Chapter 37
Shadows of the lost
(Fix the wrong weeks and days later)
Old war bunker, Vale
(Emily's POV)
I took a deep breath in as I meditated in my private quarters that I 'claimed' as mine. The old resident won't be needing it anymore, not after a small 'talk'. Old cot hung on the wall, a steel end table held my lightsabers as i sat in the middle of the room. Concrete walls surrounded me, a single vault door was the only exit. I kept my eyes closed as I breathed out slowly, feeling the Force flow though me. Even here I can feel it, universes away from anything remotely Star Wars related, the Force still flows freely. Like a mountain side river or a gust of wind in a open field, I can feel it flow though me. I closed my eyes as I began to concentrate. I done this once before, I can do it again. So much at stake for me, so little time left. I tap into my Force reserves and feel everything around me. The Faunus moving all around the old bunker, the Grimm up above us, the animals in the wilderness, even the objects around me in this room. I can feel it all, all connected.
I breathed in and out slowly as I looked farther out, beyond the borders on this world, beyond the lengths of space, and into the Multiverse itself, feels cold and unforgiving. I have to be careful, one wrong move and I'm contracting the wrong person, possibly killing myself along the way. This is a little tricky to do, but once a being becomes one with the Force, anything is possible. I calmed my nerves as I looked though the multiverse using the Force. Pitch black, few lights representing the individual worlds, all orbiting and bouncing around a central point in each sector. Core worlds and their off shoots, so much potential we have yet to even scratch the surface with. More popular the universe, more off shoots it will have. This 'RWBY' world has a large amount of worlds for such a young world. Not even ten years old yet it has tens of millions of worlds. Each one vastly different, yet the same. Constants and Veritable, keeps it all in balance and in line. I can 'see' into the very fabric of the Multiverse using the Force.
So much potential the Multiverse has, and Johnathan just wants to document it. Leave it alone with minimal interference if possible. He doesn't see the value I saw, he never has. We can save so many lives by studying some of the tech from many worlds, end hunger by growing food in other worlds that have more than enough. Infinite resources to use and share, extreme tech jumps all across the board, endless possibilities for so much more. Even using some primitive world for cheap labor to meet work demands. I would enjoy nothing more than to enslave a My little pony world, burn it to the ground, and force them to fight to the death against a Deathclaw and a wise assortment of creatures for amusement. To see them be ripped to shreds and eaten alive would bring great pleasure to me. I really hate that universe with a burning passion. I can take it on alone if I must, but a army of Storm troopers with an AT-AT or two wouldn't hurt anything. Maybe use some of the old Battle droids to fight for me so the Empire isn't wasting the lives of Stormtroopers. Makes the paperwork for their loves ones so much easier to explain. No one wants a knock on their door to find out their loved one was killed by a talking pony with magic. . . . we'll chalk it up as Rebels killed them. Much easier and drums up more support for enlistment.
Even with this world, it has so much unseen value. Grimm can be used like zerglings, round up a whole bunch of them and unleash them all on my enemies, watching as they slaughter their way though the Rebellion. The weapons here are unique yet somewhat impractical in the long run. Littered with too many possible mechanical issues and a huge need for regular repairs. I don't want a rifle to miss shift half way though into an axe when I need it most. Quick way to die.
Dust is unique but too limited in it's practicality. All though, a unforeseen use I discovered it can be used for. Certain types of Dust can temporarily recharge and overclock my Midi-chlorians, making me more one with the Force, but it has to be absorbed though the respiratory system, like cocaine. That I'll keep my little secret for now. Far from a reliable source of Midi-chlorians, I got to resort to what I must for now. Aura would be game changing to many worlds, So many applications it has. Semblances are even better, granted they are unpredictable and hard to gauge what kind of semblance someone will have until their aura is unlocked. Johnathan has already proven that it is possible for people born outside of this world to receive Aura, so long as they still have their soul. Maidens I don't see being too much of a threat for the time being. Nothing valuable out right I can exploit reliably, unless I get one under my thumb. Cinder is good and all, but I am playing servant for now. Doing as she says to get established here. Salem reminds me of Sarah Kerrigan from Starcraft from what I've researched, I need to keep on her good side. For now, both her and Cinder are 'allies' to my mission. I will cut loose ends with them once their use is exceeded by how much trouble they are to keep. Maybe make Cinder my personal sex slave. That wil be fun.
I took a deep breath and let it out. Feeling myself floating in the air as I meditated. I relied on memory and my will to guide me though to find the right world I'm looking for. I 'saw' lights pass by me as I dug deeper, I can hear some of the sounds of each world. Goku screaming at the top of his lungs to go super sayain or some anime level bullshit, dinosaurs roaring all around, the Joker laughing, even the unmistakable sound of the Enterprise firing her main weapons. I can hear it all. I can't interfere but I can hear. I'm listening for one sound, and one sound alone, feeling for the right world. Concentrating my emotions to searching some more though the Multiverse. Diffucult using the Force to search the Multiverse, and extremely dangerous, but it is rewarding to those who have mastered their skills. . . found the sound I was looking for. I can feel the cold shutter though my skin just being near his presents as if I were there, the heavy breathing from the machines, the dark aura surrounding my master. I can tell he was deep in thought, probably already sensed I was there the minute I laid 'eyes' on him.
He stood looking out the windows of his obsidian castle on Mustafar. Staring down the rivers of lava. I can feel his hatred for Obi Wan rolling off him in waves. He lifted his head up and looked to where I 'was'. I created a loose force projection of myself before him. I must be careful not to over exert my limits and be absorbed by the Force itself. I only need to keep this up for 5 minutes, nothing more and nothing less. Have to report to my master, time is not on my side.
"I sense you're there, my apprentice. Your power has grown. Impressive." Darth Vader spoke calmly yet firm. I steeled my nerves as I keeled before my master as he approached me. I keep my head bowed down. "What news do you bring of your mission? The Emperor grows restless waiting."
"I couldn't have done it without your training Master." I thank as he motions for me to continue. "Everything is going according to plan. Had to make some adjustments but the end result will be the same. I'm working in the shadows to bring this world to it's knees. I've already had a clear message sent that no one is safe anymore, and their world will no longer be the same. Working on the next phase." I report as he nodded in approval. Something he rarely does from what I've seen. It's the least I can do for him. He saved me from the burning lava, healed me back to health using the last of my Stimpacks and healing potions. Took me under his wing and taught me the ways of the Force. Rule of two does not apply to me. I don't crave his power, all I want is for Johnathan to pay. Pay for his actions. Vader gave me the means to do so, taught me the skills I need to win our next encounter. I am forever in his debt. Or at least until the events of 'Return of the Jedi' role around.
"I sense nothing but truth in your words, I must say I am impressed." He thanked as he gave me the command to rise. I rose from my knees before him as he stared back at me with his lifeless black lenses. "What should we expect in terms of resistance?"
"If all goes as planned, it will be a swift victory for the Empire. The people here are strong but nothing to the Empire's might. What are my forces I should be expected" I report.
"Ten Thousand battle droids will suffice, you will not fail me this time. What of your target?" He asked.
"Right where I want him. Paranoid and afraid." I answer swiftly.
"Anyone unnecessary assisting you?" He asked.
"Will be dealt with shortly. They won't be an issue for much longer. Some are too valuable to lose, waiting for the right time to deal with the others." I answered.
"That universe will be prime to rule. Safe from the Rebellion's influence." He responded.
"In due time, it will belong to the Empire soon. I am working the best I can with what I got." I answered as my force projection flickered a bit. Going to have to end this soon. I can feel myself being absorbed. I can't go . . . not just yet."I hope this would make an acceptable gift to the Emperor and yourself, for showing me the true ways of the Force. For showing what real power is, and how to control it."
"This pleases me greatly, but not until you are certain it will fall under my master's rule." He noted holding his hand up. "While this news forgives your previous failure in my eyes. The Emperor has the final say. Do not fail him in this simple task. He is much less forgiving." He ordered waving me away. I took a deep breath and cut the connection. I felt my consciousness jump back to my body, after being thrown literally universes away. I fell to the ground drenched in sweat, the objects around me fell well after I appeared to have levitated them.
My nerves rattled off the charts, heart pounding out of my chest. I focused on the dark side to help get my body back in check. Breathing in and out, concentrating my anger and hatred to healing myself. My hand over my heart as I felt it slowly beat down to normal. That was too close, too close for comfort. I calmly breathed in and out. I stood up and brushed the dirt off my dark robe as I turned to exit the door. The color changing faunus stood in the door wide eyed, mouth gaping wide open as if she saw a ghost. What was her name again, Ilia I think it was. Skinny girl, flat chest and ass, long brown hair, freckles all over, can change color on demand. Right now she was a kind of light brown. Wearing a black jump suit I think.
"What did you see?" I asked calmly keeping my composer.
"I saw you levitating with half the room, and heard something about an Empire and Remenant." She answered cryptically. I know she is lying, not telling the whole truth. I can sense it though the Force. "I'll pretend I di. . . ach. . .ach . .ach." She tried squeezing out before she hunched over holding her throat, turning blue all over. I had my hand extended with my fingers grasped tight on the air, using the Force to choke her. Been a while since I had choked someone, no fun unless someone calls me Daddy. I lifted her into the air briefly. The color changing makes this no fun. How can I tell if she is close to death or not? That is no fair. She floated in front of me clawing at her neck as if that will help relieve the pressure. Poor naive girl. She knows nothing of the Force.
"What you saw and heard didn't exist. This conversation never happened." I say igniting one of my lightsabers. The crimson red glow of my lightsaber filled her eyes with absolute fear as she tried shaking her head in agreement. "If I find you squealed this little secret. You will see that the Grimm, Adam, Even Cinder with her Maiden powers are nothing but insects compared to the true power of the Force. I will hunt you down, I will find you, I will kill you slowly, and I will feed your tortured corpse to the Indominous. Understand." I threaten releasing my grip and deactivating my saber. She fell to her knees gasping for air as I casually walk by. She had her hand on her chest breathing in and out heavily. I didn't need to use the force to know she was terrified of me now. I smiled as I walked down the hall way. All it takes is one time for people to know their place in the food chain. I was going to just kill Johnathan and be done with this world, but it is growing on me. I am liking it here, perfect place for he to rule. Answering only to Lord Vader and the Emperor himself. Now, how am I going to cut this little loose end? Do I want to bring in a unstoppable plague to wipe them out? Or kill them all myself? Tough call to make. Yet both are so satisfying. I'll decide after I check up on the Indominous. I got big, big plans for her real soon. Think I kept her cooped up for just a bit too long. She needs some time to stretch her legs and eat. . . . . Ah, I love this simple world.
(Johnathan's POV)
Vale Hospital
I stood in the waiting room as everyone slowly began to wake back up after last night's horrific encounter. Hour has passed since I last heard from Yang. Docs patched me up best they could with my armor on. I am not taking this off just yet. Have a feeling I'm going to be needing to suit up again sometime soon. I can feel the chill in my bones. Weiss had finally calmed down and might have accepted the reality we are faced with, staring blankly at the TV screen as it played some rerun of a local TV show, hoping for news someone made it out of the blast zone alive. Highly unlikely there is anything living at ground zero aside from roaches or super mutants. I've dealt with enough radiation in the past to know better. Blake held herself with a guilty look with her head in her hands, hair in a jumbled up mess, bow barely held up by her cat ears. I was in the door frame keeping a vigilant eye on everything, helmet off and of the table. Alice went to get the two something to eat. Ruby and Yang were still in the other room pandering my offer. I hope Yang makes the right choice. Rhode was fast asleep in the chair. she stayed up to be sure Weiss and Blake were going to be okay before she surrendered to the ever tempting call of slumber. Fighting mine off with caffeine and self motivation to keep going forward.
"You were right Weiss. I always said the Fang are misguided and misunderstood in recent years, but this is a whole other level. This is beyond misguided." Blake finally croaked out after. I raised an eyebrow to her as I looked up. Weiss still looked at the TV screen with a blank expression. She is in serious thought and most likely didn't hear Blake. Blake looked to me as she seemed to be carefully choosing her next words. "Do you think they can come back from something like this?" She asked.
"I wish I could tell you everything will be fine, they will see the error of this mistake and make changes to fix it. But this is way beyond rioting or stealing train cars of Dust. This is just plain terrorism, nothing more and nothing less. Once you cross that like, there is no turning back." I begin letting my shoulders go slack against the wall. "They were more than willing and ready to follow Roman to completely decimate someone's house with nuclear explosives. If I didn't knock out the lights and give you a good enough distraction to get away, someone else would have jumped into that REX and nuked them sooner. Right now, there is no coming back from this level of evil. " I replied moving from my spot closer to her seat. "What is worse is that we know the Fang now has Multiverse jumping tech. That alone is enough to keep me up at night now, I'm horrified at the possibilities they now have with Emily's tech." I hate to put it so bluntly and with so much emphasis on how screwed the world now is, but there is no way to sugar coat it. The Fang have got unlimited potential for the destruction they can cause now. Nuking a house is mild compared to half of what they can do if they wanted to. Infect a kingdom with the T-virus, demolish entire cities with several thousand Zerglings, unleash the deepest pits of hell itself, doom the entire planet by releasing even a single Flood Spore anywhere here, list goes on forever. I can not stress how vital it is we find their operation and destroy it . . . with no survivors.
"So there is no redeeming them? Any of them?" Blake asked. How can I look her in the eye, and tell her in the lest painful way possible that the organization that she grew up in and loved, is now way off the deep end for good? There is no nice way to put it. No merry greeting card from the dollar store, no cheap knock off gift basket, no sugar coated anything. Best I be blunt and make it fast, like ripping off a band aid.
"A small handful . . . if that, but as a whole. I'm sorry to say this, but if Fallout has taught me anything about this kind of situation. I'm sorry, the White Fang are too far gone, they passed the point of no return." I answered as gently as I can. Safe to say it didn't work. I just made things worse. Blake looked like I just told her that her childhood pet just died. In a way . . . I did. I was ready to move back to my spot when my Helmet started blaring in alarm. "What the hell?! Oh now you damn things work, too late now!" I say putting my helmet back on. Now the multiverse portal detection system decides to work, why now of all times. "System: disengage alarm. Display for activation." I ordered. Been weeks since this thing went off. Must be something wrong with the relays or sensors. I'll fix them later.
~Warning: Rupture Detected~
Origin: Artificial link
Size: Normal
Linked to: RVB sub-verse #3
~Time till close: Unknown~
. . . . What in the hell is going on? Someone in the RVB sector is trying to jump universes to here. But I never shared anything multiverse jumping related with anyone there. Not a natural portal like what Rhode went though, someone created this portal on their end and linked it here. No other explination. I was about to order Mu to trace it when a new message popped up on my HUD. From Pyrrha, what in the world did Elaia do this time. It had a picture on it. . . . well I figured out where the portal ruptured at. She took a picture of it under the peach trees and sent it to me, same spot as when I first got to this world. In bold text it read 'Looks like something you might want to come deal with, you are the portal expert. Getting Elaia to our dorm till you investigate.'.
"Got a situation. Mu, warn Ozpin and Ironwood to not let anyone near that portal until I get there to investigate. See if they can scramble a Bullhead to pick us up. Weiss and Blake, stay here with Serena and rest up. Rhode and I handle this." I ordered getting up. Rhode snapped aways and looked around the room. Not even questioning a thing as she hobbled on over with her crutches and followed me. My gut is still hurting but that won't stop me. The worst the RVB universe can throw at me is already here, anything else I can handle alone. I didn't look back to see anyone acknowledge me as I walked out the door.
Beacon courtyard
(early morning)
Talk about some serious déjà vu. I'm heading back to the Beacon courtyard, in full battle armor, with a portal raging in the middle of it. Seems like yesterday I jumped though the portal and slammed my balls into a tree. Not the best first impressions to my sweet rabbit eared girlfriend, I'll admit i could have handled the situation a little better looking back at it now. I was hovering in a Bullhead looking down at the ground below. Few lines of Atlesian-200 knights were in front of the portal, combat ready to shoot what ever came out. Overkill but necessary in the worst case. Seems like Ironwood took my message seriously when I asked for no one to be near the portal. Mu showed up on my shoulder as I zoomed in on the portal entrance. Rhode knelt down beside me keeping pressure off her twisted ankle. Nothing popping out, strange. Been over half an hour, it should have closed or had something pop out by now. Ozpin and Ironwood themselves were down there kindly telling people to get back. They know those portals are no joke, good. They should fear and respect the multiverse.
"Well, can't say the general isn't prepared. Not much will get though that firing squad unharmed." Mu noted as I zoomed out and got ready to jump as the bullhead started going down. Not far in front of the crowd. One way to make an entrance.
"Can't say they would do much against a Baron of Hell. It would tear that line to shreds. And sure as hell not a " I say deeming this close enough as I jumped. I roll into my landing and pull Arcflash out as I started walking. Can't leave anything to chance now that i have my hard hitter back. Side hurting but I'll live. Ozpin and Ironwood noticed me walking and started following beside me. Penny shimmered to life on Ironwood's shoulder as we walked. Rhode waited until the bullhead landed first before she walked out. Still some ways behind me, but she is catching up.
"Agent Ohio, What is that and why is the general fortifying the entire area around it?" Penny asked. I am kind of surprised she decided to follow Ironwood instead of trying to get Delta back online. He should be up any minute now.
"Multiverse portal, someone is trying to jump to this world. And yes the fortifications are necessary." I answered.
"What should we be expecting?" Ironwood asked. Closer I got to the portal, the more I begun to hear sounds coming from the other end. Can't make anything out beyond a faint familiar female tone saying 'Beginning playback'.
"From the exact same universe as Rhode, the Meta, and the AI. Worst being the Meta is already here, so most likely a bunch of trigger happy idiots messing with equipment way above their pay scale." I answered as the Knights parted from my path. Being this close to a portal again sends chills down my spine. I've grown accustom to this world. This thing can easily shut down the minute I cross over if it is a trap. I'm the only one in this world who knows these portals and understands them. So my sister and I are the only experts on multiverse portals in this entire world at their call.
"Johnathan, I think we need to take into consideration . . . " Ironwood tried saying. The brief echo of 'play it again FILLS'. . . . . Can't be him on the other end. No way in hell.
"Shhh." I say I as i held up two fingers in the universal quiet signal. Surprisingly they listened. . . . can't be time yet. Not already? Can't be what I think is on the other side. No way in hell he is that insane and stupid to even try it. I was extremely careful to ensure he never got his hands on Multiverse jumping tech. "Listen. Mu you got better hearing, you hearing it right?" I asked. The court yard was dead quiet except for the occasional static and spark from the portal.
"Lenard, stop it. Put that thing down." A faint female voice echoed though the portal. Mu popped up on my shoulder as we looked at one another then the portal. "You're going to make me late, they're waiting for me."
"You don't think . . . he can't be. . ." Rhode said slowly looking to the portal. There was a long, pregnant pause as the two of us looked into the swirling portal. sparks flying occasionally as we listen for more information on the other side.
"And don't worry, you'll see me again." The faint female voice called. I know exacty where this is going and exactly who is on the other end. No denying it now, there can only be one place this portal leads in the entire multiverse. I put Arcflash on my back and locked it into place. I won't be needing this. Not this time, I've been running from this meeting for too long. Time for me to face the music.
"Other side isn't a threat. Tell your men to stand down." I replied reaching up to my helmet and undid the seals. Brief hiss as the gel pressed back, I took my helmet off and held it under my arm.
"You sure Ohio? How can you tell by just listening in to it?" Ironwood asked as the knights slowly stepped back. Rhode held herself up on her crutches as she took her helmet off. Her brown hair flowing in the wind as her purple hair band stuck to her short hair. Emerald green eyes looking back at me as we nodded out heads.
"Because I know the man on the other end of the portal personally." I answered as I look down at the logo on the back of my helmet. The worn down freelancer emblem with my rank and designation. I closed my eyes as I traced my fingers on the logo. "Seems like so many years ago that I joined the Freelancer Ranks. All our missions, the training, the betrayal, and fighting. I wish I could have done something to stop it all." I answered as a single tear shed down my eye. Ironwood and Ozpin looked to each other confused as Penny kept her gaze on me with curiosity. "Mu, you remember. . . the first words I spoke to you? When you were born, all that time ago." I asked looking though to the portal as she followed suit.
"You were amazed that I was real, that I was 'born' first. You asked my name, tried to get to know which fragment I was. I was shy, skittish, unsure of the world around me or how messed up it was." She answered looking back at me. "The Director wanted to keep me in storage, saying that Mercy and Humanity had no value on the battle field when faced with extinction. You fought with him to keep me for hours on end, till he gave in and paired me up with you, instead of York. I'll never forget your commitment." She answered wiping a 'tear' from her eyes.
"Seems like yesterday we were the most unlikely pair among the Freelancer ranks. Rhode Island went instant fangirl mode once she saw you, calling you adorable and wanting to snuggle up to you. South was pissed that a newbie like me got an AI instead of her. Those were good times." I chuckled wiping my eye. "Rhode, you remember . . . you remember the time I walked in on you and North in bed having a 'sleepover'? I chased York around the ship for over an hour until Carolina put a stop to it. Poor man knew how to pull a good joke till it bit him in the ass." I asked getting a bit choked up.
"Yeah, I remember. I paid Maine from my snack stash to kick his ass in training for that stunt. Best box of sponge cakes I never ate." She responded putting a hand on my shoulder. "I still remember your first training session aboard. You were terrified to see South was your personal instructor that day after the Director said that training you was rule free and to do as we all pleased. I remember her driving a Mongoose over you and forced you to beach press it till she got bored of the ride, just to see what the extent of your augmentation was. Made you to dodge grenades and shot at you with a battle rifle to make you to react at break neck speeds. She loved to aim for your ass."
"How can I forget that. I still have the scars from her bullet holes. 9.5X40mm bullets hurts like hell. Does not heal quickly either." I replied as we laughed it off. Penny looked at us more confused than ever. Ironwood and Ozpin seemed to have gotten the idea on why we weren't going though just yet. "Elizabeth, I understand if you stay here and don't want to see to him ever again. After all the things he's done, things he's been involved with, crimes he made us commit, lines crossed. . . ."
"We're a team Johnathan. Both in Project Freelancer, and on Remenant. You're like a little brother to me. Fate had us meet at Freelancer and fate reunited us here. We're in this together, no matter what the multiverse throws our way." Rhode replied looking into my eyes, I can see the determination in hers. I nodded as she readjusted herself on the crutches. I looked back to Ironwood as I turned.
"Penny, you might want to come along to see this." I offered as her eyes went wide. "Ironwood, I know what you are going to say, but she needs to learn how far is too far. Best we show her first hand what happens when you can't let something go, than for her to learn the hard way. What people out there are willing to win, and at what costs. This way less people will get hurt in the end." I answer before he even got the question out. As advanced as Penny is, she needs this trip. She needs to understand what drove the Director to fragment the Alpha like he did.
"Well, He has a point. If on the other end is what I think is right, it will be a valuable learning experience for her, for anyone." Ozpin said. Defeated, Ironwood sighed as he turned to Penny on his shoulder. Obviously not use to her AI form. Or any AI in general.
"Go with him Penny." Ironwood said.
"General?" She asked.
"If Ozpin things you need this, I'll trust his judgement." He said motioning to me. "You won't get another chance like this again." Penny looked between me and him. As if debating inside herself whether to stay or go. I gave her a sympathetic nod as she looked to Ironwood again. She looked to me confused and worried as Ironwood handed me the processor chip housing her data recovered from the capture unit. She hovered from his shoulder to mine beside Mu. Mu patter her shoulder as I put her chip in my chest pocket. Rhode put her helmet back on as she looked to the portal. I gave her a confirming nob before she hobbled on in. Flash of purple and she was gone. Mu and Penny disappeared from my shoulder as I put my helmet on. "Just one question." Ironwood asked before I walked though. I looked back to him. "What exactly are you going to do over there?" He asked.
"I'm going to have a talk with my old boss." I answered turning back to the portal, and walking though.
Freelancer Offsite Storage Facility
RVB subverse #3, unknown time
"Welcome back Agent Ohio. Nice to see you are still alive and well after all these years. Splendid to see my jump worked." F.I.L.S.S greeted in her rather chipper tone as we walked out of the portal. Room was a dark metalic grey with lines of ceiling lights flooding the area. I blinked a bit as I scanned my surroundings to see where at Project Freelancer I was. I am somewhere at the offsite storage facility. Been there enough times to know that there is not a Multiverse projector room anywhere in the building. A large black gate way with various lights and buttons was behind me with a swirling purple vortex. How in the hell . . . did he make this himself? Where did Freelancer get the tech from. I know that even with the help of a Huragok, Freelancer still can't make a proper portal like this. Something is fishy here.
"Good to see you FILLS. Been a while since I've been back." I responded back as Rhode was trying to keep weight off her bad foot. Room was empty except for a few crates and a open door. Cables moved along the walls going out of the room. This was weird, even for me.
"Yes it has. Almost three years now. The Director has requested that I trace your location and bring you here, assuming you were still alive." She answered back as Rhode clicked down the room toward the door. I followed her as we entered a large room lined with crates, weapon racks, equipment, armor, I even see a Monitor shell in the corner. One of the AI might have a new 'body' now. The Director wants to see me, this will be interesting.
"Where are we?" Penny asked popping up on my shoulder, looking around the large room as static and the echo of a female's voice filled the empty halls. If memory serves, the Director should be in the next room to our left down the hall. Medical bay for surgery or cybernetics is not that much farther away. Well I found out where Yang can get a cybernetic arm now, that was fast.
"This is the Freelancer offsite storage facility. In the event that the main facility is destroyed or beyond repair. This back up base was constructed as a way to ensure Freelancer can still function and operate." I answered running my hand down one of the boxes. Disturbed dust, Reds and Blues have already been here, I can smell Griff's stench a mile away. Smells like old mustard and year old burger grease. He was here alright. He ain't alone, his fat ass will never move from his bed unless threatened or forced. We walked down the room as the voice echoed more, getting louder as we moved.
"So you let me come so I can learn? What am I here to learn exactly?" Penny asked.
"Let me ask you this first Penny. When faced with extinction, how far is considered too far to ensure your survival? and how far is too far with love? What would you do if Ruby, Delta, or even Ironwood were to die right now? Where do you draw the line in the sand on how far is too far?" I asked as we continued down the hall. "When Freelancer first started up, humanity was at war for it's very survival. The military wanted to see how special operation soldiers do in the field with AI and game changing equipment. But there was a problem, the program could only get one AI and had multipual agents to have tests on. So the Director tried to copy him." I answered. "Now since it is a 'smart' AI instead of a 'Dumb' one, it can not be copied by normal means. You I would personally classify as a 'smart' AI before you ask. You ain't a massive series of ones and zeroes that can be multiplied as many times as anyone likes. A 'Smart' AI is similar to a person, with a mind all their own and as complex personalities as anyone out there. They can only be created by using the mind of a living being. Cloned or not. So it can't be copied easily or in a traditional fashion, but like the mind it can be split up. Broken down and fragmented. This is where things get questionable with Freelancer." I explained as we passed a rack line of assault rifles, shot guns, snipers, SMG's, plasma rifles. This place is loaded.
"A loved one of the Director died in the Great war for humanity's survival, but his love for her was so strong that when the Alpha AI was born, so was a copy of her. Technically the first fragment from the Alpha, her name was Beta or better known as Agent Texas. All the Alpha could remember about the Director's loved one was her failures, so that is what Beta represented. Which is why she fails her ultimate goal every time it gets with in her reach. The Director saw this as a way to get more AI from the one given to them. So he set up a series of scenarios for the Alpha, each designed to make him fail and torture him, driving him to insanity, where he had no choice but to fragment in order to stay sane and stable. Eventually using his own fragments to torment him even worse, making the fragmentation more sustainable, and yield better results." Rhode explained as We stopped in front of crate of equipment. I reached down and dusted off a small enhancement. Speed modual mark V. Carolina's enhancement. Brings back memories holding this tiny little grey cylinder. Tried it once, slammed into a wall in 0.02 seconds flat with a Spartan sized dent in the wall. Never again, not as long as I can help it. "Mu was the first to go, his Humanity and Mercy. He separated aspects of himself so he can try to endure what the Director was doing to him. Then went Delta, his Logic. Litte by little he fragmented off, creating more powerful and more dangerous fragments as he separated farther. Theta, his Trust. Gamma, his Decite. Omega, his Rage. Sigma, his Creativity and Ambition. Eta, his Fear. Iota, his Happiness. Finally Epsilon was his last and his most powerful fragment, Memory. Yet his most unstable and dangerous. Memory can be a powerful thing if used correctly, and extremely dangerous if improperly." Rhode explained as we drew closer.
"After Epsilon was implanted into his assigned agent, He went insane from the torture the Alpha endured. Being the fragment of memory, all that pain was still fresh and made his agent endure months of torment and agony over the course of a few short seconds. The Director had Epsilon forced out, and stopped the fragmentation after that. We were all ordered to turn our AI in till they were deemed safe to use again." I replied as Penny listened in shock of it all. She is still a child but it is best she learn from our mistakes, and hopefully not be as big as failures as we are. "But, I was never one to listen to stupid ass orders, so I elected to ignore it as did all the other agents. It got messy real fast after that. We tore at each other's throats, trying to get ahead of one another just to try and be on top. Despite having the best equipment, the best training, and the best everything. We still lied, stole, and back stabbed one another to get ahead. And the Director let it all happen . . . I let it all happen. Rhode was one of the few who came out of the project with her humanity and morals still intact."
"Several Freelancers went rouge, myself included. We tried to free the Alpha after finding out what was happening to him. As the ship crashed toward the planet. Rhode was about to be sucked out a hole into the vacuum of space. I held onto her as tight as I can as we crashed. I smashed though the ship's hull with her in my arms, sending us skidding across the ice and nearly fell into a icy canyon. I held onto Rhode as I dug my knives into the ice. Stopping us from falling to our deaths. When we got back up, I set her unconscious body by the ship's hull as Serena opened a portal to bring me home. I had no choice but to go back home or else MERC would have killed Serena for knowing too much, then came after me next. That was the last I saw of anyone from Freelancer till Rhode came to Remenant." I explained as we kept walking.
"That is . . . . . that is all just wrong on so many levels. Why in Monty's name . . .Why did he do that? To his AI, to his Agents, to everyone. How can someone go so low and still expect everything to turn out okay?" Penny asked a little angry. Exactly how I thought she would react. I don't blame her, Mu was angry with me for weeks after she was implanted into my enhanced nervous system. She was able to see my memories and everything about me. I can't hide any secrets from her.
"Necessity is the mother of invention." I replied as I had us take a quick left. I know where all the Tex drones are at. I also know a way around them and a path to the Director's personal office. Not much farther now. "When faced with absolute extinction, any other options become available. The fine line between good and evil isn't as black and white as it looks. The grey area between is much,much larger than people think. You'd be surprised at the lengths people will go to ensure victory or survival." I answer as the recording gets louder. "Everything we done in Freelancer, was out of necessity in this world if you take everything into consideration. If we did even half the crimes we committed here back on Remenant, the good General would have a rope tied around our necks and leave our barely living bodies dangling off the back of his airship all the way to Atlas from across the world."
"But, you guys are the good guys now right? You tried to fix your mistakes?" Penny asked a little scared. I ask myself that question every day. I'm the most guilty out of everyone in Freelancer. I knew it would happen, I knew exactly when and how it would all go down. Yet I let it all play out as if I was never there in the first place. I'm the reason C.T died. I'm the reason the Alpha was tortured for as long as he was. I'm the reason for all the pain they endured. If only I tried to stop it before it got any worse.
"With what we done Penny . . . there is no going back to good for us. We can never fix what we done." Rhode replied in a guilty tone. She is probably the one who committed the least crimes in Freelancer. Rhode rarely ever swore, rather incapacitate than kill human enemies, refused to follow any morally questionable orders. She is probably the better one out of all of us in the end.
"You are still good Rhode, you only did what it took to keep us alive. Nothing morally questionable, you got no innocent blood on your hands, mine are soaked. I followed nearly all my orders to the letter." I answered running my hands down the metallic walls. When I die, I'm going to burn. There is no going back to good for me. Not here, not on Remenant, not anywhere. Can't wash away the blood of the innocent so easily.
"Play it again FILLS." A strong male voice ordered. I held up my hand to signal Rhode to stop. We are here. He knows we are here. The clacking of Rhode's crutches kind of gave us away, and he isn't fighting back. I know he won't, we are nearing his end in this world. I run out of time to complete my end of the deal.
"Director . . ." F.I.L.S.S tried saying, but fell on deaf ears as he slammed his hand on his desk and repeated his order. Carolina is already in there, I can see the back of her Teal armor from here. We were maybe ten yard behind her. 15 max. I took a deep breath and mentally prepared myself for the biggest chewing out I have ever received from the scariest woman I know.
"Penny, what you are about to see, is what 'too far' looks like, and understand completely why the Director did what he did. You won't like it one bit, I suggest you stay silent and watch." I replied steeling my nerves as I begun walking into the large room. Carolina was by the door with her back toward me. I calmly knocked on the door frame to get their attention as I moved in. Carolina was the first to move her head toward me, her Rouge style helmet meeting my CQB helmet as we locked 'eyes', 'seeing' one another for the first time in nearly three to four years. She was shorter than I was, full armor teal similar to all Freelancer armor. Single pistol on her belt with no other weapons. The Director didn't even move from his chair or even flinch when I spoke. The large screen played a video of a blonde girl in Marine armor getting ready to go, but the camera man won't stop pestering her to stay. His final moments with his wife. He did the unthinkable just to try and bring her back to say good bye. Lessons learned the hard way in every universe. You can't brig back the dead so easily, for the cost will always be greater than any reward. It cost him everything trying to get her back. "Hello Carolina, Director. It's been a while." I called out.
"Ohio, I'm surprised to see your still kicking after all this time." Carolina greeted. Ouch, right in my pride. Can't say I blame her, I kinda left without telling anyone and on a really bad note. Wouldn't blame her if she punched me in the balls after we are done here.
"Hello Agent Ohio, Mu, Agent Rhode Island. You guys crossed entire universes just to join the party? And you seem to have brought an AI friend along." He asked sadly. Technically yes but not why I'm here. The guilt has finally eaten away at him, the guilt of everything. All the people he hurt, the lives he destroyed. Being so close to his main goal yet still so far.
"Director, we both know she won't come back, she can't come back like you want. I searched countless worlds, asked all around MERC, and all over the Multiverse. Her death is a unchangeable core event, she needed to die to put everything into motion in every single world in this sector. There is no bringing her back." I answered. Rhode was smart and stayed in the door way, silent and observing. Penny stayed on my shoulder with Mu as they watched everything unfold. Things are about to get heated real fast. Mu saw the episodes up to the end of season 15, she knows what is going to happen soon.
"I think I found a way, a way to bring her back right this time. One of those worlds has to hold the answer, I'm just not sure which one. I just need a little more time." He replied, so he did use the multiverse jumping tech how I figured. Looking at the quick sheet he has shown . . . . . oh hell no! He is not seriously considering the Full Metal Alchemist sector! The cost will be even greater than if he kept trying here! A literal deal with just about any demon would be less costly than that. What is dead should stay dead.
"NO!" Epsilon yelled bursting to life on Carolina's shoulder and moved right to beside the Director's face. He was just like Delta, only blue and held a sniper rifle that he can not use worth shit. "You had your fucking time. You have to answer for what you did!" The little blue AI yelled, pissed off and ready for blood. "To the Meta, to Washington, to Carolina, to me, and to her. To Texas!"
"Hello Epsilon. You came all this way just to see me." He answered in a voice full of grief.
"I'm here to remember what you've done! Somebody has to!" He yelled. Carolina moved her position to the other side of the Director. I moved with her prepared for Epsilon's outburst. Penny had better take notes and learn from Church.
"Church?" Carolina asked sounding concerned.
"Not all of us got off Scott free Carolina." He said beginning to chance color to green, fragment of memory at his worst. Years of pent up anger and rage being released in a single moment. "He was BRILLIANT." He said sounding like Delta, now changing to purple. "And we TRUSTED him." He yelled as Theta, turning pink. "We begged for MERCY, pleading to his HUMANITY!" As Mu, now turning light blue. Weird, that wasn't in his rant in the show. "But he LIED to us!" As Gamma turning grey. "He TWISTED and TORTURED us, and used us!" As Omega, turning orange and on fire. "MANIPULATED us for his own purposes and FOR WHAT! For this! This . . . SHADOW!" He yelled as Sigma, dying down to his own color and voice. "He needs to pay."
Penny was in absolute shock as Mu held a gentle hand on her shoulder. Rhode and Carolina were just as speechless. I reached up and undid the seals for my Helmet not long after Carolina undid hers. Her short red hair covering most of here emerald eyes focused on the director. She looked a lot like Pyrrha if the two were side by side. Makes me wonder if Pyrrha is her world's version of Carolina and vice versa. The Director took his glasses off and kept his gaze at the ground, then looked up at Carolina with a absolutely broken expression.
His eyes held everything Penny needs to know about going too far. Years of guilt, regret, and obsession had eroded the eyes that once held a fiery determination. Once hell bent on getting what he wanted. Now they were filled with nothing but sorrow and regret. Guilt and grief has eaten away at him to nothing more than a hollow shell, a shadow of the man he once was. Carolina wanted to be mad at him, wanted to kill him, right then and there. But can't bring herself to do it. Can't find it within herself to be mad at the man who despite everything that he did, he only wanted his wife back to say goodbye. She gave in and leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on the Director's forehead. Penny held a confused look on her 'face' as we watched.
"Just a bit more time." He pleaded. We are nearing the end of his timeline. Mu knows it, I know it. We won't stop him, it has to be done. Only way to keep their event line moving properly.
"Come on Church, we're leaving." She said turning away from the Director.
"I thought we came all this way, to kill him." He said pissed off still. The Director had his wife taken away, saw his project be destroyed from the inside, thought his own daughter was dead until this point, only to find that she despises what he has become. What is there left for you to kill Church?
"Church, remember what you learned in the memory unit. You need to let go." Carolina started looking at the video of her long deceased mother. "Your past doesn't define who you are." You said looking to the Director now. "Just gives you the starting point, for who you're going to be." She said beginning to walk away. The Director held his arm out and stopped Carolina from moving.
"Agent Carolina." He asked.
"Yes Director?" She replied.
"I'm sorry, Carolina. For everything I've done to you, I can't expect you to forgive me. But please remember me. Don't make the same mistakes I did." He answered. Wait, this wasn't suppose to happen. He was suppose to ask for her pistol. Why doesn't he . . . . oh, now I know why he wanted to find me here.
"Of course, will that be all?" She asked.
"No, you can leave with Rhode Island. I would like to speak to Agent Ohio alone. I want to renegotiate his end of a deal we made. Thank you Agent Carolina." He replied looking back to the video.
"Goodbye. . . Dad." She said almost stricken with sorrow as she walked away from him. She knows what is going to happen next. Carolina never says good bye. She looked to me dead in my eyes before she walked out. "I'd like a few words with you once your done Ohio." She said walking out of the room. Well, I can say good bye to my dead ass. The Director looked down saddened as Epsilon still hovered by him.
"You were my greatest creation." He said as Carolina walked to the door by Rhode.
"I don't know what I am. But I do know this." Epsilon said huffing his chest. "I am more than just a copy of you. I'm better than you."
"I wasn't speaking to you." He said as Epsilon floated back to Carolina. I looked to Mu and Penny on my shoulder as they blinked in unison. This bit i have to do alone. They can't be around to see what happens next.
"Mu, Penny. Go with Carolina for a minute. This is personal right now." I ordered. Penny opened her mouth to say something but closed it immediately, afraid that she'll say something to make things worse. They both flashed over to Carolina without a word as she left with Rhode. Leaving me alone in the room with the Director. I know what is going to happen soon.
"Agent Ohio. Can I speak with you for a moment." He said loud and clear. Instinct took in as I stood up straight and calmly walked over to the Director. Been years since I was alone with this man. Last time was when he chewed me out for my failure as squad leader. This time . . . this time is different.
"Yes sir?" I asked.
"Seeing as how I have fulfilled my end of our deal, and no way for you to complete yours. I would like to renegotiate your half." He said calmly looking back to the screen as F.I.L.L.S played the video again. "It will be in several parts, so listen very carefully. I will not get another chance to tell you this again." He explained.
"Understood." I replied.
"First, I want you to take everything in this facility. All the files, all the equipment, everything. Leave this one file alone, leave it with me. Use it all as you see fit on Remenant. Try being the Freelancer they need there, not what we became here. Use your knowledge and skill to protect them from the unknown. Don't let them suffer." He said.
"All out files. That include. . . Me . . . Director?" F.I.L.L.S asked sounding scared.
"It has been a pleasure FILLS. I am sorry." He said. "Second, I want you to lock down this facility before you go. Shut everything down. I know it will cut off life support. But have FILLS do it before you leave. Lock me in. Make this facility my tomb." He said looking back at the video as a lone tear escaped his eye. "Lastly, I want you to use your father's pistol, hold it against my head, and pull the trigger. Free me from my pain." I knew it would come to this as soon as FILLS said the Director was looking for me.
"Okay, deal." I said reaching to my side and putting my hand on my father's pistol. "But I have a few questions. Where did you get the tech?" I asked with a solid poker face. Lord knows how long he has had it, and lord knows how many he sacrificed just to find the right world to bring his wife back.
"During one of your trips back to your world, Agent Wyoming broke in and stole a projector from MERC's storage bay. We've been reverse engineering and making prototype armor enchantments around it. We were only able to make two working modules. One was stored here for safe keeping, it being too dangerous should it fall out of control. The other went to Agent Utah, who was killed by the Meta when he stole that enchantment." He answered. Well, that would explain quite a bit, yet not a lot. Poor Utah, he gets the shit end of everything."The original Agent Ohio, Iowa, and Idaho were the first to test out the more ground locked variant. They went in to a Pokemon sector, they never came back. Last I heard, they liked it there and refuse to return. The armor enhancement variant is limited but it works just fine for short periods of time. Can't force connections, requires a AI to work properly and without it being random or short circuit. Like Wyoming's time distortion unit, it demands a lot of power to use constantly. FILLS can show you where it is located. You know the multiverse better than anyone here, only fair that you keep the enhancement." He explained calmly and slowly. Well that is to be expected from a device that literally alters the fabric of time and space. I calmly brought up my father's pistol. I clicked the mag out to inspect which rounds I had loaded. Normal brass tip 44 magnum rounds with a red center. Hollow point fire dust rounds, he will defiantly be going out with a bang. I calmly exhaled as I loaded the mag back into the pistol, slide the head back and loaded a round into the chamber.
"Any final requests?" I asked. I took a deep breath as I leveled my pistol with his head. I got no choice, this is the only way I can repay my debt to him. End his suffering painlessly.
"Just some words of wisdom to you Johnathan." He replied. "Don't make the same mistakes I have. Let her go when it is time, or you'll be chasing shadows your entire life. Never forget where you came from, and who all helped you along the way. Freelancer is yours now, be a better man that I was. Make it greater that I ever could. Take good care of your family Ohio. Don't take the time you spend with them for granted. You never know, when it will be the last time you will ever meet." He requested taking a deep breath. He didn't flinch at all. He seemed oddly at peace with me killing him so brutally. "It has been an pleasure serving with you FILLS. You were the greatest friend I could ever ask for. I'm sorry you have to leave like this." He thanked out loud to the Project's AI.
"The pleasure was all mine Director." FILLS called out. "Was the project a success? Did you find what you are looking for?" She asked replaying the video again, for the final time. One last look at his past love, a peak into what drove a brilliant and capable man to commit the horrors he did, a fare well to the lost and a final moment of peace knowing he will be with his beloved wife soon. I am technically bring him back to his wife, just not in this plane of existence. May he find her again in the cosmos of eternity.
"No, no I did now, but I believe I might have came very close." He said watching the video of his wife for the final time. "I wish . . . I wish I knew sooner." He said as a lone tear left his eye. "Perhaps the next time around." He said closing his eyes, embracing the death he desires. "Allison, I'm coming to join you." He whispered softly to himself Why does he have to make this so damn hard. Out of all the people I had to mercy kill, why do I feel the worst about doing this one? The unpaid debt I owe him? The fact that I wouldn't be able to protect anyone I love today if it were not for him?
"It has been an honor serving with you . . . sir. I'm sorry." I said as I turned my head and closed my eyes. I can't bare to see myself doing this. As soon as I turned away, I pulled the trigger. Sealing his fate and ending his suffering.
"Don't say goodbye. I hate goodbyes." The recording said for a final time echoing though facility.
(Penny's POV)
I was floating with Mu as Carolina and Rhode caught up on what they done. Epsilon . . . I am not sure how I feel about him honestly. With Mu I feel at home being beside her. She is caring and sweet. Of course, being a fragment for Mercy and Humanity she has to be. Epsilon is . . . I am not sure what to make of him. He is rude, yet caring toward his 'friends'. All though they seem low on the intelligence scale from what I can gather, not to be mean. Epsilon was floating beside us almost studying me.
"Wait, wait. You're telling me that this chick is actually a synthetic soul/AI designed to save humanity, but was ripped out of her carefully created body by the Meta. Who is still very much alive and paving a path of destruction in another universe. And in this universe, which they are beyond stupid enough to give a 15 year old girl a high caliber sniper scythe combo, they are also training bunch of smoking hot teen girls that would and Tucker in very serious trouble in his first five minutes there. Where every weapon is also a gun, and full of rabid creatures of darkness that want nothing more than to completely and utterly fuck humanity's shit up beyond all recondition. And there are animal/ people hybrids that are mostly smoking hot, but there is a group of these beings that nuked the unholy FUCK out of some rich snob's house with him home. Did I get all that right or am I missing something? Because that all sounds like some bullshit Caboose made up to explain why he never did any dishes at base." He asked. Well . . . he is technically not wrong. If 'Tucker' is anything like he acts, yeah by Vale law he would be sentenced to a long time in prision for pedophilia before he even realizes they are all under aged. Rest of it seems like a very simplified run down of our world. Not how I would describe it, but it is the thought that counts.
"That is a good run down of the world we live in, Yes. If you put it in extremely simple terms." Mu replied motioning to me. "Penny is kind of like the Alpha in a sense, but acts more like Theta and Delta. She is not technically an AI but at the same time not technically human either." I smiled at Epsilon and waved.
"Salutation." I greeted.
"Well, that is officially, the weirdest and craziest place I have ever heard of in my life. Sounds like fun in all, but I am cool staying here. At least this bullshit I know how to handle." He said turning to me. "So this chick went face to face with the Meta and held her own for a while. Not a feat many can claim kid." He explained.
"He was tough, beyond brutal and ruthless. But easy to predict and counter. He caught me by surprise and didn't let up." I explained remembering that fight. I was over confident that my attack would have neutralized him, I should have kept my guard up and moved to a better position. That mistake cost me my body and forced me into this AI form. How he managed to transfer my 'soul' to this AI form, is beyond my understanding.
"Don't beat yourself up over it. You'll make mistakes though out life. Seems like fate decided to give you a second chance by letting you stay in this form for this long. Don't be like me and screw it up . . . what am I on, my fifth try or something." He asked himself doing metal math. "Let's see, the Director . . . Alpha. . . . . me . . . my time in the memory unit. . . . . me now . . . yeah my fifth try give or take. More if we are counting how many times Caboose killed me." I do not know the full story there, but if what Johnathan has told me is true. Then he has had it way worse than any one on Remenant. The Director seemed so . . . broken. The man capable of committing such atrocities and morally questionable actions, he seemed so destroyed on the inside. Like there was nothing left but grief and regret. Someone that has always been painted as a huge villain, as bad as they can come, is left as nothing more than a shell of a man he use to be. It's sad, knowing he sacrificed so much and so many just to say good bye. I'm still pondering Johnathan's question. When faced with absolute extinction of Remenant, how far is considered too far to ensure our world's survival? When does one draw the line in the sand when everything else is failing and the only alternative is a violent death? Should the Grimm get worse, or the White Fang even worse then they are now. What is my world willing to do to combat those threats.
I was created to save the world, but why make me look so young? Why make me look human in the first place? To make it easier when doing tests or to make me seem more alive? Why exactly was I created? What is my true purpose? Am I really a guardian in training to protect humanity? Or am I just a test subject for a long line of mindless drones to infiltrate the kingdoms, capture loved ones and secure Atlas's victory in the event of total war? But Ironwood would never do something like that. . . . would he? Who in Atlas would? Not even in Atlas? If the wrong people got a hold of my specs. The damage they done to the Schnees is trivial compared to what a unaware army of androids like me would do, going about their daily 'lives' until someone sends the extermination code for them to begin their attack. Difficult to react to properly, tough to defend against, nearly impossible to predict. Grimm don't care if I'm a child or not, they will still try to slay me all the same. But a person would hesitate, question themselves. Adults they won't hesitate as much to kill, but a child. . . having to kill a child will make people question everything in the time it would take for a drone me to finish the. Was I really created to be a artificial guardian to Humanity, or a stealth weapon of mass destruction? Maybe this is what Johnathan meant by it being a learning experience for me. The lengths people will go to win and the true cost of it all. Make me question everything I know, question my existence. I was brought out of my daze as a loud gunshot echoed though out the grey walls of the facility. The five of us look down the hall where the Director's office was. The recording stopped playing. No noise was made out of the room. Mu and Rhode looked to each other and seemed to have understood what happened. Rhode gave Carolina an apologetic look of concern.
"It is done." Mu said sadly looking down.
"You mean Ohio . . he really . . .the Director had him. . . why the fucking hell couldn't we do that! Why did we leave and let Ohio be the one to kill the son of a bitch?!" Epsilon yelled.
"It was the only way he can repay his debt. So he can stop beating himself up over a unsettled deal." Rhode replied taking a deep breath. "He knew he would have to kill him as soon as we set foot though that portal. He let him have a final fair well to FILLS and say his final words, before ending his suffering."
"Dad is at peace now." Carolina said looking down the hall as Ohio exited the room. Slinging his pistol on his waist, helmet under his arm. Bits of blood spattered on his face as he visibly tried to keep himself together. He stopped in front of us head low before Carolina.
"Carolina I can not find the right words to describe how sorry I am." He said wiping the blood off his forehead. "Leaving you behind at the mercy of the Meta, was something that haunted me for months. I can never forgive myself for turning my back on you after everything you done for me. You have every right to be mad at me, hit me, or pull a South and shoot me in the ass." He said walking a little farther down the hall.
"Ohio, stop." Carolina replied putting a hand on his shoulder. He stopped and looked back to his old instructor. "I'm not mad at you anymore." He raised a eyebrow, non-verbally asking her to keep going."I understand you were put in a difficult position. I understand you had to get Rhode to safety. You had to keep your sister safe first and get MERC off your ass. I'm disappointing that it took you this long to come back to say good bye." She joked. Johnathan let out a light chuckle as he kept his gaze to the floor.
"Well, a wise woman once told me to never say good bye." He replied as Carolina laughed with him. "Good to know I am back on your good side."
"Yeah, I really don't want to hunt you down through another universe just to kick you butt again." She replied. "The others are leaving soon. You want to talk to them for a minute before they head out?" She asked.
"I'll pass. We got a lot of work to do here. FILLS told me that we got two hours before the portal sucks up all the bases power, facility is sealing up just before the power cuts off. I got to get as much of this shit on the other side as quickly as possible, and get someone I know a new arm." Ohio informed. Well, talk about bad luck. Wonder what all this place has?
"Shame. I was hoping we could catch up with a drink. You still owe us that round after the Sarcophagus raid." She answered as they laughed. I assume they are talking about their time together. I'll nod and agree with what they say. A rough crash from outside with the sound of engines revving brought Carolina's attention to the exit. She swore under her breath as she gave Ohio a nod as she put her helmet back on. "Guess it's time to leave before Caboose rips this place apart to find Church. So long Ohio, Rhode. " She said giving them a quick salute.
"So long Carolina." Rhode and Ohio saluted back as she turned to walk down the hall. Epsilon looked between me and Carolina, as if he was debating something. He sighed as he looked to Mu.
"I'll never hear the end of it if Tucker heard I said this. But Delta has good taste in ladies, your ginger friend here is kinda cute." He joked. Wait, is he talking about me. I looked around to see if there was anyone else close by he could be referring to. I pointed to myself as he looked to me. "Penny, it was nice meeting you, I hope you and Delta get things working. Mu, send me a invitation to their wedding when it happens." He said flashing out. That was nice of him to wish me and Delta luck . . . wait. What did he say about a wedding?
That is all i got for now people. Been a few months, but I got this bitch done. I am pulling myself back together to keep on writing, even after the hard fight with depression. Sorry for the lack of updates all around. I am trying to pump these chapters out as good as I can. Next Chapter I will end the battle over Menagerie and more on how winter is doing. I have been kinda busy doing research on video game power ups and abilities. Trying to think on how well they would work in a place like RWBY. Like what would happen if we gave Nora the Shock Jockey Vigor from Bioshock: Infinite. Would she be able to keep herself electrified or would the Salts deplete too quickly from her body. How a Sembalance is similar to a Quirk from Boku No Hero Academy or if they could even co-exist? Absolute pain in the ass trying to figure crap like this out and still have it make some sense for both worlds. It is pretty obvious a Force user would dominate in the RWBY world, especially from Legends. Kinda going a mix of both the new saga and legends in terms of Emily's Force abilities. I really put myself in a tough pickle didn't I. Multiverse is vast and a pain in the ass, and my dumb ass has to try to figure out ways to meld several worlds and still have them make some sense. Well, see you all next time. I am off to work on the next chapter. Showing what happen when there are two of the same person in my version of the Multiverse. Two Qrows and technically two Summers.
~Dgreen20