Chapter 27
Every rose has it's thorns
Week 9: Day 66
(Johnathan's POV)
I love it in Whiterun. I don't know why, but I feel more at peace here then anywhere else in Skyrim. The bone chilling breeze, wonderful scent of lavender filling the air, wondrous scenery, luscious cuts of red meat, roar of a dragon echoing though out the walls of my house . . . . wait a second. One of these does not belong in this picture.
I wasted no tame rushing out of my house and looked to the skies. Low and behold, flying though the air in it's eminence assholish glory, practically right into my freaking lap is none other then a goddamn dragon. Are you fucking kidding me right now! I've been in this world for all of thirty minutes; THIRTY freaking minutes! And a dragon decides to attack town. Sometimes I think I'm cursed, other times I think that what ever gods are watching me love to use me as entertainment.
"What in Oblivion." Lydia swore as she ran out to see the dragon practically at the walls. "By the Nine, I hate your freaking luck."
"I hate it even more. Get your bow and as many arrows as you can hold. We're going to need something with decent range." I replied as I used the zoom function to try to determine what type of dragon it was while she ran inside, with Ruby and Velvet running out. "System: Analyze."
"What is that?" Velvet asked as my HUD dinged and Lydia ran out with her bow at the ready, ebony helmet on and menacing.
"Dragon." I replied taking aim with my assault rifle and switching the safety off.
~Creature analyzed~
Species: Elder Dragon
Threat level: Extremely dangerous
Combat tactics: Fly-by frost/fire breath fly-by, chomping, various Thu'um shouts
Suggestion: Attack at a distance, aim for the wings. Unleash hell when it lands
Description: Notably stronger and wiser then it's younger cousins. An Elder Dragon can use multiple Thu'um shouts. Most notable shouts are fire breath, frost breath, and unrelenting force. It is advised to attack the wings first. It becomes a lot easier to kill when it's grounded. Do not engage in foggy or obscured conditions, they will use any and all cover to their advantage. Remember; these dragons know more shouts them they let on.
"Get down!" I replied opening fire at the beast as it flew over head. Several rounds shot though the air and cracked through scales of the monstrous winged creature as it swooped past me. Velvet had to duck so the beast's wing didn't take her head it. It shouted loud and mightily as fire burned though the morning dew and through out the town. Nineteen left in the mag, only for ten mag for this thing. Got to make every single shot count. Aim for fleshy spots; eyes, inside the mouth, underbelly maybe, ears if I can find them. Anything that will do the most damage possible. "Ruby, what kind of range does Crescent Rose have again?"
"800 meters easy in rifle form. 2600 in scythe form if I plant the blade in the ground." She replied pulling her beloved weapon out as the blade part folded up and the whole weapon went into gun form. Still not use to most of the weapons from their universe having multiple forms. I can see why for efficiency reasons. I'll have to look into that, think I can add a blade to my railgun when I get a power cell for it. Yeah I'll add a plasma blade to it later, right now focus on killing that dragon.
"Get on top of a roof and act as out eyes on where it's at, only shoot if you think it will connect. We can afford to waste any more ammo right now. I'll lay down some suppressor fire to cover you. Aim for soft spots; eyes, mouth, anything not covered in scales. They'll do more damage. Lydia, help the guards get the towns people to safety. Take them to Dragon's reach, you keep them off and away from the open streets. You're from here, they'll listen to you better." I ordered as the dragon roared a second time coming back for another fly-by. I threw my pistol toward Velvet and she caught it. "Get to cover and use this to protect yourself, fire at will and show no mercy. Use the same mindset you guys use to kill grimm, and you'll be fine. Remember, this thing wants to kill us so we have to kill it first. Mu; call Oobleck though the short wave radio and have him move my hog away from here, tell him to do whatever it takes to protect Elaia. Everyone move!"
Almost as quickly as I barked the orders out, and people listened. They respect my commands to the letter. Velvet quickly ran for cover behind rocks near a house as the beast ran by shouting fire thought the streets. Ruby ran for the nearest building and used her scythe to hist herself on the roof of the Belathor's goods. I raised my rifle toward the beast and opened fire in short controlled bursts toward the flying beast to buy her some time. Each round connected as it flew by and shouted fire in front of me. I wasn't even fazed as I peppered more rounds into it's scaly hide. Even the guards listened to me and begun evacuating people away from the streets with Lydia's help. The beast roared again as Ruby again converted her beloved scythe into it's gun form and begun spitting off shots at it. I saw each and every round hit it's mark. Mostly the wings, putting holes in and damaging them. Trying to ground the beast. She's a good marksmen. I'll thank her uncle if I ever meet him. It roared again as it flew into the clouds above. Crafty bastard this one is. It can come from anywhere in the sky.
"I lost it!" Ruby yelled.
"Watch out Ruby, you'll be right in it's line of. . . ." I replied but got interrupted as the beast erupted though a cloud and a watch tower, right toward poor Ruby. The poor girl didn't have time to jump off as the beast's wing caught her in the gut the threw her through the window to the Bartered Mare. My HUD informed me that her Aura meter is in the red and my Bio scan says she is unresponsive with a shard of glass inside her gut, barely away form anywhere important. I swore as the beast shouted another line of fire though the streets, burning the houses and businesses. "Damn it, we're going to need some bigger guns to take this thing out." As if Mara or Azura answered to my distress, help came. Bursting thought the front gates was Jaune's 'Hog, with the frightened Jaune being tossed out of it and into a bunch of barrels by Mu's reckless driving. Cole was more then likely fast asleep under a tree or in my 'Hog if I know him. Perfect timing Mu, perfect timing. "Where's Elaia?" I asked helping him up.
"Oobleck has a good eye on her. They're behind a thick stone wall, she's safe." Jaune informed wobbling a bit.
"Good, go with the guards and help them evacuate the streets. If you can, put out some of the fires, stop them from spreading." I replied hopping into the back of the vehicle and pulled the machine gun bolt to chamber in a starter round, ready to unleash hell. "Get down." I replied before pulling the trigger. He ducked behind Velvet's cover as the dragon flew right toward us. A hailstorm of bullets escaped from my barrel and into it's scaly hide, making blood erupt from the holes I put in. One thing I've learned from Freelancer that isn't really helpful a lot, these guns seem to never run out of ammo so raise some hell any chance I get. The beast soared over head and begun falling toward the market district. I let up on the barrage of brass as it crashed into the one old lady's weapon stall, blanketing the whole area in a cloud of dust and dirt. Hog can't get though the narrow street too well. It's confined to the front gate area when in town.
" Velvet, now is the perfect time to use your box." Mu informed from the 'Hog's radio. Coco warned me that Velvet's been building up her weapon all semester, and to not let her waste it. She hasn't showed me what it does yet, well the one time during the field trip. A dome shield would be useful if that is what it does. She never explained, kept telling me it was a 'surprise'. Does Mu know something I don't? Probably if I know her by now. She knows a lot more then she lets on.
"Really!" Velvet asked getting a bit excited giving my pistol back.
"Just be sure to keep the collateral damage to a minimum. Be sure that you use only the ones you can replace easy." Mu replied. Velvet smiled as she calmly walked toward the dragon. It got up out of the dust to it's full height and sized up my bite sized girlfriend, well bite sized for him.
"The hell are you thinking Mu, it's going to kill her!" I yelled aiming the turret back at the beast. I kept my fingers near the trigger as the dragon roared mightily at Velvet, who didn't appear fazed by it in the least. Can't open fire just yet, Velvet is too close and I might hit her by mistake. Damn it, why does a dragon always attack when I visit Skyrim.
"Just watch." Mu replied from my HUD this time, giving off a rather out of character sly smile.
"Boziik bo wah krif goraan gein. Bold move to fight young one. Nuz ni onik wah krif Dov. But not wise to fight a dov." The dragon spoke in a old and ancient voice. (A/N What it said is a fictional language. Dovah-zul. Language of the dragons in Skyrim. Each word is translated right from the official language site.)Velvet held out her hand like she was going to grab something as her box went to work. A blue light emitted from the side of the box as a hard light replica of a M41 rocket launcher constructed to fit her hands. "Yol Toor Shul!" It shouted with a voice mighty and proud as flames spewed from it's voice, quite literally. Velvet didn't waste a second as she jumped in the air before the flames hit her. She smiled as she brought both hands to hold the beast of a gun and opened fire. Two hard light rockets shot from the barrel and hit the dragon square in the face, making it erupt in a cloud of blue. She rolled across the back of the beast as the rocket launcher changed to Pyrrha's sword and shield. She used the shield to block the incoming tail and used the sword to slice at it's back. The beast flapped it's wings and tried to shake her off. The sword and shield quickly changed to my duel energy swords as she scissor cut the base of the right wing. The copy of my blades sliced though the thick scales of the wing like it was made of butter, the dragon roared in pain as it's severed appendage fell to the ground. Velvet quickly changed her weapons from my swords to Nora's hammer as she brought it down on the beast's head as she vaulted in the air from the force. Who knew she had this kind of ferocity in her. Then again, all of the situation's we've been in she either didn't have her box or we were heavily outnumbered. How is she controlling her box to change so quickly? "Fus Ro DAH!" The beast shouted as it used it's unrelenting force shout to throw Velvet out of the air and into a stone wall, separating her from her box. It hobbled as it turned to face my girlfriend. I know what it's going to do next.
"Mu, go protect the civilians!" I ordered jumping down from the turret, running toward Velvet with every ounce of energy I have dedicated to making it in time. It reared back and got ready to shout again. I slid under its legs and raise my human arm toward the beast as I stopped in front of Velvet. I focused all my mental energy on my semblance and praying it works here. Like before, a hardlight shield deployed from the light around me. The beast unleashed it's shout at us, mighty and blistering like the inside of a volcano. The flames hit the shield dead center as they broke apart and split off around the edged. I grunted in pain as the heat from a thousand erupting volcanoes crept though the shield and up my arm. The beast didn't let up as it put every ounce of energy it had into the shout. Now it was a test of will. Who will be the first to drop? The unstoppable offense? or unbreakable defense?
"HEY!" Ruby yelled as a round hit the side of the beast, making it erupt in blood. Then you have Ruby over there. It stopped shouting and growled as it turned to see the young reaper holding Crescent Rose with it's blade deep in the ground. She wasn't looking too good, her corset was dripping blood as it looked like she pulled a glass shard out. Yang is going to kill me, assuming this dragon doesn't first. Yang can get my undead ghost, assuming there is one for her to kill anyway. Ruby pulled the bolt back and kept firing at the dragon. Round after round, each one hit it's side as it roared in pain at her, but she didn't give in and kept shooting.
"Fus ro DAH!" It shouted sending a shock wave down the street, knocking Ruby on the ground and her scythe away. Then in one large lunge, the beast closed the distance between them and held her right under it's claws as it used it's good wing to support itself. It was going to comp down on her before Jaune jumped on the beast's back, holding a red energy sword in one hand while the other locked on the beast's right horn. He brought the sword down and slashed the beast's left eye. It roared in agony as it thrashed around more to try to throw the blonde knight off, Ruby used this time to run out from under it's claws. "Krii lun aus!" It shouted as a wave of purple echoed though out the skies. The blonde knight looked more scared then anything, but he didn't let go as he brought the sword down harder and made it go though the top of it's head, the blade went in deep down and stopped just at the bulge. The beast roared one final time before falling to the ground, dead as a doorknob. The blonde knight slid off the beast as he wobbled away from the beast. Looking scared out of his wits, not that I blame him. Killing a dragon is no easy task, physically and mentally. I'm surprised he was able to pull it off. Guess he proved me wrong.
"Did I really kill it? Is it dead?" He asked panting in exhaustion deactivating the sword and letting it fall to the ground. I panted as my shield broke away into random waves of light. I looked around to see the damage we caused. Several buildings damaged, grass all around on fire, glass from multiple places littered the ground. Where did Jaune even get the sword from? I think Ozpin locked up all the Elite's swords and torched their bodies. Jaune must have kept one, a souvenir of the blade that almost killed him.
"It's over. We won." I replied helping Velvet up. I winced in pain as my human arm felt like it had the worst sunburn in existence. I don't dare look under the armor. I took off my helmet and tried to catch my breath. "Everyone aright? How you doing over there Ruby?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Little cut up, but I'll live." Ruby replied holding her bleeding side with her scythe in her other hand, using it to support herself. "Hey, you alright Jaune?" The Blonde in question looked like he was either going to pass out or vomit in the nearest barrel. I know that look, South had to literally beat that look out of me at Freelancer, and it wasn't painless either.
"He's just a bit shaken up, first major kill. Or he just now realized the real danger this world holds and how screwed he truly is." I replied as Velvet got her box back. So now I know what that box does. Copies weapons, that would explain her interest in photography, also explains why most her pictures are on other people's weapons. Wonder if it needs to be from her camera specifically or could pictures from my helmet work? If so then I got a whole lot of weaponry she can use from my helmet cam. Her with the power of a Fat Man or a Widow rifle, though the last may be a bit much for her. I almost broke my arm firing the damn thing, it has some serious recoil. What did Mu mean by 'ones she can replace easily', do they get destroyed after she uses them?
"Why don't you give him a kiss to pull him out of it. A beautiful damsel always reward her lovable knight for saving her." Mu replied popping up on my shoulder. "Isn't that how it goes in fairy tales?" I swear Ruby light up like a Christmas tree at the idea of her kissing Jaune. Then again, this is Ruby I'm talking about. Boyfriends are not really going to be a high priory on her mind. If anything, I think she would date her beloved scythe before she dates another person. At least that is what I observed over the past nine weeks. Before I could say anything Velvet puckered up her lips and tried her damnedest to reach mine, even on her tippy toes she could barely reach my chin. "Looks like your beautiful damsel wants to repay her incredibly brave Freelancer. Are you going to let her?" Mu, we've been over this already. There is a fine hairline between bravery and stupidity. I like to think I walk that line every single day of my life.
I smirked as I picked Velvet up by her waist and locked lips with my special princess. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around my neck and melted away into the kiss, trying to lead it surprisingly. This is new for Velvet. French kissing me for saving her life. I can't complain at all. This is the farthest I've gone with a woman, with me willingly going along with it. In that moment between the two of us, I felt like the luckiest man in the entire multiverse. Technically that right goes to the Master Chief, but that is beside the point. We separated after a bit for air, her eyes told me everything. She is overjoyed and thankful.
"Thanks for protecting me, again." She replied hugging my armored chest. I smiled as her rabbit ears barely grazed the bottom of my chin and tickled a bit. Ruby shrugged her shoulders and leaned up and kissed her blonde knight square on the lips.
(Third person POV)
"My overprotective sisterly instincts are tingling." Yang informed stopping her pacing in the RWBY dorm. "And I have the sudden urge to deck Jaune in the jaw, hard!"
"Monty Oum, give it a rest Yang. They're in a completely different universe right now, under Johnathan's heavily armed supervision. Stop worrying about every little thing that could go wrong over there." Weiss replied as Blake casually went about reading a book she borrowed from Freelancer's dorm, not really caring what is going on with the overprotective blonde. Rhode was a bit busy walking Rosa and Azula, with Serena's help of course. The rest of JNPR, CFVY, and Alice was kind of busy trying to calm Nora down after Tex made an escape and jumped into the hammer wielder's scroll. She is giving Nora a ton of fun ideas and some of her not so good habits. "Johnathan probably knows what he's doing and won't let anything happen to her. It's not like she's fought a dragon over there or making out with Jaune."
"You don't know that! You heard Cole, that world is dangerous!" Yang responded. "And I don't want my little sister seduced by Vomit boy."
"Yang, this is Jaune you're talking about." Blake chipped in not looking up from her book. "He couldn't seduce someone even if he had a step by step guide on 'How to get laid' in front of him while doing so."
"Your probably right Blake, Vomit boy is too goofy anyway. I'm getting worked up over nothing." She replied sitting down on Blake's bed, nervously tapping her fingers. "But there is the slight chance that . . ."
"Johnathan is too well armed for anything like that to happen. Bandits would run for their lives at the sight of him." Blake replied, still not looking up from the book.
"So I'm suppose to sit here and wait while my baby sister is in another universe doing who knows what, getting into who knows how much trouble. With an insane portal maker as her only way back?" She asked.
"Yep."
"Bingo."
"BATTER UP!" Nora yelled as a distinct warp echoed though the building. Not even two seconds later Cardin smashed though the window and hit the wall face first, moaning in pain as he held his bloody private parts. Weiss cautiously looked out the window to find Nora dancing around the courtyard, with a gravity hammer in her hands.
"Trough the window, sounds of it he hit the wall face first as well. RWBY's window but close enough. Nice swing Nora, ten pain points for Cardin-ball. Get ten more and you earn my undying respect." Tex chuckled from her shoulder in AI form. "I say that was a home run at least. Let's go recover the 'ball'. Aim for his dorm's window, send them a message that will stick. We'll teach them not to pull on faunus's tails or ears."
"Can I break his legs next? Please?" Nora asked excitedly as she held her deadly alien hammer.
"Break his arms while you're at it. He deserves every bit of pain we can dish out." Tex replied cracking her knuckles. "I have a feeling this will be the start of a beautiful friendship Valkyrie."
"I think Ruby is in a safer place then we are right now." Weiss commented as the hammer wielding maniac ran from her recovery party after her. With how quickly Nora can run when she's excited, not even Alice could keep up with her. That is a very scary thought.
"A whole lot safer." Blake added as Cardin kept moaning on pain. "We should do something about him shouldn't we?"
(Johnathan's POV)
"By the nine, is it really dead?" One of the guards asked walking down from the stairs to the big tree thing.
"I don't know. Let me check for a pulse." I replied drawing my pistol. I fired not one, not two, but seven live round bullets in the dragon's head. The guard was a bit startled by the gun firing but quickly played it off when he noticed I wasn't aiming for him. I smirked as I put my pistol away. "No pulse. It's as dead as one can get. " I replied giving Velvet a quick kiss.
"I heard gun fire. Everyone okay?" Oobleck asked popping up from the front gate with Elaia behind him. Why is he here? I thought he would be far away from the dragon, keeping Elaia safe.
"We're good. Ruby might need a healer though." I responded as the dragon's corpse crackled and sizzled. Just need to do one thing to be sure it's defiantly not coming back. "Elaia, do you want to show your friends your epic magic trick? Ruby, you may want to get Jaune back." I asked sweetly. She smiled running up to me as bits of fire sprouted from the dragon's corpse. Ruby and Jaune listened as a plethora of color lit up from the dragon and went toward Elaia. It swirled around her as she smiled away. The copse slowly burnt away as each beam of light got absorbed into Elaia. Velvet and the others looked a bit wide eyes as the dragon that nearly killed us was reduced to a pile of bones, and the light died out as Elaia passed out in my arms, snoring lightly. Poor girl, happens every time. She'll at least sleep well tonight.
"She . . . she took it's very soul. She is . . . dragonborn. So the tales are true?" One of the guards asked as he looked between the dead dragon and my snoring daughter. Man, I get so sick of answering this question when ever we visit Skyrim. Think everyone would know by now, especially with how fast word travels here.
"Yes, and I expect her to have free roam of the city next time we visit." I replied gently lifting up the sleeping seven year old. Wait a second . . . . she absorbed a elder dragon's soul. Does that mean she knows a new shout from it. Dear lord I hope not! I can barely handle her with part of storm call and all of unrelenting force at her disposal. Hate to imagine her with any more shouts. Okay clear skies wouldn't be too bad.
"Why yes, of course. I'll go notify the other guards that it's safe to let the citizens out. Stay there, the Jarl will want to award you four personally. You've all done this city a great service." He replied running away. Oobleck and Ruby looked at me weirdly. Jaune still looked like he was just grasping the fact that a girl just kissed him, on top of the fact that he killing a dragon. Dude, you might as well have won the lottery. I know plenty of people who would kill to be in your shoes right now.
"What just happened? What did he mean by 'she took it's very soul'?" Oobleck asked.
"Complicated answer. You see in this world; souls can be collected easily though the access of soul gems and the right spell or enchantment. The stronger the soul, the greater the gem needed to contain it. Soul gems are used in enchanting equipment so that it's better. Souls like ours is black so we'd need the highest level soul gem so we give the highest tier of enchantments. Souls like that from a chicken or wolf is petty so they provide the lowest tier of enchanting. Simple term. Different world, different laws of everything." I explained as Velvet took Elaia from my arms. "Elaia is a very special individual. Unlike me, you, or any of us. She is born with the blood and soul of a dragon like the pile of bones there, but the body and frailty of a mortal like us. Hence the name 'Dragonborn'. She gains knowledge on her shouts by absorbing dragon souls. So far, if my math is right, she has absorbed . . . . seven dragon souls counting this one. Curious on which shout she learned after this one."
"So the bane of the mighty Thalmor returns to my city with friends, slayed a dragon within my walls, brought another machine of war and the Dragonborn back. What has my city done to deserve you?" A old yet wise voice asked. My eyes quickly went to where the guard just was. Walking down the steps was none other then Jarl Balgruuf the Greater and his Dark elf housecarl, forget her name right off the bat. Lydia was right beside her, bow on her back and arrows in her quiver. The court wizard behind her, forget his name as well.
"Good to see you as well, you milk drinker." I insulted. Not sure whether he's complimenting me or insulting me. I'll go with the insult because I know how Nords are."Where in Oblivion are the Companions? I thought for sure they would be the first to jump on the 'Dragon slaying' battle wagon."
"They're out on a trip into High Rock, or was it to Morrowind? I forget. They're hunting Deadra with their hounds. I don't pay to much attention to what they do, as long as they pay their taxes and don't cause trouble. They left last week, won't be back till First seed. . . . . " He replied. Their hounds? OH. . . . I know what he's talking about now. Yeah, their dogs do need a lot of exercise, especially with how big their mutts are. Now I remember why we came here for.
"One moment. Lydia, you got my map?" I asked. She tossed it from her spot behind the Jarl to me. I quickly grabbed it out of the air and handed it Ruby. She's our official navigator, don't get us lost. "Okay, you can continue Jarl whats-your-name."
"Balgruuf. But I'm actually here to reward you all." He replied drawing his steel sword and giving it to Jaune. The sword glowed like it was betting to burn something. I can see Jaune getting into a lot of trouble because of it. Jaune hesitantly took it with his signiture goofy smile "I present to the slayer of the mighty dragon an enchanted weapon, one from my personal armory. May it aid you in battle as it once did for me."
"Thanks, your majesty." Jaune nervously replied avoiding eye contact with the housecarl. Said dark elf chuckled as she made way for the purple robed court wizard. The Jarl took a book from his hands and stopped in front of Velvet, she didn't have her hood up and her rabbit ears were showing. Oh I hope he is open minded about this, and not bullheaded like most the Nords here. Just in case, I had my hand near my sword.
"To the rabbit eared battle mage, I present to you with this spell tome for a bound bow. So you're never separated from your own weapon again. My guards told me of the spells you cast. Farengar there is jealous." He proclaimed as he handed Velvet the purple covered book.
"I am not, just amazed someone as young as her could have such a high mastery over the arcane arts. Curious on her ears though, I can only assume it was from an experiment gone wrong." The wizard replied. Velvet smiled as she handed me Elaia and took the book. Sure, let's go with that if it helps you sleep better at night.
"Thank you sir. I'll be sure to try to read it when I get time." She replied respectfully. He gave a light chuckle as he turned to face Ruby, who was still holding her side. I think we'll need that healer sooner then later. The girl from the apothecary walked out holding a white phial and gave it to the Jarl.
"To the young scythe wielder. I gift to you the only successful copy of the White phial, filled with a healing potion that regenerated once a day. Costed a pretty septim and was going to give it to our resident healer, but you deserve this seeing as you got the worse of the fight." He proclaimed handing Ruby the potion.
"Thanks, I am defiantly going to need it." She thanked popping the cap off and practically guzzling the potion down, the effects were almost instant. Her wound glowed ruby red then vanished, fully healed like nothing happened there. Guess healing potions boost Aura here, good to know. I better stock up before we leave this universe. She put the cap back on and burped a bit. "Excuse me. I feel much better now. Thank you." The Jarl chuckled as he turned to Oobkeck, who gave a respectful nod.
"I can assume you're their teacher." The Jarl noted as his housecarl handed him a worn red book. "To you I give the gift a simple but good book. One of my personal favorites. A game at dinner, may it's contents provide you with the courage to continue to guide these young souls Professor."
"Thank you good sir, and its Doctor Oobleck." He corrected taking the book and nodding his head. The Jarl then turned to me as Lydia walked up beside him and knelt down in front of me with a golden necklace with a beautiful emerald in the center and several rubies on the side.
"For you, Johnathan Grey; Thane of my beloved hold, bane of the Thalmor, slayer of many beasts. I present you the golden necklace of Valor. May it bring you good fortune in battle like it once did me." He proclaimed handing me the necklace, I shook my head as I closed his hands around it. I don't deserve an award of any type. I just told people what to do and shot at the beast. If anyone deserves that award it's Jaune. He needs it more then I do.
"I don't deserve any awards, I was just doing my job." I replied.
"Are you sure you want to decline such a generous gift? You lead your comrades here to victory, only fair that the leader gets something as well." He asked.
"Only award I want is to see my friends happy and alive." I informed shifting Elaia so she will sleep better. Lydia opened my robotic hand and left the necklace in it. I can see she is stubborn like a Nord.
"Then accept it as a gift from an old friend, for protecting her city." She replied looking me straight in the eyes. I can tell in that moment, she wasn't going to let me decline this offer in her world. I declined the offer to join the companions, declined the 'gifts' from countless women after freeing them from some bandit's captivity, even declined several Deadric prince's offers to be their champions. The last one was for a really good reason, many of which were assholes and evil people who wanted me to spread chaos. Not while I'm alive jackasses. Only two I liked were Azura and Maridia, they weren't half bad and I respect them to a point. Even though I never 'meet' them. Only heard their voices in my head when I passed their shrines.
"There is no getting out of this one, is there?" I asked. She nodded forcing my hand to close around it. Well, I guess there is no talking my way out of this one. I signed as I took the necklace from my old ally. "Thank you Lydia." I replied softly putting the necklace in my breastplate pocket.
"Whiterun is in your debt. If there is ever something we could do for you, let me know." The Jarl offered as his court wizard inspected Velvet's ears a bit more, this time combing her hair. Making Velvet uneasy and nervous. I swear, that guy is going to be the reason I'll waste my 'break the law once because I'm the thane of this hold' card. Saving it for a really good reason, rather not waste it on this prick.
"Facinating. The rabbit ears are attached to her like real ears. Curious if they behave like real ones as well?" The wizard mused as he sort of snapped a bit hear her ears, which caused then to twitch and flatten against her head. He made Velvet extremely uncomfortable, I can see it in her body language. My hand instantly went to my pistol. "They do, may I ask what sort of experiment were you working on when that happened?"
"If fact there is something you can do. Please get your court wizard away from my girlfriend before I shoot his ass." I replied clicking the safety off, just in case the next words out of his mouth offend or embarrass Velvet deeply. I know she can take care of herself, but it is still my duty to protect her from any harm. If he so much as harms a hair on her, he'll be missing a head and not the one his brain is in. "He's making her uncomfortable and I'll give him a gentleman's warning, Strike one."
"I'm just studying her. I've never seen someone quite like her. Wonder if she can hear better because of her ears? Or what other side effects came with the experiment." He replied backing away, not breaking his focus on her ears. "Rabbits are well known for breeding like crazy when in heat. Can the same be said for you as well?" BAMM! One of my rounds zoomed past his head, barely missing him by a millimeter and hit a mead bottle sitting on the city well. Everyone looked at the smoking barrel of my pistol as I put it away. The guards all drew their weapons as kept my eyes focused on the wizard. This guy is really getting on my nerves quick. That kind of topic is off limits to anyone she doesn't feel comfortable talking about it to. I don't know the answer nor do I want to yet, never asked because it's none of my business. She wants to tell someone anything regarding that, it will be on her own terms at her decided time and nothing less dammit!
"I missed because that was a warning shot. Strike two." I calmly informed putting myself between him and Velvet, handing Elaia off to Oobleck. "Really want to find out what happens at strike three." My hands went to both my pistols just in case.
"Farengar, stop annoying the young woman. Johnathan has the right to defend his woman should the situation demand it. We won't stop him if it comes to that." Balgruuf informed annoyed at his wizard.
"I'm just asking a few question. Not everyday we see someone with her condition." Farengar retaliated. Her condition! Oh, so now she's sick! This guy is really cruising for a bruising.
"Give me a reason why I shouldn't shoot him. Doesn't have to be a good one or even make sense." I whispered to Velvet. She is the one who he is harassing. So she'll be the judge on whether or not he breeds again. I blame Tex for drilling that little bit into me.
"Because you're better then that." She replied. Well I asked for a reason, that is a reason. I'll listen to my rabbit eared angel. But if he says anything degrading about her again, I'm shooting.
"Too personal of questions. What would you do if you were in Johnathan's shoes there?" He asked.
"I'd let her answer the questions. There is nothing wrong with asking a few questions. Knowledge comes before anything, even ones own comfort." He answered. BAMM! Another shot rang barely past where the good lord split him and hit another mead bottle. Damn it, I 'missed'. He obviously has no balls, not like I was going to hit them anyway. No I'll hire Tex to do that for me. She knows a hundred different ways to break someone's balls. Each time more painful than the last. Obvious how I know.
"Strike two and a half." I informed keeping my pistol trained on his kneecaps. I heard the phrase 'arrow to the knee' by all the guards here. Wonder what he'd do then if he got a bullet to the knee? Let's see, he is a court wizard now. Arrow to the knee turns a adventurer into a guard. So I think a bullet to the knee will make him the new town drunk. Never was good at that kind of math.
"Okay, let's all settle down before someone looses an eye . . . . or their life." Jaune interrupted trying to be the voice of reason, holding his hands out between the two of us. Oh this Mage is going to loose more than an eye if he asks Velvet one more uncomfortable question regarding her Faunus nature. Next time I'm going to blow out his kneecaps. If he's lucky I'll stop there. "How about we start heading to Markarth, like right now, before someone breaks something important."
"Wiser words have never been spoken this day." The Jarl agreed forcing himself between me and the wizard, I put my pistol away so I don't blow this guy's kneecaps off. I respect this guy. "If you're heading into the Reach, beware the shadows. That hold is teeming with Forsworn camps." He warned.
"No problem, we got just the thing for those guys." I replied as Ruby and Jaune begun walking away. Oobleck and Velvet were next with me behind them. I turned around to give the wizard one last glance as Lydia begun heading home. "Oh before I forget. Lydia, can you get my my needle rifle real quick? If we're going up against Forsworn Brierhearts, I'm going to need something with good range."
(Meta's POV)
Vale
"Remember Maine; we're here for relaxing, not to kill everything in sight. " Sigma reminded as I walked down the streets of Vale, left my armor back at the White Fang FOB. Snow white hoodie and tropical orange cargo pants helped me blend in with the general population. . . . well blend in better anyway. Brown baseball cap hid my Meta tattoo and black earphones in so I can hear Sigma. My bruteshot on my back ready to go with a strap across my chest. I growled at my AI as Sigma remained on my newly acquired scroll. We hid the Metal Gear in a safe place. Large abandoned warehouse we're going to recruit new members at, just barely in the city limits yet far away from prying eyes. Had to 'bribe' the local gangs to keep the Police and military away from the machine. By bribe I mean threaten to kill them, their friends, AND their families if anything happens to it. Had to make an example out of one Gangster wannabe, who had his spine ripped out from his body with the head attached as well. Safe to say that was a fatal mistake on his part to challenge me. Gets the point across effectively. All they have to do is lure the authorities away from the building if the heat gets too high. How they do so, I can care less as long as they don't touch the machine."Cinder thinks it's best we take a few hours off to relax and scope out the town better. I hate it just as much as you do, but you're only human. Take some time off to replenish your mind, then we can get back to work."
I growled distastefully. I hated wearing civilian cloths, I hated having to slow down to recover, I hated everything at this point. As if the god of this world had a wicked sense of humor, a familiar ice cream themed munchkin pulled on my hoodie to get my attention. I looked down to find Neo smiling away as she pointed to a Cafe'. Of course I was stuck being babysat by the one person in this god forsaken world I hated more then Agent Ohio.
Emily and Cinder don't trust me alone, they're afraid I'd go on a rampage and get them all discovered. Plus they said that 'Me and Neo to not come back till we can learn to get along'. I do get along with the munchkin. She is still alive isn't she? I was merciful and only tied her up yesterday. Were it my choice, she's be thrown in the same cage as the Indominous in a heart beat. Omega and Gamma were also in my scroll, off to the side and not really useful for anything right now. Emily and commander Riley were watching the the Indominous, to be sure she doesn't get out again. Last time she escaped, she killed twenty nine White Fang members before Emily subdued her with Force lightning. I didn't know why she wanted the little runt, nor do i care. I done my job, now on to the next.
"I think she's trying to tell you something." Sigma informed. Neo tugged at my hoodie some more, I growled a bit more as she got out her scroll and wrote down what she wanted. I groaned in annoyance once I read it.
Neo: Want to get something to drink? That place serves good coffee.
"Looks like your girlfriend is hungry Maine, you should treat her to something good. May I suggest the hotel down the street, they on;y charge you to the nearest hour." Omega teased chuckling away like a mad man. Once again you nitwit, she is not my girlfriend Sigma. If anything, she is a thorn in my side more than someone I even remotely like. Never the less, I do need food to keep going. I haven't eaten in all day. Since I left my wallet in my armor, I can't pay for it.
"Be good O'Mally, don't be an annoyance to Maine, that's his lover's job. She probably has a dirty fantasy with him she wants him to fulfill that is fueled by her antics." Gamma teased as well laughing away as well. One more joke like that away putting both their chips on the ground and stomping them to dust. I groaned as Neo grabbed a hold of my hand and dragged me to the Cafe. Why do I have to put up with this, I can dispose of the runt in three seconds. Maybe ten if she runs.
Too many witnesses Maine, way too many witnesses. Can't be caught, can't kill your way out of this one.
Why can't I?
Simple, you don't want to waste your bruteshot ammo. We got a limited supply till we can steal some more dust for ourselves.
But I have special training? I can take her with my bare hands. I'll say that she got killed by Hunters and dump the body in the sewer. It wouldn't take long. No one would know. I wouldn't miss her.
Don't get cocky Maine, its that type of attitude that will be your down fall. Focus on blending into the general population. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble that way.
Why am I arguing with myself again?
I have no idea. You're the dumbass arguing with a figment of your imagination.
I groaned in annoyance as I sat down at a rubber coated table. Small beach umbrella opened up over head blocked the sun from my ghostly pale skin. I signed as I held my head in pain. Headaches keep coming back, and one is tugging on my hoodie. I looked down to find Neo showing me her scroll again.
Neo: You want anything? I'll pick up the tab.
Guess I should count myself lucky that my annoyance is generous . . . wait a minute! What's the catch? I learned that she does nothing for free. There is always some type of catch. Like when she 'helped' me recover after I was beaten to near death by Ohio. She got basic necessities for me, but would often leave them just outside my reach. Or made a illusion of what I needed only for it to shatter when I reached out for it. Sigma had to talk her into using her 'Aura' to speed up the healing process for me. But because she's mute like I am, she can't unlock my aura, assuming I still have a soul that is. I took the scroll and wrote down my own message.
Meta: Alright, what is the catch?
She took the scroll and wrote her message.
Neo: We're in the same boat and stuck with each other for a while. You're way too fun to annoy, but we need to learn to work together better. We'd get our jobs done a whole lot quicker if we're not at each other's throats. Consider this my offer for peace between us, at least till the job is done.
Gee, nice to know I'm good as a source of entertainment. But the munchkin has a point. We are on the same team . . . well more like 'the people paying us are allies so we're stuck working together'. We ain't going to get much done if we're trying to annoy each other. Sooner we get our jobs done, the sooner I can get Mu and the Promethean vision from Ohio. I took the scroll and typed on my message.
Meta: Alright, but only till our jobs are done. After that, we go our separate ways.
Neo: Sounds good to me. How do you take your coffee?
Meta: Black bitter, with a doughnut on the side.
Neo smiled as she took her scroll and strolled up to the counter. I kept a close eye on her as she typed on her scroll the order to the clerk. I'll go along with her 'peace treaty' for now. I know that peace never lasts long, so I need to keep a close eye on her. If she's planning something, I'll be ready.
"You're not going soft on us Meta? Did you really accept your girlfriend's peace invite? Be sure to wear protection. Rather not see what you two's child would end up like." Omega teased chuckling away. You're really testing my patience Omega. Rather not have to deactivate you. I know where a EMP device is at, you'll never be missed. I wouldn't mind the loss of strength if it means being rid of you when you're like this. I'll take the consequences.
"Stop teasing Maine you two. They're barely allies, no thanks to both your sick minds and dirty mouths." Sigma scolded.
"Oh come on Sigma, we're dying of boredom here. We need something to do." Gamma replied. "Annoying Maine like this is all we got for entertainment. What do you expect us to do? Crossword puzzles?"
"If it means shutting you two up than yes, go do crossword puzzles for all I care. Just don't tease Maine." Sigma replied as Neo walked back with two Styrofoam cups and a bag in her hands. She set my coffee in front of me with the bag beside it while she sat across from me, smiling away as she sipped on her cup of lightened coffee. I narrowed my eyes as I picked up my cup to find it was real and solid. So this offer was genuine? No jokes? No illusions to piss me off?
"I can come up with so many jokes for this. Which one to should I use." Omega informed a I heard a loud smack from my headphones. "Ouch, will you stop that! It's getting very annoying.. . ." That's it, I'm done with them. They're getting on my nerves more then Neo has. I put my scroll away and with my earphones. They want to make fun of me for shits and giggles, I can can put them on silent and stuff them in my pocket. If I can't hear them, they can't annoy me. How do you like me now jerks. I picked up my cup and took a small sip. Black bitter coffee, just the way I like it. Neo pulled out her scroll and types in a message for me.
Neo: Why do you still keep those two around? They're annoying as ever loving hell.
She was referring to Gamma and Omega. I can understand the reason she'd ask. I took the scroll land types my response.
Meta: You mean Gamma and Omega. They run the equipment I 'obtained' for my armor. With out them, I can't use half my equipment properly.
She nodded her head typing in her new message. I rolled my eyes as I took a bite of my doughnut. I rather not mention those two again for a while. They are seriously getting on my last nerve. Guess I can tolerate this side of Neo . . . when she's not swiping my Bruteshot every two fucking minutes and blowing holes in the walls or ceiling, or paying Emerald to make me see Ohio everywhere I go . . . . or duct taping me to my bed and forcing me to watch soap operas. What is with women and their stupid soap operas. I can never keep track of who's sleeping with who, or who did what crime, or anything at all. Bunch of bullshit drama if someone asks me.
Neo: What about the orange one? Is he the one in charge of the other AI?
Meta:You could say that. Sigma was my first AI. He helps me communicates with others after my injury.
Neo: Injury, what happen?
Meta: I got shot in the throat nine times at point blank while on the job.
Neo: Nine times! How did you survive?
Meta: Freelancer had the best damn doctors in the universe at it's disposal. They fixed me up to fighting condition in a few weeks but couldn't save my vocal cords. What about you, what's your story?
That question she bit her bottom lip at. Doesn't take a genius to know that is a sensitive subject. This one took longer then the others. Must be difficult for her to reveal. She handed me the scroll back as I read though it.
Neo: I was born with damaged vocal cords. For as long as I can remember; I was always criticized and teased for not being able to speak like the other kids, back when I was in school. Always the different one, always the freak. Till one day; I just couldn't take it any more, so I ran away. Didn't know where and I didn't care, anywhere sounded better than that hellhole.
I nodded understandably sipping my coffee. Me and this woman have more in common then I thought. People can be assholes, major ones for no reason half the time. Just look at South for example. She was a total bitch and very few people liked her. I would have killed her even if I took Delta and the enhancement. Bullet between the eyes and a few grenades up where the sun don't shine. Though would I rank Neo up there with South in terms of 'people I hate and will kill on sight' . . . . FUCK NO! Neo has never shot someone on her own team . . . as far as I know. Sure she loves to annoy and toy with people but she never shoots her own team mates! South frequently shot Ohio in the ass while training him. I'd be surprised if Ohio didn't have a 'connect the dots' template of scars on his ass because of the bitch.
Meta: People are assholes no matter where you go. How long ago was this?
Neo: About twenty one years ago, give or take. I was seven when I left, and I never looked back.
She's twenty eight! She's in her twenties and she is a extremely skilled criminal. I know people who's in their forties yet nowhere close to as good as this woman. Perhaps she does deserve my respect after all. I nodded as I finished my doughnut.
Neo: What about you. What was life like before you became the Meta?
Now that was a touchy subject for me. Before I became the Meta. . . . before Freelancer. Didn't want to remember that moment. Back when I was still living on Sargasso, before the war meant anything to me and all I cared about was my family. I took the scroll and typed in my message carefully.
Meta: My little sister Daisy died after being forced to live a wheelchair for eight years. She was barely fourteen when she passed, fourteen! Still a young child. My mother and father were too depressed to do anything after her death. They both died shortly after from multiple health problems. That left me alone, no one to go home to. Eventually meet a woman at a local bar one night after a long day at the station. We hit it off good and went on several other dates. Four years dating I worked up the courage to propose to her. She said yes and celebrated the best way we know how, she got pregnant after words. We were scheduled to marry the week before our baby was due. Before Freelancer, I was a simple person living the simple life. Small house I owned, wife with a baby girl on the way, worked as a cop in my town, half decent car. My mutt was a wonder of stupidity, laziness, and fatness. It was a miracle he was able to function at all.
Neo: What happened?
Meta: The Covenant. If you thought what the Fang is doing and what Freelancer did was bad, the Covenant was a thousand times worse. They swarmed in by the thousands, killing every human in sight. I tried to defend my wife, but I was to late. A Elite sliced her in half though the abdomen and went for me next. That thing took the love of my life and our unborn child away from me in one clean swipe. No mercy, no warning, no pity. That day, something snapped inside. I slaughtered my way though droves of aliens, just to get the bastard who killed my two great loves. I'll leave the details on what I did to him out. I barely got off world when they begun glassing it, only kept a teddy bear from my childhood I was going to give to my daughter. Went to the nearest recruiting station and practically screamed at them to give me a chance to fight, I was rejected for not being mentally safe for everyone else. The Director saw this and gave me a choice. Join Freelancer for a chance at revenge, or seek refuge at the nearest hospitable planet. I was so blood drunk then, I chose the first one. The Director molded me into the perfect killing machine. I followed orders without question, did whatever it took to win the war, took few prisoners and left even fewer survivors. In the end, I guess I was destined to become the Meta. Hated Emily's decision to be allies with that Covenant group, but I had no other choice. Was either follow her way or never get Mu.
Neo was speechless after reading that. Well, as speechless as a mute can get. I handed her the scroll as I looked away finishing up my coffee. What I didn't expect was Neo practically lunging herself at me and wrapping me in a hug, spilling both out coffees in the process. My face instantly lit up as she held on to me. The the fuck are you doing this time you psycho mute? I hadn't had someone hug me in a long time. Not since I joined Freelancer. Neo let go and typed something into her scroll.
Neo: Sorry, but it seems like you really needed one. Losing loves one like that is a brutal thing to live with.
Meta: I've come to terms with it. Had over twenty eight years to get over my family's death. Six years to get over the death of my wife and child.
Neo: Still, that is some pretty heavy stuff to live with. Can't imagine what it must feel to to have everything you ever loved taken from you all at once.
Meta: Blinding rage, desire to kill everything in sight, deep sorrow and regret after words. But I got over it eventually. All that matters to me now is getting the rest of the AI from Ohio. Then I can really show the Covenant how it felt when they burned our worlds, killed our people, and ruined my life.
Neo nodded as she took my hand again and helped me up. I looked at the munchkin confused as she begun to drag me somewhere else. Where to now, are we off to? I growled in annoyance as she dragged me down the street yet again. Okay, respect for her is lost. I HATE being dragged around like I'm a pack mule. I reached into my pocket to get my headphones out. Time to see what the AI are up to this time.
" . . . Meta and Neo sitting in a tree. K.I S.S.I.N.G. . . ." Omega and Gamma teased practically singing a duet together.
"Gamma, Omega . . . just go fuck yourselves. I'm done trying to save you two boobs. What Maine does to you two is your own fault." Sigma replied trying to get the two morons to calm down. I took the headphones out and stuffed them in my pocket again. I'll get them later, they're too important for me to kill . . . for now. Neo tugged on my hoodie yet again pointing to an arcade center. I haven't been to one of these in years. She smiled trying to drag me toward it. This is going to be a long day, at least me and Neo are on peaceful terms right now. I won't have to worry about her trying to make a fool out of my any time soon.
Attention ladies and gentlemen, this is your insane captain speaking. A cracked ship will now be brought into port. Please keep all rude comments and hype filled reviews to a minimum till we're ready to set sail again. Thank you
I'm back people. Figured we might as well get to see the Meta's views on some things. Rooster Teeth didn't provide a backstory on Maine so I kind of made one up to fit both RVB and Halo. Pain trying to get the time lines for both to match up, even a tiny bit. Considering we got next to no Halo like dates in RVB, I think I am doing a half decent job at it. Neo's backstory is still a complete mystery so I have lots of room to play with that. Hope the dragon fight satisfied you all. Let's face it, it isn't Skyrim without a dragon attacking.
I know Omega and Gamma were a little out of character, but I can justify it. They're both idiots, seasons 2-5 proved that for both. So naturally they'll get bored, and Poor Maine is on the receiving end of it all. Speaking of which, now that I think of it, I kind of shit Maine and Neo as well. Let's go to the reviews.
Warwolf82- Correct you are on all but one. The Dragon is in the base game for Skyrim. I did include a tiny bit of Neo/Meta shipping. Well more like him tolerating her and them going on peaceful terms.
TheMOA17-Thank you for your OC, I'll find a way to squeeze him in here somewhere. I got a special plan for all the OC's later down the line. Whether it be a flashback, fleshing out the story more, or for shits and giggles. This is only the first step to the Psychotic-Mutes shipping, that sounds right. DIBS! I call dibs for creating the ship name!
That is about it people. Included a few Easter eggs to classic games. First one to find all three wins something. I'll figure out what later. Before people ask, Yes the same Daisy from Halo Legends. In my story, he's related to a SPARTAN II. Anyway, see you all next chapter. Now to hand this over to my Beta for him to work his magic.
~Dgreen20
(Insert Beta notes here)