Chapter 32
A single spark
Week 9: Day 67
(Johnathan's POV)
Beacon air docks
"You sure you don't need 'Freelancer' to come along. Extra support is always good to have if things get hairy." I asked as Velvet hooked Scarlet Fever to her waist, I myself was in my full armor once more with the helmet under my arm. Velvet and I walked toward the Bullhead at the air dock. Oobleck released me a few hours ago, classes ended not too long after. I was preforming my duties of escorting my favorite rabbit eared Huntress to her flying chariot. Mu gave up trying to reboot Delta, said he was in restore mode or something like that. Won't come back till his progress bar is at 100%. Think Mu said he was somewhere around 62% when she left last night.
"It's just an elimination mission. It's nothing my team can't handle." She reassured. "Small village not far from here has been having a few problems with the local Grimm. Our job is to go in, kill a troublesome Grimm nest or two, and get home. Shouldn't take no more then a few days at most." I've more then seen my fair share of elimination style missions. Things can go south quick if one's not careful. With how crazy things can go in an instant with portals that can pop up any second.
"Just nerve racking to think you'll be out there without me to step in if shit hits the fan." I replied gently taking her hand in mine. She responded to it with a gentle squeeze, looking up into my light blue eyes with her coffee brown. I know she's not made of glass and that she can do a lot by herself, just beyond scared on my end. I can rip steel plates off the side of ships with ease, I can easily turn her hand bones to dust if I'm not careful. I'm terrified that I'll make a wrong move and accidentally hurt her. One of the down sides to being like a Spartan, I got to keep my mind and body in constant check. Even out of this armor I got to keep everything under control. It's a blessing it combat yet a living hell in civilian life. "I know you can take care of yourself, I know you're a whole lot stronger then you let people believe. As much as I trust your team to protect you, I'm still going to worry about you. You're my sweet heart, my lucky charm, my rabbit eared Huntress"
"And you're my sweet yet crazy Freelancer." She said jumping up to kiss my cheek. She is not short when compared to Weiss or Ruby. Compared to me, next to everyone at this school is tiny. I'm over seven foot five easily, Velvet is five foot six not including her ears. At least a two foot difference between us. Do I let that get in the way of me being romantic with my rabbit eared angel, hell no. Just gives me a reason to try harder and a good reason to pick her up for kisses. Dear lord, now I sound like Tucker. I swear if I end up a thing like him, I might be making a side trip just to kick his smug ass. "I won't be gone for long. Just a few weeks at the most. So till then, I guess this will be . . . ."
"Don't say goodbye, I hate goodbyes." I relied placing a finger over her lips. She raised an eyebrow while her eyes held confusion. "Thank Tex for this, but I just can't stand saying goodbye easily. Almost everyone who's told me goodbye has either died or never saw me again. I don't want to lose anyone else. I don't want to lose you." Saying the last sentence softly as I removed my finger. She simply smiled as she reached up on her tip toes, yet only came up to my chin. Another down side to being me, add it to the long and ever growing list. I still don't regret getting the augmentation surgeries. They were, and still are, necessary for me to protect my friends and family.
"Lean down for me real quick, I can't reach that high up without a step stool." She said letting out a chuckle. I stiffed a small one myself as I leaned down to meet her at eye level. She wrapped her arms around my neck and locked her lips with mine. Strange, they got a zingy mango flavor to them. . . . . . I like it. I wrapped my arms around her waist and returned the favor. I love the small moments like this. Nothing in the world to worry about, just me and the woman I love sharing a soft and tender 'see you later' kiss. But like all good things in life. This one had to come to an end. We separated after a minute and just looked into each other's eyes. Her forehead against mine. Breathing slowly and smiling. "Since you don't like hearing goodbye, I guess that will have to be good enough."
"I won't complain." I replied softly, brushing aside some hair from her eyes. "Just be careful out there, please. If you come across anything you don't recognize from this world, or something you don't think your team can handle. Even the slightest doubt in your mind that you can't handle it. I don't care how innocent it looks, how tiny it is, or how easy it looks to kill. Give me a call. I'll always be ready to jump in to give you a hand, no matter what it takes."
"I promise I'll be careful. If you promise to learn to dance before I get back." She promised unwrapping her arms from around my neck, allowing me to stand to full height once more. Damn, she has me there. A drunken Jar Jar Binks is a lot more graceful then I am when it comes to dancing (A/N I'd like to state for the record that Jar Jar is only used as a reference point. He will not be mentioned again for the rest of the FanFic. Unless my Beta decides to try and sneak him in somewhere, to which case I reserve the right to edit him back out. I seriously do not like Jar Jar one bit. All so, multiverse easter egg hunt soon. I'll let you all know when it starts. First reviewer who gets them all right wins their idea of choice making it in. {No lemons, major deaths, or political/racial degrading} Have to specify all that because this is the internet. You never know who will come up with what. ~Dgreen20). For starters, I always step on my date's toes. Not a good thing when one considers how much I weigh out of this armor. Dad tried teaching Serena and I when we were younger, I could never get the hang of it. Serena tried teaching me once, she ended up with a few broken toes by mistake. Rhody even tried teaching me during my time at Freelancer. Her toes were not spared from the pain either. Long story short; she didn't warn me before we went into a twirl, and she ended up slamming into the wall of the ship. Injury report, nine broken bones, a busted nose, dislocated shoulder, and North pissed off at me for a few days. On the plus side, he helped her get better and let Theta try to help as well. Bad side, both were too dense to see that the other party likes them. Farthest I can confirm they've gone is the bedroom, and only then it was because of . . . . certain needs on both ends. Still want to strangle Georgia for tricking me into walking in on them during 'that' kind of engagement. We decided it was best I forget I ever walked in there in the first place. Got him back by tricking him into walking in on South during her 'personal' time. For a change, I wasn't the only one she used as a moving target. It was kind of funny except for when she found me on the floor laughing my ass off. Then I became target #1 again. It was funny for all of two minutes.
"Okay, you got a deal." I confirmed. She nodded her head and turned toward the awaiting Bullhead. She'll be okay, I know she will. I reached out and grabbed her shoulder right before she got too far. Just something I need to do to clear my mind. To insure she'll be alright, to be sure she'll call for help when needed. "Hold up, I . . . . I got a gift for you." I said rubbing the back of my head. Mu is still at the base of my skull. Good, I know how she hates to miss someone she cared about departing.
"Johnathan, you don't need to get me anything." Velvet said dropping her shoulders yet still remaining to look like the most beautiful woman alive.
"This isn't for a special occasion, more to help you in your mission. To help me sleep better at night." I replied opening the right hard pocket on my chest plate, felt around for one particular item. I closed my eyes as I fished a small chip out of my pocket and gently wrapped it around my hand. Rhode's last connection to her fallen crush. Someone deeply personal to me, and to Mu. Got to be sure I'm making the right call on this. "Theta, online." I ordered. Popping up in a miniature explosion of holographic fireworks was Theta. Velvet's eyes went wide. I never properly introduced her to any of the AI, aside from Mu. She's seen Theta but never personally met him away from Alice. Didn't take me much to convince Alice or Ozpin to let Theta go along with Velvet. Simply stating that a reliable distress signal and beacon is always a good thing to have. I do pray the Meta doesn't find out. While Theta's digital signature is unique to this world, he won't set up an emergency recovery beacon unless Velvet is in deep trouble. My version of deep trouble, not his. To which case I jump in how ever I can, kick the ass of who ever or what ever tries to hurt her, and spend some quality time with my girlfriend while we take one of our injured asses to a nurse.
"You wanted me, Ohio?" He asked looking back at me.
"Theta, this is Velvet. My girlfriend. Velvet, this is Theta. An old friend of mine." I introduced waving him to the shocked rabbit eared huntress, said huntress nervously waved back at him. I took a deep breath before getting on eye level with Theta. "Velvet is going to be your carrier for a few days. I need you to be big and strong to help her beat up the big bad Grimm. Think you can handle it?" I replied in the sweetest tone I can muster. Talking to Theta isn't difficult. No harder then talking with Elaia. Two have similar mindsets. Except one is mostly on fish and sweets, while the other is focused mostly on their siblings.
"Sure. I mean . . . if it's alright with her?" He asked turning his attention to Velvet.
"You sure you want to give him to me? I know how much he means to you." She asked flattening her ears. I'm beginning to tell what she's thinking just by her ear movement alone now. Flattened ears usually means she's frightened, unsure of herself, or nervous. Them perked up usually means she's excited, happy, or just joyful. Bunch of other little movements I've notices means different things. I'll have to research ear movement to emotions later. I know Elaia is the same way, only add a tail into the mix.
"With the Meta and Emile on the loose. I'd sleep better knowing you got someone I seriously trust to keep an eye on you. Someone to alert me if things go to hell quickly. Coco is good in all, but . . ." I answered.
"What, you don't trust me to keep your precious bun bun safe?" Coco teased giving me another slap on the ass. Theta yelled out in surprise as she walked past me into view, new scaled white belt on with a buckle that read 'BAMF'. No idea where she even got the buckle from, and with her I don't want to know anymore. "You wound me deeply. How can I forgive you for this insult to my honor." She noted obviously pretending to be hurt by my words.
"Bring Velvet back alive and in one piece, I'll agree to be your pack mule next shopping trip, no more than three hours." I countered as Yastu and Fox walked past. Giving them a polite wave as they passed, and they returned it.
"Make it four and all's forgiven." She teased as the male members of her team climbed aboard the bullhead. "Don't take too long. Our ride leaves in five minutes. Yes the floating light show can come if he wants. But I don't want him less than ten feet away from my scroll."
"Just saying 'so long' to Johnathan." Velvet responded as Coco turned to get aboard. I couldn't help but laugh as Theta scratched his head in confusion. "She's just playing. You get use to her sense of humor after a while."
"As long as she doesn't mind me popping up to help where I can. Or to talk if I get bored." Theta note dispersing back into the chip in my hand.
"I'm going to be trusting you big time Velv. He's the last connection 'Freelancer' has to our fallen friend. Can I be sure that trust is not misplaced in any way, shape, or form?" I asked looking her dead in the eyes, holding the hand with Theta's chip out. Velvet doesn't have the neural interface surgeries Alice or I have, so she can't carry him in the traditional sense. Her scroll I know can hold him, and she always has it on her. Still doesn't make me less scared, for both of them.
"You can trust me." She said taking my hand. She tried to move back but my hand locked on too tightly. Not tight enough to crush her bones to dust, but enough to keep her from wiggling it out. I need to be 100% sure on this. Placing more trust in her then I do myself right now.
"Do you have him?" I asked.
"Yes." She answered.
"I need to hear you say the words." I replied.
"I have Theta." She confirmed. I released my grip completely as she now held on to the tiny yet powerful AI. She opened her hand and looked down at the chip. Barely bigger then her finger nail with a glowing purple Theta symbol in the center.
"Just tell him to come online if you ever need him. He gets too annoying tell him to log off." I informed softly rolling her fingers over the precious chip. Covering it and keeping it safe in her smaller and tender hands. "Take good care of him, please. He's been though enough as it is." Velvet responded by leaning up on her tip toes and quickly pecking my cheek.
"I'll keep him safe. Don't you worry." She declared lightly stuffing the delicate chip in her pocket and bringing out her camera from her box. "Come on, one more picture before we go. I want us to leave on a good note." Well when she puts it like that, how can I refuse. I leaned down to wrap my arm around her shoulder and gave the biggest smile I can as she outstretched her arm as far as it can go. With a click and flash of light, her camera went off. She brought it back and turned it around so we can see it. I'll admit this is one of her better pictures. Both of us smiling like idiots, part of her rabbit ears cut off from the picture, small glare from the sun shining directly behind us.
"Looks beautiful." Theta complimented as him and Mu popped up on our shoulders. I couldn't help but laugh as we separated. Young Theta, stay innocent. Keep Velvet safe for me. Mu hovered over to her 'brother' and gave him one last hug. "I'll miss you Mu."
"Don't worry little brother. You'll come back. I'll still be here when you do." Mu noted as the two separated back to their carriers. "Till we meet again young Theta.
"Hurry it up love birds, or love bunnies! Grimm arn't going to slay themselves. We'd be out of the job if they did." Coco called from the Bullhead as it started up. Way to kill the mood Coco. Velvet couldn't help letting out a light chuckle at her leader. Both AI vanished from view once more, leaving me and Velvet simi-alone once more. I took her hand in mine.
"I'll walk you to your bullhead. Just be safe out there." I reminded, smiling as I begun walking her to the waiting transport. With a impatient Coco tapping her foot on the floor. I pray she'll be alright. I trust Theta to call me if things start getting out of control. I just need to keep telling myself one thing. 'She can protect herself, she's not helpless'. But it doesn't make me worry about her safety any less.
Minutes later
I calmly walked down the long halway back to my dorm. Helmet back on as Mu sat on my shoulder. Call me paranoid. But my gut can't shake the feeling something bad is going to happen, soon. My heavy footsteps echoed down the empty hall, I would bet anyone could tell it was me going down the hall just by the sound alone.
"Don't worry Johnathan. They'll be fine. I trust Velvet will take care of Theta." Mu reassured as stopped in front of my dorm. I let out a long sigh as I reached out for the knob. My gut feeling has never steered me wrong so far, just can't figure out what is making me so nervous. The Meta? Emily? Velvet out there without my help? How poor Jaune is doing in Skyrim all alone? I don't know! It's frustrating me beyond all reason.
"I know that Mu, but it doesn't make me worry any less." I replied turning the knob, right as RWBY's door opened up with Ruby dragging poor Weiss out by the back of her coat. Weird, both are in different outfits then I normally see them in. Oh well. I got no say in what they can and can not wear. None of my business, as long as they don't try dragging me into what ever they're planning.
"Johnny! Help me out here. Please! Don't let her take me away!" Weiss called out trying to reach for me as Ruby dragged her out of sight. Okay, that was strange even by my standards. Weiss rarely ever says please to me. Thank you is common, please is a rarity. I poked my head though the open door. Yang and Blake were both in different outfits then usual as well, with two other people I the room. One I know is Sun from the docks. Wonder how his tail is? Seriously, is today 'badass' Monday? Or Tuesday?
"Dare I even ask whats' going on." I noted.
"The usual stuff. Planning on getting answers to take down a criminal organization." Yang replied throwing the guy with blue hair over her shoulder. "Come on big shot, you're coming with me. I need a drink." She noted walked past me. Oh okay, just the normal stuff for team RWBY then. Nothing out of the ordinary here. . . . . . Wait a minute. Please tell me I heard that wrong.
"I must have misheard her. Did she just say you're all take down a criminal organization?" I asked taking my helmet off. I know I can mishear people with it on sometimes. I am seriously hoping this is one of those times. No offense to them, but they're not trained well enough for something that serious. Hell, Freelancer was barely trained enough to handle insurrectionists. Then again, we dealt with the high end of the ladder mostly. Or pretty close to it. Still, as far as I know. No one on their team, besides Blake and maybe Sun, has ANY experience with extremists.
"No, we're getting information on the White Fang. What they're planning, what they need all the Dust for, about how much they stole. Anything we can get our hands on." Blake answered. I blinked as I turned to look at Mu. She's my voice of reason here. "Weiss went to get an idea how much they stole from her Company. Yang is getting information from who knows where. Sun and I are going to get answers from the Fang themselves. And I have no idea what Ruby is going to do when she most likely wanders off away from Weiss."
"You all do realize you're right next door to two highly trained Freelancers who specialize in covert operations; also that one of your teachers has been intensely trained and augmented for exactly that type of shit since she was six years old. Not to mention we got AI that can hack next to any machine on this planet to get information. Along with armor that is impervious to small arms fire and an armor enhancement that can allow me to see though walls." I asked in a deadpan.
"We all knew. We decided we didn't want to put any more stress on you then we had to." She replied trying to walk out. I outstretched my robot arm to stop her from leaving. She looked up find my cold and hardened expression on the matter. My attitude took a full 180 from curious to dead serious.
"Serena tells me the Fang are working with the Meta and Emily. If I know the Meta by now, he'll be in the shadows waiting for the right time to step in. You barely survived the last encounter with him. No doubt he's only grown stronger. Emily won't be as easy to take down either. She can sense your emotions out of a crowd easily and crush your windpipe from across the room with a mere thought. Neither are going to be easy to fight, not when they got an army at their backs." I countered retracting my arm. "If you're going to be walking straight into the heart of the Ursa's den, you're going to need serious support close by to get you out."
"What did you have in mind?" Sun asked. I gave him a feral grin as I reached behind me and knocked on JNPR's door. Now what kind of parent would I be if I didn't think of my baby girl first. I'll admit I won't win a 'father figure of the year' award anytime soon. At least I'm trying to be a good parent to her, even if I am not around half the time (Not by my own choice0.
"Pyrrha, I require you and Nora's babysitting services. I got some things I need to attend to." I yelled holding up three fingers. Sun looked at me confused as I now held up two, then one. Right on cue, Rhode threw open the door to my dorm, struggling to get her armored boot back on. By how long I know it takes for her to get that on by herself, I'd say she overheard RWBY's entire plan and knew I would join in. She clicked it in place as she picked up her assault rifle and stuck it on her back.
"Way ahead of you on this one Ohio. Hired JNPR to keep an eye on Elaia the minute I heard Ruby's plan, they are by the cliff side last I checked to see if Pyrrha can teach her to control her shouts better. Not sure how she'll accomplish this, but she stated it can't be too much different from a semblance. I knew you would eventually be dragged in, so I got ready as well. Serena is helping Ironwood with something or another. Didn't hear what. The raptors are under control and in Azula's old pen. Ren is going there later to feed them and clean any messes up. Paid him double for that just for Azula alone." She answered straightening up as Blake raised an eyebrow at her.
"Best you just go along with what Rhode says. You'll keep your sanity a lot longer." I answered throwing my helmet on. "Where exactly are we going?"
(Wiess's POV)
Hour later
(Begin hunt now! Total of 8 different references. List them to their appropriate universe to win. Not asking for the exact specifics, but the same general franchise or title.)
Well, I can safely confirm that Ruby is completely childish right now. She ran off to Monty knows where because she thought she saw someone she knew. Leaving me completely alone right now. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. As much of a pain in my backside she is, I can't help but like her. Kind of have no choice since we'll be partners and room mates for the next four years. Going to be a long and cruel four years if I'm fighting her every step of the way.
Right now I am walking though the inside of the CCT tower. Trying to find a private terminal. Or at least one with as few people around as possible. Can't risk the public knowing exactly how much Dust the White Fang has stolen. I can practically see my father's forehead veins throbbing if it is anywhere close to as much as I think. Think positive Weiss, could be much worse. Not like they stole an entire shipping freighter full. . . . . . actually I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The Meta seems like someone I wouldn't want to mess with on my best day. Just by what he did to Sun. The strength needed to rip someone's limb off, plus the lack of sympathy required to go though with something like that, it's just too cruel. If he could rip a Faunus's tail off without sparing a single thought, I shutter at what he'd do to Blake, Or Yang, or Monty forbid Ruby. That man isn't human or Faunus, he's a monster.
I exited the elevator and calmly walked up to the front desk. Dozens of terminals filled the area, with a singular round desk in the center. A holographic woman popped up at the desk appearing to be typing away on the keyboard. After spending so much time around Johnathan's AI, Mu, the ones we make seem kind of poor in comparison. Then again; Mu, Alice, and Elizabeth are all from a universe six hundred years more advanced than we are. Who knows, maybe in six hundred years we might have them beat in technology. I wouldn't bet all my chips on it, but possible. How did Johnathan explain how they make a 'smart' AI in their world again. Something to do with the brain of a once living human or something. I can't remember. That seems kind of immoral to me, forcing someone to keep living as a computer only to go insane and have to be 'put down' in seven years. He assures me they volunteer for it, but it still seems wrong. No where close to as wrong as how Mu was created. Taking the same 'Smart' AI and tormenting it to the point of it splitting itself apart just to keep functioning. That is even worse then the former. Someone would have to be either ungodly evil, or beyond desperate, to commit such a horrific act. Then again, when pushed to the edge of extinction, people will take any means of survival. No matter how immoral or horrific they are. If the people of Remanent were pushed to a similar state, what would we be willing to do just to survive?
Pleasantries were exchanged between us, I politely asked to speak to the Schnee head quarters in Atlas. She directed me to a relatively empty area of the room. Perfect. So far so good, no major bumps in the road yet. Got to put on a fake smile, Heir of the Schnee dust company. Got to look some what happy for the one picking up the phone.
"Thank you for calling the Atlas . . . . OH! Miss Schnee! Good afternoon." A short haired brunette greeted. "Would you like me to patch you though to your Father. Think I got your sister's number on hand as well. She might be available to talk right now." Talking to Father right now, not such a good idea. I can pretty much promise he's pissed off at something or another right now. Poor Whitely has to deal with his temper right now. I almost pity him. Key word is almost. We don't get along too well, I'm leaving it at that. Winter would be pleasant to talk to right now. How long has it been since we last spoke. Since I came to beacon at least. So about five months at minimum. Even longer since I've willingly spoken to Father. After what happened to Jaune, hell what has been happening all around me since Johnny showed up, I may not get another chance to talk to Winter again. One of the few members of my family I get along with.
"Winter I wouldn't mind talking to, but first can you get me a few files. I compiled a short list of what I need." I answered sliding my scroll into the slot.
"I see. If you don't mind me asking, what is this for?" She asked.
"School project." I replied without missing a beat. I'm not entirely lying. It is for a project that was thought of on school grounds. Just stretching the truth some.
"Um . . . . there are some sensitive documents on the list, ma'am. You certain this is what you need?" She asked nervously.
"I'm certain. I'll be sure to be extra careful with them." I replied
"Right. . . well then." She responded typing some things on her end. "Files are transferred to your scroll. Patching you though to Winter now."
"Thank you." I thanked as the screen changed to the Schnee logo. I eased up on my fake smile as I pulled my scroll out. Okay, my job is done. I'll review the material later. The screen changed quickly to what I can best describe as insanity. Papers all over the place, coffee cup spilled with several holographic graphs up. The entire room seemed to be drowning in a sea of noise. Countless machines going off that I've never heard before, metallic screeching with the uncanny sound of metal slamming against metal. It was insanity at it's finest. Is the receptionist sure this is Winter's number?
"EVERYONE, SHUT THE FUCK UP! I'M ON MY SCROLL!" I heard Winter scream as she came into view. Never before in my life have I seen Winter in such a exhausted state. Snow white hair in a absolute mess, bags under her cool blue eyes. Any regal outfit has been long past discarded in favor for a white sweatshirt and grey pants. Her expression changed from stressed and pissed off, to surprised in record time. "Weiss! What are you calling for?"
"Can't I call my favorite sister in every once in a while?" I asked.
"You picked a seriously bad time to call me right now. Got a small situation on my hands and I am two seconds away from ripping someone's head off." She answered as some type of slimy green tentacle slithered into view. Winter wasted no time pulling out a grey combat knife and pinning it to the desk without looking at it's direction. A wobbled cry of pain echoed though the room, orange blood leaked though as she yanked the knife out. Said tentacle retreated back to where it came from. Her gaze went off screen and changed back to pissed."Alright you son of a bitch, next time you lay even one of your filthy tentacles on me, I'll rip it off and shove it up your ass you perverted squid thing! I'm getting beyond sick and tired of this bullshit!" She threatened pointing the knife somewhere off screen to add to the threat. A terrified wobble let me know the beast heard her as she put the knife down, shaking her head looking back at me. "So sorry you had to see that Weiss. I am just beyond stressed right now and out of wine." She replied stabbing the knife into the desk and holding her head.
"You okay Winter? I've never seen you like this before, or heard you swear ever." I asked.
"If you had any idea what I got to deal with right now, you'd understand why I'm a little out of character today. I seriously need a bottle of rum right now. Or wine. Or even a beer. I don't care, I'll even accept one of Qrow's drinking invites at this point." She replied looking up, eyes going wide in no time. "Oh my Monty, Weiss! What happened to your eye!" She cried out. Nearly toppling over her scroll. My fingers almost instantly went to the burn on my other eye. Damn I forgot about that.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." I replied. She didn't believe my bluff and turned her Scroll around. Well now I can see why she is in a bad mood.
There were dozens of different beings and items in glass cells. Some I never thought could be possible. One held the last Knight Johnny fought on his first day here, scrapping it's blade across the glass box as it tried breaking it's way out. Another held a pink pony thing with party balloons tattooed to it's back thigh, that one I could hear jabbering away from here. Listened to it for all of three seconds and I am already beyond grateful Ruby and Nora are the worst I got to deal with. A lighter armored cell held a glowing rainbow star, hooked up to all sorts of wires and it was a lone orange ball with a three stars in the middle. No idea what it is for, maybe a giant paperweight? A brown fox, cat, dog thing wondered the area. Only said one word, which i think was 'vee'. or something like it. Another held a single angle statue inside with who knows how many cameras or automated laser guns pointing at it. One was a room decorated cell that held a beautiful young woman, old style blue dress. Short brown hair, blue choker with a bird pendent. Weirdest part was the thimble on her pinkie finger. She sat on her love seat reading a book on Grimm, blue eyes filled with boredom scanning the pages like a reading machine, humming some tune I never heard. The last cell held a single white blood covered rabbit with human or faunus remains littered all around it's cell, massive warning sign plastered on the front of the glass warning people not to get close. I don't even want to know what the green blob like mass in the cage next to it was. Had a tag that said 'Lenny' and nothing else. But it doesn't look friendly or happy. Several machines with three boons floated around, using lasers of some sort to keep the area maintained and clean. The camera moved back to Winter as she looked at me. Floating behind was, for a lack of better words, a floating light bulb with a teal/pink eye.
"Oh joy, another Reclaimer. Greetings, My name is 007 Careless Whisper. Monitor of Installation 02. Protocol dictates that I greet a Reclaimer of nobility in the most humble manner." The floating light bulb greeted as Winter pinched the bridge of her nose. It's voice sounded tinny and high pitched. Weird, yet another piece of tech thousand of years more advanced then we are. Making me wonder where we really stand in the multiverse. We really as far behind as I think? Father ahead? How advanced are we really?!
"Not now Whisper. I'll show you to my sister another time. Maybe if I can get her to visit one of these days." Winter replied rubbing her head in agony.
"Very well. I shall go over see the other projects. I will look forward to meeting more Reclaimers from this world. You're all oh so quite interesting to study. Especially the ones with animal like features." Careless Whisper noted floating off.
"This has been my life for the past month or so. You have any idea how annoying that light socket gets with his protocols and useless knowledge about a completely different and irrelevant place. On top of the pink jabber mouth over there, the statue causing all sorts of havoc when the lights go out, and that tentacled freak forcefully trying to get in my pants constantly. Don't even get me started on that killer rabbit. The best one here is the girl who can open doors to other places, might let her wonder freely if she keeps up this good behavior. The scientists are at lunch right now, so I got a small break from their insane bullshit. What ever caused that bloody scar, I'll believe it with what I've seen flow my way lately." She replied letting out a defeated sigh.
"Long story short. Beacon got invaded by some aliens. I tried to fight one on my own. Turns out heated plasma goes though Aura and he nearly killed me in a single swipe. A friend of mine diverted the strike before it could do anything worse than this." I answered.
"I'll be sure to thank them whenever I come to Vale next. A Schnee doesn't let a debt go unpaid. No matter how small." She replied as a loud crash echoed though out her side of the call. She sighed and rubbed her temples. Muttering something under her breath as the floating light bulb wondered back. "What is it now you insolent boob?"
"My apologies madam, but it seems there has been a situation regarding the Night stalkers in the other room. Their venom is harmless to me or my sentinels but quite troublesome to Reclaimers as yourself. I suggest exercising extreme caution." Careless Whisper responded as several rattled barks filled the call. "Oh dear, it seems they've escaped their holding pen. This may require your attention if you do not wish for them or the other Reclaimers to parish." Winter let our a deep sigh smacking her head on the desk.
"Just one headache after another." She complained taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Can't risk those genetic freaks leaving the compound. Monty knows what they'd do. I expect the full story next time we talk. I got to go."
With that, the screen shut off. Leaving me to stare back at my own reflection. The long thin burned cut right on my right eye, nearly matching the one on the left. Skin tightened and twisted all along the healed wound. But has it truly healed? I can still feel the heat of the cursed blade, hear the cackle as it ignites. I looked down at Myrtenaster on it's holster. A storm of change is coming soon, I can feel it in my Aura. The question is, will I be ready for it? Or will I be swept up by the currents?
(A/N Easter egg hunt ends here. Good hunting.)
(Johnathan's POV)
Elizabeth and I laid on the rooftop facing what looks to be an old warehouse as the sun set behind it. Both of us were in full armor, fully loaded weaponry ready to go. Rhode had her assault rifle and pistol at the ready. I had my standard weaponry minus my railgun. Had to take a light rifle from the Promethean weaponry I got stashed in Beacon's basement. It is slowly dwindling down in both ammo and guns. Only have maybe four Suppressors and Lightrifles, two Scattershots, an Incineration cannon, and a single Binary rifle. Plus a hand full of pulse and splitter grenades. Rest were not salvageable but for their ammo was. Low on ammunition for all, less then a thousand rounds for them combined. Going to either make a trip to the Halo system to get more or find a way to make it here. Going to be a pain getting the equipment needed to make it here. Hardlight ammo for the Suppressors and Lightrifle I might be able to make myself, but I am not entirely sure what the extent of my Semblance is. I won't push it that far unless I need to.
"Ohio to Intruder, you two are in position yet?" I asked laying on my belly with my rifle scoped in, finger on my short range radio button. Area looks deserted for the most part, aside from random Faunus of various types wondering in. No serious threats Blake can't handle. No sign of the Meta or Emily yet. What are those two planning? I moved my finger to activate my Promethean vision. HUD glowed bright blue as it swept across the landscape. Nothing serious to worry about. Warehouse is packed with at least a hundred Faunus, maybe two hundred. I am not going to count them all, too damn many for that. Stealth is a must in this, Blake has to hide in plain sight. I deactivated it and swept the rifle to the front gate. Strange, I couldn't see anything past the massive crowd.
"Reminds me of the Insurrectionist camp we raided on Tribute. Remember Johnathan?" Rhode replied from right next to me, sweeping the area with her built in helmet zoom. I zoomed in on the pair I was looking for. Sun in his normal outfit but limped tail, Blake in ninja outfit. Both wearing strange masks. Weird that she doesn't have her bow on. I can see her violet cat ears though the orange scope with ease. I can't help but compare her to a Nekomimi from various anime universes. I am pretty damn sure that like a Neko, Blake must have a shit load of fans with lots of rather adult like fan stories roaming the internet. Though Blake doesn't act like the Nekos I've meet in the multiverse. For starters, she hasn't tried to seduce or kill me yet. Main similarities between her and the other Nekos are the cat like features and their love for fish, that is pretty much where the similarities end. Sun oddly reminds me of quite a few different adaptations of the monkey king, Sun Wukong humorously enough considering both have the exact same name. I can name a hundred different illustrations of him from a few Anime and Game sectors alone. The ones I've meet are a lot more serious and more monkey like then him. Funny, I'm on a rooftop acting as sniper support, and yet here I am comparing these two to others of their kind during my adventures. I have gone insane.
"I remember that raid all too well. I also remember North and South having to save both our sorry asses in the end. You didn't have to worry as much because you were safe inside the Pelican. I was being dragged behind by my grappling hook, while being shot at by every firearm they could get their hands on. I distinctly remember seeing someone trying to duel wield assault rifles and trying to hit me." I responded keeping a close eye on the front door to the warehouse. Rather brutish looking bounced at front. Nothing worth exposing my position for. These rounds only go one direction, don't have to worry about bullet drop, I have to worry about bullet decay with hard light. Scoped in I should be okay at this range. Three maybe four hundred yard, max. Nothing out of my skill zone with this rifle. The tracer effect I am a little worried about. If only I had a sniper rifle or DMR. Hell I'd be happy with a battle rifle or even a carbine so long as I got enough ammo for it. Rather have an okay rifle with plenty of ammo to use, then a perfect one with next to no ammo.
That is why I use a Railgun in the multiverse, I can make ammo for it easily with any scrap metal around me. Making it is easy, shaping it into a rifled slug is a pain when in a primitive universe. Power cell is a different story all together. First power cell I slapped on it was tore out from a broken Spartan Laser. That sucker lasted me a lot of recharges till it cracked and became useless. Wish I could get another one, those things are tough as hell. Expensive but tough to crack. Sadly, I doubt the UNSC would let me take another Spartan Laser power cell. When alone with people always trying to kill me, I have to make field modifications to all my equipment from time to time. Nothing but my father's pistol that I use is 100% original or even from the same system. I got tons tech from several universes slapped into my armor just to help me survive, energy swords got light saber tech fused with them, the blades of my knives are coated in Adamantium. Got to adapt to survive, or else you'll be left for dead when things get seriously screwed up.
"We're in place Ohio. Radio silence from here." Blake replied over her scroll. I looked over to Rhode as she nodded at me. No turning back from here on out. I took a deep breath and flipped the safety off my rifle. Finger off the trigger till I spot something funny. I pushed the radio button on the side of my helmet to talk to Blake.
"Copy that Intruder. Light is green to go. Be careful in there." I replied taking my finger off the button and looking back to the target location.
"You think Maine is here?" Rhode asked. I looked away from the scope to peer into her golden visor. I know she use to care for Maine, hell the two shared snacks when the other could . . . . aquire some. I remember Maine lifting Rhode up on his shoulders so she could see North's armor enhancement test. Aside from that, they were strictly professional with one another.
"No, Maine died years ago. The Meta killed him and took over his life." I replied coldly. "And I know the Meta is there."
"How can you tell?" Rhode asked.
"Because I can't see much beyond the crowd with my P-vision. His time distortion unit along side the invisibility modual screws with the P-vision, making him practically impossible to find from out here." I replied looking back though my scope just as Blake and Sun entered the building. They're in the lion's den now. Something bad happens now, blood is going to be spilled to get them out. Not the best place to provide sniper support, but it is the best I can provide right now. Back to being on my 'A game'. Anything less will get them killed. Only one other being I know of in this universe can distort my P-vision, and I pray that she isn't in there with them.
"So what's your plan?" She asked.
"Provide sniper support, blow a few heads off when things get hairy, get our friends out if possible." I replied aiming the scope though one of the glass windows. I got a good view on Blake and Sun. Nothing too shifty around their general area, not worth exposing my position.
"You know what I mean Ohio." She replied in an obviously annoyed tone. I looked back at her with my head tilted. She can't see my eyebrows so I got to do something to tell her to 'go on'. "The life I left back in my universe was hell. Motel surfing, barely struggling to get by, family dead, planet burned to ash. I might as well be dead there, or something like it. I don't mind staying here for the rest of my life, already a hundred time better then the one I left. But what about you?"
"We'll cross that bridge later. Focus on keeping Blake and Sun alive." I replied looking back though the scope. Torchwick guy was on stage now. Dear lord, what is he rambling on about? I can't read lip so I have no idea. Got the cross hairs on him, right between the eyes. If he's on Vale's most wanted list, it is for a good reason. Threat assessment told me he was the biggest danger in the room, keep my sights trained on him right up to the point till I heard a hard clicking from Rhode's armor.
"Please tell me that wasn't what I thought it was." Rhode replied as my blood ran cold. Geiger counter in my armor. I completely forgot about that modification. Installed it in the Fallout universe. Haven't encountered anything that has to deal with radio activity in a while, easy to forget when my armor is radioactive resistant to a strong point . . . . . wait a second.
It doesn't go off from the stupidest of things, set it to click if radiation levels reach above normal background levels. Quick look at my HUD, Geiger counter barely flickering and crackling. Nothing super harmful but dangerous if exposed to for too long. If that thing is going off now of all times, it means either a early model portal is about to open.
Or the Fang got their hands on nuclear war heads. But wait, they are normally cased to prevent the radiation from escaping. Where would they even get them from. No kingdom here that I've researched has nuclear capabilities. Atlas maybe in a few years if they keep up their technological advancement rate. Then again, they got no reason to peruse it. Any major war has been over for the past eighty years if Oobleck is right, Grimm aren't worth the effort to building one, no other reason to keep any here at all. Kingdom do a good job at keeping one another in check from what I see. No real need to have a 'blow the hell out of everyone' button close by for any of the leaders. Now if the White Fang do have nuclear weapons, where the hell did they get them from?
"Mu, overclock P-vision to 100%. Scan on every source possible." I ordered as my entire HUD went back to blue. I can practically see the radioactivity in the air right now, floating green specks filled the air, centered around the warehouse. This is not good at all.
"Ohio." Rhode called out, fearful and surprised. I deactivated my P-vision and looked to Rhode. Her hand was outstretched shaking as and pointed toward the warehouse. "What Is. That. Monster?" She asked, slowly stressing each syllable. I raised my rifle's scope and scanned the visible areas. So far nothing that looks dangerous or the source of the radioactivity.
"Rhode I don't see it." I replied. She grabbed the end of my rifle an forced it to the direction she was looking in. OH! Now I can see why she is scared. My blood drained from every inch of my body as I lowered my Lightrifle and looked back at it, then at the warehouse, then the Rifle. "We're going to need a bigger gun. A lot bigger." Standing massive and proud on stage as a long black drape fell stood the deadliest, toughest, and coolest looking machine this planet has ever seen with the Meta right next to it with his arms crossed and brute shot on his back. Metal Gear Rex, capable of sending a nuclear war head anywhere in the world undetected. If I am to be betting money, I can promise that it is loaded with a nuke, and is ready to fire.
"May God help us all." Rhode prayed taking a good look at the weaponry that thing has. The multiverse just loves giving me the middle finger now does it. A god damn Metal Gear! Are you fucking kidding me?! One of the few machine I haven't fought in my travels. Things just keep going from bad to worse, and I have a feeling it isn't going to get better anytime soon.
That is a wrap people. Big fight scene will be in the next chapter. Wanted to put it in this but I didn't for two reasons.
1, I am too lazy right now
2, I wanted to get this out as fast as I could.
Hope you all enjoyed it. I know Winter is a little OOC but stress does tend to make people not act like themselves. Hope you all enjoy the scavenger hunt. I'll spoil the next chapter's title to see how it works for you all.
(Mental meta metal gear.)
Now that I've done my research, the Rex would absolutely curb stomp a RWBY paladin. Twice the size easily, twice the firepower, could take a hit better. Comparison; Rex took out another metal gear designed to kill it, a paladin couldn't handle a hit from a flaming corgi. To be fair it was shot by a fully trained Hunter but still. From what I've seen, read, and heard. Rex would win almost every fight with a Paladin. Only advantage I see the paladin having at all is Speed. That can only get you so far. Rex has better weaponry (Missiles, chain guns, a freaking laser. Not to mention the nuclear warhead launcher either).
Lord I hate the multiverse sometimes. One place always seems so over powered or weak when compared to another. Trying not to make the RWBY universe seem so weak, but it is kind of hard when compared to places Halo (Spartans, Elites, Hunters, Brutes, ect), Fallout (Deathclaws), Dark souls (Do I even need to make a list, just about everything will kill you a hundred different ways), Metal gear Solid (Snake, Raiden, Fox, Liquid, ect), Marvel (Overpowered to a point but fun to watch), DC (Superman is overpowered compared to anyone, Batman is badass almost anywhere he goes), Dragonball (Just about everything seems weak to that, everyone is overpowered as fuck), or Naruto (Again, about everyone is overpowered as fuck), Saints row (Enough said), Bioshock series is up for debate, along with Half life and Portals. Google is my best friend right now next to Wikipedia and coffee. I am tired, I need a crap load of sleep, I need a new job that won't exhaust my ass for minimum wage. Putting this out there because I am too lazy and tired to continue this chapter. Now for my Beta to take a crack at editing. Enjoy
~Dgreen20
Edit note: Thank you Xtremer, I rephrased it to sound better and not as morbid. I need to work on phrasing things
(Insert Beta notes here)