RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 30: Journey Between Similarities
WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.
This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.
Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.
So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^
Evol hummed a tune as he was placing items he required into a suitcase. He was currently outside of his armor and been set for what he had long prepared for. Sure the world knows his human identity but they cannot stop him given he was a powerful alien lifeform possessing a man who had done nothing wrong to the world. He plucked a bottle from the table, musing.
The bottle he intends to use once the process is complete.
"It is almost time."
He is aware Salem and her cohorts have been quiet for the last few months as it was about to be a new year for Remnant. The last year this planet will ever have.
Though he wasn't worried at all from her absence. In fact she couldn't do anything to stop him and once he achieve phase 4, he would give her a demonstration of what that form can do. For the world to see his power that he owns.
He had also been hearing whispers. One he had sensed on occasions. One that was nothing at first but the more his familiars heard it, the more he noticed what was going on. If that is the case it would be quite boring with the possibility of his family being here. Ahh, his dear older brother who had been an overlord of the tribe who wanted to destroy the universe. His greedy brother. And not to mention that cousin of his, who always brings his 'possie' with him with every step that sows the web of death.
Were they annoying? Meh, his brother can kiss his ass for all he cares. His cousin? Same.
So! In all, after he gets his Phase 4, the inhabitants of this world won't be a problem. Vernage? … its half and half on the scale given her vow to kill him and those like him who dare to hurt humanity.
And as for his 'family'? Should they get in his way, they'll be dealt with the same fate. He may be all powerful in Phase 4… But with this world and its life force within? He believes he could go even further past it… Into a form that'll make even his 'home planet' quiver with fear.
But that's only for when they become a threat to him… As if they'll ever be one.
With the last item he needed, he packed it up and took it into his hand. With a flip of the fedora onto his head, he was ready. Of course, why head off just to appear in front of his 'boyo'? He might as well just walk there and let the anxiety fill once he learns of his plan.
"Oiiii! I need a boat to Vale!" Sokichi called to one of his charges. "Oh and get me a piece of paper, a pencil, and an envelope!
"Request: accepted." The drone obeyed.
The Blood Tribesman chuckled. "Just you wait boyo, you dear old pops is coming to visit ya."
XXX
Winter. It has been a long time since the cold season meant anything to Cody. He only remembered the coldness of the ruined house he use to live in, the worriedness he won't wake up from the harsh sleep within the season, as well as reawakening back in Faust.
But now? It was completely changed for him.
He was enjoying it with his new family. Yang's recovery was doing great as she had some color back on her face, but still some occasionally PTSD attacks. Luckily with him, her father, and Ruby there? Everything was going smoothly.
*CRASSHH!*
The sound of plates and more crashing made the boy flinch as he shot up from the couch he was on with Yang and quickly rushed upstairs, only to bump into Taiyang.
"Sorry about that, I heard some stuff break and got worried." Cody apologized.
"I was… just startled…." Taiyang responded with a slightly scared tone, earning the experiment's attention. "Ruby… she left this…" He handed the rider a letter as he took it and read it through.
"She's going to Haven to find out what happened?" He gawked in shock. "What is she thinking?" Cody shook his head as he was about to change into Magma to fly after her, but Taiyang stopped the boy.
"Hey, don't go doing anything crazy." He warned the boy.
"But Ruby-"
"Is doing what she thinks is right…" Taiyang sighed. "As scared as I am about her… This is just something I now wanna trust in her with." He chuckled softly, "She reminds me so much about her mother… Even doing the same thing she would."
"Ruby's mother?" Cody questioned. While he learned many things about Yang and her family… Ruby's 'mother' was still one thing he didn't know about.
"Yeah… Come. I'll talk about it more." The older Xiao Long gestured as he led the boy back downstairs. Of course, Yang was sitting there worried, but given their expressions? She could tell her sister did something that was what the scythe wielder wanted.
Once the two men sat back down, Taiyang handed his daughter the letter left by Ruby for her to read. Her expression was the same for a moment before she sighed and nodded, knowing that this was completely like her sister and what she would do.
"Ruby's mother… Summer. Was such an amazing woman." Taiyang said, telling the story and reminiscing about the past with her. "Much like Ruby? She too simply wanted to be a huntress. A hero for all. Heh, and like her daughter, she too would do things like this for the sake of doing the right thing."
"So… we're just to sit here and hope for the best?" Cody questioned the father. The older blonde nodded to the question.
"If she believes she can do something in Haven? Then I'll have to trust her." Taiyang answered, "As scared as I am of losing her too… She's my daughter after all. But, even with that, she wants to do this… and I have no right to just go after and stop her."
Cody sat there as he was left pondering over Taiyang's words. Not only to hear about how similar Ruby and her mother was in terms of character and actions, but also the feeling of trust in someone you love and believe in. It was… heartwarmingly powerful.
Yang reached over as she grasped his hand, as he looked to her as the brawler smiled at him softly.
"I know you're worried too… But like you trusted me? Trust in my sister, okay? One day she'll come back to us." Yang respond to his concerns.
"Though… given what I have? I feel like I should go after her to help out too…" he responded, earning a look of surprise from the Xiao Longs. "Even if we're to trust her… With both this Salem problem and Faust? She could use more help than she believes…"
Taiyang smiled from hearing this, a nod of understanding the boy's words well. "Of course, that would be reasonable. But for now? Just focus on recovering. Both of you." He stated to the two blondes, as he knew both of their emotions and mental states still needed some time to heal. And he'll be there for them all when they need it.
"Okay…"
"Good. Now… Yang? Didn't you say you had a present waiting for him?" Taiyang asked his daughter with a sly smirk, "You said there needed to be 'more time before it arrived' Well, it's the middle of January right now. Wouldn't this be a good time to give him something?"
Yang blushed from her father's words, throwing a pillow at him, "Shush! You promised to just let it go!" she scolded her father, embarrassed about what she had 'planned' for the boy.
"Hm? But didn't 'christmas' end weeks ago?" He questioned, confused still. While he knew about the holiday, he truly never experienced it until said day came and went and he still didn't understand why it was so important.
A knock suddenly echoed, making Taiyang walk to the entrance of the house. Opening the door, he peered to notice the envelopes by the door, "Oh right, the mail is here."
He walked back inside, shuffling through the mail he got for the day. "Hm? Cody, it seems you got a letter."
"Really? From who?"
"It doesn't say." He handed Cody the envelope as he walked past the younger blonde and Yang.
"It's probably from Lily…" Cody removed the fold and reached into the paper. He unfolded it. "Dear Cody, I-" He trailed off and his eyes dilated. His hands were next to react as they trembled.
"Cody?" Yang saw his reaction. She peered over and saw the writing. "D-Dad get over here!"
"What's wrong?" Yang hastily handed Taiyang the letter.
"Dear Cody, I hope you are doing well my little boyo. Just a heads up from your papa Evol! I AM COMING FOR YOU."
"What in the…?" Taiyang gawked in utter shock, already knowing Evol not just from the broadcastings, but what both his daughter and Cody had told him.
Evol was coming to Patch for Cody.
Cody gulped down his fears, trying to remain calm and not worry Yang over it. Yet, he seemed ready to run, not just to flee from the home he was enjoying well, but not put Yang and Patch in danger from the fight. But Yang's hand reached out, holding her boyfriend's hand tightly.
"Y-Yang… I… I um…" The young rider tried to think of some excuse, as she knew he was simply trying to protect them.
"Please… don't make an excuse for this…" Yang shook her head, "I'm scared too… But… even if he'll be here tomorrow? I want us both to be here together… I believe in you, and that you'll beat him."
"But I-"
Yang stopped him as she pulled him down to her, hugging him gently as he slowly returned it, only for the pair to kiss each other gently before they part.
"I know… You're just wanting to protect us from anything he does… But trust in me too, okay? I'll be here by your side so you don't face this alone… I promised you that, remember?" Yang reminded as she smiled caringly for the boy.
"Okay…" He murmured, his eyes lingering on the paper Taiyang held.
However long it'll be before Evol arrives? He'll be here with people who care and love him… he won't be alone to face the monster and his attacks on the boy, ever again.
XXX
When was the last time she ever saw snow? The white flakes that blanketed the earth with its cold sheets, turning the autumn colors to white. It was quite a… peaceful scenery for Lily.
She had a winter coat over her as she stared, keeping watch as she allowed the young twins to push the snow around to make a snowman. The metal being she had occasionally created with her technomancy had ensured the snowballs were lifted but she was sure given the augmentations, the two can lift it with combined effort.
Vernage had slept given the long walk and been taxing thus took over to allow Lily to take point. She elicited a soft air, seeing the cold mist that was her own breath.
Of course, the twins were with her, as they were playing in the snow. Though while both have grown a 'little bit' they still were the same as before, even under all of the heavy winter clothing.
Her eyes lingered on the two who carried a large ball of snow and set it onto the large ball of snow. How long has she ever seen such genuine positive joy? The faint reminder she had once heard one of them call her 'mama' in their sleep.
To deserve such happiness again…
With her Semblance, she conjured a map, displaying her current location. They were still far to reach the coast of the continent to take a boat that would take them to reach Menagerie. Last she recalled, it was a Faunus-dominant island. Her lilac eyes grunted, but stopped her movements.
She looked at the Virtuous Steel and looked at her reflection. She removed the golden hairband around her ponytail, allowing it to fall free. Her fingers carded through her wild locks. Shaking her head, she redid the hair back to its ponytail.
"Snowman!"
Lily turned her head slightly to notice the two twins dancing around the now finished snowman. Seems they had finished what they wanted to do.
"Mama! Come, come!" Said 1932, calling to Lily to have her come over to the snowman.
Plucking the weapon, she holstered it over her back and approached it. "Hrm… it's missing something."
The twins tilted their heads before Lily removed her scarf and slipped it around the snowman, gently tucking the cloth finely in formarion. With a metal cone made from her technomany, she placed it as a nose. "There."
"Yay! Snowman~! Snowman~!" The two sang.
Lily's lips curled slightly. It will soon be a year since Beacon fell. Since the experiments like her and the twins had real freedom. To have such joy and fun…
Fun…
Her eyes looked up at the falling snow. Closing her eyes, she wondered if she too will experience the Cycle of Suffering just as Vernage did. The never ending battle against Evol. While she promised to Vernage she will help her kill the bastard snake, she had her own goal. If she were to ever see Cinder, she would crucify her to her grave. Salem won't interfere no matter what. Wherever Cinder is, she will butcher that woman for the Fall of Beacon.
"Achhooo!" 1932 sneezed, rubbing her nose. Seems it was time to get to town and rest in the heated space.
"Come along. We must seek warmth."
"What about Mr. Snowman?"
"The cold will keep him comfy just as the warmth keeps us comfy." Lily assured the two, ruffling their winter hats.
"Okay!" The two nodded eagerly.
Lily smiled before she paused. Her instincts rang and looked at her surroundings. Her eyes narrowed slightly to the eerie sensation.
"Mama?"
Lilac eyes stared before gently nudging the youngest experiments to walk. "It's nothing." She assured and escorted the duo. The buxom bluenette paused a step and flicked her wrist before resuming to follow the children to a village.
In the trees however, the metal construct manifested by Lily's Semblance, its large metal claws grabbing a floating jellyfish and ripped it in half. Just as her Semblance had evolved, she had utilized its evolution to understand more to its use.
The metal being stared down at the now vanishing kill it made. "Keep watching. Just know if I see Cinder again, death is inevitable. And you won't protect her like before." Lily's voice echoed from the metal being. Her mind spoke through the machine, a technique learned from the evolution. The metal machine vanished upon the dismissal.
Once as the trio went into an inn to rest and relax, the two twins whispered something before one of them sneaked away as the other kept Lily's attention from noticing, though she wasn't as ignorant as they thought.
Yet once the other twin returned, they whispered once more before walking over to Lily, something behind their backs but smiles on their faces.
"Mama!" They said to her, in unison.
"Hm?"
They giggle to one another before they soon showed what they had behind them, as 1932 had a simple plush toy bat, and 1931 had a locket.
"For you, mama!" They both smiled as Lily took them, and upon opening the locket, inside it was a small photo of the three, that she remembered Cody took about them before they had to leave Beacon…. A reminder not only of better times, but the good people she has in her life now… her family….
"Thank you…"
She then felt the twins hugging her happily, as she looked down to them as they smiled happily up at her.
"We love you, mama!" They said in unison, as her heart fully clenched from not only how cute and sweet it was…. But the fact that they love her as their parent… Something that she didn't expect to hear in all of her life, as well as something Vernage never had happened either…
It was a wonderful feeling. The feeling of being a parent and earning such countless love and happiness from someone so young and full of life. It was… It was honestly something she cherished now as she hugged them back, tears running down her cheeks from these new emotions.
"I love you both too…" Lily choked up but had the largest smile on her face.
XXX
Evol whistled 'Jolly good fellow' as he was waiting for his boat ride to Patch. He had already paid for the ticket for the ferry ride. He fiddled the bottle he was prepared to use. It wasn't too boring. He had been rummaging through newspapers for the latest news. He flipped a page, ignoring the hurried paces of people given there are those who recognize his human form.
The cold ocean breeze, the smell of its winter air. Such a wonderful feeling.
"Y-Y-Your coffee… Sir Evol…" A waiter announced, setting the cup in front of the alien, as it was obvious he was holding some of the staff hostage, not just to arrive in Patch, but also to have some fun with their lives as several ethereal snakes were near by to threaten anyone who dares to try to hurt him.
"Ah! Thank you!" He plucked the cup and took a sip. With the warm coffee and the winter air, it was bliss. A bell jingled and another customer took a seat at the table behind him. Flipping a paper, Sokichi hummed at the article.
"What brings an Atlesian who was thought to be dead here in a cafe?" Evol asked, his eyes still on the paper.
"I hear the cafe is sublime in its taste." The man behind him spoke.
"That it is." Evol would have to agree to that. Ratings for it certainly made it clear the cafe was the best in Vale. "I assume you are just a messenger for my old friend the wicked witch, Arthur or is it by your surname Watts?"
"Sharp as you claim to be." The man chuckled, "And you can refer to me as either or. I'm not too picky on it as you are not my true enemy."
"Touche."
Watts took a sip of his tea, briefly seeing the snakes slithering the floors whereas one coiled around the leg of the chair he sat on.
"What is the message then, hm?"
"… To question how fast are you in your work."
"Ohho, I am fast enough to get it done real soon. Yeah you are smart but man you people of Remnant are brain dead when it comes to not realizing how smart I can be. So smart you guys are like kindergartners."
"Which is why unlike our mistress's usual advancement. I am here. As a man of science myself, I just find you fascinating." Watts humored the snake alien. "Why is it you never bothered attacking during the Fall of Beacon?"
"Simple really. That was like watching a movie - seeing a small portion of the world being burned by such conflict. Salem to instigate the possibility of war reminds me of my days in the past when I had tricked little sweet Vernage to start a war. Ahh the good days." Back then Vernage was naive but after being fooled? She matured, learned from her mistakes and read lies through any soul on the planet.
"So it was nostalgia and entertainment, then? To be frank, it was an interesting show to spectate." Watts agreed with a nod.
"That is was. Although that was just the pregame show I needed to see."
"What for?"
Evol heard his Scroll ring, notifying him the boat had arrived. Folding the newspaper, he stood up and paid for the coffee. The snakes all vanished, giving everyone (aside from Watts) relief and joy.
"Phase 2 is about to begin. Tell the wicked witch of the west that I, Evol, am shedding my skin and tell her… the Black Hole is around the corner." Evol adjusted his fedora and exited the cafe.
Watts' grip on his beverage loosened. That… does not bode well for Salem. If Evol was to unlock Black Hole, it means Salem cannot stop him from eating the world bit by bit.
Even if he recognizes Evol as a genius from his own work? He too doesn't wish to die by the fate of a cosmic entity. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he took up his Scroll to inform Salem about it all.
"You were right in your assumption." Watts informed. "He is about to achieve his next phase."
["Then it seems we must kill his next target, if my assumption on his 'Black Hole' plan is to continue… Tyrian will find a way to kill that hostess of the Saint, Lily in the meantime. I can work on her spirit upon leaving that shell, as she would be weakened from a sudden death."]
"Such a shame, we couldn't see eye to eye with him. I would love to learn more about this 'Blood Tech'." Watts sighed, but he knew better to betray Salem. He knew his plan of revenge, and will stick to it. After it though? Who's to say what will happen when Evol achieves what he had waited centuries for?
Either way, this world is going to suffer and fade away by the snake himself or by some weird chance, Salem's revenge against the Brothers.
XXX
As the several weeks go by, the winter snow melted within Patch, making it a bit warmer again. But it was very stressful for the young rider. While he was ready to fight, Evol's terror was still present in his mind as it made him wake up with night terrors in a cold sweat, or have a few moments his overactive mind made him believe he heard the snake.
It was rough for the boy and both the Xiao Longs noticed well, especially Yang who was doing her best to help him. But his paranoia was causing some issues and she wanted him to calm down. Taiyang, taking the hint and said he'd be out for the entire day for them, saying he heard about an upcoming package he needs to be in town to approve, thus now leaving the two teenage blondes alone for the entire day.
Yang's face was fully red as she knew that this was going to be a bit embarrassing for the start. But she figured a special day along with her, would help calm her boyfriend's nerves and her own as well.
She didn't want to do this so soon, as her heart wasn't ready. But she couldn't figure out a better way to calm him down and have him relaxed. Thus, she'll have to resort to her charm and love for him to help him relax, she just hoped it wouldn't be too embarrassing to do for them both.
"Okay Yang… you can do this…" Yang muttered to herself, her cheeks just as red as her eyes when she's angry as she stood outside of their room as they shared it together.
She took a deep breath and used her only arm to knock. "Cody, you awake?" She inquired.
After a couple seconds of silence, the door opened up as she see's Cody's restless face looking at her.
"Yeah… what is it, Yang?" He questioned her, as the blonde pushed herself into the room.
"I… just want to talk…" She answered as she closed the door and took a sigh of relief. "Is… everything okay?"
Cody looked at her as he sighed, soon sitting back on the bed with his head lowered, "I.. kinda wish I was…" He admitted, "Ever since that letter, I've just been… so scared… Scared of losing to him even with this new power… I've been restless and uneasy for weeks…"
He looked at his hands. "I thought he wouldn't get back at me but instead…" he murmured. "He is coming to Patch for me. I was only able to beat him because of Vernage's help but I am here without her support."
"You have me and my dad to be there for you, Cody."
"And how do I not know, he'll use you to hurt me? How do I know that you'll be safe when he comes? I'm just… so… so scared of losing you to him too…" Cody weeped, his anxiety catching up to him once more. It's how Evol works… slowly eating away at you until you give up. "To me? It's not just about losing to him that scares me… it's what happens afterwards… what he will do this time."
"Then you fight it. Show him how much you changed from the guy you once were to who you are now."
"But Yang! I don't-"
Yang silenced the boy, gripping his collar with her only hand and pulled him into a deep kiss. The young rider flinching from it, yet slowly relaxing before he hugged her, it wasn't until a bit longer they parted as the brawler pressed her forehead against his.
"I know you're scared and worried about us… about me… But I believe in you, Cody. You're not the scared, angry at the whole world boy I once met… You've become such an amazing person and changed so much… Enough to where no matter what happens, I'll still be by your side…" Yang said, gently nuzzling herself against him.
"Yang…"
"So much so… I want to do something for this night. Just in case it could be our last time together." Yang confessed to him, earning a slight confused look.
"But… we already sleep in the same room and bed… What else is there to be 'special' about?" He questioned, unsure what Yang was referring to.
Yang flinched as she blushed, but quickly realized one thing….
'He can be so innocent at times with his lack of the world…'
Yang giggled softly before she embraced the young man she loved… Showing him exactly what she meant.
XXX
Lily and the twins had arrived at the village for their stay for the night. This will be the place for them to recover and figure out their next plan as they will be heading out to Menagerie soon. The coast was still a long ways away but she had to take her time given the twins were children.
With the duo fast asleep, she was outside sharpening the large white katana in her hand. Unlike the blades of this era, Virtuous Steel was an old relic of the past Vernage kept for centuries, retrieving it upon each reincarnation the second the Saint was able to carry a weapon. It hasn't rusted. It hasn't dulled at all. That's how well made and protected the blade was. How long it endured the age of time.
Time…
She wasn't blinded to the history of the world Evol had told her in the past. Evol didn't fear the gods, he simply flipped the bird and practically told the gods to come and try to stop him from eating the world they made just as he did to worlds before Remnant was his newest meal.
She eerily recalled hearing him mumble about how small the universe was and the annoyance he had from some group of bugs out there in the cosmos who tended to ruin his appetite at times. Huh, now that she recalled that was one of the rare times she ever saw how annoyed he was. What did he call them? Galactic-something? She wouldn't know nor did she bother asking during her time in Faust.
With the blade sharpening she observed her reflection in the weapon. Her lilac eyes being emerald in the reflection and moonlight hair seen.
"How long has it been since I've been outside without being connected to Faust."
"It will soon be a year in a few months." Vernage answered solemnly.
"A year…" To not be involved in Faust for that long. To have this sense of freedom was… nice.
"Many things have changed… Even when it was at its worst? Good things still rose up from such ashes… such as your new children, my little flower." Vernage giggled.
Lily raised her head towards the window where the room she rented was. "I… guess so…"
"I know that tone, Lily… You're worried about heading to Menagerie and unable to leave without them in tow."
"The world knows who I am, Vernage. They still see me as the infamous terrorist of all mankind on the planet." Lily gritted. "These people only tolerate me because of the twins."
"You say that, but even the times you were alone? Many did not give such responses… I believe they are now only knowing you for how much you helped during the Fall of Beacon." Vernage pointed out. "Change is nature, Lily. If we do not change, we cannot adapt and move forward. That's… how the world is. Some chose to not move forward and remain in the past."
"Like Salem? Like that harlot Cinder?"
"Yes. For those who dwell in the past risk losing sight of their future."
Lily stared at the stars and took a deep breath. "I guess…" she froze to the loud sound of a bell. She looked around, noticing people were scurrying into their buildings or carrying anything useful to fight. Seeing one villager, she stopped him. "What's going on?"
"A horde of have been spotting coming this direction!"
"What?" Lily uttered. Could it be due to their nature or was it Salem's ploy? Either which, she couldn't stand by and do nothing. Picking her buckle from her pocket, she stopped and remembered the emotions she felt upon every use. The growing malice she had and insanity from her pain she endured. She pocketed the Evol Driver, picked up her weapon and rushed to the area of the Grimm.
Slowing down, her eyes saw the dark creatures. Looking at the village behind her then at the Grimm, she focused on her magic, allowing walls of rock to rise up to shield the place. Blades appeared around her upon her now active Semblance and held the large katana.
"Beginning mission." She stated coldly to herself, her lilac eyes locked onto the Grimm. "Time to eliminate Grimm."
She bent her knees, the edge of the blade barely touching the snow. Her eyes flared and dashed forward, ramming through the Grimm with her weapon.
A few attempted to jump her, but her technomancy reacted with shields appearing to block their claws, only for them to change into spears, impaling the said Grimm and removing them from existence. The magic she inherited from Vernage activated, incinerating several Grimm.
She threw her weapon into an Ursa. She dashed to it, standing on the grip before holding it. She pulled while flipping over, bisecting it in half and impaled a wolf through its skull. It's true the bone plating can withstand as protective plating but Vernage's weapon was made to kill through the toughest hide much like Evol's own skin and armor. She grimaced when her Aura fluctuated, forcing her to spin on her heel, performing a full circle attack on the beasts of darkness.
The coordination of the beasts was too precise. The way they try to attack her whenever she is distracted and fail was akin to searching for her opening.
"Salem must have a hand in this."
"Agreed… this isn't just some random attack… This was planned." Lily realized as well.
"Behind you!"
Lily twisted her back, summoning her metal construct as the large metal claws stopped a stinger. Lilac met maniacal eyes. One she knew so well.
"You." Lily hissed.
"Hello there, 'little flower'..." Tyrian grinned with utter delight, "Rejoice! For you have now been chosen by our goddess… To die for her cause."
"She can burn in hell as will her harlot." Her metal construct slammed its claws, forcing Tyrian to dodge but not before seeing Lily with Virtuous Steel before him. He narrowly evaded, the weapon grazing his Aura as it flickered. He flipped a few times but saw several blades of fire. He ducked, curved and used his tail as momentum to dodge. Looking at Lily her eyes were flaring but Tyrian felt his tail grabbed by her created machine and used him as a baseball bat against a few Grimm.
The assassin shook his head, growling before pointing to the girl as the Grimm charged ahead.
"Just because I am alone, my Semblance gives me what can level my lone swordsmanship." The machine ripped and tore the Grimm, grabbing a sword the woman created for it to kill. Lily swerved around her hovering creation and aimed her blade at the assassin, her eyes full of burning fury. "You nearly perished by Evol's mad dogs before, you are to meet real death by my hands in the name of Vernage."
"Oh? You wish to kill me?" Tyrian questioned, "Then… what will happen to the kids?" He questioned as cries of terror could be heard… from the inn the twins were at.
The metal construct protected Lily as she turned around but her eyes widened when she noticed Mercury holding the squirming twins. He must have been sent to have the two.
Lily's grip tightened in fury. "You are not human if you choose children as hostages."
"Please. These brats weren't even wanted in the first place." Tyrian scoffed, "Besides, chosen by our goddess is more merciful than that wretched snake."
"Let. Them. Go."
"Oh, we shall… After your death."
Lily's eyes glowed and techno swords appeared all around them.
Mercury's grip on the twins' arms tightened whereas Tyrian wagged his finger at Lily
"I wouldn't do that if I were you… One little flinch from your Semblance? And they'll understand what a 'pain' it was to be with you…"
Lily gritted her teeth. "Vernage…"
"Let me think." Vernage hissed.
Tyrian, seeing the first hesitation of the bluenette took this chance, rushing ahead as he slashed her with his claws, his eyes glowing purple to show he too activated his Semblance, to wear down and shatter her Aura.
Her Aura fluctuated, the girl screaming as she held her stomach. "Vernage manifest! Please!" Lily asked.
"If she does? They'll die right here and now!" Tyrian announced, pelting her with bullets.
"Mama!" The twins swung their small arms at Mercury's hands to free themselves.
"Ugh, why me? Why couldn't Emerald be apart of this?" Mercury groaned, easily defending their flying arms with his Aura, but was annoyed by it.
Lily chewed her lip, looking between Tyrian and Mercury. She looked at her hand.
"Lily don't. If you cast the spell I used several times before, your life will be gone unlike mine!"
"What do I need to do then?!"
Vernage contemplated. Mercury had the twins hostage while Tyrian was inflicted more damage. The girl was using her Technomancy to create protective armor on her body to endure but for how long is the question. Her Timelapse affects their life. If she used it she loses blood whereas Lily on the other hand would die if the little flower casted it.
The Semblance has an excellent range to create from a selected distance. Perhaps the construct could manifest on Mercury and free the twins? If that is the case, then it is possible. To do that…
"Hold the scorpion off. On my mark, use your Semblance to enshroud the twins in protective armor so that your construct can free them."
"Will it work?" She managed to block Tyrian's blades.
"We need a chance for it to work."
"How exactly?" Lily growled, her eyes counting the Grimm and the two adversaries. If she is to die fighting to save the twins and allow Vernage to reincarnate as a newborn for a chance in her war against Evol…
Then so be it.
Yet right before she could do something, a strike from behind Mercury knocked him off and onto the ground, making Lily turn to see….
"Blake…?"
Her amber eyes still held a shadow of guilt. The trauma from the Fall of Beacon still present within her, yet she was here to help now, to repay Lily for helping those at Beacon.
"I got them! Deal with these jerks!" Blake shouted to the Vessel.
"Hey! What do you-" Tyrian felt a metal claw backhand him and saw Lily now assimilated by her construct. The large claws as tall as her legs, her head shrouded in metal and a metal tail swaying behind her.
"Che! I won't let you leave here alive!" Tyrian howled out, racing at her as he couldn't back off right now. He had to kill her, per orders of Salem.
Lily breathed through the metal mouthplate as the large claws she equipped sharpened. She pounded them together before rearing one arm back. The metal tail stabbed into the earth and her eyes flared with magic. Wind and ice shrouded the metal limb before swinging it. The impact released a resounding crack of Aura and bone, Tyrian's eyes wide open.
"Salem, I know you can hear me from your beasts. You and your bitch can rot in hell when I see either of you. Glory to humanity." She exerted more force, sending Tyrian flying into the air, becoming a twinkle in the night. The Grimm stepped back before retreating.
Lily bellowed at them, panting as her head swiveled left and right to see the beasts flee. Her mind on the verge of losing steam and pressure of madness. Her metal weapons vanished and fell on her rear, sweat lingering on her skin and clutched her torso. The pain faded but it hurt like hell. The twins rushed to Lily, hugging her. Lily embraced them tightly. "I shouldn't have brought you… I shouldn't have…" Lily choked.
"No!" They shouted, shaking their heads.
"You're our mama… we want to be with you…." 1931 said, tears in his eyes.
"We can't be with anyone else but you mama…" 1932 added, hugging Lily tighter.
It seemed the twins truly couldn't part from her, and wanted to be with Lily, even with said incidents and possible problems. They were her children, and she was their mother. She was the only one they ever felt safe after their loss in their original home and time in Faust. Nothing would break their bond of familial love.
"You two…" Lily muttered before hugging them tighter as well. She was being too selfish. She too couldn't bear to leave them be with someone else either.
Her lilac eyes lifted upward to notice Blake steadily approach. The Faunus rubbed her arm slightly.
"It's…. Been awhile, Lily…" Blake muttered.
"Yeah…" Lily stood up tiredly.
"What… bring you so far from Beacon and most of Vale?"
"Vernage suggested I… go someplace to clear my mind."
"I see… I'm… going home myself…" Blake nodded, understanding well.
"Home?"
"Menagerie…" the former White Fang noticed the older girl's stunned gaze. "What?"
"That's… er, the place the Saint suggested for me."
Blake blinked with surprise. She didn't expect it, and while it was a place for Faunus to come home to… She also knew that they wouldn't just turn someone away wanting to find a home too. "Lily are you sure that's a good idea? Many people know who you were."
"I am not blinded to it Blake. Nor am I deaf to hear the whispers they spit out about me. They only tolerate me because of the twins here."
Blake noticed the way Lily spoke. It was starting to feel like Lily was slowly becoming like Vernage.
The two of the older woman stayed silent, unsure how to even respond about that until suddenly, 1931 raced over to grab Blake's hand, pulling her closer before the twins linked their hands together, with Blake and Lily in their free hands as well.
"Then we go together!" 1931 smiled. "Bigger family!" he said innocently.
Lily's cheeks flared and quickly moved her hand away from Blake's. She rubbed her palm, touching her nerves to ease herself. "I take it you are taking this route to the port?"
"Yeah…"
Lily looked down at the two then at Blake. "I… know it's not much to say given what happened months ago at Beacon… but if you wish for company, the twins and I welcome it since we are aiming for the same destination."
Blake remained silent for a bit. She was simply wanting to go home and rest. She was part of the reason Beacon fell… She failed and got everyone hurt, and losing two friends. Yet… she just couldn't say no to Lily… or to those two children.
"If… that will be okay with you too?" She asked, somewhat afraid of them rejecting her.
Lily enclosed her eyes, turning her head and walked to the village, making Blake lower her head. The former Faust agent paused her steps. "Well?" The Faunus perked up upon the call. "Are you coming or not?"
The twins jogged to Blake and tugged her hands, beaming with positivity, pointing to Lily who walked ahead of them.
"Come, come! We wanna see Menagerie with you and mama!" They smiled happily at Blake, making her heart feel their warmth.
"O-Okay…" She nodded softly before she was practically dragged by her hands due to the twins leading them. It seemed they had someone else to trust with as they head to the place for them to relax, recover and plan.
XXX
The wind fluttered across the branches that are the trees of Patch. The curt shade that lingered in the air was thick due to a certain snake coming. Taiyang had made sure everything was locked. While it was a moot point, it was better safe than sorry. He could see the birds fly away, reacting to the presence of a dangerous creature within the island.
There was no doubt Evol had stepped foot onto Patch. When Taiyang came back and saw the time on the clock, he had to set protective measures on the house. For Taiyang… and especially for his daughter Yang's safety after learning the snake was not the type who messes around in a fight.
Cody was going to finish this fight no matter what. And after that… 'special night' with her? His anxiety and fear vanished. He will make sure he'll come back to her in one piece.
"You think he knows where exactly you are, kid?"
"… knowing him… yeah."
"Think not even waking her up is a good idea? She'll be upset with you…." Taiyang sighed.
"She'll wake up the second the fight begins, knowing her."
"Just please… be careful. I don't know how she'll react if you don't make it home…" The older Xiao Long sighed out.
"I'll try…"
The corgi suddenly barked, making the two blondes notice Zwei barking at the door. Taiyang grabbed Zwei and moved back. "Zwei, shush."
A knock echoed on the door. Taiyang gently gestured to Cody to move away and the young blonde complied. The man slowly approached and peered from the curtain to see a man with a fedora and suitcase. Moving it back, he said, "Who is it?"
"Just an old guy making a visit."
Cody knew that venomous voice.
"I wasn't expecting visitors aside from my brother in law." Taiyang clenched to the sudden silence. He held Zwei's snout to keep him quiet. The clock was ticking slowly. It practically echoed in their ears.
Slowly the long hand was moving. Cody swallowed heavily. The long hand of the clock ticked until it reached 12.
A golden metal hand suddenly pierced the door and patted the wooden surface until finding the knob. Though despite turning the handle to open, the door was ripped off its hinges and outside, revealing Evol in his Phase 1 form.
"Was that really necessary?" Taiyang groaned, knowing it'll be an annoyance to refix that door.
"I knocked." Evol shrugged. "Now I am here to see my boyo!"
"As if I'll ever acknowledge you as my 'father'..." Cody glared at the snake.
"Ah if it's Cody! How's life treating ya after Beacon fell? Bummer isn't it?"
"Just get to the point, Evol… I'm tired of your trickery already."
"Right. Right." Evol snapped his fingers. "I am here… to collect my genes."
Cody blinked from confusion, "Your… 'genes'?"
"Hello~? You are my kid which means you have my genes."
"I heard that the first time. But.. that's kinda impossible. Even magic can't alter or change dna like that."
"Who said anything about altering it?" Evol whipped his arm, creating a spectral whip that wrapped Cody and yanked him outside. "I am here to absorb it."
The rider groaned from the sudden yank, standing on his two feet, "So, you're just here for that? Couldn't you simply take it long ago? Why wait this long!?" He questioned the snake, demanding answers.
"Want the lengthy one or short one?" Evol quipped before backhanding Cody. The snake used one foot on a rock, kneeling slightly to look down at Cody. "Because my previous hosts didn't have the right gene. The Evolto Gene."
Cody pondered and was confused for a moment only to soon realize what he meant by it, as his eyes widened.
"Unlike my incarnations who had touched the box, your mother absorbed my genes that led to you. Making you a legitimate offspring, a perfect set of genes. And something that'll finally give me absolute power."
"I get it now…. I'm your next 'host'..." Cody realized.
"We have a winner~! And for your correct answer here is my answer! Phase 2! I have two more to get after this so… yeah, I become you, I get phase 2. Spick and spam and easygoing."
"And just what makes you think I'll let you take over me? I'm more tougher than I look, or did you forget that already?" Cody said, kicking Evol away before he swiftly got to his feet, holding up the driver in hand.
"Then show me what you learned sonny! Make your old man proud!"
Cody growled with frustration, slapping the driver on as he placed the Magam Knuckle and Bottle into the driver as he turned and churned it to spawn the mechanical fist of magma.
ARE YOU READY?
"Henshin!" He cried out, as he was quickly covered in magma before it formed his armor.
GOKUNETSU KINNIKU!
CROSS-Z MAGMA!
"I'll make this the last time you even face me!" He shouted, lunging forward to tackle Evol into the woods to draw the fight away from Yang and her father.
"Oh it will be the last one boyo!"
Back at the Xiao Long residence, Yang practically ran downstairs after hearing the commotion and sounds recently. "Dad what-What the heck happened to the door?!"
"That creep is here." Taiyang grunted, trying to calm Zwei who was barking nonstop.
"What? And where's-" Yang was stopped to see her boyfriend being flung back across by Evol. Her eyes widened and was about to rush ahead; only to be stopped by her father, "Dad, let me go! We have to help him! He needs us! Pale"
"... I… I made a promise with him…" Taiyang confessed, "To have us hold back and support him from afar…"
"But… Dad…"
"He asked this of me… should it be his last wish…" Taiyang bit his lip hard, enough for blood to dribble down his lip as Yang looked back with tears in her eyes.
'Please… don't die, you idiot…' Yang pleaded and wished within her thoughts.
Within the air high above, Cody and Evol clashed fists and blades with each pass. The sound of the shockwaves of their fight being heard even from ground level as explosions of fire and magic rang out above.
"I truly hate everything about you!" Cody howled to Evol, "Its because of you, I live through such hell and you kept bringing it back to me over and over again! Even when I simply wanted a normal life here with my Yang, you wouldn't leave me alone!"
"And I gave you some good time with her, didn't I? I easily could've just come after you during the failure of that school crumbling. But I didn't! Simply because I thought maybe a nice time with her before I take everything from you, would be such a more satisfying play to enjoy."
Cody growled, his fist igniting and striking Evol in the face and threw him into the ground hard.
"Just what even is life to you?! It's not a game for your amusement, nor is the people living here!" He shouted to the alien in rage.
Evol rubbed his cheek, feeling that hit well as it reminded him of the fights he got into with his brother way back when. Seems he was truly closing in on the right time to absorb his genes back.
"I am a cosmic entity, boyo! I live to consume life. Of course it's a game for me, otherwise it'd be so boring to do!"
The rider growled in anger, annoyed by such a pathetic outlook on life itself of the who knows how long Evol 'lived' in.
"Life is precious… It's meant to be finite as nothing is meant to last forever… And that includes you!" He shouted out, grasping the crank and began to churn it as he let his power build up more and more within him. Cody was going to unleash every ounce of power he had in him to erase Evol and prove that even this snake was just as fickle as life itself.
"True but you made one little mistake." The snake sneered.
"And what would that be?" Cody snarled at the alien invader.
"Hehe. I got you reeled in as intended."
"Let's see how you face against this then!" The Dragon Rider howled out, stopping the churning of the crank as he ignited into flames, enough for even those on the ground to feel the intense heat as he raced down towards Evol, leg extended for his kick.
VOLCANIC FINISH!
ACHACHACHACHACHACHA ACHAAAA!
Evol simply gave no reaction, his arms extended out before the kick connected and erupted into a powerful explosion, destroying some of the area around them, leaving a large crater where they collided.
Yang watched with anticipated breath as the smoke cleared, showing Cody above the unmoving Evol. Yang soon sighed with utter relief as she was about to head over only to stop to see Evol's 'human' body, Soichi there, the man clearly on death's door but… something was different.
Soichi collapsed against the dirt whereas Cody staggered, clutching his chest upon the sudden invasion of his body.
Evol had intended to be defeated so he can invade his body!
"W-What… the…?" Cody gritted in pain, groaning from the invasion he was feeling.
"I told you. I reeled you right in."
"But that was… my full power… How can you… survive?" Cody gritted, struggling to fight against the alien entity taking over him.
"Simple… I was wanting this to happen. All that power unleashed? It gave a way for me to easily get access to you. Thanks for the fun show, boyo. As a reward, I'll let your 'girlfriend' and her friends, live. This is goodbye forever."
Cody's conscious cried out as for him he was banished within the depths of Evol's presence. He then slouched slightly before a chuckle emanated from him. Standing fully, the teen brushed his hand across his hair, making it spike up slightly and his eyes were now blood red.
Evol had finally possessed Cody, absorbing the Evolto Genes the teen harbored.
"Oh boyo… you gave me just what I wanted." Plucking the items from the unconscious Soichi, he saw the bottle was now infused with Dragon. He now achieved what he wanted.
With the Evol Driver set onto his waist, he raised the two Bottles and placed them into his Evol Driver.
DRAGON! RIDER SYSTEM! EVOLUTION!
The alien lifeform cranked the knob of his buckle, initiating the transformation he had waited for.
ARE YOU READY?!
"Henshin." Evol raised his arms, allowing the armor to meld onto him.
DRAGON….! DRAGON…! EVOL DRAGON! FUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Upon his transformation, a majority of his armor remained the same but the only difference was his helmet. His helmet was designed as Cody's Cross-Z helmet but with the same color scheme as the armor while harboring dark blue colors of the lenses.
He raised an arm, gently massaging his knuckles in amusement. "Phase 2 complete." He announced.
He paused and glanced over his shoulder. The draconic snake idly walked before he vanished in the blink of an eye. He reappeared and leaned against the tree, causing the jellyfish Grimm to swiftly spin only to see Evol Dragon hoist it up. "Did you enjoy the show, Salem?" The dark rider idly looked at the knuckles of his free hand. "I got what I wanted before you were able to do anything. That's how smart and fast I am in my work."
["So this was just a plan to have a new body? How is this one any different from the others you've consumed?"] Salem questioned.
"I said Phase 2. Sheesh lady, is your age getting the best of your hearing?"
["And what makes you think that I won't retaliate now that you have a more physical and easier body to erase?"]
"Simple. I can teleport to Eden with my magic which I'd heavily protected by my technology. Plus you could also say the moment I realized that woman had a child with my pure, unfiltered genes within? She practically gave me a perfect body that will give me near limitless potential."
Hearing that made Salem angered, as this could mean that this body, unlike the others, will outlast even her immortal form should he unlock the rest of his Phases to Phase 4.
"Besides…" He flicked his wrist with a chuckle. "All I need now is Pandora's box that holds my Trigger. How long do you think it will take me to get it? It took you years to plan this far but me? It took me months, Salem. Just admit it, you already lost the moment I had achieved my Phase 2 form this quick. Get it in your thick head and see the big picture. I won~."
Evol laughed at the witch, crushing the Seer Grimm in hand to leave the witch to her fruitless plans. He already had everything he need for the next phase. And he's going to do the same as before, walk there to show everyone he is unstoppable now.
The box was in Vernage's possession thus it was now time to go hunting some rabbits.
"Well, lets see how Vernage and that precious 'flower' of hers, will be once they too see that it is impossible to face me, now?"
His mind cranked gears. His analytical ability comprehending possibilities of countermeasures. Vernage had that nifty Timelapse which was bothersome so he had to be careful should she manifest to fight.
"Give him back…" A voice called out, as Evol turned to see the blonde brawler slowly walking up to the entity, her eyes brimming red, her hair scorching like his son use to be, and tears racing down her face. "Give him back, you bastard!"
"Hmm… nope! Be lucky I'm sparing you and the others boyo knows, well, minus Vernage and Lily of course."
Yang growled in rage, rushing up with her fist raised yet before she could throw a fist, Evol removed his armor to show the young boy's face to her, making her stop in her tracks for a second only for him to kick her aside.
The draconic snake leaned over, grinning. The armor reassembled and chucklef.
"Like I said. Be grateful I'm letting you live. I gave my reward to him for giving me this body by sparing you. Don't think I won't take it back, blondie." Evol threatened, soon seeing the girl's tears race down and weep. He sighed before he held up the now pointless Dragon Fullbottle his son had, tossing it to her, "There. Have that as a keep sake before I'm ready to take it back. Ciao~!"
He waved his hand lazily, walking to the ferry to take to Vale.
Yang cried softly at first, before it turned into a torrent of anguish and despair as she took the bottle in her hand, clenching it tightly as she had now lost the one person who gave her heart such a fiery flourish of life.
"Yang…" Taiyang muttered softly, walking over to his daughter before he kneeled down to hug and comfort her.
This was just the start of the new phase for Evol, and the world now has lost one of its protectors that could possible do something against the entity. Vernage and Lily are now the only ones left to save the world.
Question is… will it be enough?
A/N: So I made this out, wanting to have a bit more time with Cody and Yang to continue their growth for their relationship. I thought it'd be that much heartbreaking to see him practically perish even after all of his own growth. Thus, thus chap came to be. Not much else to say about it other than that.