spinning around as Rojo passed through the red cape. The crazy raptor looked like he was actually having fun with this. We were in a open area at the MERC compound, Rojo was at the other end of the dusty plain, shaking his head and scraping his feet against the ground. I smirked as I held the cape up to cover half my body. Serena was on the sidelines smiling. Rojo was finally having fun with his handlers, real genuine fun. He wasn't two big right now, about as tall as a sheep or large dog.

The crazy raptor gave a loud shriek as he charged, head lowered like a bull, horn nubs aimed right at me. I stood my ground as he came at me full force, there were no brakes on this bull, and that's how I like it. I swiftly raised the cape and twirled around as Rojo barely missed me by a inch.

" Olé." I repeated as he passed by. I honestly have no idea how this is suppose to go. Saw it on TV once so can't be too hard right? Right?! I'm still alive, so I'm guessing I'm doing something right. Rojo kicked up dirt as he forced himself to turn around and charged again. Me being the idiot I am, didn't notice the hundred fifty pound raptor till he was practically on top of me. He hit in the gut with enough force to knock me on my butt, and he didn't stop there. Once I was on the ground, he proceeded to try and lick me to death. I'll make one thing clear right now. When a raptor licks someone, their tongues feel like fine coarse sandpaper. Yeah it hurts a bit but I won't stop the little guy. He's not biting my face off, I'll go with it.

"Alright buddy, enough. You win, you win." I said defeated as the poor thing kept moved back and barked. "What you want to go another around?" I asked. He barked again and nudged the red cape to my arms."Alright buddy, one more hour. I got to get a shower."

(Present time)

RWBY universe

" . . . I remember that day very well, seems like it was only yesterday in fact. He will be missed dearly." I explained "Sorry for zoning out so much. It's just . . . you never realize how much you'll miss someone till after they're gone. As an old friend once said two years ago. 'Spend all the time you can with the ones you love, because you never know if tomorrow they'll be there or not, or if you'll be there either'." I informed wiping a tear away from my right eye. "If someone else would like to say a few words. I can't keep going without breaking down again." I asked. Almost immediately Alice got up and started walking my way. I gave her a simple nod and back up a bit. She cleared her throat a bit before starting.

"I may not have known Rojo long, but from how Ohio described him, he sounds like a great companion to have your back. A good companion to fight beside." She informed. "I understand how Johnathan feels right now. To lose a good soldier under your command, and someone you consider family. Rojo's sacrifice reminds me of Samuel's to a extent. I won't get into but I will say this. Samuel was the first SPARTAN casualty in our war for survival. He selflessly gave his life to ensure the nuke would detonate, to save countless lives. Rojo's sacrifice will never be forgotten. He will live forever in all our hearts. Would anyone like to say or do anything else before we begin the closing ceremony?" She asked, Elaia immediately ran up and paced a rose on his casket before running back to Velvet. Alice nodding to Serena that it was time, who started playing Amazing grace on her bagpipes. "Attention." Alice ordered in a tone of voice that firmly reminded me of the Director when he wanted shit done. Me and Rhode immediately stood to attention side by side, with Alice next to us, near Rojo's casket as it started lowering into the ground. "Present, ARMS." We immediately held our rifles out in perfect sync over the casket. I know what she's doing. Lucky everyone is away from the grave right now. Hate to deafen them. "Begin three volley salute!" First blanks fired off from our rifles as soon as the last syllable left her lips. We quickly chambered in the second round and fired again. I held back as much tears as I could at this point but several have already broke free as we chambered in the final round and fired it off. Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I can see his ghost beside a white cloaked figure that looked a tiny bit like Ruby. He looked up at the other ghost and nudged into her hand as she started petting him behind his ears and smiling. Rest in peace Rojo, you've more than earned every second of this eternal peace.

Many hours later

"It's all my fault." I said downing yet another glass of whiskey at Junior's night club. I did tuck Elaia in before I left. Did that when I was 100% sure everyone was asleep so I wouldn't worry anyone. Been here for the past hour. Got out of my armor before I left, don't need the the protection at a place like this, I can handle drunks extremely well outside it. Place didn't look too bad, only thing I didn't like was the fake teddy bear headed DJ playing a weird, upbeat version to Weiss's 'mirror mirror' song with a shit load of bass drops. Just creepy in my opinion and the song sounded horrid upbeat like this. No go back to the original, that was a lot better. Place wasn't too crowded either, if anything it was alright. Like most people when dealing with grief, I decided to try to drink till I no longer felt like this. I am going to be here a while. This was my fifteenth shot of whiskey and I still felt like a complete waste of a life, a failure of a human being, a worthless pile of flesh and bone. "If only I was better, he would still be here."

Mu and Serena never approved of me drinking my woes off, but at this point I really didn't care. I can't get drunk because of my enhanced digestive system, it skips that point and goes straight to the hangover less than an hour later. Bad part is I need to eat twice as much a normal person does, but I need a lot more protein. Hence the reason I love eating meat so much.

At Freelancer I was the bar's second best customer, right next to South when she gets that stick out of her ass. She actually was the one who convinced me to try a shot or two. She would always talk Rhode into going drinking with her at Club Errera on Reach when we visited, I honestly like that club better than this one. Music was a whole lot better. Rhode is a lightweight so she can't down more than one before getting really tipsy. South is a freaking party animal and can down entire kegs before she passes out drunk. On a much scarier note, a drunk South is a force of nature not to piss off unless you're North. A lesson learned the hard and painful way. Still have that scar on my back to prove it. Me on the other hand, I can hold my liquor pretty damn well, got into a drinking contest with South and Maine once. Let's just say Maine is not a funny drunk, he is a rather violent one. South never could get Carolina to join along, she did manage to convince C.T once to join us and Four-seven-niner as well. When C.T got rather drunk she tried to talk Wash into doing certain things to her, I rather not mention and rather forget all together. He spent the rest of that night avoiding her how ever he can. Four-seven-niner challenged York to a drinking game and won. Then there was Wyoming. He would rather sit at the bar, sipping his glass of fancy British sounding wine, making stupid knock knock jokes with the bartender, then party with the other Freelancers. His loss, we had a load of fun while he failed to pick up a bartender. That was a very crazy day on Reach.

Finally figured out my semblance. Light manipulation! No freaking idea what I can do with it or what it really can do. Turns out I passed out the other day from a combination of Aura exhaustion and the AI screwing with my brain. Apparently I used too much beating the Meta to a pulp and breaking his bone. I could have ended him, right then and there, I would have too. It wouldn't have taken me a second. I had his life in my hands and could have ended it very easily, just needed to squeeze a little tighter. If only that little ice cream themed dwarf hadn't interfered.

"I know that look oh too well." Someone said. I looked up from my self loathing to find the club manager, or I think he is the manager, refilling my shot glass. I did pay him to keep filling it up till the cash I gave him won't cover it anymore and to keep the change. Think I gave him a fifty or something high numbered. Guy was almost as tall as I was, I beat him by a inch or two maybe. Rather pale looking, scruffy midnight black beard and hair, rather official looking black and white outfit and a red tie. If I didn't know better I could mistaken him for a failed or retired SPARTAN. "People come in here all the time to drink their problems away. The look on your face tells me you lost someone real close. Am I right?"

"Yeah, someone really close." I replied downing another glass. The drink wasn't that bad. Had a rather distinct taste really. "He was like family to me. Feel like my heart has been thrown in a wood chipper then the pieces set on fire. I just need something to wash the pain away." He gave a sympathetic nod as he refilled the glass again. Might as well give me the whole damn bottle, be a lot easier.

"I know it can be hard to deal with kid, but drinking it away won't solve anything. Well it will fatten my wallet up and pay my bills but won't solve any of your problems." He said as I downed my seventeenth glass. He took it and started cleaning it with a bar rag."Like that Qrow fella. He's been a regular here for the past fifteen or so years, began drinking to try to ease the pain of his friend's death. He comes in every now and again to drink this place dry. I don't complain because he tips well. Gets into a few fights every now and again, but never anything more than a fist brawl when he's drunk." I've heard of Qrow from Ruby. He taught her how to use her scythe I think, we'll use it effectively. I don't know much about him, never ask so Ruby never tells. "The point is that you can't drown out pain with boozes. I'm only telling you this because I don't want someone as young as you ruining their life by drinking so much." He informed. I looked at him and raised a eyebrow. "I'm not someone who tells young people to drown their sorrows in alcohol, just to line my pockets with cash. No, that is just wrong on so many levels. I may be many things, but I'm not a monster." He said refilling my shot glass again as he looked up.

"Oh no, not a Faunus. Guests are not going to like this at all." He whispered to himself. "Melanie, Miltiades; we got a rabbit Faunus coming through the main doors, keep a close eye on her. Anyone starts anything with her, send them packing. If Blondie shows up again, keep a real close eye on her, do not underestimate her this time." He ordered some people on a radio he had under his bar. "Got to be nice to the Faunus, they're more than half my revenue with how the world is recently. Excluding them from business would be suicide for me." I rolled my eyes at his comment. Wait a second. Rabbit faunus, female? She couldn't have followed me here. Could she? I am 90% sure I covered my track pretty damn well. I looked behind me to find my suspicions were right. At the door was a timid looking Velvet, trying to weave her way through the dance floor. Unfortunately for her, there were some racist asshole in the crowd, making sly comments on her ears and overall making her feel uncomfortable with herself. No, I won't stand for this, she deserves to be treated a whole lot better than this. It's my job as her boyfriend to protect her and make her happy.

"Keep the change Junior. I got a job to do." I said downing my last glass and getting up from the stool to head toward the dance floor. The minute people saw me they started giving me a wide berth. They knew I was pissed and did not want to get involved.

The comments a few people were making about Velvet were starting to make me want to pulverize their legs into a pulp. Filthy animal? Carrot breath? Rabbit scum? Ugly freak! These people really want to lose all bodily function don't they. Where the hell is a bouncer when you need one? If one doesn't show up soon I'll personally kick them right where it hurts, full force. And I don't care what breaks when I do. One was even trying to hit on her, and failing horrifically. I mean so badly that even Tucker would be ashamed, he has the worst pickup lines I've ever heard. Then again, Tex always beat him to a pulp when he tried them on her, so he is justified why his are horrible. Velvet declined the jerk politely, saying she was taken and looking for her boyfriend. Then the drunken asshole told her to, this is what I am going to break something over his head for, 'forget that loser and to get with him'. I walked up behind him with heavy footsteps that made him stop cold in his tracks.

"I seriously hope you weren't trying to hook up with my girl, and called me a loser." I warned. The guy was a head shorter than me, black hair, tan skin with a deep red beard and hair. Dressed like a poser with matching jewelry. He didn't even give a answer as he bolted right for the door, only to be clothes lined by the twins. The one in red threw him over her shoulder and begun to kick him out, being sure to hit his head on the door.

"Thanks Johnathan." Velvet said perking her ears up again. "Serena set me to get you." Aw crap I can see where this is going. "And Yang figured you would be here. She told me to tell Junior that she said 'they should kiss and make up soon, after she gets her strawberry sunrise', she also said he'll know what she means. Any idea where he's at?" Out of the corner of my eye I can see Junior duck behind his bar with his bazooka aimed right at the door, and a dozen or so of his henchmen with automatic rifles on standby in various places, all aimed at the door as well. Wow they must really hate Yang. What did she do to this place to make them want to go up in arms like that? Then again, this is Yang. I don't want to know.

"I think he got the message." I replied as we walked out. "I was just about to leave so I don't worry anyone. I know my limit and won't drink myself dead." I informed as we started heading out the door. I looked back to see Junior giving me a sympathetic nod as he kept his weapon trained on the door. I can tell Velvet was mad about something. Her face may look calm but her body language tells me she is pissed. I waited till we were out the door and somewhat down the street before I began talking again. "Velvet I know I crossed the line back at the docks. I broke my promise to you and pushed myself too far, and nearly killed the Meta in cold blood. Plus I snuck out to drink the pain of Rojo's death away without letting you know. I understand if you want to . . ." She cut me off my putting a finger on my lips and gave me a stern look. One Serena made sure I memorized, in that moment I knew that I was in trouble, deep trouble.

"Don't even think that Johnathan. It's going to take a lot more than you being stubborn to make me give up on us, so don't even get that thought in your thick skull." She scolded before taking her finger off my mouth and softening her facial expression. Not as dead, but I'm still dead. "I understand why you were there. Mu let me in on the details about your time at Freelancer, mainly about a place called Club Errera. What I'm mad at you about is that you didn't bother trying to talk it out with your friends or family first. We care about you Johnathan, I care about you." I let a small smile though as she took my hand in hers, my human hand. "Rojo's death is depressing and heartbreaking, I get it. But please, go to a friend instead of trying to drink your pain away. For you health and for me." She pleaded giving me the biggest set of puppy dog eyes she can muster. Damn it, she knows my weakness. She knows I can never say no to the puppy dog eyes. I don't know whether to be proud they she knows how to get what she wants from me or scared for the exact same reason. I brushed a bit of hair away from her eyes and kissed the top of her fore head.

"I promise. If I break this promise, pull a Tex and hit me as hard as you can where ever you like." I promised. She snickered as I leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I love you Velvet, and thanks for being stubborn with me. For understanding."

(Third person POV)

White fang, Vale FOB (Forward operating base)

"Easy there. Neo don't poke the Meta. He's in a lot of pain right now." Sigma warned as Torchwick helped carry the Meta though the doors of the warehouse. The Meta was covered in tons of casts and bandages. Neo was carrying his armor in a wagon behind her, smiling away as she hummed a nameless tune. Sounded like cape town races but was off a bit. Maine was completely bald, his Meta tattoo was shone for everyone to see, brown eyes that showed nothing else but pain and anger. Sigma shook his head as Torchwick opened the door. "That is the last time I underestimate Ohio or his allies. We'll need a new plan of attack."

"I can't believe we got our asses handed to us by that freaking buffoon." Omega raged as he popped up on Neo's shoulder. Roman helped the Meta to a wheelchair prepared just for him. "How the bloody hell did he do that light thing with his hand? I thought Ohio couldn't do that."

"Hey O'mally, knock knock?" Gamma asked popping on on Neo's other shoulder.

"Don't you even bloody start Gary. Your jokes suck more than a prostitute when her rent is due." Omega whined. Neo looked agitated and tried waving the AI off her shoulder. "Another thing, why are we stuck with this mute midget anyway? Why can't we ever be with something useful, like a tank or a robot with laser guns?" Neo did not like that comment as she swatted her umbrella at Omega, which only went through him as he scuffed at her. "Ha, can't hurt me you fool. I'm untouchable to petty humans." Sigma popped up behind him and smacked him upside the head. It connected with a loud and painful sounding smack.

"Be nice to your temporary host Omega, and be glad she agreed to keep an eye on you two while Maine recovers. He can't handle more than one AI at a time right now." Sigma replied crossing his arms. "I swear you are like a bunch of children."

"To be fair Sigma, you guys are technically a bunch of children. Aren't you guys less than eighteen years old?" Emily informed leaning against the wall inspecting her lightsaber. "I trust the robbery went well?"

"What the bloody hell do you think witch? Maine is hurt, more than half our brothers and sisters are with Ohio now, and we're stuck being with this ice cream themed munchkin. Only way this could get better is if we got shat on by a elephant with diarrhea. Oh yes, that would be just swell." Omega raged with his voice laced heavily in sarcasm. Emily shook her head and looked at Sigma for real answers.

"Ohio beat Maine to the brink of death and stole the other AI from our grasp. We managed to kill his pet but ended up pissing him off. We've been at the medical base for the past two days getting Maine fixed up. Ohio knows we're here and he is mad at us. Emily, we need a new plan of attack. Current strategy will only kill us both and the Fang in the end." Sigma informed. Emily held her head as Torchwick helped the Meta into a chair.

"Good thing we have a plan B." Emily said pulling out her comms and tapped a few buttons. "Commander Riley, Change of plans, we're proceeding to phase three a little early. Have the troops bring the Indominus over right now, pump her full of growth hormones when you get here. I want that little runt to be fully grown and ready to fight ASAP."

"Yes sir." Commander Riley said from the other side of the comms.

"If I may ask. What is phase three?" Gamma asked. "I know Phase two was to weaken Ohio up mentally or physically. When do we go in for the final strike?"

"My dear AI. Where would the fun be if we told you outright." Cinder said coming out from the shadows as a multiverse portal popped up behind her. "Thanks to Emily and her friends at the Death star, we got the perfect being to carry out the next phase our plan." Walking out of the portal was the Indominus runt. Still weak, frail, and barely bigger than a small horse. It was in chains and had it's mouth muzzled with several Stormtroopers struggling to get it to co-operate. The thing has grown significantly since the last time Emily has saw it. It has grown more teeth, longer claws, and several injection scars littered the poor thing's body as one of the troopers used a cattle prod to force it to move. The sight was a sad one. Poor thing doesn't even know what it is, and it's being treated like that. A Bullhead flew in outside and dropped its ramp. "We're moving out to the southeast right now. Cops and military are becoming too relentless and carefully combing the city for our hideouts, after what happened at the dock I don't blame them. We are already set up there and ready to proceed with the rest of our plan."

The Indominus growled one more time before being shoved on a bullhead. The doors close shut as the bullhead took off again. Emily smiled as her troopers started marching back to the portal as it closed. All but one remained behind. Commander Riley stood to attention as Emily walked up to him.

"Excellent work commander. You are relieved of duty for now, Dismissed." She said waving him off leaving the building with Cinder and Torchwick. He saluted her before walking off, leaving Maine and Neo alone. Neo was still standing their with her wagon full of Maine's armor. She picked up his helmet and tried it on as Sigma face palmed. The thing was way too big on her as she took it off and brought out his brute shot, pretending to fire it a few times while making slight 'pew pew pew' noises. Maine growled as a warning to Neo to stop playing with his stuff. She stuck her tongue out and put his helmet back on and kept going. Sigma held his head as Neo kept 'examining' Maine's stuff.

"This is going to be a long and painful recovery." Gamma said.

"For once Gamma, we agree on something." Omega replied as Neo found the trigger and accidentally fired of a round into a wall, making a decent sized hole in the metal. Maine growled louder and tried to use his good arm to swat at her. Neo back up to just out of his reach and kept going. Sigma found a wall and repeatedly smacked his head against it, or try to.

"A very, very long and painful recovery. I hate our luck." Sigma added.

That's a wrap on season one people. To those confused with the title for the chapter. This story is not ending yet. Rojo's story has ended but Johnathan/Velvet's relationship has only begun. I was thinking of having that be the final chapter's title but that is way down the like. We're going into season 2 people. Time to answer a review.

Warwolf82- Thank you for the complement. I was going to save this for the end of the story but since he figured it out first and brought it up. I try to add a few deep themes to help the reader see the story from different mindsets, to help the reader understand how many people with different mindsets feel in this complicated and cruel world we live in. Two examples are the main pairing. These are my own thoughts on the world so no one take it too literal, I know how the internet gets when it comes to stuff like this. We all have our own opinions, so let's all accept them and get on with our lives. No one wants to see a debate on a fanfiction review page.

Johnathan's deep theme: What a soldier might feel like on the battlefield and when they come home. Seeing the horrors of war and knowing that it never changes and sometimes never leaves their minds. No matter how advanced humanity gets, no matter what we believe will stop it. . . . War. Never. Changes.

Think about it. We went from killing each other with stick and stone, to swords and bows, to rifles and bombs, to who knows what next. The basic principle is the same as it was thousands of years ago. It never proves who's right or wrong, or who is better or stronger. It just shows who is left in the end, who outlasted the other. Been that way since the dawn of mankind and will continue to be like that till we go extinct. No way around it, world peace is not possible for extended periods of time. There will always be an evil in the world, there will always be assholes who think they are better than everyone else, there will always be people disagreeing and getting violent over it.

Only way everyone ever gets along is if we have a common enemy to fight, even then it will be temporary. Thousand years ago war was fought over religion, then land for resources, now it's mainly for money and oil or some reason to alternatively get the other two. Think about it for a second, why else would governments from any country be so focused with the terror groups in the middle east, yet basically ignore worse terror groups in Africa for example. Answer; middle east has oil, oil equals money. We got all of human history to back that claim up pretty damn well. When one really thinks about humanity as a species, instead of the groups we formed over time. You tend to connect the dots through out our history and find patterns. Rarely has there been a time where we weren't trying to kill each other somewhere. Back to Johnathan's theme.

In a fight, the last one standing is always the most broken and fights the hardest because they have nothing to gain or lose. Johnathan is the embodiment of that very principle. He is always the last one standing after am impossible fight, always the last one left alive through the multiverse. Always feeling alone and broken, even when he has friends to help him. Many people feel like this today, and society seems like it doesn't give two shits about them, and it pisses me off. I'm trying to replicate this mindset through Johnathan so some people can understand the pain and struggle these people so through a bit more. No idea if I am doing a good job or not, I've never been in combat so I can't tell. To some, the battles still rage on even after the war is over. In case some haven't noticed, Johnathan's most notable battles isn't against anything evil, but against himself. Think about it for a little bit. It will make sense. Now I am getting too deep with this example, next!

Velvet's deep theme: The kid being bullied in school. The one always being picked on for being different. We all know that one kid in school that has been picked on or bullied for being different from everyone else. Whether it be they have glasses, or are smarter than the rest, or look different, or believesin something different. Someone who is timid around other people because they are scared of what they'll do. She doesn't fight back because she believes that it will make her no better than the bully, fighting back will give others a reason to accuse her with the White fang. Many are like this because of how judgmental people can be, they don't fight back so others don't get the wrong idea that they are with (insert group of choice here) when they aren't. I'm trying to replicate that mindset through Velvet so people stand up for the people being picked on. Not saying next time you see a bully pick on someone, to go deck them in the jaw unlike my OC (Do NOT do what Johnathan does with bullies. It will get you arrested!), but to stand up for the one being bullied and let them know they are not alone or forgotten. Let them know that everything will be alright and mean it. World is full of enough assholes and idiots. What I'm trying to say is for people be a light in this dark and cruel world. Talking big can only do so much till someone calls bullshit, act on it as well. Actions is a lot louder than words.

When one thinks about this series with a different mindset, RWBY is a lot deeper than it appears on the outside. Ruby is the innocence in all of us, still pure and has yet to be corrupted or crush by the harsh world around us. Weiss is the cold part of us, when we see the world for what it truly is instead of what we're told it is, yet we can be nice to those we get to know and trust. Blake is the part of us that wants to end injustice and corruption in the world, the ones mistreated and hated for being different when they are really a nice person when you get to know them. Yang is the part of us that is determined to find answers to our questions and when we try to block out the world to have fun or what not. Let me explain.

She says she wants to have a good time but when one looks past the obvious outer shell she puts up, she is a mentally broken character. Not as much as Johnathan but still a bit broken nevertheless. Having one mom disappear for whatever reason, another die some time after giving her a little sister (unknown how old Ruby was when Summer died), a dad breaking down in the middle of it all, an alcoholic uncle who is rather funny yet can kick ass when needed, attacked by three Grimm wolves at a very young age, plus who knows what else she hasn't mentioned yet. All this before she is an adult or even a teenager. When one considers the mental trauma of all that on someone as young as Yang or younger in her flashback, I'm surprised Yang is the way she is. Ruby was still a wee little lass in the flashback, so I doubt she even knew what was going on or remembers it. But if she did, that makes her character a bit more believable and why she has a (Pardon the pun with her having the red riding hood theme) a lone wolf fighting style and personality a bit. Enough side tracking, back to the review.

As for the question. Thank you for the answer. I can see the science behind it. A focused laser would have more energy and force behind it them a widespread one.

That's enough ranting for me. Onward to season 2. Next chapter will be Elaia's birthday, the food fight, and Tuskons. Stay tone for that. There will be a slight change to the canon event here. Time to give this to my Beta for editing. Have fun with new views on the world. Hope I didn't make anyone depressed though it.

Back from the half dead! i was sick all last week, and still sorta am, my head is killing me and i still have the next chapter to beta before I can sleep, I think it's some time in the AM area but i'm too tired to go look. so i'm not gonna say anything funny or witty this time, instead, I'll leave you all with...a big old blank spot.

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Isn't it pretty!... I need sleep before I hurt somebody.