Battlefield: 2042: The Soldiers of Remnant Chapter 1: New World and New Allies, a Battlefield + RWBY Crossover fanfic

To enhance your experience for this hardly worked-on intro (Not really), I highly suggest you play Mokusei, made by RichaadEB (All credit is to him, I do not own the music. Please have mercy), to ensure you reach maximum satisfaction from these words painting a picture in your mind. Now, enjoy.

Note: The timestamp is corresponding with the paragraph below it. For example, The first one has no music, but the second one is the start of the intro music. Just thought it had to be known.

A serene morning unfolds as sunlight glistens and flowers sway, wildlife thriving in the tranquility. Yet, amidst this peace, a lone Beowolf prowls, eyeing a fawn and its mother. Its predatory gaze sharpens, preparing to strike.

00:00-00:10

The Beowolf's ears twitch as a low rumble breaks the silence. It turns around as its eyes widen in surprise before letting out a loud yelp as it attempts to flee. Only for an armored buggy to suddenly burst through the foliage, screams of excitement and terror coming from it as it crushes the Beowolf under its wheels and speeds onward. Leaving the crush corpse behind like roadkill

00:10-00:21

"Battlefield 2042: The Soldiers of Remnant!"

00:21-00:36

Semyon "Seeker" Zaytsev- Played by Author #3

Alan "Gremlin" Borowski- Played by Author #2

David "Halo" Simmons- Played by Author #1

00:31-00:47

Next, the scene cuts to Team RWBY and JNPR standing atop a pile of rubble. Battling against an endless swarm of Grimm valiantly as they fight on. But just as they are about to be overwhelmed, our heroes' vehicle soars through the air, crashing into the fray while both parties watch them crash into the horde. With David clinging to the side of the vehicle, Semyon gripping the wheel tightly with steely resolve, and Alan laughing maniacally as he unleashes a torrent of bullets from the mounted MG. Causing chaos to erupt and providing just the distraction for Team RWBY and JNPR to regroup and join the fight.

00:47-00:57

The scene shifts to a grand conference room where leaders of Remnant debate fervently over a video that shows a group of mysterious aircraft decimating a fleet of airships. As they start to shout amongst each other, an agitated Atlas councilmen demand immediate military action against these unknown attackers as one half the table echoes his call while the other half urges for diplomacy.

All while a general with graying hair watches silently, his eyes piercing through the chaos of the room as he sighs and shakes his head.

00:58-01:07

Next, we see Vale, once a jewel of Remnant, being overrun by Grimm of various types, ranging from beowolves to ursai. Huntsmen and huntresses valiantly fight everywhere from the streets to the rooftops, but are gradually pushed to the brink of defeat as they find themselves cornered, ready to make a final last stand.

Suddenly, as all hope seems lost, a sudden burst tracer fire rains from above. Mowing down the Grimm like they were blades of grass against a scythe as they fall in the dozens. Looking up, the hunters and huntresses watch as various Condors descend with soldiers from them and rappelling down into the fray.

One however, holding a large flag with red and white stripes with a blue box in the top left-hand corner with white stars, extends a hand to a fallen huntress. Offering to help her up while she stares back at him,

01:07-01-19

Suddenly, all eyes turn to a colossal Grimm, part man, part horse, roaring as more of those creatures begin to charge forth toward them. The newly arrived soldiers, noticing the new threat, quickly take positions as various vehicles on land and in the sky follow suit. Ready to provide support when needed.

The huntsmen and huntresses, recovering from the shock of what just happened, reorganize themselves as they stand alongside their new allies. Ready to once more fight this once seemingly invincible enemy.

In the midst of the formation, our three protagonists appear in the middle of the action as they are flanked by Team RWBY and JNPR. Weapons locked and loaded as they brace for the creatures. Watching as they get closer and closer before letting loose everything that they got. Causing the screen to fade into black amid smoke and gunfire, revealing the title.

"Battlefield 2042: The Soldiers of Remnant"

Chapter 2: New World, New Problems

Index

"Text" - Normal Talking

"Text" - Radio transmissions or straining on a specific word/words

"Text" - Very loud screaming, yelling, or an assortment of the two.

'Text' - Thoughts, or quotations of a certain thing/subject/person/etc

"Text (Text)" - Translated words/sentences. (Note: Some sentences will not be translated for the funny.

"Text / Text" - Multiple people saying multiple things.

Abnormality detected in Sector E26, Emerald Forest. Scanning for source of movement…

Scanning…

Scan complete.

Large fluctuation of energy located at Sector Z18.

Source: Unknown.

Update: Three heat signatures detected.

Source: Large fluctuation of energy.

Scanning unknown heat signatures.

Scanning…

Scan complete.

Heat signatures identified as three, human males.

Ages: Eighteen.

Current Status: Mildly wounded.

Scanning for Aura Levels… Complete.

Aura Report: None.

Scanning for Dust… Complete

Dust Report: Brief surge of Dust. None to be found afterward.

Alert.

Surge of Grimm activity reported within every sector.

Movements indicate all attention is focused on Sector Z18.

Beacon Security System

Legends… Stories scattered through time…

Mankind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits of heroes and villains.

Forgetting so easily that we are remnants, byproducts of a forgotten past.

Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful. But he was born into an unforgiving world.

An inevitable darkness, creatures of destruction, the creatures of Grimm set their sights on man and of all his creations.

These forces clashed, and it seemed the darkness was intent on returning man's brief existence to the void.

However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change. And in time, man's passion, resourcefulness, and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help them even the odds.

This power was appropriately named Dust.

Nature's wrath in hand, man lit their way through the darkness, and in the shadows, absence came strength, civilization, and most importantly.

Life.

But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die…

And when they are gone… Darkness will return…

So you may prepare your guardians, build your monuments to a so-called free world. But take heed.

There will be no victory in strength…

But perhaps victory is in the simpler things that you've long forgotten.

Things that require a smaller, more honest soul.

And maybe the wrong people in the right time to lead said series of events to victory.

Earth | Afghan-

Error…

System Recalibrating…

Please Hold…

Recalibrating…

Recalibrated. Displaying Updated Information

Remnant | Emerald Forest, Vale

Y'know, I think Emerald Forest is probably one of the most beautiful forests in the entire Remnant.

Under the ownership of Beacon Academy, it was where students who wished to attended the most prestigious school in all of Remnant were tested to see if they had what it took to walk through it's hallways, learn underneath it's teachers, and the honor of graduating and becoming a full-on huntsmen/huntress from this wonderful school.

Filled to the brim with Grimm (See what I did there… Please don't hate me), attendees would have to fight their way, form a team with the first three people they meet, retrieve whatever relics they come across, and make it out safely with all their now-assigned team members. If they failed to do any one of these steps, they would get disqualified the moment the results came in.

Pretty simple, am I right?

"But Halo, isn't that dangerous!? What if someone gets hurt or killed!?"

Are you guys absolute idiots? Of course it's safe!

Never once has there been a death of a student within the forest as they were taking part in the initiation. Minus the countless Grimm that have been slain like games for sport.

The only major incident ever recorded of someone getting hurt was when one student wasn't able to stick the landing. Ending up with them breaking their legs once they landed.

However, the latter was soon rescued by a group of attendees that formed up a team and worked together to not only get the wounded attendee out. But all the while they grabbed one of the dice relics and brought it safely out of Emerald Forest. They were even accepted into the school later on!

God, now what kind of fairy tale ending is that?

Nevertheless, the forest was still and silent as it was no longer a place where teenagers run amuck. slaying monsters with their newly found friends while looking for so-called 'ancient relics.' So for now, it was just your usual Remnantian forest. A quiet, beautiful slice of paradise located in the middle of a cruel world.

Up above, birds rested peacefully within the safety of the trees, just resting their small bodies as they sang their hearts out. Either just communicating with their local brethren or looking for a mate.

In a nearby river, schools of fish swam upstream, making their way to their breeding grounds to release another batch of offspring into the world and increase their numbers. Which would later on go on the same journey as their precursors have before them, and the precursors before them as well.

And nearby, a group of deer was roaming around an open patch of forest. Grazing upon the soft, moist grass that was still a bit wet from the morning due. Adding a bit of a refreshment for their morning meal, enjoying it greatly.

Well, 'enjoyed' it for a while.

As they grazed and minded their own business, a spark blue spark suddenly went off in the air in the middle of the opening. Catching their attention as they watched it flicker for a moment before dying out. They waited for a few moments, watching closely before going back to eating the grass. Acting like nothing had happened.

Suddenly, another spark went off, then another, then another. Soon growing in size and number as the sparks started to get bigger and more numerous. Soon spreading all over a small patch of grass as the deer watched.

Before their instincts took control of them, making them run off in fear of what was going on just in time as a giant burst of light flashed! Filling the entire portion of the forest with a blinding shine as wildlife of all types started to flee away as well! Not wanting to get caught in the evergrowing ball of blue.

Eventually, the light began to die down as it slowly revealed massive piles of debris, rubble, spent casings, discarded weapons, but above it all, three human bodies dressed in either dirty rags combined with strange uniforms underneath them. Or another form of strang uniforms, completely in contrast to the others as they all were covered in dirt and blood while they laid motionless against the cool, soft grass.

Soon enough, the same group of deer slowly came back to the opening in the woods. Noticing the giant pile of rubble now laid out across the middle of the opening before going back to grazing peacefully. Simply ignoring the grim scene before them as they took another mouthful of grass.

However, one brave fawn mustered up the courage to investigate the strange piles of rubble before noticing one of the bodies slightly move. Curious, it slowly made its way to the body, sniffing its hands and licking the blood off before finally.

"Aghhh! Fuck… M-Me…" The body groaned as the person, now revealing themselves to be David, sat up. Pulling back his hand as he groaned in pain while moving his hand to clutched his leg. Pressing his hand against the still-bleeding bullet wound on his his thigh

'This is what you get for trying to play hero.' He thought as he lied back down on his back. Letting out another pained and tired sigh as he rested against the soft grass. Trying t to regain his energy while trailing his hand against the gra-

Wait… Grass?

After the gears in his head turned, he clenched his hand and pulled a fistful of grass off the ground. Bringing it up to his face as he looked at it closely. So… Fresh and full of life. Almost reminding him of those times he played in the front yard of his house when he was a kid.

Right before the war.

He quickly sat up as he started to look around his surroundings, surprised to find himself no longer in the small apartment. Hell, it wasn't anywhere near the barren deserts of Afghanistan. Instead, he found himself in some sort of dense forest that reminded him of the forests of the old world.

Trees that aren't overturned, cut down, or in the middle of a swamp?

Check.

No craters, trenches, old war wreckages, or any sign of war in general?

Check.

Species of animals that aren't endangered and currently in the process of being bred to add their numbers world wide.

Also check.

The forest around him reminded David of one of the massive artificial habitats he visited during middle school. So nice, quiet, peaceful and beautiful. An untouched piece of paradise, hidden within the confinements of such a cruel world.

God, he should really stop with this sad shit.

Pushing those thoughts away, he looked back at the fawn. The two looked at each other's eyes, tilting their heads in confusion as they studied the other. Before long, the fawn slowly walked up to David, offering its head to which David gladly responded by reaching out and petting their head.

"Uhhh… Good… Deer- No, wait. I-I mean good fawn." He softly whispered as he trailed his hand to the back of their ear and scratched it. The creature clearly enjoyed the gesture as it leaned in more into his hand.

"Alright… W-We're definitely not in Kansas anymore… Not even sure if we're in Afghanistan."

"No shit American." A voice groaned out loud as David turned toward the voice. Surprised to find Alan lying on the floor just beside them, slowly undoing his helmet and facial gear as he tried to take a proper breath of fresh air.

Immediately, David pulled his hand back from the fawn and tried to make his way toward them. Almost falling due to the pain he felt on his leg forcing him to limp the rest of the way before kneeling down right beside them as he helped them pull off their mask.

Revealing an older teenager around eighteen with short blonde hair and a scar across his left cheek. As well as a cut along his hairline with blood slowly trickling down the side of his head.

"What?" Alan asked, coughing slightly before looking up at them with a smile on his face. "Never seen something as fabulous as me?"

"N-No!" David said, a bit surprised as he did his best to collect himself, "J-Just surprised that you're… How old are you? Sixteen?"

"I'm eighteen ty pieprzony draniu (you fucking bastard)." Alan groaned, his voice letting off a hint of annoyance while David pulled out another roll of gauze and leaned in, gently wrapping the roll around their head and promptly stopped the bleeding.

"H-Hey man, I have no problem with it as long as you're of age. Only thing I'm worried about is command finding out you look like a baby face and wondering why the hell -II didn't report a child within our ranks." David responded as Alan opened his mouth to complain. But no words came out as David tightened the wrapping with a tug, making them groan a little in pain in response.

"H-How does it feel?" David asked, pulling out a small mirror and offering it to them.

"It feels like my head caved in multiple times." Alan muttered as he took the mirror, looking at himself as he gently touched the side of his head. "But hey, at least I won't look like those guys who sing bloody Mary."

"Well, y-you're lucky it was just a small cut. After all that headbutting you did, I'm surprised it isn't worse than I anticipated." David said as he began to place his supplies back into his satchel.

"Small cut? I was bleeding streams just now." He asked, confused.

"W-Well, you have a lot of blood vessels around your face. So while it may seem like you're losing pints by the second, i-it's actually not that bad." David explained as he pulled out a small bottle and shook out two pills from it onto his hand.

"... Fair point I guess." Alan grumbled as he felt the bandage across his forehead, wincing slightly as he pulled back his hand before noticing the pills in David's hand asking "What're those?"

"Painkillers and Advil,should help with your concussion or at least keep the effects suppressed for the time being." David explained as he gave them the pills before looking back down at himself. Grabbing his canteen hanging from his belt and unlatching it before turning back to Alan and offering them the canteen. Which they gladly took.

"Thanks." He said as he popped the two pills in his mouth, taking a swing from the canteen shortly afterwards as he gulped both down. Letting out a heavy sigh as he felt the cool water slide down his throat before he looked back at David and offered it back to them.

"So? How do you feel?" David asked, watching them closely while taking the canteen back and taking a swing from it himself.

"Good I think." Alan said as he tried to get up, only to fall back down as he took another breath. "My damn headache is gone at least… Just a bit dizzy, that's all."

"Yeah, t-the new Advil pills will make you feel like that at first." David said as he offered his canteen once more, which they gladly took as they gulped down on it like crazy. "... But it'll go away soon enough… Hopefully."

"Good to know…" Alan mumbled as he leaned back against the small pile of debris, feeling the pills already taking effect as he sighed. "I already feel lightheaded."

"Well, y-you're lucky then. Most people I've seen take this new version often act like they just downed an entire 32 ounce of Whiskey ." David commented as he watched them try to get up but quickly moved toward them. Gently setting back down on their arse as they looked up at them. Opening their mouths to complain, but no words came out.

"I-I know, I know, you want to get up and out of here. Trust me, I do too." He said with a chuckle before clearing his throat. "But you're still under the main effects of the drug. Take your time, and it'll be gone in a few minutes. Plus I need you to have a clear head when we get the hell out of here… Wherever here is." David mumbled as he took another look around. Trying to think about their next move as he waited for Alan to recover from the side effects.

If he had to take a guess at where the crystal had… Somehow taken them, it would be either somewhere in eastern Europe or around the North American continent. Mainly due to the fact that there were deer here and most of the area around him reminded him of his hometown. Like the trees, the deer, and the nearby stream with fish swimming in it.

But for now, their best bet would be to wander around for a bit and look for any sign of civilization. Perhaps maybe walk around and try to get a signal with his earpiece and-

Wait, his earpiece.

Immediately, he pressed his finger against his inner ear, expecting to feel the cold plastic of the earpiece to meet him. But instead, all he felt was the warm flesh of his ear. Confirming his worst fears as brought down his fist onto the grass below him hard.

He cursed underneath his breath, thinking that it must've fell out during the fight. That idea was supported when he looked at his right shoulder, seeing a disconnected wire with the inner ones sticking out. And now without it, they wouldn't be able to pick up any nearby radio signals. Much less to contact someone

"Wait." He mumbled as he looked back at Alan, who was still dealing with the side effects but seemed sober enough to answer him a question. "H-Hey, buddy, can you hear me?"

"Yeah?"

"You're a demolition expert, r-right?" Stuttered out as he looked down at them expectantly.

God, he really had to figure out something for his stuttering problem.

"Uhhmm… Yeah?"

"OK, g-great." He mumbled as he cleared his throat. "When you guys were stationed with us, did they give you an old-world radio perhaps?"

"Old-world radio- O-Oh, yeah, it's… In my backpack." He said as he lazily pointed to a tan-camouflage backpack lying beside another pile of rubble just a few meters from the two. Immediately as he set his eyes on it, David limped toward the bulky backpack. Crouching down and pulling it toward him before rummaging through it.

He pulled out multiple things and threw them behind him. Gun cleaning kits, a makeshift shelter, a pair of spare magazines for their rifle, he should probably look for that, and many other things. Until finally, he pulled out a large, green, boxy radio.

The RT-1750F SINCGARS system was the newest addition to the RT SINCGARS system family. While a bit smaller than its past versions, it could still do what its old-world precursors could do while possessing a larger range of up to 15 to 17 kilometers. As well as a small, outfitted solar-panel system to help charge the object during sunny days. Which some people complained about since light would sometimes reflect inside vehicles like JLTVs and be a pain in the arse.

Not that David was complaining about it as well since this baby was going to get them out of here.

He began to assemble the radio, placing the antenna and handset, before messing around with the keypad on the front. Trying to remember his training on how to use this as he pressed one last button and finally.

*BEEP*

The radio's screen slowly came to life as it displayed a set of zeroes on the front of it. Making David pull his free hand back, silently celebrating as he turned the knob to LD, pressing the "menu clear" button multiple times before the front displayed "mode," and pressed the "CHG" button until he got to "Mode = SC." He then repeated the entire process until he pressed the frequency button, inserting one certain frequency into the keypad before grabbing the handset and pressing it against his ear and mouth. About to speak into it until suddenly.

*CLICK*

"Shut your mouth… And get up.".

The voice ordered as David immediately dropped the handset, the object fell onto the forest floor with a soft thud while he slowly got up from the ground. Reaching his hands up in the air in a "I surrender" gesture as he felt the barrel of a gun pressed against the back of his neck. Threatening to blow out his vocal cords if he did something wrong.

"Turn around… Slowly."

David nervously gulped as he inched his way 180 degrees toward the voice. Soon discovering that it was the same Russian insurgent that tried to kill him and Alan just moments prior. What was his name again? Seymour? Semele? Semen?

OK, maybe don't say the last one.

"So… N-Nice day we're having, am I-" David said in an attempt to try and break the thin ice they were on.

Which did not work in the slightest as they reeled the hand holding their pistol back and pistol-whipping them across the face. Causing him to let out an "Ack!" as he fell to the ground like a crumpled piece of paper. His head throbbing and dizzy from the hit as his eyes started to see double. Not really helping with the fact that he was also experiencing a bit of blood loss from earlier.

Though, thank God for the ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet)

However, the assault didn't stop there as he felt a powerful kick hit him in the gut, causing him to let out a violent cough in his mask, as well as a very unpleasant wet feeling on his face. Another kick came along, followed by a very, very angry voice in Russian as they kicked him again and again.

Soon enough, the brutal beating came to a stop as their foot pushed them flat on his back. It pressed hard against their chest, keeping them pinned to the ground as he looked up to the barrel of an MP-443, as well as the menacing shadow of a very, very, angry Russian.

"I-I'm guessing y-your a b-bit ma-"

"What the fuck do you think!?" Semyon said angrily as he crouched down to their level. "Just where, the hell, did you and your friend send us!?"

"I-I don't k-know! O-OK!?" David said, trying to break free from their grasp but bearing no fruit."I-I didn't even know that damned necklace was going to d-do th-"

"Bullshit!" He said as he pulled them close. So close that David swore that he could barely see their eyes. Full of enough anger to start another world war. "You did not hesitate in the slightest to throw that at me! And now, we're… We're… We're wherever we are!"

"L-Look, I-I didn't know that it'll d-do that, O-OK!?" David exclaimed, putting his hands up as he tried to calm them down.

"Oh, isn't that just convenient."

"I-I'm serious for fuck's sake! OK!? I didn't know t-that it would do that, honest! C'mon man, d-do you really think I would lie about this if we're already here!?"

David asked as Semyon continued to look them dead in the eye, or visor, or whatever. His grip on them slightly loosened as they looked away to the side. Probably thinking about what they said before letting out a forced sigh and pushing them back onto the ground.

"... You might be right, or you might just be unlucky." He started as David pulled down his mask, letting out a few coughs while they got up from the ground.

"But what I do know is that I have a gun, while you don't." He said as David looked up at them, their eyes widening in fear as they watched them slowly take aim at him once more. "So, I'm going to give you five seconds to tell me why the hell I should keep you alive right now."

"H-Hold on, what do you me-

"Four."

"F-Four!? You said y-you were going to start at fi-"

"Three."

"Oh cmon! C-Can you just listen to me for just a moment!? I know w-we just met and tried to kill each other bu-"

"Two." He said, his finger beginning to gently depress down on the trigger.

"C-C'mon man! Y-You wouldn't kill a defenseless medic, w-would you? That's against the Geneva Convention!"

"Geneva Convention states that one cannot harm nor kill an opposing side's medic unless they have or tried to harm the person in question. So technically," He said as he pressed the barrel against their forehead a little hard," I'm in the right."

"Oh s-son of a bitch." David muttered as he let out a heavy sigh, preparing for his seemingly inevitable fate as he closed his eyes. Just waiting for the world around him to go black and for himself to travel either up or down.

Honestly, he should go down due to how many Geneva Checklist jokes he made, as well as the other things that he'd done during his short existence.

"One-"

"Hey!" A voice suddenly called out as they stopped what he was doing and quickly turned the pistol toward the voice. Soon revealing a somehow standing Alan who was walking toward them, only to stop and put his hands in the air as well.

"Y-You?" David asked, confusion and worry lacing his voice as he tried to speak up with their foot on his chest, "W-What are you d-doing!? Get o-out of her-"

"Say another word and I will skin you alive." Semyon therated as David stopped running his mouth. Letting Semyon then turn his attention back to Alan. "And you, just what the hell are you trying to do? And don't bother trying anything funny. One wrong move, and I'll put one between you and the Americ-"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." He said as he cleared his throat, interrupting them mid sentence, but before they could protest, he continued.

"Look.. I know that… I'm right now a bit high due to the drugs in my system and the fact that you tried to cave me head in. However," He said, pointing to a nearby tree, "I think you may want to take a look at that."

Semyon stared at him, trying to see any hint of deception in his eyes. However, Alan slowly reached for his utility belt while Semyon kept his pistol trained on him. Watching as they undid the latch and threw it away, as well as their holster with this sidearm still in it as well.

Now that they were unarmed, Semyon took a quick glance at the tree that they were pointing at. At first, he saw nothing, his mind racing that they must've tricked him and were right now pulling out a hidden pistol or something like that. But then, a small, red light blinked just barely through the leaves. Catching the two's attention.

Semyon stepped off David, allowing him a moment to catch his breath as they approached the tree. Standing at its base, Semyon squinted up at the trunk, trying to locate the source of the light. Suddenly, the light blinked again, revealing its position. Semyon aimed his pistol and fired three shots, scattering birds and wildlife in the process.

Moments later, a burst of yellow sparks erupted from the tree, followed by the soft thud of a strange, semi-circular camera with three holes around it hitting the ground. Semyon retrieved the device, inspecting it closely before returning to where Alan was helping David up from the ground.

"This look familiar to any of you?" He asked as he tossed it to David, who caught it with his face at first before catching it with his hands. Fidgeting with his visor, fixing it as he looked at it closely.

"No, n-not really." David said as tried to look for a brand name on it. "Damn things small, like s-small small. Even the small, circular ones at the hospitals I was stationed at were bigger than this.."

"No shit. These things are tiny! Like, really tiny." Alan exclaimed as he grabbed it from their hands. Hold it close to his face, trying to get a glance at the systems inside until he noticed a red shimmer reflecting off the sunlight, catching his attention.

"Hold on…" He mumbled as he reached inside, rummaging a bit before pulling out a small, red crystal.

"Woah! Woah! H-Hey! Hey! Put it down! P-Put it down! | Get that fucking thing away from more!" David and Semyon screamed as they backed away as fast as they could from Alan and the crystal. Not wanting to take their chances with teleportation once after this most recent encounter with a crystal like that.

"Guys! Guys! Relax, OK? I think it's harmle-"

"Мать-перемать, put that down or else I promise I will put one into your fucking skull!" Semyon shouted as he brought his pistol up once more. Aiming it dead center at Alan's head, finger on the trigger as he kept it trained on them.

"Hey! Hey! What the hell are you doing!?" David shouted as he tried to walk up to them and grab the gun, only for them to push him back onto the floor as he pointed it at him. "T-There's no need to shoot us, O-OK?! J-Just lower the weapon and-"

"Like hell I am" He shouted, "Thanks to you, we're wherever the fuck here is! And I'm not going to let him!" He pointed his sidearm again at Alan, who looked at him with a bit of an unamused look on his face. "Make things worse for us than it already is!"

"... If you're done having a tantrum." He began as he opened his hand, revealing the crystal to be broken into many pieces due to the 9x19mm Parabellum rounds piercing through it effortlessly. "I can assure you that this is here… It's not going to do anything. At least, I think so?"

"You think so? You think so!?" Semyon shouted as Alan rolled his eyes, "And just how are you so sure that it's not going to teleport us into the middle of a volcano or some shit!?"

Alan had a plan in mind as he turned and brought the hand holding the crystals to his mouth. He blew hard, watching as the crystal dust scattered onto the ground, tinting the grass a reddish hue but otherwise doing nothing.

A cool breeze blew over them, prompting Semyon to slowly lower his sidearm. David collapsed back onto the ground, sighing in relief and shaking his head.

Alan shrugged, tossing the remaining crystals away. They shattered harmlessly against a broken TV nearby.

"God, I need a drink." He mumbled as he rummaged into a pocket on his vest, pulling out a small, silver flask. Shaking it and taking a sip from it, letting its contents rest in his mouth as he seemingly enjoyed the taste before looking at David and Semyon, holding out the flask in an offering gesture.

"Want some?" He asked as Semyon looked at him, a bit confused but shrugged as well as he took the flask.

"What's in it? Mead? Kvass? Mor?"

"I dunno, I found some in an abandoned BMP and just poured it in there."

"W-Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait." David quickly said as Alan looked at him, confused, "Just how long have you been drinking this?" David asked as Alan looked at him, thinking for half a second before shrugging.

"I dunno, ever since I got deployed here- Or, technically last month.

"Are you- Are you actually bloody stupid or something? You know they don't allow that stuff to be on you during deployments and for a g-good reason too! Just what if you get your ass drunk during the middle of a firefight!?"

"First of all, I have a large tolerance that would make ruski over here jealous of me."

"Иди в жопу, партизанский ублюдок. (Go fuck yourself you partisan bastard.)"

"Love you too." He said as he turned back to David, "And secondly, it helps me calm down during some… Extreme situations.. Kinda like that one time you transported all of us to a random forest with a magical necklace!"

"I… O-OK, that's fair." David said as felt the sarcasm lacing their voice, hitting him hard like the kicks from Semyon earlier as he remembered that it was technically his fault they were in this mess. "B-But still, you're what. Fifteen? Sixteen? You shouldn't b-be drinking alcohol at such an earlier age since it might harm your-"

"Eighteen, American. I fought in St. Petersburg and Moscow, I'm not some helpless child like you."

"Oh go fuck yourself- W-Wait, how did yo-"

"Hmmm… you've got good taste." Semyon said as David. Their facemask lowered down to their neck as they took another swing from the flask.

"D-Don't drink from it! Last thing I need is for you guys to get drunk on me!" David cried out as he walked up to them and tried to grab the flask from their hands.

Yeah, like that was going to happen. Said the narrator as Semyon easily sidestepped them and pushed them aside. Causing them to almost trip past them before they regained their balance and turned around. Only to see Semyon toss the flask back to Alan, who happily took another swing from it, much to David's dismay.

"… For fuck's sake, why do I even try…" David mumbled as he sat down against a nearby pile. Looking down at his leg for a moment, before letting out another sigh, looking back up at Alan, he said. "… Can I get a-"

Alan said nothing as he tossed the flask toward them. David, while a bit surprised, managed to catch it midair. Before lowering their facemask and taking a swing. Letting the contents slide down his throat and onto his tongue. However, not even a second into drinking, David began to gag, spitting out the alcohol onto the ground as he looked at the flask.

"W-What the hell is this? Pure vinegar?" David asked as he spat it on the ground. Trying desperately to get rid of the taste in his mouth while Semyon and Alan watched at the medic's inconvenience. Chuckling and even laughing a bit in amusement as they watched.

"First time having alcohol?" Alan asked as David coughed and nodded, tossing the flask back at them as he reached for his canteen. Hastily undoing the cap and putting it over his mouth, indulging himself back to the strong, unknown liquid in the flask.

"Here." A voice said as David looked up to find Semyon offering him his own canteen. He looked at them with a hint of hesitance, a little unsure if he should accept or not. To which they beat him to it as they sighed and shook their heads.

"No, American, it's not poisoned or anything like that. Besides, I ran out of poison a few weeks ago."

Well that's comforting.

"Now drink up or else you're going to be stuck with the taste of alcohol for the rest of the day. Unless you're OK with that."

David looked at them, then back at the flask, before slowly reaching out and taking it. Hesitantly taking a small sip as the cool feeling of water ran down his throat. Gradually getting rid of the taste as he drank more and more hungrily. Not noticing Semyon and Alan watching him like he was doing something never done in human history.

"… How much are you betting it's his first time?"

"The rest of my alcohol?"

"Bet." Semyon said as he cleared his throat, grabbing attention. "First time?"

"Y-Yeah…" David asked as he swallowed another mouthful of water down his throat. Wiping his mouth with his sleeve as he looked back at them. "How'd yo-?"

"Haha! Выкуси, польский алкоголик! (Suck it you Polish alcoholic bastard!)" Semyon said as he crackled like a madman while Alan begrudgingly handed over his flask. To which they happily took from his hands, took a swing, and stuffed in one of his vest pockets.

"… S-Sorry about that man."

"You must be real popular at parties." Alan grumbled as he crossed his arms while staring. Making them slightly shrink underneath his gaze before they clear their throat and said.

"S-So… What now?"

"Well, lets see." Semyon began, as he took his canteen back from David's hands. "We're currently stranded in unknown territory, with no way of knowing where we are or where the nearest piece of human civilization is. We're low on ammunition, food." He tried to take a sip of water, but found his canteen empty as he shook it upside down.

"... And now low on water, so we'll have to find a place to resupply soon." He said as he looked back at David, glaring at them as they could only look away in shame.

"Am I forgetting something… Oh right, we're being stalked by someone or something in the forest. Did I miss anything else or?" He asked as he looked back and forth at the two, who just agreed and nodded their heads in agreement. "Yeah/Makes sense."

"OK, so, now that you two are clear on the situation." He said as he started rummaging through the debris, "We can start planning on what to do from here."

"I'm guessing you got a plan yourself?" David asked, as he watched them pull out an old AK-74 from the rubble, which somewhat confused him since he didn't remember them having that earlier, but eh, he's currently bleeding out, so it didn't matter.

"Yeah, it's called Plan 'You guys stick together and figure out your own way out of here.'" Semyon said as he pulled the bolt back, making sure it wasn't damaged. "While I figure out my own way out of here."

"Sounds go- W-Wait, what do you mean by that!?" David exclaimed.

"That means we're going our separate ways." Semyon said as he took the already loaded magazine out of the rifle, inspecting it before loading it back into the rifle. "You guys go on in one direction, while I go in another. Do you understand or must I spell it out for you?

"But, s-shouldn't we stick together or something!?" He asked as they continued to search around through the rubble. "What if w-we need each other's help? O-Or one of us gets injured and needs some help getting around the place?

"… OK, let's say that we do work together in order to get out of here." He said as he turned toward them. "If we work together, would we completely trust each other?

"I-"

"Of course not. Just moments ago, we tried to kill each other, and we almost succeeded," he said, pointing to the gaping bullet wound on his shoulder as proof. David opened his mouth, attempting to counter, but no words came out, giving Semyon the response he expected.

"That's what I thought," Semyon said, slinging his rifle over his shoulder and wincing slightly as the straps pressed against his wound. He then hoisted his backpack, the weight adding to his discomfort, before heading toward the forest.

"The American's right, y'know." Alan said as they stopped "You said it yourself, we're in unknown territory, low on ammo, barely any supplies, and with someone or someones watching over us."

"I can handle myself," He said, not bothering to turn around, "But I don't know about you two, so I suggest you stop wasting your time and start grabbing what you can before whoever's-"

"American. How long can one go before dying of blood loss?" He asked as he turned back toward them.

"U-Uhhmm… Well… Five minutes…" He looked back at Alan, noticing the makeshift bandage on their shoulder, "But if it's somewhat treated, maybe an hour?"

"OK! OK! Now what's this about?" Semyon angrily asked, getting a bit annoyed as he tried to understand the point they were making.

"My point is, ruski, is that we should stick together. We don't know what's out there, and our chances of surviving would probably lower if you don't have an extra two guys watching your six. Plus, if we combine all of our supplies together, then we can last out here a little longer now, can't we?"

Semyon hummed in thought, mulling over what he had just said. Clearly, he wasn't comfortable working with people he had tried to kill moments ago. The last thing he needed was for them to catch him off guard and dispose of him when he wasn't looking.

He was uncertain if these two would be useful assets in the foreseeable future or just liabilities, much like the last three recruits he had to deal with a few months ago. It was unfortunate they had to learn the hard way about repositioning; they were nice people, too.

However, he had to give Alan some credit. Semyon knew Alan wouldn't last long out there alone. Sure, he had camped in the Russian wilderness as a kid and survived in the deserts of Afghanistan after the war. But if someone was watching them, a few extra guns would be helpful. Plus, Semyon couldn't carry all the weapons and ammunition by himself, and who knows, maybe they'd be useful in the long term.

Besides, the American was the only one with proper medical supplies and the expertise to use them correctly. His arm hurt like hell, and Semyon really didn't want to die of blood loss in the middle of the woods.

"... Pack up what you need and get ready to move out, we leave in ten." Semyon said as he walked back toward the two. Stopping just in front of David as he pulled out their M1911. Causing the medic to look in disbelief as they glanced back at their empty holster.

"How did you-"

"You really need to take better care of your weapons. Especially something as old as this thing. Also, I grabbed it from you earlier, if you can recall." Semyon said as he shoved the sidearm into their arms. Not even stopping as he walked toward a nearby pile of rubble, trying to salvage whatever he could from it.

"... Thanks." David mumbled as placed the sidearm back in its righteous spot, strapping it nice and tight, making sure that it wouldn't fall out if he tried to run from something.

Yeah, that was an unpleasant experience.

However, before he could get started. He noticed as they were struggling to lift up a chunk of concrete. The Russian hissed in pain, dropping it just a few inches from his feet. Causing David to come running to their side. About to say another one of his quips before noticing them clutching their arm in pain while blood leaked between his fingers.

"H-Hey, are you OK?" David asked as he leaned in close to them, reaching out to them only for them to pull back. About to punch them while David backed up, holding his hands up in another "I surrender" motion, slowly calming them down.

"О, черт бы тебя побрал! (Oh god damn it you!)" He cursed as he winced in pain once more, clutching his arm a bit tighter before letting out a breath, "What is it American, can't you see I'm busy?"

"Look, Seme- Semyon! Semyon!" He quickly caught himself as they glared back at him. "C-Can you just sit down for a moment so I can check out your wound. It looks really, really ugly."

He said, putting an empathetic on the ugly part as their hand started to get caked in blood. Much to his disgust as he cringed a bit.

"I-" He let out a frustrated sigh, "It's just a flesh wound, American. Nothing to worry about for the time being. I've already patched it up, see?" He asked as he took off his hand from the wound. Revealing a dirty piece of cloth with the hue of brown and red over his shoulder. With blood already starting to seep out.

Yeah, that looks perfectly fine.

"... Sit down, I got something… Right here." He said as he began to rummage through his satchel while they looked at him, even more annoyed.

"For fuck's sake American, you're overreacting. I said I'm fi-

"Yeah, yeah, and I'm Jesus Christ. Now sit your ass down before I have Alan help me pin you down like one of those romance movies." He mumbled, leaving Semyon a bit starstruck by how they were now acting as they just shrugged and listened.

"Just how the fuck do you guys operate with such horrible medical supplies. I swear, you guys would have much better healthcare if you were set in the eighteen hundreds or some shit. At least they had tourniquets."

"Look, it's not that big of a dea-"

"I-It is a big deal." He said, stopping mid-rant. "If that wound gets infected, then your arm is at a very, very big risk. Worst case scenario is that I have to amputate your entire arm, and right now, I don't have the proper tools to even make sure you survive me doing so. Let alone do one with what limited supplies I have. And trust me, you do not want me to improvise."

"... Just fix me up so I can get back to what I was doing." Semyon said as David started undoing their uniform shirt. Pulling it off just enough to reveal their red-covered arm, caked in both liquid and hardened, crimson blood.

"Alright, there's an exit wound. So that's good at least… Tell me, how does your arm feel?"

"It fucking hurts, what else is there to add?" Semyon grumbled as David just sighed.

"Well, I need to know what kind of pain you're feeling or else I might give you the wrong thing. Don't want you to be in too much pain all the time or completely drugged out, am I right?"

"... Just the fact that there's a hole in my shoulder and that it hurts like hell. Other than that, I'm completely fine."

"Hmmm, OK, so still have complete control of your motor functions… Seems it didn't hit anything important thankfully. Would have had to do a lot more than what I remembered from medical school if it did so." David quipped as he pulled out and undid the cap on the alcohol bottle. Gently pouring the liquid all over the bullet wound, making them hissing in pain, trying their best to fight through the pain as the liquid covered his wound. Making it feel like it was on fire.

"C-Could you have at least warned me that you were going to do that!?" Semyon hissed through his teeth before David pulled the bottle away from their arm. Giving him a break from the pain as he breathed in a sigh of relief.

"That would defeat the purpose of me doing it then." David responded as he grabbed the roll of gauze and tore a small piece off. Using it to clean the dried up blood around their wound, as well as wipe off the rest of the alcohol.

"Plus, if I did tell you, you would have said 'Let me prepare for it doc' or 'Give me a moment to breathe."

"I wasn't going to say that!" Semyon complained interjected as they tightly wrapped the gauze around the wound. "…Specifically…"

"Hmmm?"

"Nothing."

"Good." David said as he grabbed a syringe and it inserted into the skin just over the wrapped up wound. Semyon's pained breathing slowly began to calm down as the pain gradually faded away and dull out, much to Semyon's relief.

"Alright, that's 10 mgs of morphine. Should help with the pain for now." David said as he began to place back the supplies in his satchel. Zipping it up nice and tight before turning back to them. "How do you feel?"

"Better… To say the least." Semyon said, slowly getting up at his feet as he looked at the now wrapped up portion of his shoulder. Feeling around it as he rubbed it gently as well. "Feels a bit sore, but I can manage."

"Yeah, it'll feel like that at first. Try not to move it too much or put too much pressure on it." David added as he slowly got up as well. "I got enough to change the dressing from time to time, but we need to try and save as much as we can. Never know when we need it."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." Semyon said, glad that the nagging, pulsing pain was gone, at least for now until they could figure out a more permanent solution.

However, as he looked at his bandaging, his eyes wandered down to David's leg. Noticing how they were leaning on one leg while the other was slightly lifted off the ground. Oh yeah, as well as the large, blood-soaked portion of their leg.

How can one overlook that so easily?

"You going to take care of that?" Semyon asked, pointing to the dark red part on their leg as David looked down as well. Seeming genuinely surprised that he forgot about that in the first place.

"Oh, I-I… Must've forgotten about this." David said as he slightly shifted the leg behind the other before looking back up at them. "I-It'll be fine, no worries. It's just a flesh wound anyway, I can fix it later."

"... The blood says otherwise." Semyon said, his voice lacing with the simplicity of starting obvious fact as he slipped back his gear on. The silence grew awkwardly between the two.

"I-I'm serious, I'm alright, r-really! Look, if it worries you that much, I-I can do it later. After we-

"The ruski is right, American.." Alan said as David turned toward them. Watching as they walked up to them, patting them on the shoulder as they rested their hand on them. "That 'flesh wound' looks nasty. Wouldn't want our only medic to get sick and be unable to help us, would we?"

David looked at them, then back at his blood-soaked leg. Thinking about what they said before meeting their gaze and letting off a meek nod. Making Alan smile as he patted them on the shoulder once more.

"There's a giant pile just behind me where you can… Y'know." He said as he motioned to their pants. Making David look at them confused for a moment before looking back down at his pants and realizing what they meant.

"Y-Yeah! S-Sorry!" He mumbled as he quickly limped away, disappearing behind the pile Alan was pointing to earlier. Leaving Semyon and Alan alone with each other as they silently glared at each other.

"... Really? Ruski?" Semyon asked as Alan only responded with a smirk. Chuckling and shaking his head as he looked away for a moment before looking back up at them.

"What? It's a nice nickname. Besides, you deserve it after all the bullshit you put the both of us through."

"Ты на самом деле (You're actually fucking-) We were litterally enemies! I- We tried to kill each other just a few minutes ago- You fucking shot me! What the fuck do you mean by 'I deserve it'!?" Semyon shouted as Alan opened his mouth.

Only to be interrupted when a high-pitch scream suddenly filled the air. Causing the two to quickly pull out their sidearms and get close back-to-back. Scanning the area with both their eyes and their weapons. Trying to find the source of the scream until it rang out once more.

"Holy Mother of God! It fucking burns! AGGHHH" The same voice screamed as the two looked at the pile where David just went behind earlier. Making the two breathe a sigh of relief as they holstered their weapons.

"Oh, so when the American does it, he gets to scream his lungs out. But when I complain about it, I'm all of a sudden a fucking pussy?"

"I'll say. Damn Americans keep complaining while we do all the hard work."

"Amen to that Polank."

"Oh shut up ruski! Unlike me, I didn't get my ass handed to me when the Americans got angry."

"Hey! At least I didn't come running to my NATO overlords and kiss their feet to beg for help!"

"Spierdalaj! (Oh go fuck yourself!)"

"Отвали, безнадежный алкоголик! (Piss off you hopeless alcoholic bastard!)"

"Fuck you!"

"No, fuck you!"

"Nuh uh!"

"Wha- The fuck you mean nuh uh!?" Semyon shouted as the two continued to go back and forth with their argument. One trying to outdo the other by shouting and/or screaming while David just continued to scream in excruciating pain in the background like he was in some sort of Red vs Blue episode.

Jesus, he's definitely going to feel that for a while.

…

David hissed as he finished wrapping gauze around his freshly cleaned wound, his teeth grinding as the alcohol's burn and the pressure of the bandage made his leg feel like it was on fire. Now he understood why his patients always screamed when he abruptly poured alcohol on their wounds. He felt a newfound sympathy for them; maybe he should write some "I'm sorry" cards.

God, that's going to be a lot of languages to learn.

Nevertheless, that was a problem for later. He grabbed a nearby syringe and injected it into his thigh, sighing in relief as the medicine took effect. The pain slowly subsided, leaving his leg numb.

At least the pain's more bearable now, even if he couldn't feel most of his leg.

Wait, wasn't he supposed to inject that first before doing anything?

OK, blood loss hits differently than he remembered.

Satisfied with his work, he pulled the syringe out of his thigh and tossed it aside. Slowly, he got up from his makeshift chair made of rubble, pulling up his pants and reattaching the gear he had removed to perform the "procedure."

'Really hope those two finish up.' He thought as he slowly limped away around the corner. Half-expecting them to be already waiting for him with a giant pile of supplies ready to be carried. And maybe one of the two (Or both of them) to be pissed off at him due to how long it took him to fix himself up.

Instead, he was met with the both of them shouting at the other as they pointed fingers at each other. One trying to outshout the other, unsure of what they were even fighting about until he heard them say:

"I'm telling you, the Glock 17 is the best sidearm of the century!"

"Ради всего святого, порази этого человека (For fuck's sake, Lord strike this man down.)" Semyon groaned as he rubbed his forehead. "Just because you have more bullets doesn't mean you have the advantage! The MP-443 is a more superior pistol because even though it's chambered in the same 9x19mm Parabellum round, it was actually made for military purposes. Making it the superior sidearm."

"Oh bullshit! The Glock can literally be outfitted with a drum magazine, various calibers, attachments. It's practically the M4 Sherman of the gun industry with just how many modifications one can put on the damn thing!"

"Just because it can be modified easily doesn't mean it's superior! Just like the M4, it can only go against certain targets in certain terrains. Plus, our 9mm rounds can do more penetration than those things you call bullets.."

"You're spewing a lot of bullshit for someone whose nation uses armor plates that don't even need a 9mm to break. I can literally throw a stick at you and your vest would turn into a grenade as hundreds of pieces of your 'armor' explode inward toward your body and turn your entire chest into swiss cheese!"

"OK, first of all. That batch was tampered with when you NATO pigs sabotaged the factories! Second of all, at least we had proper armor when the war happened and not just a whole bunch of metal sheets that we found on the side of the road!"

"And yet, it's statistically shown that we took less casualties compared to you guys when you invaded us."

"Oh why you little-"

"Ahem!" David coughed as the two stopped what they were doing before turning their heads to the medic. Giving the other a quick glare before clearing their throats.

"You fixed yourself up as an American?" Alan asked, "You were screaming bloody murder back there. Do you need us to help you walk?".

"I-It's taken care of, don't worry. I'll be fine." David said as he looked around, trying to find the expected bags of supplies so they could move on. "You guys got everything or should I-"

"Already taken care of by Americans." Semyon said as he pointed behind the medic, revealing his backpack filled to the brim with "firewood" as well as some spare magazines for his P90, as well as the SMG itself, resting on the side of the weapon.

Just how the fuck did he not see that earlier?

"Ah, thanks." He said as he limped his way to the backpack. Grabbing it while being a little surprised by how heavy it was, but still slinging it on his back. Leaving Alan and Semyo a little unsure if he could even carry all of that as they watched.

"American! Do you need any… Help over there?" Semyon asked as he and Alan watched them struggle to balance themselves for a moment. "I don't mind carrying a few extra pounds."

"No, no, it's fine, it's fine." David assured as he tried to get his other arm underneath the other strap. "It's just, I'm more used to a lighter load than whatever is in here." David said as he strapped the other side of the backpack to his other shoulder. Slowly gaining some balance as he held his arms out to his side, seeing if he could stand upright for a while.

"... Do we really need him?" Semyon whispered to Alan as Alan sighed and nodded.

"Somebody has to carry the extra firewood. Besides, would you rather have someone that actually has medical experience rather than me?" Alan asked as Semyon looked at him, then back at David, then back at him.

"Fair point." He mumbled as he looked back at David, calling out. "Do you need a minute?"

"I-I'm good!" He assured once more,

"… Good enough." Semyon said as he grabbed his own bag, slinging it across his shoulder "Now you two, just follow me and watch my six, I'll lead us out of here."

"Hold on," Alan said, stopping the other two as they looked at him. "Why should we follow you ruski? No offense, but I've gone on multiple camping trips before. I know my place out of a forest like this."

"And I've actually lived off the grid." Semyon countered as he looked at them undeterred. "Plus, I've already found a way out of this place. So there's no need for any of that wilderness survival TV bullshit."

"Oh, and what is it if I may ask, Mr. Wilderness expect? A creek that could lead to god-knows where? A shit trail left by a deer? Oh, let me guess, a road in the middle of fuc-"

"Yep." Semyon casually said as he pointed to a small, dirt road behind the three of them. Leaving Alan speechless wondering how the hell he did not see it there earlier while David chuckled

"Huh. Well that's… Convenient." David said as he started walking toward it. With Semyon following close behind, but not before he stopped right behind Alan's back and gave them a pat on the shoulder.

"No need to beat yourself. You were too busy arguing about how you could've easily beaten me and my nation. It happens to the best of us." Semyon said before walking past them. Leaving Alan all on his lonesome as he just stood there, still in shock. Before shaking his head side to side, snapping out of whatever trance he was in as he noticed that he was all alone.

"H-Hey! Wait up wy dupki! (you assholes!)" He cried out as he ran, quickly joining up with them as they went down the road. Slowly disappearing through the thick forest, leaving behind only the large pile of debris of concrete, glass, and spent bullet casings.

They never noticed the red eyes moving across the trees all around them. Watching their every move from afar with malicious intent.

Beacon Academy | Vale

Now Introducing:

Professor Ozpin, played by Shannon McCormick

Professor Goodwitch, played by Kathleen Zueluch

Ozpin loved this part of the school year.

Sure, there were more exciting parts of the Beacon Academy school year.

Like the Beacon Academy Initiation, where people were literally flung into the air and into Emerald Forest where they would prove themselves to be worthy of joining the Beacon Academy ranks.

Or maybe the Vytal Festival, where people would celebrate the day when peace between all the kingdoms and the people of Remnant finally achieved peace throughout the world after the Great War.

Perhaps the sports festival where various teams fought against each other. Competing for a chance for a spot in the history books as well as the glory that came with it.

Maybe even the famous/infamous Beacon Academy yearly talent show. Where students would perform, showing some of their well known or hidden talents in an attempt to win first place. Hell, it was one of the most popular events during the Beacon school year.

Well, except for last year. Last year there were a lot of lawsuits and angry parents.

Nevertheless, summer was his most favorite part of the school year. With most of the teachers doing whatever summer projects that the school offered for extra credit or make-up lessons for those few students that need the opportunity. He was finally free to do whatever he wished to do. Whenever it be making tea, reading a few books, or planning for his next move against her.

But for now, he was sitting back and relaxing in his office atop of the giant tower that overlooked the entire academy. Sipping on the splendid tea that he prepared while planning for the upcoming school year.

However, as he leaned back in his chair, holding a cup of the recently brewed tea that he was about to take a sip from. A "ding" rang from his scroll, stopping him from doing so. He sat the cup down on the table as he fished the device from his pocket. Pulling it out and extending it as a large notification was displayed in the middle of it saying.

"Alert: Major dust fluctuation detected in Sector Z18."

"Alert: Unknown personnel detected in Sector Z18."

"That's odd..." Ozpin mumbled, swiping left on the scroll and turning to the surveillance system. "There's not supposed to be anyone in the forest right now." He selected the nearest camera in the area to see who had decided to take a stroll in the woods.

"I swear, these news teams are getting more persistent these days. Why can't they just schedule a meeting like everyone... else..."

He never finished his thought. On the screen, amidst piles of rubble, broken furniture, and strange devices, were two oddly dressed men. One of them limped toward the other, who was on the ground, and leaned against a nearby pile, checking to see if he was alright.

Ozpin watched as they conversed, the latter tending to a head wound on the former. He wrapped a white cloth around his head before handing him some pills.

"Now, who are you two..." Ozpin mumbled, pressing a button to zoom in on the pair as they continued talking. He pressed it again, noticing a strange symbol on the helper's shoulder. It soon became clear: a white circle with a red cross in the middle.

He then moved the camera to the one receiving medical attention, slowly zooming in on their shoulder. The patch there was similar to the other's, but this one bore an image of a rocket and explosion, along with another patch displaying the letters "N.F."

"They're here..." he muttered, watching as the one with the red cross got up and walked to a nearby backpack, retrieving a strange metal box. "But there's only two of them. Where's the thi-"

His question was answered as another strangely dressed man, looking dirtier and more ragged than the other two, appeared on the video feed. He approached the one with the red cross and pressed the barrel of a pistol against the back of their neck, forcing them to stand and face him.

Ozpin quickly guided the camera to the newcomer's shoulder. A patch caught his eye as he focused on it, revealing a desert-camouflage design with a sniper sight covering most of it.

"And that's three," he thought, watching as the newcomer pistol-whipped the other across the face. Ozpin winced and muttered "Ow" as he saw the victim crumple to the floor, only to be repeatedly kicked in the chest.

Eventually, the brutal assault stopped. The assailant kicked the victim onto their back and pressed a foot on their chest, shouting something while the other shook his head nervously, trying his best to calm the situation despite struggling beneath the pressure.

"By Oum, if he doesn't stop, he's going to kill him," Ozpin thought as he watched the assailant press the pistol against the victim's forehead. The one with the red cross began to panic more and more before suddenly stopping, seemingly resigning to their fate.

Even Ozpin thought the assailant was about to pull the trigger as he watched helplessly.

However, it all paused when the one with the bandaged head got up from the ground and called out to the assailant. This diverted the assailant's attention, causing Ozpin to let out a sigh of relief. The moment passed quickly, though, as the assailant then pointed the pistol at the wounded man instead, leaving Ozpin on edge once more.

They appeared to be talking, possibly trying to defuse the situation or distract the assailant. Ozpin couldn't tell, nor could he hear, as they were too far away.

Jeez, he really should've updated the voice-reading software. Damn budget cuts.

Suddenly, the wounded man pointed toward the camera. Ozpin was surprised they had seen it but also impressed. He made a mental note to figure out how to remove the blinking red light on the cameras since that was probably how they noticed it.

At first, the assailant didn't trust the wounded man until he took off his belt and threw it aside, giving the assailant a chance to look in the indicated direction. Realizing what was being pointed at, the assailant pushed the one he was about to kill back onto the ground before getting up and walking toward the camera. Ozpin followed them with the camera until they stopped at the base of the tree, staring blankly up.

Then the assailant aimed the pistol directly at the camera, and the feed immediately cut off as the first flash emerged from the muzzle. Ozpin was left with more questions than answers as he stared at the empty screen.

"... It can't be them, can it?" he mumbled, rewinding the footage and snapping photos of the three patches, displaying them on the holo-screen. He got up from his chair, grabbed a book hidden beneath his desk, and flipped through the pages until he found the ones with the same logos as the patches. Placing the scroll and book side by side, his eyes widened in realization.

"It's them..." he whispered in astonishment, sinking back into his chair as he kept eyeing the two. "They're here… They're actually here… But why now?"

His thoughts were interrupted by a beep from his scroll. Tapping on it, a notification appeared on the holo-screen: "Increase in Grimm activity detected," displaying multiple red dots approaching the same sector where the three strangers were located.

"Oh dear…" Ozpin mumbled as various screens began to pop up, showing multiple cameras as well as angles of small packs of beowolves and a few ursai running toward them. With more and more alerts filling his scroll!

"This isn't good." He mumbled as set aside the screens and notifications and pressed a strange app with a scroll logo on it. The app opened up, revealing a list of contacts as he scrolled through them all before finding a certain one. Pressing on it as well and typing out a message, sending it afterward before leaning back in his chair, waiting for something or someone.

Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long as a "ding," rang out as a pair of lights lit up above a pair of doors located on the other side of the tower. Slowly opening up, revealing a middle-aged woman in a tight blouse, glasses, long skirt, her hair done in a short bun while holding a riding crop as she stepped out of the lift Ozpin. Her face bearing a stern look as walked up to his desk and asked.

"You called?" Glynda asked as she looked at him, noticing their worried expression on his face as she began to get worried as well. "Ozpin, what is-"

"They're here." Ozpin simply said. Leaving Glynda confused as she said

"What do you mean by 'They're here?' Who's they? I swear, if it's another news team, it's best we leave them out there for a day or two before flying in there and sav-

Ozpin didn't say anything as he turned the book and pushed it to her side. Followed by the scroll, to which she took, confused before pulling up pictures of the three strangers. As well as the strange logos on their shoulders as she then compared them to the ones in the book.

"… You don't mean?" She asked as Ozpin nodded. Confirming her suspicions.

"This was half an hour ago. Even so, they came way earlier than I expected." He said as he grabbed his cup and took a swing from it. "And if they're here, then that means that we're a step closer to finding them and ending this entire thing."

"Looks like we're about to have some fun." She quipped, "Where are they right now? I can bring them back here in an hour."

"Emerald Forest, Sector Z18. I'll send you updates on their location every now and then until you find them." He said as he pressed another button, causing a "Ding" to ring out from a pocket in Glynda's dress.

"Got it." She said as she pulled out her scroll and opened it, revealing a better picture of the three, as well as a clear photo of the wounded one. Making Glynda frown slightly as she looked at him. "By Oum Ozpin, one of them looks like a kid."

"I know Glynda, I don't like it as well. But if the stories are true, then they can handle themselves when the time comes. We'll make sure of it." Ozpin assured as he looked at his scroll as well. Looking at the young man's sad state, feeling pity for them but forces himself to set it aside as he looks back up at her once more.

"I've already gotten a bullhead prepared for you. But you'll have to hurry. It appears our guests have rocked the Lancer's nest."

"For Oum's sake Ozpin, why didn't you start with that!?" She cried out as she ran for the lift. Closing the distance in just a few seconds before hopping inside and pressing the down button. Slowly closing the lift doors as the two stared at each other. The headmaster gave her a nod as she did the same. Before soon beginning her descent, leaving him by his lonesome.

"... Perhaps I should've also told her about the hundreds of Grimm stalking them." He said as he grabbed his cup from the table and walked to one of the windows overlooking the courtyard. Watching as she ran as fast as she could to the descending bullhead. Jumping on and probably yelling at the poor pilot to floor it as the bullhead gained altitude unnaturally fast from the ground. Pushing itself to its limit as it flew through the bright, beautiful sky.

"Eh. She can handle herself." He assured himself as he took a sip from the cup, Only to gulp it down with a hint of disgust as he sighed.

His tea had gone cold.

Emerald Forest | Vale

"Yep, I'm calling it. You've gotten us lost." Alan said as they rested on the dirt road. Looking down the break between three different pathways, with David lying on the ground beside them while Semyon crouched down. Trying to figure out where to go from here as he… Studied the dirt.

"О, ради Бога! (Oh, for the love of God), can you please shut the fuck up?" Semyon grumbled as he swiped his hand across the dirt roads. Bringing up a handful close to his face, rubbing it between his fingers as he called out. "You're making me lose focus here."

"Lose focus on what? Your addiction to sniffing dirt roads like crack?" Alan quipped, making himself chuckle at his one joke while hitting David's side, trying to get a reaction while Semyon let out an annoyed sigh. Getting up from the ground, dusting off his hands as he turned toward the demolitions expert.

"Speaking from experience, you teenage alcoholic?" He asked as Alan looked up at him offended. His mouth opened up, about to say something. Only for his face to twist deep in thought, thinking about what they said before shrugging it off.

"Fair point." They admitted as they instinctively reached for their to come empty as he sighed and extended his hand toward them. Semyon looked down at them, contemplating it for a while before letting out another annoyed sigh. Pulling the flask out from his own vest pocket and offering it to them. But not after taking a swing from it as well.

"I'll admit, you got some good taste." He said as he watched them take another sip. "Anyways. The path on the left seems to be more used than the other two. Mainly because the other two aren't used at all. Should lead us somewhere, hopefully a way out of this forest or at least to some shelter."

"Think it'll lead to the person watching us?" David asked, a little worried if they're walking right into a trap while Semyon just shrugged in response.

"Maybe, maybe not. Even if it's a trap, I'm sure we can handle ourselves. Plus, we just find a sweet old lady who is just bird watching or something like that."

"Yeah, and uses crystals that look like the same one that brought our asses here. That makes a lot of sense."

"Oh shut your mouth." Semyon said as he walked up to them and kicked them onto the ground. "Now get up. We're burning daylight, and I really don't want to find out if there's a damn wendigo out here."

"Don't scare me like that asshole." David groaned as he fell flat on his back once more. "And can you just give me five more minutes, I think the effects of the morphine are catching up to me."

"No, that's just you being lazy." Semyon said as he walked up to them and grabbed them by the scruff of their collar. Pulling them up with ease and catching them by surprise as they brought up to their feet. "See? You're fine. And you American's keep saying stand tall and shit."

"H-Hey!" David exclaimed as he swatted their hands off his collar, "You don't just pull me up like that. What if I choked or something like that!?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. You would've loved that would you?" He said, leaving them speechless as he was about to turn away. But stopped abruptly, which David gladly took as an opportunity.

"Oh go screw yourself-"

"Shhh." Semyon quickly said, pressing a hand against their mask while putting a finger on his own. Signaling for them to stay quiet as Alan saw it as well. Making him get up from the ground, waving the barrel of his SFAR-M at every tree, bush, and plant that was in Semyon's vision.

"Stay, quiet." Semyon softly whispered as they nodded in response. Giving Semyon the all clear as he pulled back his hand from their face. Bringing up the AK-47 from his chest and pulling the bolt back to make sure one last time it was loaded before aiming it at a nearby bush.

"W-What's going on?" David whispered as he limped behind them, pulling out his sidearm from its holster and aiming it at the bush as well. But holds it a bit too close to Semyon's ear. Causing him to swat it away and give them a glare before looking back.

"Someone, or something, is watching us by that bush over there." He said, pointing at the bush as he looked down the AK's iron sights. Keeping it trained on the bush while Alan looked at him, a bit uncertain as he asked.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"You better be. I'm not really in the state to look at every little bug and gun them down just for looking at us the wrong way."

"I'm positive that there is something watching us right now" He said as Alan opened his mouth to argue once more. Only for the bush to rustle loudly, promptly killing any doubt about Semyon's observation as they focused on the bush.

"Now, do you think I'm lying."

"Oh go fuck yourself. I'm aiming at it, aren't I?" He asked as the bush rustled once more. Their bodies tensed up, half-expecting something to just jump out while their other half was expecting bullets to start flying and forcing them to the ground either suppressing them on the ground or turning them into a road in Chicago.

"T-Think it's a wild animal l-like those deer that we saw earlier?" David asked, "Or m-maybe it's a nice, soft bunny that just wants to crawl up to us and give us some snuggles."

"Or maybe it's a wolf that's planning to rip out our vocal cords for pissing it off." Alan said, not really helping out with their situation which David made clear by gently smacking them on the head. Not too hard to cause further damage but still enough force to get his point across..

"If it's a wolf, that means that it's not alone." Semyon then said as he looked around a bit while keeping his rifle trained on the bush. "And even if it's alone and we kill it, then we'll have a big problem. I don't want to deal with an angry wolf pack trying to get revenge for their buddy."

"... Fair point." Alan admitted, but kept his rifle trained on the bush. "But what do we do now? I'm definitely not turning my back, especially if there's a wolf that want's a chunk of meat from my neck.

"Don't be ridiculous, you're just skin and bones. It'll want the American." Semyon said, hurting Alan's pride while wiping out what pride David had left. However, neither of them got to voice any complaints as Semyon turned toward David and said.

"Scare it away."

"W-What?" David asked, confused as Semyon sighed and facepalmed before repeating himself.

"You already got your sidearm out, might as well put some use to it."

"B-But why do I-I gotta do it?"

"Well, there's three good reasons." He said, "One, I don't want to waste any precious ammunition on whatever is in there. Two, you already have that out, and you've got more ammo than us so it's easier to replace it and three, I just want to see if that old thing still even works."

David looked at him, shocked by their answers but still, he grumbled as he walked errr- Limped in front of the two, taking aim and letting off two shots. The gunshots rang out through the air, followed by a whimper as the bush moved sporadically. Leaving David satisfied with his work before looking back and pointing to the bush

"There, happy?" He asked as they both shrugged in response.

"I think you shot a pup." Alan teased, making David groan as he looked back at the bush and sighed.

"Damn it Alan," He cursed as he turned back toward them. "Now you gave me a guilty conscience."

"Ahh, don't worry American." Semyon assured as he started to walk toward the presumably dead body. "You'll get used to it when we go hunting. Besides, I'm sure it's nothing to worry abou-"

Of course, in this book, it was something to worry about.

Out of the blue, a loud roar filled the air. Making everyone train their weapons at the bush once more. However, they were not prepared as a blur of black and white suddenly jumped out of the bush. Lunging towards' David as it's claws were reaching out for him!

As the creature flew through the air, David let off another three shots. The bullets seemingly did nothing as he watched it get closer and closer. His eyes widened underneath his visor as he realized it was as big as a grizzly bear!

However, he didn't have much time to study it further as the creature finally landed on him. Pinning him down onto the ground, it's heavy body making it hard to move and breathe as he tried to escape from its clutches! But to no avail.

Then, he was met with a large mouth about to crush his head like a watermelon.

"Jasna cholera!" Alan shouted as he fired three shots into the beast's side. The bullets striking their target, but doing no damage as it barely responded! Just as he was about to fire again, Semyon had already begun to take action. Lining up three, precise shots to the side of the creature's head, creating golf-ball-sized holes as the rounds burrowed deep into its cranium before barely punching through the other side.

The beast howled in pain as it attempted to turn and attack Semyon as its last dying act. But it jolted back as another shot rang out, causing it to go limp and collapse with a thud. The two men kept their rifles trained on it, their bodies tense as they watched the seemingly lifeless creature carefully. Prepared for any sudden movements as they slowly approached it.

"Is… is it dead?" Alan asked, his voice low as Semyon got closer to the creature before firing two more shots into its head,

Suddenly, a muffled scream echoed from the body, causing both men to snap their weapons back at it and back away. Ready for it to suddenly rise up from the dead before realizing who was making the noise.

"C-Can you both fucking cool it with the guns and get me the fuck out of here!?" David's muffled voice demanded angrily. The two set aside their rifles and worked together to lift the carcass, revealing a bruised and battered David. He crawled out as quickly as he could, getting to his knees and looking up at them.

"Что это за хреновина? (What in the flying fuck is this thing?)" Alan muttered as he crouched down to its head level. Gently lifting up its head with the barrel of his rifle to get a better look. Leaving him shocked as he got a full view of its face.

"The hell? It looks like a goddamn wolf."

"A wolf?" Alan said in disbelief as he crouched down right beside them. Grabbing the head by the fur and lifting it up, revealing some wolf-like features with a white covering across its face with red markings all across it.

"What the hell are those?" Alan asked as he pointed at the red markings on its face. "Think those are the blood vessels the American was talking about?"

"No, I don't think so." Semyon said as he pulled out a knife. Hovering it over its head while Alan watched. " Hell, I don't know what to think. Damn thing doesn't look like any wolf I've ever seen. Not even sure it's a wolf at all."

"Agreed- Wait, what are you doing?"

"What do you think I'm doing?" Semyon asked as he casually stabbed the knife into the "wolf's" head. "We got to make sure it's really dead." He said as he started to dig the knife deeper and deeper into hit's cranium. Making Alan wince as he heard the squishing of what their brain mattered… He really hoped it was their brain matter.

"I'm pretty sure a few damn rounds to the noggin is enough to kil-"

He didn't get to finish as the head started to… Emit a black mist? Slowly beginning to get even more darker and bigger as more pieces of the head started to fade away like sugar in water. The two looked at the strange black mist as Semyon pulled out his knife. Causing a large burst of black mist to shoot out the hole.

"What the hell?" He muttered as he slowly leaned in, observing the black mist before his eyes widened underneath his visor in surprise.

In one swift motion, he turned around and grabbed Alan by the collar of their uniform. Making them kick and scream as they of course weren't OK with being choked. However, after getting far enough, he let them go. To which they showed their gratitude by.

Screaming at them with all the air his lungs could hold within themselves.

"W-What the hell was that for!?" He asked as he got up from the ground and into their feet. "Hey! Can you even he-"

"Shhh." He hissed, placing his hand on their mouth and pointing to the body., which was starting to disappear. Pieces of its back, head, as well as its limbs, were already gone while black mist flew through the air. Like a pile of sand in the forest.

Yeah, I know. A bit ironic due to their current location.

"Did it just-"

"Disappear like the rest of us?" Semyon asked as he continued to stare at it. Watching as it began to spread to the rest of its body and disappear. "Yes, yes it was American."

"Oh cmon- I got a name y'know!" David groaned as he crossed his arms. However, all whining was silenced as a howl suddenly filled the air. Making the three form up together back to back. Weapons drawn as their eyes darted all over the place. Looking for any sign of the same creature or maybe something even worse to pounce on them.

"We've got to move. We can't stay here."

"Oh really!? What made you think that ruski!?"

"Shut up you alcoholic!"

"Oh my god, we're all going to di-"

"Shut it American." They snapped as they continued to look around while the forest around them seemed to come alive. Trees and bushes rustled, twigs could be heard snapping all around as something heavy stepped on them.

"OK… Here's the plan… I'm going to move up ahead through the trail, and you guys follow behind me."

"L-Like watching your six or something?"

" … Yeah, sure." Semyon said after a long period of silence before making a run down the trail. Leaving Alan and David behind as they looked at him in confusion before realizing what was happening.

"Why you- Don't leave us behind ty cholerny draniu! (You damn bastard!)" Alan shouted as he ran after them. Now leaving David by his lonesome as he nervously looked all around. Slowly losing his nerves before finally.

"H-Hey! Wait for me!" He called out as he ran as well. Trying his best to run as fast as he could with all the extra weight he was carrying. Soon catching up with them.

Too bad they didn't see the giant shadow pass over the opening in the forest just where they were.

…

There had to be countless ruins around Emerald Forest. Ranging from small, The Emerald Forest was littered with countless ruins, ranging from small, hut-like structures with only their stone husks remaining to massive edifices featuring enormous pillars that once supported grand buildings, rivaling anything built by the people of Remnant today. Despite the abundance of these ruins, most people knew little about their history. Either they didn't have the time to explore or simply didn't care, preferring to study similar remains in safer locations.

The origins of these ruins remained a mystery. Were they remnants of past civilizations that fell to the relentless Grimm? Or did some other catastrophe cause their collapse? Perhaps they were strongholds during the Great War, brought down by one of the major factions after a grueling siege, or maybe the Grimm swooped in after a bloody battle.

Whatever the case, these questions were far from the minds of our three protagonists as they stumbled upon one such ruin atop a cliffside. Before them stood a pair of large, weathered doors, marking the entrance to a dome-like structure. One quickly pushed one of the doors aside and dashed inside, collapsing breathless on the ground while the other two followed. closing the door behind them and leaning against it and the walls as they caught their breath.

"Think we lost them?" Alan asked as he slightly opened the doors. Keeping an eye out on the surrounding forest, watching every shadow with suspicion as he kept an eye out for any more of those wolves.

"Probably not." Semyon answered as he fished the flask from his vest. "If those… Things are anything like wolves, then they could probably smell us miles away. Hell, I'm surprised we even outran them in the first place." He said, taking one long swing from the flask before putting it aside.

"Alan, get the radio from your backpack. We're high enough so that the trees don't dampen the range of the radio." He ordered as Alan nodded, leaving the doorway and joining him as he then turned to David. "American, check out the rest of the building. See if they're a way out of here or something that can help us out.

"D-Doubt that we'll find something that'll save us but sure." He sighed as he got up from the ground and left the room. Leaving the two all by themselves as worked on the radio.

"So…" Alan said, breaking the awkward silence around them, "What do you think we're dealing with here?"

Semyon shrugged as he watched them set the radio on a nearby fallen pillar. Pulling another chunk of rock behind him, using it as a makeshift desk and chair as they started to insert different frequencies into it.

"I dunno, mythical creatures? Failed military experiments? The Damned? All I know is that damn crystal brought us here and I'm having a word with the American after we get our asses to a much safer place. Let it be a hospital room or some cold, damp cell in one of your prisons."

"Yeah right. Unlike you ruski, we actually followed the Geneva Convention and treated all of our POWs humanely instead of sending them to the coldest parts of Siberia to sleep on the ground like pigs."

"Hey! We made sure that they were warm and properly fe-"

"Shush! Shush, shut your mouth. I think I got it." Alan hissed as he pressed the handset up against his ear and mouth. "This is Specialist Alan Boroski, I'm from the 1st Legion's Infantry Division. I am currently stranded in unknown territory with…" He looked at Semyon, thinking about something until he turned back to the radio and continued. "I am currently stranded with friendly forces in some sort of ruin in the middle of a forest. We are being engaged by… Unknown forces at the moment. Strength and origin are unknown. We are requesting evac. I repeat, this is Specialist Alan Boroski of the 1st Legion's Infantry Division. Is anyone there?"

"Are you sure you put it on all channels?" Semyon asked as he sat beside them, inspecting the radio as Alan pulled the handset away.

"Yes, I'm sure of it." Alan said as static he could hear through the speakers of the handset. "There's just no one picking up the phone."

"Well that's just fucking great!" Semyon exclaimed as he got up, arms extended up in the air before placing both his hands on his face, or facial coverings. Letting out a heavy sigh as he removed the hands and looked back down at them. "Just keep trying, I'll… Check to see if the American has found any luck with that escape route."

"Yeah right, like he's going to find-"

"Hey guys!" David's voice called out as he interrupted Alan midway through their sentence. "I-I think I found something!"

He came out of another doorway, waving them over while Semyon looked at Alan. Who knew that they had a smug grin underneath their mask as he rolled his eyes.

"Oh go fuck yourself." He hissed as the two made their way toward them. Meeting up with him at the doorway as he propped open the other door, revealing another large room. Revealing a nice view of the setting sun, as well as the valley just below as the evening fog began to settle in.

"Huh, that actually looks… Beautiful." Alan commented as he started walking toward the sun. Half expecting the railing to stop him only to find out the hard way that there wasn't as he took one wrong step onto a piece of non-existent floor.

Suddenly, he felt weightless as he began to lean forward. Soon being met with the sight of the valley down below. Just stopping as a tug could be felt on his collar once more. Pulling him back upward and onto the floor behind him as he tripped and fell on his arse. With the sight of Semyon standing over him, dusting of his hands as he looked down at them with a disappointed look.

…

"... Did you have to do my character dirty like that?"

"What?"

"He wouldn't be that dumb enough to not see the damn ledge. Just what kind of shitty writing is this!?"

"O-OK! OK! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! C-Can we just go back to the book? The readers are starting to think I'm alone and I'm sad."

"... He's a fucking idiot."

"Hey!"

…

"T-Thanks!" Alan exclaimed as he tried to control his breathing. Air rapidly went in and out of his lungs, his brain trying to comprehend what just happened as he looked at where he just was, now noticing the large hole in the middle of the now-identified balcony.

"T-That's… One hell of a way to find out this entire place is a balcony." He muttered as David offered him a hand, which he gladly took as he pulled himself up. "Thanks."

David nodded before leaving them to their own devices. Walking carefully up to the edge as whistled. "That's a long way down."

"Ни хрена себе Шерлок." Semyon said as he saw a nearby rock and kicked it off the ledge. Watching as it made its descent downward and splitting itself on one of the spikes down the middle. That's got to be a few hundred feet until we identify as red paste. Not counting that we don't get skewered like kebabs on the way down."

"Yeah, that's the reason why I kinda brought you guys here. David asked as he took a glance down as well. "I looked all over the place and this is the closest thing we have to another exit. Unless you got enough rope or enough parachutes for us… We're not going anywhere.

"Hate to say it, but the American's right." Semyon said he pulled away from the ledge and began walking back inside the ruins. "Whatever those things are, they're going to keep coming until we run out of ammo or they run out of bodies to throw at us. And that's if they're even wolves in the fucking first place."

We don't have the necessary ammunition nor supplies to fend them off. Until then, our best bet is to keep moving and find a more…" He would stop as he looked around the place, "Defendable position where we can set up camp and figure out what to do and what the hell we're dealing with here."

"Isn't this good enough?" Alan asked as he followed behind them, "I mean, it's practically a castle for us. All we have to do is block the doors and anyway they can get in here and boom, we're living like kings."

"You'd be right if you counted for that." Semyon said as soon as they entered the main room and pointed up, revealing a large gap that seemed to be the remains of a dome, "If I had an entire forest, some duct tape, and nails. I could fix that right up. However, I don't think we have the supplies nor the time for that, do we?"

"Hell no." Alan sighed as he shook his head. "Well you hear that American? I hope you're ready to do some more… Running?" He said as he looked over his shoulder. Expecting them to be right behind him like some dog following its owner after a war.

Only to be left empty handed as they were nowhere to be seen.

"Oh for Christ's sake. Where the hell did he run off to now?" He asked no one as he and Semyon began to walk back to the balcony. Soon finding him leaning near the edge of what railings were still standing.

"I swear, he's going to get us all killed." Alan grumbled as he began to walk toward them while Semyon stayed back. The demolitions expert soon reached their side and placed his hand on their shoulder. Startling them as they let out a scream before calming down as they realized who it was.

"Oh for fu- Don't scare me like that!" David said as he held his chest, "L-Like Jesus man, I felt my damn heart just jump out of my chest.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now c'mon American, we need to move out. I know you like the sights and all but last I checked, you didn't want to become wolf food so off we go." He said as he grabbed them by the arm and was about to pull them along from the balcony. However, he noticed a shadow suddenly flew over them. Just barely illuminated by the light of the setting sun.

"Co do diabła? (What the hell?)" Alan muttered as he walked past them and leaned out of the balcony. Looking up as David joined him as well. "... Did I just see."

"I'm… Guessing that I wasn't seeing things then."

"No shit you weren't seeing things. If you were, I'd ask what the hell you were smoking." He mumbled as he continued to look around, "Just what the hell was that thing!?"

"I-If I knew, wouldn't I be telling you already!?" David asked as he continued to scour through the sky. The bright, blue hue that once flew over them was now replaced with the purple and black void of space. Stars began to reveal themselves from their hiding places and shine high above them. Making it hard for the naked eye to see anything.

Well, anything flying as high as the stars of course.

"What are you two idiots doing now!?" Semyon asked with an exasperated sigh as he walked toward them. "Star gazing can wait. Unless you want to see the world around you fade away while wolves munch down on your bones!"

"Shhh!" David and Alan hissed as they continued to look around. Making Semyon stop in his tracks as he looked at them, confused.

"… What are we dealing with?" He asked as he soon joined them by the railing. Looking up at the growing night sky for anything that could hint at what they were looking for.

"Large object flying over us. Either some sort of aircraft or one hell of a fattened up bird."

"I-It has to be the aircraft option, r-right? I mean, there's no way a bird can get that big, right? Right?" David asked as he nervously darted his eyes all over the sky. Slowly getting jumpy as he gripped his P90 tightly.

"Oh, what the matter, American? Afraid that Big Bird is going to beat you up?"

"If it is a giant bird, I wouldn't be surprised." Semyon nonchalantly said as he too brought up his rifle. "We've already seen a giant wolf, so a giant bird wouldn't really surprise me if we do see one."

Alan looked at the two of them, a look of bewilderment all over his face as he groaned and shook his head. "Please don't tell me you actually believe him!"

"I'm just saying," Semyon said as he looked at them and put his hands up, "It's a possibility."

"Oh you've going to be fucking ki-"

"C-Can you both please shut up!?" David suddenly cried out, "You're going to jinx us for crying out loud!"

"О, ради Господа-" He groaned as he shook his head, "I swear, if you spew out one more piece of bullshit. I'll shove my foot up so far up your ass, you can legally identify as a trans-"

Thankfully, I won't have to put an age restriction on this story (Not that it would really matter) as an ear-splitting roar rang out through the air. Causing the two to immediately drop everything and bring up their weapons. Scanning the air as they tried to pinpoint where the noise came from.

"Does anyone have eyes on whatever the hell that was!?" Semyon asked as he

"Nope! It's too damn dark to see shit!"

"No it's not you, asshole. You're just blind as a bat!"

"Hey fuck you!"

"I-I told you guys not to jinx us! I fucking told you-"

"Shut the fuck up American!" They both shouted once more as another roar filled the air. Adding to the tension as their eyes continued to dart all around the sky. Trying to get a visual on their unknown enemy.

Then, they saw it.

With the last burning rays of sunshine, a final shadow was casted over the three. Instantly, they turned their weapons toward whatever was making the shadow. But what was before them was… Almost made them think they were currently high on drugs or something.

Flying high in the sky was some sort of bird. Yet, at the same time, it wasn't. At least, not a bird that any of them knew. Hell, it looked more like a bird that was mixed with a pterodactyl and was enlarged by two times. Almost as big as the AC-130s in the U.S. Air Force.

Its entire body was clad in black, with the same, white faceplate covering the top portion of its face. It had a pair talons that were greatly stretched from its body on its underside as well as another pair, one on each wing.

"… T-That is one big bird…"

"Bez jaj Sherlock! (No shit Sherlock!)" Alan shouted as he smacked them on the head, "What do you think that is!? Some random drone that's disguised as a giant bird from the Prehistoric Era!?"

"Can the both of you shut it?" Semyon hissed silently as he continued to eye the creature, "You might grab the damn thing's attention for fuck's sake."

"Relax ruski," Alan assured as he looked at them, "Even if it's a giant bird, it's too far up for it to hear us with wings rushing by it and shit. There's no way it could hear us from that far up-

"G-Guys?"

"Kurwa mać (For fuck's sake)," Alan cursed as he turned to them with an annoyed look on his face, "What!?"

"T-The bird… I-It's looking at us." David softly whispered as the two slowly turned back at the bird. Only to be met with its giant, menacing red eyes as it looked back down at the three of them with malicious intent.

"OK… No one panic." Semyon said as he kept his eyes trained on the creature while slowly inching back to the doorway. "Just slowly back away… Maybe it won't see us…" He mumbled as the two caught on and backed away as well. Hoping the same as they kept their eyes trained back on the strange bird.

But of course, it wasn't going to let its prey escape that fast.

Suddenly, the bird let out a giant scream, or cah, or, whatever you call it! Its voice rings throughout the entire forest before sending itself into a dive toward the three! Its eyes glimmering a red hatred at them followed by the absolute intent of getting at least one of them.

"S-Shit!" David cursed as he suddenly turned around, "Get down!" He shouted as he wrapped his arms around the other two. Pushing them toward the entrance with all his might as the three of them went flying in the air and into the other room. Just barely dodging the monstrous bird as it slammed itself against the balcony. Destroying it completely as the entire building began to shake uncontrollably as loose rubble started to fall all around them!

The three of them got up as the building started to shake. Quickly getting away from the entrance to the now-broken balcony. Watching as the giant bird tried to regain both altitude and stability.

Giving the three one, juicy opportunity. One that Semyon gladly took as he shouted with all his might.

"Light it the fuck up!"

Immediately, the three of them brought up their rifles and SMGs and fired at the damn thing. Bullets peppering all over the creature's chest, but seemingly doing nothing at all. Only angering it as the creature to just stare at them as it hovered in the air. Staring menacingly at the three of them as the firing suddenly died out.

"I-I think we've angered it."

"Oh what makes you think that huh!?"

That question was quickly answered as the bird let out another shriek. Its scream echoed throughout the forest once more before it looked back at them and flapped its wings hard in their direction. Causing a group of feathers to detach from its wings and start flying towards three!

"Take cover/Hit the dirt!" Semyon and Alan shouted as they, along with David, either dove for the floor or behind a nearby pillar. Barely dodging the feathers as a few struck the cliff below them. Shaking the ground while the rest peppered the building like arrows. Piercing the ruin's walls easily like they were nothing as more of the building began to fall apart before eventually settling down.

The bird hovered in the air as it watched the ruins slowly crumble. Trying to look for any sign of the three before getting satisfied with its work and flying away.

Meanwhile, back inside the ruins, the dust began to settle within the building as Alan got up from the debris-covered floor. His entire body was covered in dust, making him almost look like that one meme of the frozen guy in the middle of a taiga as he slowly rose to the forest floor. Wiping the dust off his face the best he could as he coughed loudly, with more dust coming out of his mouth.

Oh, that can't be good.

"Is everyone alright?" A voice called out as he turned around to see David suddenly emerge from the clouds of dust as he looked around the debris covered floor before noticing them.

"I-I'm fine." He called out, followed by a cough shortly afterward, "Just a little… Pale." He said as David made his way to them. A little horrified by how they looked.

If only he saw himself.

"Jesus, you're as white as a ghost." He mumbled as he looked at them.

"Wow, thanks for the compliment." Alan sarcastically said as the medic grabbed their hand and pulled them up to their feet. Helping them dust themselves off while Alan looked at one of the nearby feathers that punctured through the building.

"Jesus." He mumbled as he stopped David from dusting himself off as he walked up to one of the feathers. Examining it closely as he ran his hand along its length. "This is…"

"Terrifying?" David asked as he walked up to their side, examining the feather as well. "That bird's… I mean, how the fuck does a creature like that exist and not get discovered earlier. Surely, someone must've found out about it sooner or something. It's not exactly the best at hiding itself."

"... I was going to say cool… But whatever you say is American." Alan said as he pulled out his knife and attempted to cut a piece of the feather off. But to his surprise, the knife did nothing. Not even leaving a mark on the fluffy parts of the feather. As if it was made out of steel itself.

"Well that's new." David mumbled as Alan placed his knife back in its holster. "I wonder how it managed to do that."

"Maybe we can ask it?" Semyon's voice suddenly asked as the two jumped back in fear. Before clearing their throats and fixing themselves as they noticed who it was while Semyon just looked at them. Unamused.

"Seriously? How did you two even pass basic training?"

"It's not our fault that you're good at sneaking around ty spec opsowy draniu (you Spec Ops bastard)." Alan cursed as he tried to catch his breath, "Plus, have you ever heard yourself walk? It's like you decided 'Eh, fuck walking,' and started floating all over the place all silent and shit!"

"... Fair point. You two aren't prepared for my superior skills anyway." He nonchalantly mentioned, leaving Alan shocked but denying him any chance to speak as he turned his attention to David.

"As for your question, you can ask the damn thing yourself." He said, pointing a finger upward as the two of them looked up. Just barely noticing the same bird fly high above them through the hole in the roof. Circling high above the ruins, just waiting for them to make their move.

"So I'm guessing we're stuck here… Aren't we?" Alan asked as Semyon sighed and nodded in confirmation.

"Yeah. Right now, this OSHA safety risk is the only thing protecting us from whatever that thing is. We go out there, and we risk exposing ourselves like mice to an owl in the middle of the night."

"And that's not counting the possible wolves that're waiting to tear us a new one." Alan added as looked at the doorway.

" S-So it's like St. Petersburg?" David asked as Semyon suddenly looked at him.

" … I was thinking about Washington but… Yeah, whatever makes sense to you." Semyon said, a bit confused at why they said that but shook his head as he set those thoughts aside. "Point is, our entire situation is FUBAR. We're going to be surrounded soon enough if we don't get out of here and enemy air is watching our every move while waiting for the chance to turn us into kebabs."

"S-So we're stuck here? Is that what you're saying?"

"Pretty much so American." Semyon said as he looked up at the cracks in the ceiling once more. "Plus, if that bird is just a crow on steroids, then that means it's probably not going to go anytime soon. So you can kiss any thought of just waiting it out. Because that's not happening."

"Well… T-That's fine then." David stuttered as he looked up at the ceiling then back down as he began to walk around the place. Picking up a few loose twigs on the floor and he pushed them into a pile. "We can just wait here until we figure something out. Surely, if we just put our brains together, we can-

He was immediately interrupted as a strange howl rang throughout the air. Diverting everyone's attention as they all ran to the entranceway and pushed the doors aside. Looking outside to see a lone wolf in the distance standing atop a large rock formation. Its red, crimson eyes pierced through the ever growing darkness as it looked straight at them. As if saying "You're never safe, no matter where you run."

As they continued to stare at the lone wolf, more wolves slowly began to trickle in from behind it. Forming up as they as well stared down at the three soldiers from above. The lead one got on its hind legs as it let out another enormous howl in the wind with the other wolves doing the same. The crisp, forest air now filled with the howls, sending chills down David's spine while Semyon and Alan just watched.

Suddenly, the lead wolf, dubbed by the three's common sense (Hopefully they got one because we don't), got back on all fours as the others did so as well. The howling came to a halt, filling the air once more with an eerie silence before the lead wolf turned around and began walking away from the ledge. Followed by the rest of the wolves as they all soon disappeared over the horizon. Never to be seen again.

"... Well that was something." Alan said, breaking the awkward silence as he looked back at David, who, while covered with the face mask and such, looked like he was about to shit himself.

"American? Are you-"

"We're so dead…" David mumbled as he dropped the sticks he collected. Walking to a nearby pillar as he put his back against it, slowly sliding down against it as he sat down on the floor. Holding his head close to his knees in a fetal position as he muttered underneath his breath.

"I'm going to die here in the middle of nowhere with two people that I don't even know. What am I going to do? I can't die here. I never got to see the third season of GATE. Fuck, I'll never going to see Half-Life 3 gameplay, am I? Oh my lord, I'm going to die a virgin-"

"American?" Alan called out as he waved his hand in front of their face. Getting no response as they continued to ramble on and on while he frowned and sighed. "C'mon man, we're going to be alri-"

"We're not going to be fucking alright!" David snapped as he looked back at them. Getting up on his feet and holding them by the shoulders as he cried out "We're going to get our asses chewed out like chew toys by wolves on steroids for fuck's sake! H=How the fuck can anything be alright!?"

"L-Look, look," Alan stuttered, putting his hands up as he tried to calm them down, "I know things may look a little bad-"

"A little bad!? A little bad!?" David asked as he got up and in their face. "There is a biological AC-130 in the air watching our every move. Just ready to turn us into marketable pincushions while we're about to get swarmed by wolves from the hood! And you say this might be a little bad!?"

"W-Well-"

"Do I not even need to add the part where we're stuck about a hundred feet in the air with enough spikes just below us to make a porcupine jealous!? Do I!?"

"Hey, hey, calm down now-"

"Because right now, our only options are either get skewered like my grandparent's cooking and have our bodies get chewed on later on by some lucky wolf or whatever cursed animal that's out there! Or we can get eaten alive like the barbeque ribs at a Texen all-you-can eat buffet! So which one are we going to ta-"

"Hey."

"What!?"

*SMACK*

David felt lightheaded as Semyon smacked them across the face hard. The world around him turning and turning like a merry go round. Causing them to stagger backward as they held their cheek. Trying their best to null their pain as they looked at Semyon with only one thing to say.

"Ow!" He groaned as he rubbed his cheek. "W-What was that fo-"

"You're pathetic."

"H-Huh?" David asked, surprised by what they said as he looked at them. "W-What do you mean by th-"

"I said you're pathetic. What else is there to say?" Semyon said as he walked up to them. Getting so close that David swore he could see their eyes staring at his soul. "Tell me, how long have you been serving?"

"U-Uh… Well… Ever s-since the draft after the invasion of Washington. Wh-"

"And what? That was what? Two? Three years ago, correct?"

"Uhh, y-yeah, that's right…"

"And you've seen combat, correct? You mentioned St. Petersburg. Which was one of the bloodiest battles in the entire war. So that means you've seen at least a little combat, right?"

"Y-Yeah, I was there for most of the fighting." David responded, sounding a bit confused on what they were talking about.

"And during your time there, how many soldiers did you save?"

"I- How is that impo-"

"Just answer the question American." Semyon groaned, a little annoyed while David cleared his throat.

"Well… I dunno, t-thirty? Twenty? I d-don't usually count."

"So, let me get this straight. You've served for at least three years, taken part in multiple battles, including St. Petersburg, and survived, and managed to save multiple lives in the process. Yet, when you find yourself in a forest, surrounded by giant wolves and a giant bird, you break down faster than a Tiger with a poor transmission?"

"B-But that's beside the poi-"

"Then what's the damn point American?" Semyon asked as he pressed his finger on their chest. "Because right now, I don't even know what point you're trying to make!"

"I-I-"

"Then how about you tell us the point instead of scaring the American here shitless?" Alan asked as Semyon looked at them instead. Leaning back from David as he took a breath.

"All of us here have been through way worse. Whenever it'd be Washington, St. Petersburg, or wherever you fought." Semyon said as he pointed at Alan. "It's not as ba-"

"Moscow."

"Shut u- Wait," Semyon said as he pointed at them."What did you say?"

"Moscow? I fought there."

"... Point is," He continued as he slowly turned away from them. "Whenever it'd be Washington, St. Petersburg, or Moscow," He said, stressing the Moscow part while Alan just rolled his eyes in response. "We've fought through these battles and survived to the very end. Sure, we don't have reinforcements, enough ammo to deal with these things, and death is probably our next destination. But there's no way in hell I'm going to lay down and let these things have a hearty dinner."

"Which is why I'm going to ask you two a simple question." He asked as he pointed a finger at the two of them. "Would you rather give up and lie down on the floor, waiting to become these damn thing's dinner!?" He said as he took a glance at David, who just looked at them then down at the floor. "Or are you going to die fighting these things to the bitter end."

A brief silence filled the air as the three stood there. Unmoving and as silent as a mouth as they thought long and hard about what they said. Alan looked at David, who finally peeled their eyes off the floor as they stared at each other. Alan's face, full of determination and the will to fight, met with David's void stare. The first mentally tried to convince the latter to take the offer while the medic just stared at them. Trying to figure out what to choose.

Of course, he chose the latter.

With a heavy sigh. David shook his head and grabbed his P90 from his shoulder. Checking to make sure that it was fully loaded before switching it to fully auto while Alan did the same. Slinging it off his shoulder, doing the same as he finished up with a pull of the bolt. Resting it against his shoulder as the two of them looked at Semyon

"So…" David mumbled, being the first to break the silence between the three. "What's the plan?"

"The plan?" Semyon asked. At first, he thought it would take a lot longer but this was faster than he expected.

Thank God that these two didn't have the usual defeatist behavior he had been seeing within the TRP recently. Hell, he had forgotten the fighting spirit of the US and its allies. Especially when they are rallied up together.

Maybe he should've given those insurgent groups in Washington more credit.

Nevertheless, he pushed those thoughts as he began to look around the place. Trying to figure out a plan before his eyes finally rested on Alan. A realizing smile formed across his face (Though no one could see it) while Alan just looked to his sides before pointing at himself as he was confused.

"Tell me, how many explosives do you got in there?"

Skies over Emerald Forest | Vale

Now Introducing:

Pilot, played by some random homeless dude I found off the street.

The setting sun across the entirety of Emerald Forest was something out of a fairy tale. The various colors emitted by said sunset spread out across the treetops while a small but beautiful group of clouds flew through the air. Adding more to its magical appearance.

That's what a group of birds (Not the giant ones to clarify) saw as they flew gracefully in the wind. Forming a giant V as they passed through another large cloud. Breaking through slowly as they were met with another breathtaking view of the forest below them.

However, the moment had sadly passed for them as a small whine rang out in the air. At first, it wasn't anything to worry about and was barely noticeable. However, as the birds flew the whine began to get louder and louder. Soon filling the air around them as the birds tried to see where the source of the noise was coming from.

Panicked, the flock flew into another large cloud, using the poor visibility to their advantage before flying out the other side. Hoping that they had lost the potentially loud predator that was chasing them.

That was far from the case.

Suddenly, a large, VTOL aircraft slowly flew down to their level just behind them! Sending the flock in a flurry of panic as they squawked, chirped, or a combination of the two as they scattered everywhere. Trying their best to fly as far away from the aircraft while it flew past them. Not even acknowledging the bird's existence as it flew off.

"Damn, dumb birds. Keep getting in the way and messing up my paintjob." The pilot of the bullhead grumbled as he watched the last bird finally fall out of view. Much to his relief. "I swear, if I got to clean up another dead bird off my bullhead. I'll-"

"May I remind you that we're on a mission of great importance, pilot?" A voice suddenly rang out as the pilot froze in fear for a moment before turning around. Clearing his throat from an imaginary blockage as he nodded in response.

"Y-Yes ma'am, sorry for all of that, just hoping t-that nothing else happens to this old thing. It's gotten very close to me during my time working as a pilot." He meekly said as Glynda just looked at him, sending chills down his spine as the two continued to just stare at each other until finally.

"Understandable." She said, turning away as she continued to look out the bullhead windows. Much to the pilots relief once more as he let out a heavy sigh.

"Dear Oum, why can't I have the cute and hot chicks instead of tall and scary Goodbitch over there."

"What was that pilot?"

"N-Nothing ma'am! J-Just talking to m-myself! That's all!" The pilot stuttered as he shut up immediately afterward. Focusing on the controls, pretending to be busy while Glynda just rolled her eyes and sighed while shaking her head..

Of course, she had heard what the pilot had said. And while she wondered how a person like himself got such a job, there were much more important matters to attend to.

Such as the sudden appearance of those three.

And of course, it had to be right after she and the rest of Beacon's staff had just finished up with the lawsuits about the recent talent show. If those kids had just listened and not used that much fire dust, then none of this would've happened.

But, if those three strangers were as important as Ozpin said they were, then they would be worth all the trouble in the long run.

Her mental rant was cut short as her scroll buzzed. She pulled it out and extended it. Revealing a series of notifications that were from Emerald Forest's security system. Mainly sensors that detected the three's movement throughout the forest. As well as a handful of recordings from what cameras were able to record the three as well.

'Looks like they're heading to the far-off corner of the forest.' Glynda mentally observed as she scrolled through the alerts and recordings. Before one of the recordings caught her eye and she clicked on it.

'And it looks like they brought some company.' She sighed as she watched a large amount of beowolves and a few ursai make their way toward the three from all over the forest.

By Oum, how much negativity did these three have?

"Just great…" She mumbled as she looked at another batch of alerts, looking through them all as she started to mentally picture where the three were heading off to. That, and Ozpin was thankfully smart enough to label the location of each recording and sensor. Which led to the last recording positioning the three to a place called "The Ruins."

Glynda knew what and where these certain ruins were. They were just like the other ones that were scattered around the rest of the forest. Old remnants of civilizations that have fallen long ago. Lost to time, the Grimm, or hostile human factions over whatever they were fighting for, either it be the Great War or some isolated conflict.

Of course, she had visited these ruins on multiple occasions. Hell, she had to memorize each individual location of each ruin on a daily basis. Mainly due to the occasional student getting themselves in trouble and in need of her saving. Or to escort the rare but expected archaeological team that wanted to study the ruins to add to the Vale Museum of History.

At least it wasn't like the Atlas Museum of History who just took whatever from all over Remnant and added it to their "collection."

However, she didn't remember these particular ruins. Hell, she didn't even know these existed until this point. They didn't even appear to be on the map when she checked the layout of the forest to be sure. At first, she thought that they were undiscovered. But then how come Ozpin has this place under surveillance?

Nevertheless, it was probably just a mistake with the layout when they found the ruins and it wasn't important at the moment. Not wanting to waste valuable time, she made her way to the cockpit, walking up to the pilot's side as she cleared her throat.

"Holy-" The pilot exclaimed, dropping his scroll on the ground as he yanked the throttle in surprise. Making the bullhead move sporadically while Glynda just stood here. Unfazed by what was happening as she waited for the pilot to steady the aircraft until finally they were cruising through the air once more.

"Y-You… Really shouldn't d-do that lady." The pilot mumbled as he kept taking deep breaths. Trying to calm himself down from what just happened while Glynda just rolled her eyes and sigh.

"Well maybe you shouldn't be on your scroll while you're flying in the first place." She said as the pilot's face slowly turned to one full of guilt. Expecting to be harshly scolded for his behavior as he had been caught red handed.

"Nevertheless," She began, "I need you to take me here." She said as she handed him her scroll. Keeping his hand on the throttle while he took a quick glance before handing it back to her and saying. "Yeah, sorry ma'am. But I have no idea where that is. Not sure if I can even find it."

"Well you'll have to," She said as she shoved the scroll back into their hands, "Because if not, then we're both going to have to deal with the paperwork of three dead people within the forest."

"I know lady, but I literally can't fly us there because I have no idea where that even is!" The pilot said as he kept looking at the scroll, "I mean, with all of this," He pointed to the large, dark forest below and all around them. "I can try and get a general direction of where we have to go but that's all I can-"

He never got to finish as a loud BOOM rang out in the air. Catching both of them off-guard as they looked outside the cockpit windows. Their eyes darted all over the forest as they tried to look for the source of the explosion.

"What in Oum's name was th-"

Another BOOM rang out as Glynda and the pilot saw a brief flash of light on an empty cliff face in the distance. Followed by the orange hue of fire while columns of smoke began to rise in the air. Lighting up the dark forest around it.

"... I'm guessing that's what we're looking for?" The pilot asked as the fire began to grow brighter and brighter. Just barely showing the shadow of a large ruin as what looks like beowolves ran through the fire and toward the ruins.

"If I had to make a guess," She said as she watched the beowolves swarm the building. Crawling all over it like ants when they find a chicken wing as more and more join in.

"Well then," The pilot said as he handed the scroll back to Glynda, sliding his visor over his eyes while pressing a button on the console of the aircraft, "I suggest you hold onto something because we're about to hit some turbulence."

Taking the pilots advice, Glynda went to the main body of the bullhead. Grabbing one of the grips on the ceiling and held onto it tightly as the pilot suddenly banked the bullhead down and toward the flames. The aircraft gradually gained speed as the pilot flew toward the smoke and flames. Not bothered in the slightest with how fast he was approaching them building.

In the back. Glynda held her riding crop tightly as she felt herself get pulled from the G-force of the dive. Nevertheless, she braved through it as the riding crop in her hand glowed a purple hue for a split second before returning back to its normal state. Making her nod in satisfaction as she saw what happened.

"Thirty seconds! Opening doors!"

The pilot shouted, looking at the teacher as she gave him a nod before turning toward the console once more and flipped a nearby switch.

Immediately, the doors flung wide open as air rushed inside the aircraft. Blowing what loose strands of hair all over the place while Glynda just simply pushed her glasses against the bridge of her nose. Not even fazed by the strong gusts of wind blowing all around her while the strands of hair flapped wildly in the wind.

"Fifteen seconds!"

The pilot's voice shouted once more as they got closer and closer. Giving Glynda an almost perfect view of the inside of the ruins as she saw the three strangers with their backs on the wall. Firing their weapons wildly as the beowolves as they were slowly getting pushed back and overwhelmed.

"Ten seconds!"

He shouted, his voice barely audible due to powerful gusts of wind and… A strange cracking that Glynda had to assume was from the strange weapons they had. However, one of them, one of the masked ones, turned their head and noticed the rapidly approaching bullhead heading their direction.

"Five! Four!"

The other masked stranger soon noticed that they were distracted and immediately tried to grab their attention. Grabbing their shoulder and shaking them while apparently yelling something in their ear. However, when they took a glance at where they were staring at. They too were star-struck by what they saw as they lowered their weapon and stared at the bullhead.

"Three! Two!"

The last one, the only one without facial covering, threw something at the approaching beowolves before turning around and grabbing the two. Trying to pull them out of whatever trance they were caught in before he himself saw what they were staring at. Their eyes meeting Glynda's as while they seemed confused, it was soon replaced with sheer terror as they immediately hit the deck.

"One!"

Earlier

"Cmon! Cmon! Can't you do that any faster!?" David silently urged as he kept an eye out for any sign of the wolves. His trusty P90 aimed at whatever shadow that moved, ready to light anything up like a Fourth of July celebration.

"Setting up explosives is a delicate art, American. Besides, you don't exactly rush yourself when you're tending to your patients. Do you?" Alan asked as he placed a few pieces of C5 into a dug up hole before pulling out a series of wires.

"I-I know, I know, but shouldn't you like, be more alert or something!? Y-You're way too relaxed like there aren't blood thirsty wolves hunting us while there's a giant ass crow in the sky!" He whispered as a shadow just went over them. Causing the medic to crouch down, expecting an attack at any moment.

"That's the point, American. One must be… Calm in situations like this." He said as he started to insert the wires into the pieces of C5. "Plus, it won't do us any favors if I'm as jumpy as your ass."

"Hey!" David exclaimed, turning his head to them, about to say something. But nothing came out as he looked down at the ground in defeat. "Y-Yeah… Y-You've got me there."

"Bez jaj Sherlocku," Alan muttered underneath his breath as he finished covering up the C5 with dirt. Getting up and dusting his hands and knees off from the dirt as he grabbed his rifle right beside him.

"I'm done, let's get moving."

"Oh thank the lord. I don't want to stay any longer in this horror forest." David bemoaned as he and Alan made their way through the forest. Soon making their way to the ruins, where they found Semyon doing something involving a drone and tape.

"How are we on the explosives you two?" Semyon asked, not even looking up as they came inside while he continued to work on whatever he was doing.

"We've got at least three lines of C5 waiting outside for our guests. Sure, Halloween's a bit early, but it's the closest thing we got for trick-or-treaters."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. You still got some explosives on you?" Semyon asked, reaching out his hand while Alan looked at them. Confused for a moment before he started to rummage through his backpack.

"Y'know, I'd usually ask people why the hell they want my shit," Alan said as he pulled out three more pieces of C5, "But from what I'm seeing, it's going to be something good."

"Can you just hand me the damn things?" Semyon asked, annoyed as Alan just rolled his eyes and handed them some leftover C5. Which Semyon snatched from their hands, muttering something underneath his breath in Russian while Alan looked at them with a pout on his face.

"You're not going to say thank you?"

"Oh shut the fuck up polank," Semyon snapped as he started to tape the C5 to the drone, "Your 'thank you' is me not killing you earlier."

"Jesus, you're rude." Alan muttered as he crossed his arms while he watched them. "Can you at least tell me what the hell you're doing?"

"You'll find out" He said as he finished wrapping the C5 onto the drone. Looking at his handiwork before he noticed something and looked at the demo expert. "Got any remote detonators on you?"

"Let me check." Alan said as he went back to rummaging through his backpack. Tossing out the rest of the extra supplies, like the pieces of 'firewood' before letting out a heavy sigh and shaking his head. "Nope. I got none. Closest thing I have to one is the one I'm using and it's wire lined."

"Oh you have got to be-" Semyon groaned as smacked his palm on his face, "So let me get this straight. You have all of these explosives, yet you don't have one fucking remote detonator? Just what kind of explosives expert are you!?"

"Oh!? You're really going to pin the blame on me!?" Alan asked, "Last time I checked, I was going to deal with a little group of insurgents that were a pain in the ass. Not the big bad wolf's entire extended family on crack!"

"Why you-"

"G-Guys! Guys!" David shouted, catching their attention as he pointed into the forest. The two followed his finger before noticing a pair of red eyes in the distance. Growing brighter and bigger as the bare outline of a wolf began to appear from the darkness.

Then another pair joined in.

Then four more.

Then ten.

Then twenty.

" … We got company…"

"Son of a-" Semyon muttered underneath his breath as he grabbed his rifle and ran up the remains of what seemed to be stairs "American! Get out there now! Polank! With me, now!" He shouted, disappearing into the second floor, leaving the two down there by their lonesome. while the other two were still staring out into the forest.

"Hey! You don't get to order me- Hey! Come back here!" Alan exclaimed before realizing that they were already long gone. Making him let out a sigh before bringing up his rifle and walking to David's side. Tapping their shoulders as they turned to him.

"Look, just take your position by the entrance and light up anything that is black and scary… In a non-racist way of course," He quickly added so that this fanfic wouldn't get taken down for racism by woke people, "Me and the ruski are going to be on the second floor and give you cover fire. You're going to be just fine, OK?"

"I-I…" He mumbled out as he looked out the doorway once more. Watching as the eyes grew in number, slowly approaching them as he gulped down an imaginary blockage. "W-Why the hell do I have to be the only one down here!?" David whispered, his voice full of panic and fear. "C-Can't one of you guys stay down here with me at least!? Y'know, w-watch my six and all of that shit!?"

"One, you have the most ammo out of all of us, so you're practically the closest thing we have to an MG at the moment." He said before bringing up his rifle to their face. "Plus, the rest of us are low on ammo ourselves. The second floor is the perfect place to get a good look of the area and make use of what bullets we got left."

"B-But I… L-Look, I don't know if you know this, but I'm a very, very, terrible shot. A-And sure, I-I got most of the ammo between the three of us but-

"Look, I know this is asking a lot, coming from us." He said, interrupting them mid-rant as they stopped and listened, "You're a medic, your job is to work on people who identify as Swiss cheese. Not dealing with the ones that helped them transition to that."

"But if you don't calm your ass down and keep panicking, you're going to die. I'm going to die. Even he's going to die." He said, motioning to Semyon as he pointed up to the second floor. "We all need to keep calm and work together because if one of us fails to watch the other two's back, then we're all going to fall like dominos. So I need you to suck it up," He said, grabbing their P90 and shoving it into their arms, "And go out there and kill everything that is trying to kill us. Do you understand?"

David shakenly nodded.

"Good. Now get out there and kick ass or something." He said as he patted the medic on the shoulder before turning around and running toward the stairs, shouting, "And don't think we're done yet you bastard!" At Semyon, leaving David alone as he hesitantly walked outside and took position by the entrance of the building.

Meanwhile, Alan ran up the stairs and onto the second floor. Finding Semyon already there, lying prone on the floor as he kept an eye on the approaching red eyes. Finger on the trigger as he was ready for what was to come.

"You're late." He said, not even bothering to look at them as they rolled their eyes and took a seat beside another window on the other side. Fishing for something in his vest pocket as he too kept an eye on the menacing eyes approaching them.

"Oh shut up ruski. I was just helping the American out, so give me a damn break, would you?" Alan bemoaned as he turned to another pocket, turning up empty as he silently cursed as he went to another pocket. "Do kurwy nędzy (For fuck's sake), where the hell is my-"

"Looking for this?" Semyon asked as Alan looked up, finding them holding his flask as he tossed it to them. Catching them a bit off guard but they happily grabbed it as it flew to them. Giving it a quick shake before undoing the cap and taking a swing from it.

"I seriously don't know how you can drink at a time like this." Semyon said as they took the flask from their mouth. "Aren't you guys big on "precision" and shit?"

"Well, when you're making your last stand ruski," He said as he hung it upside down, with only a drop to come out, marking the end of Alan's alcohol consumption. You'll want at least one last drink before you go down. You can understand that, you're all about last stands last time I checked." Alan said, stuffing the flask in one of his vest pockets before looking back at them. "By the way, you got any more of those fancy sights that zoom in a-?"

Alan never got a chance to finish what he was saying as a TA01NSN 4x20 ACOG flew through the air and landed in his lap. Confused, he looked back at Semyon, who was still lying there. Not showing any signs that he even moved to hand them the sight as they continued to focus at the forest. Leaving them confused as he just stared at them.

"... How did you-"

"Are you going to put that on or are you just going to stare at my dick?" Semyon said as he pointed at the forest, catching their gaze as they noticed that the eyes were getting closer. Immediately, he attached the sight onto his rifle. Lying down on the ground as he looked down at it, aligning the red dot and the iron as he aimed at the nearest set of eyes he could find.

"You take the ones on the left, I got the ones on the right. Got it?"

"Got it."

"No taking my kills, alright?"

"Only if you have problems handling the ones on your side."

"Oh fuck you!" Alan exclaimed as the two softly chuckled. Enjoying the brief moment of just passing jokes along to the other as if they were childhood friends.

"Yeah, yeah… Hey?"

"Hmmmm?"

"How do you think the American is doing down there?"

…

David wasn't having a good day.

He wasn't having a good day at all.

It was supposed to be a simple recon mission. Simple as that. Just how did it all go so wrong!?

Well, let's start from the beginning, shall we?

First, the higher ups got their hands on some supposedly juicy intel on a TRP cell with a few HVTs hiding with them in a small, rural town in the middle of Afghanistan. A simple get in, search the place, and if you find them or not, get the hell out.

Simple, right?

Wrong.

As his unit thought it would be a good idea to split up into two groups to make sure that none of the insurgents escaped via the main two roads. It turns out that the TRP was waiting for them! How fun!

Not only that, but they had the numbers and enough BMPs to restart the old world Russian Federation and a tank that they got from God knows where.

Fantastic!

Next, he and two other unfortunate assholes, one of which tried to kill him earlier, are now stuck in some random forest where giant wolves and a stork, raven, whatever it is on steroids is currently trying to hunt them down. Waiting for the right opportunity to just swoop in and pick them up like the pringles from a Pringles can!

Oh, did I mention that his leg was fucking killing him right now?

"Y-Y'know, I should've not taken part in the draft." He mumbled as he checked his magazine once more. "I-I should've stayed home, learned to be a doctor or something. But no, life decided to say 'screw you in particular' and dump me in the streets while there's a fucking war going on, didn't it? That's just fucking great. So fucking grea-"

"Hey! American!" Alan's voice called out as David stopped ranting for a moment. Looking up at one of the second story windows where their supposed demo expert was peeking their head out. Giving them a confused look as they asked. "Are you doing alright down there?"

"Y-Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." He assured them as he waved them off. "J-Just trying to get my shit together, y-y'know? Calm the nerves and all that."

"Ahhh, yeah, I understand what you're saying. I'd give you a drink to help but," He brought his flack out, undoing the cap and hanging it upside down, showing no more alcohol left in it before pulling it back in. "I'm fresh out."

"What a shame." David said before looking away and mumbling, "And probably for the best."

"Huh?"

"Cut the chatter you two. We got incoming." Semyon calmly said as David turned his head back to the forest. His eyes widening underneath his visor as he notices the eyes getting closer than ever.

Immediately, he ran to a small pile of rock and leaned against it. His elbows pressed on the cold, hard marble, steadying his aim as he zeroed in on one of the beasts. His finger itching to pull the trigger as the eyes got closer and closer. So close that David swore he could see the white faceplate.

"Steady… Steady…" Semyon shouted as the three of them prepared to let loose a hail of bullets. Semyon took a deep breath as he lined up his shot on one of the wolves. Alan mumbled something in Polish as he did the same as well. While David said a quick prayer, performing the sign of the cross before taking a deep breath and looking back through the iron sights of his SMG.

Then came the words all three of them waited for.

"Light them the fuck up!"

While it was unsure who of the three said it, maybe Semyon (Probably), maybe Alan, or maybe even David (It was not likely). But whoever it was, it was enough for the three of them to spring into action,

Immediately, the forest was filled with the whistling of near-invisible pieces of lead traveling faster than sound flew through the night. The rounds torn through the thick hides of the wolves approaching them. The creatures taking at least a dozen rounds before falling dead onto the forest floor. Their bodies already began to fade away while more of their own continued to charge or join them in whatever afterlife waited for them.

"Left! Left!"

"I got it, I got it. Просто сосредоточься на своей стороне, чертов идиот! (Just focus on your side you damn idiot!)"

"I ty też się pierdol! (And fuck you too!)" Alan shouted, laughing a bit as he fired off another burst. Taking down another wolf as it tumbled across the ground and crashing into a nearby tree.

"Can you both just stop arguing and just keep shooting !?" David shouted as he ran dry. "I'm not getting mauled to death because you two are fighting like a fucking couple for fuck's sake!"

"Oh fuck you!/Go fuck yourself American!" The two shouted as David loaded another magazine. Throwing the spent one to the ground before slamming his fist on the freshly loaded one. Firing it immediately at another wolf, the rounds tearing up the creature's face before it finally fell dead.

Only for five more of them to take its place as they charged for the medic with a malicious gleam in their eyes.

"Oh for fuck's-!" David shouted as he fired wildly at the approaching wolves. Taking down two while the remaining three jumped and dodged out of the way. Their jaws wide open, ready to bite down on the unfortunate medic as he let out a terrified scream and fell back. Trying to get more space between them but it was in vain as they were just about on them! About to seal their fate-

Only for three 5.45x39mm rounds to suddenly pierce through their heads, embedding themselves deep within their craniums as the lights in their eyes went dark. Their bodies went limp as they crashed onto the forest floor, beginning to fade away already, leaving David shocked as he just lied down there, breathless.

"Hey! Hey!" A voice called out as David snapped out of shock and looked up. Seeing Semyon looking down at them and giving them a wave before shouting out. "Get the fuck up!"

"W-What?" He sputtered out, trying to comprehend what just happened as they just rolled their eyes and shouted once more.

"Can you not understand English!? Get your ass inside, now! We're going to set off the charges and I really don't want the polank to be the one to change my damn bandages!"

"Hey!"

"Shut up! You'll probably just pour alcohol on it and call it a day!"

"I won't do that!... Mostly."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing!"

"Yeah, yeah, right." He shouted before looking back down at them, "What the hell are you waiting for!? Another invitation!? Move your ass or else you're identifying as tomato paste for the rest of your life!"

"I-I- G-Got it!" David stuttered as he grabbed his SMG off the ground and ran back inside. Just Semyon pulled back inside as well and looked at Alan, giving them a nod before saying.

"Light them up."

Alan gave a maniacal grin before turning to his hand. Holding what looks like a small, cylinder-like object with a red button on the top of it. And just like an excited child, he screamed at the top of lungs.

"Fire in the hole!"

And pressed down on it without hesitation.

…

This was not going great in the slightest for the beowolves.

The Alpha beowulf, a smarter, faster, stronger, an overall better of the average beowulf, watched through the trees as more of its brethren continued to bomb-rush the ruins. Only to get mowed down by an invisible force that was unlike anything they've ever seen.

Of course, they knew what bullets were. But although the weapons these three had were almost similar to the ones that the usual attendee used to fight it and the rest of its brethren over the years. They were also completely different, if not entirely.

Nevertheless, no matter how different these weapons were, it would not stop it and the rest of the beowulf brethren from charging at those ruins and trying to get to those three strangers. No matter how many bodies it would have to throw at it, it would complete its mission, no matter the cost.

Well, more like until the sudden beeping of a slab of C5 went off and its pronouns were now over here/over there.

The slight bulge in the earth, along with the wires trailing toward it, suddenly went off as dirt and fire spat up and around. With more similar explosions going off as the forest around said explosions lit up for a brief second as if the day had come early.

Any poor wolf that was within the blast radius was immediately vapourized and/or blown to pieces as the explosion engulfed most, if not their entire body. Burning what body parts that remained intact to a crisp as they were thrown in all directions.

And that is if they didn't break into billions of pieces either from hitting a nearby tree too hard or already starting to dissipate.

But it didn't stop there.

Nearby trees were turned into death traps as giant splinters of wood flew in every direction. With many embedding into various wolves that were unfortunate enough to not have taken cover when the explosions went off. Thankfully for them, most of the shards only struck at unimportant parts of their body.

Unlike the unlucky few dozen whose entire face was ripped apart by wooden shards.

Yet, despite all of this, the wolves continued their relentless advance.

And so did the explosions.

As the dust began to settle down, another wave of wolves, enraged by the sudden death of their comrades, surged through the inferno. Charging through the destruction since leading their main source of command made them start charging the ruins recklessly.

However, it wasn't long until another wave of explosions were detonated once more. The forest was bathed in an orange glow once more as fire and flames reached up high. Sealing more wolves' fate as they were vaporized, blown to pieces, or hurled all over the place by the explosion.

Man, the entire place looked like Vietnam at this point.

"Ja pierdolę (Holy fucking shit)." Alan cursed as he took a peek through the window. Watching as fire began to spread throughout the forest. Making the entire scene look like a war movie as the sound of wolves in excruciating pain rang out through the air.

"Congrats polank." Semyon said as he looked outside, "You've single-handingly recreated a Vietnam movie with hundreds of dollars worth of explosives."

" … Thanks." He said, unsure if that was a compliment or an insult but he'll take it as a compliment at the moment.

Sadly, the moment had already passed.

As the flames continued to dance. Three, lumbering figures slowly started to appear through the fire, just barely noticeable but slowly getting more clearer. Semyon tensed up as he focused his rifle on them, making Alan do the same as he looked outside and noticed the large, approaching shadows. Making him do the same.

As they waited. Three, gigantic bears with red eyes and the same white bone faceplate slowly emerged from the fire. Not even bothered in the slightest as the flames licked their fur and skin as they simply crushed what flames that were in front of them with their paws. Adding more to their menacing image as they continued through.

Suddenly, one of the bears noticed the two through the window and let out a growl. Signaling to the other two as they too noticed the two humans through the windows. Their eyes lighting up a brighter, red hue and their mouths salivating at the sight as they licked their lips in anticipation. To which Semyon and Alan replied by gripping their rifles tighter and pulling out another wire-based detonator.

"OK… On my mark…"

"Fuck your mark," Alan said as he pressed down on the detonator once again. Making Semyon cry out as he reached for them, trying to hopelessly stop them as they yelled something while Alan dove for the floor and covered his ears. Ready for the shockwave of the last line of explosives to go off.

But it never came.

"W-What the?" Alan softly whispered as he got up and looked outside. Only to be met with the bears still walking toward unrivaled. Panicked, he kept clicking on the detonator, but still, no explosion came

"I-I… I don't understand-"

"What's not to understand!?" Semyon called out as he got up from the floor as well, "Your damn thing didn't go off, it's as simple as that. Now fix it before we become red meat for the Three Bears from fucking Godilocks!"

"I-I'm trying!" Alan hissed as he looked at the cable, adjusting it before clicking on the detonator rapidly, but still, no effect. "B-But it's just not going off!"

"Why the fuck not?"

"I don't fucking know! OK!?" Alan hissed as he kept pressing the button before throwing the detonator onto the floor in a fit of rage. "Fuck this, give me a moment."

"I- What the hell are you doing! Don't you need that or something?" He shouted as Alan ran to a nearby fallen pillar on the floor. Walking behind it and crouching down before pulling out an M5 RPG. Leaning it on his shoulder and running back to the window before crouching down onto the ground and loading his last rocket into it.

"… I'm not even going to question how you kept that hidden all this time." Semyon said, amazed and somewhat impressed by how they managed to keep that without him knowing.

"Some things are best left unexplained ruski." Alan said as he looked down its sights, biting on his tongue as he put the lead bear right in his crosshairs.

Before slowly drifting away from the bear and toward the ground just a few feet in front of the trio. Setting his sights on a small pile of dirt. "Gotcha," He mumbled as his finger slowly started to press down on the trigger, about to unleash the power of-

"Oh, wait, better check behind me." He said as he looked behind me, making sure there was nothing of great importance there before feeling satisfied about his surroundings and looking back through the M5 sights and yelling out. "On the way!"

A burst of hot air, capable of killing anyone that dared to stand behind it, boomed as a HEDP, similar to the ammunition used in the old world AT-4s, fired from the M5.

The rocket flew through the air at speeds that were too fast for the bears to realize what was happening. Only leaving a trail of white smoke in its wake as proof of its existence before it finally reached its goal. Slamming itself hard against the pile of dirt.

The poor bears didn't even have time to realize that they died the moment the C5 beneath the ground went off from the explosion. The forest once again switched its gender to forest fire as another wave of explosions went off all around the ruins. Lighting it up like a Christmas tree while dozens more trees were being shattered and destroyed. Leaving the area surrounding the ruins to look like a miniature wasteland as the smoke slowly began to clear out.

"… It looks like Washington all over again." David mumbled as he peaked through the middle window. Startling the two as they shifted and turned their rifles at the medic. Causing him to let out a high-pitched yelp as he backed away and raised his hands high in the air and shouted, "I-I'm human! I'm human! For fuck's sake! I'm human!"

"Jesus- How the fuck did you get up here?"

"I… Climbed the stairs?" David said as the two just looked at each other for a moment before slowly lowering their weapon. Much to the medic's solace as he let out a baited sigh of relief.

That relief was short-lived.

The sound of wings flapping suddenly grew louder as the gigantic crow from earlier flew down just over the forest. Looking down as it watched the flames surround the ruins while the wolves on the other side just idly stood there. Unable to get through as they paced back and forth, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to run in.

Taking it upon itself, the crow began to angle its wings toward the forest and began to flap hard and fast. The flames the explosives started began to die down as huge gusts of winds blew through the forest. Gradually putting out the flames at a very, rapid pace while the wolves watched. Howling loudly, as if they were cheering on the crow.

Eventually, the last of the remaining flames were extinguished. Allowing the horde of wolves to begin to make their way to the ruins. Slowly, they walked up to the building, moving in sync as they stayed close together while the three aimed. The tension high in the air as they watched them approach their position before coming to a stop just a few hundred feet from the building. Watching them from down below while the three did the same, fingers on the trigger as they were ready for Hell to be let loose.

However, the wolves split down the middle as one bear, much larger than the previous ones and with a whole bunch of spikes on its back. Slowly made its way through to the front of the horde. Their red eyes glowing a brighter red hue as they stared directly at the three soldiers. Licking their lips as they continued to eye them like a toddler with candy.

"... I just want to let you guys know-"

"Shut up American."

"Shutting up." David mumbled just as the bear let out a loud, ear-splitting roar. Singling to the horde as they began to charge toward the ruins. Running up along the stone walls, clawing and jumping on top of each other as they tried to get inside while others tried to get in through the front door. But were immediately stuck due to their large, furry bodies pressing against each other like puppies trying to see their new owners.

Of course, that is if said puppies were also the size of grizzly bears and were hell-bent on tearing you up into pieces. But you get the idea.

Of course, this didn't sit well with our three protagonists as they got far from the windows as fast as they could. Just in time as the first few wolves finally made their way up and began to pour in like a tidal wave and sprinted toward the three!

David brought up his P90 and let loose a hail of bullets, taking down three wolves, their bodies blocking the already small windows while Semyon and Alan passed by him. Running down to the main floor and toward the main entrance. Only to be met with an entire wall of wolves looking at them hungrily. Their jaws snapping as they tried to reach for them.

The two looked at each other, then at the wolves, then back at each other again. Giving the other a nod before the two of them pulled out a pair of grenades and chuckled them at the wolves. The explosives flying through the air, bouncing atop the top wolf's head before landing somewhere behind the giant wall. Going off, followed by various yelps and cries of pain. But ultimately doing nothing against the wolves already at the door.

Hence why the two just started to light up said wolves at the door with their rifles.

Meanwhile, David was having the fight for his life as more and more wolves continued to pour in through the windows. One popped right in and immediately tried to make a run for Alan and Semyon down below. Only for its entire side to be peppered with 5.7mm rounds before falling down dead.

David let out another breath that he didn't know he was holding as he lowered his SMG. Trying to catch his breath only for another wolf to suddenly pop out of nowhere. Letting out a terrifying roar as it charged at him. Only for it's entire head turned into a miniature representation of the ground outside as it fell dead in front of the terrified medic. The poor man not even noticing his SMG clicking empty as he kept pressing down on the trigger.

"S-Shit…" He mumbled as he realized that he was empty as fast as he began to replace empty mag with a new one. However, fate had other plans as another wolf came in through the window. Pushing aside the body of its brethren before noticing the other bodies all across the area, as well as the lone medic standing there with an unloaded gun.

Before he noticed that it was staring at him as well.

"Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!" David cursed as he continued to try and load the mag. Only for it to get jammed possibly at the worst time in human history. Taking advantage of this, the wolf broke into a sprint, running as fast as he could toward the medic before leaping at them. Jaws wide open, revealing its sharp, pale teeth that were ready to sink into them and tear them to ribbons.

Only to take four .45 ACP rounds smackdab to its cranium as its body fell limp. Its eyes flickering before going dark as it started to fall toward the medic, who barely got out of the way as he dove to the side while the wolf's body crashed onto the floor and against a pair of stone handrails behind them. Breaking through them easily and falling to the floor down below.

Meanwhile, Semyon fired another small, controlled burst. Killing another wolf that climbed atop most of its brethren for a chance at them. Only to find out that it's not a very good idea to charge through a choke point where the opposing side is waiting for them as it took three 5.45 rounds to the noggin. Falling dead just barely a few meters away from the entrance as it joined the ever-growing pile of decaying bodies by the doors.

Semyon's rifle clicked empty, prompting him to grab another mag as he knocked the former one out and slid the one in his hand in one smooth, fluid motion. Mentally screaming for doing such a thing successfully in a combat situation as he looked at his handiwork.

I guess those extra training sessions that the old Kremlin dude gave him were actually useful.

Semyon pulled the bolt back on his trusty AK-74, not as advanced as either of the two's other weapons, but still battle-worthy, and took a step to the left. About to let loose another hail of bullets at the wolves that somehow jammed themselves up against the door just as a large crash suddenly rang out behind him. Causing him to turn around suddenly, ready to light up whatever it was behind him.

Only to find the decaying body of another wolf surrounded and covered by stone debris. Lying there motionless as black particles began to fly away.

Semyon went up to the wolf's body, watching as it was already starting to fade away, proving that it was already dead as he began to calm down and relax. However he slowly looked straight up. Only to be met with David as they peaked over the edge of the second floor above them. Giving them an awkward wave as he just stared back. Disappointed.

"S-Sorry!" David called out as Semyon sighed and facepalmed while shaking his head.

"For the lord's sake- Just be fucking careful up there would you! You almost killed me for fuck's sake!"

"I said I was sorry!" David shouted back as he disappeared from the edge. Making Semyon let out another heavy sigh as he turned around and brought up his rifle once more. About to fire only for a sudden scream to fill the air. Causing him to turn around to see David suddenly fall out of the sky and crash onto the floor.

Before Semyon could ask, three more wolves followed after him as they too fell down from their second floor. Their bodies landed with a heavy thud as they stared at David. Not noticing the other two as they slowly walked toward the terrified medic. Snapping their jaws and snarling at him with saliva dripping out of their mouth as they slowly began to walk toward him.

Not wanting their only source of proper medical attention to get mauled to death, Semyon brought his rifle at the three medic-wanting wolves and fired a small burst individually at every single one. The rounds embed themselves deep into the wolves' hides, causing a brief shot of pain as they let out a yelp before turning around to face their attacker. Growling in anger and annoyance as they looked at him with malicious intent.

Grabbing their attention, Semyon fired again at the one closest to him first. the rounds killing the poor creature immediately without it even knowing that it had died. The other two, already enraged with the bullets, shoved up their arses and now by the death of their brethren, charge forth at him. One jumped high in the air, claws unsheathed as it reached toward them with the intent to turn them into string meat as it flew through the air..

However, Semyon wasn't planning to die today as he dove to the side. Just barely dodging out of the way as the wolf swung at empty air before crashing into the floor behind him with a heavy thud. The other one however took the opportunity of them lying on the floor as he ran toward them. Claws out and extended as well as it lunged at him, about to strike them once again!

However, Semyon smirked underneath his mask as he pulled out a strange, spike-like object from his vest and in one smooth motion, threw it at the wolf. It flew through the air before finding its mark as it embedded itself deep into the creature's shoulder. Causing it to buckle as it fell down onto the floor as well.

It didn't stop there as the object suddenly began to burst into flames! Sparks flying everywhere, lighting its fur on fire as it spread while turning its flesh into charcoal on the outside while its insides were turned into well-done wolf.

Taking advantage of the situation, the wolf from earlier got up from the ground and began to make a dash. Just about over them as it was about to slash them aside only for a shot to ring out. Making it go limp for a moment and go stiff before it fell limp. Remaining motionless beside him as he slowly lower his sidearm, watching as it began to disappear like my dad with the milk.

"Hey! Ruski! Are you alright!?" Alan asked as he ran to Semyon's side, grabbing their shoulders and turning them toward him as he offered his hand. Helping them up off the floor as the latter gave them a nod, to which the former repaid with a nod back.

Sadly, that moment died quickly as the wolf who still had a thermite embedded in its shoulder let out a pained shriek before falling down dead in front of them. Sparks punched through the body easily, making the decay go faster than it normally did as it continued to burn while its smell began to fill the air with a horrible aroma.

"… Well that's disgusting." Alan mumbled as he covered his nose with one hand while using the other to wave away the smoke.

"Agreed," Semyon said as watched the sparks start to fly out of the creature's eye sockets. "And a bit terrifying if I may add." He added as he watched the creature's entire face begin to melt off.

"N-No shit man… It looks like a scene from a horror movie. Y-Y'know, when they defeat the main villain, y-you know what I'm saying?" David asked as he walked up beside the two. Watching as it continued to melt away like my hopes and dreams.

Thankfully (or not), something else grabbed the two's attention away from the melting creature as a cracking sound caught their attention. Causing them to turn around, guns at the ready. Only to find the wolves shoved at the front of the doorway begin to slowly squeeze themselves through. The door frame itself slowly began crumbling as well. Cracks that were not there earlier were starting to grow bigger and bigger as the entire building groaned underneath the pressure.

"T-That's… Not good…" David mumbled as the three slowly backed away. Watching as the doorway continued to crack and sag from the weight of the wolves outside. Watching as they continued to force their way into the build, blood lust filling their eyes until finally.

*CRACK*

It gave way.

As if they were trained for this, Alan and Semyon immediately pulled out a pair of grenades and threw them toward the approaching masses. Soon after, two separate explosions, one that was a giant fireball while another was a giant mushroom cloud of shrapnel, tore through their numbers. Bodies fell to the floor, either smoking or peppered with shrapnel as they began to already decay.

But that didn't stop them as more wolves flooded into the building. Not minding their fallen and simply running over them as they continued to sprint toward the three.

"I'm out!" Alan shouted as his rifle clicked empty, working on replacing the empty weapon as he began to pull back while Semyon moved forward a few steps. Covering their area as he took down two more wolves. About to take down a third when his rifle clicked.

"For fuck's sa- I'm out!" He shouted as he set his rifle aside and pulled out his sidearm. Shooting the third as it tumbled to the ground and stopped right beside him. He turned to his left and took three shots at another wolf. Three .45 ACP caliber bullets flew through the air, two embedding themselves into the creature's shoulder while another found its mark into one of its eyes. Causing it to reel back and fall dead while the ones behind it tripped on its corpse. Causing a massive pile-up like it was I-95 on a Monday.

David, who I forgot existed for a moment, ran to Semyon's side as he started firing wildly at the incoming horde. Holding them off as they reeled back as 5.7x45mm rounds embedded themselves all over the wolves' bodies. Causing them to reel back in pain as they tried to push through

"I-I got them! I got them!" He shouted as he continued to fire, only for his own weapon to click empty. He looked down at it, bewildered that now was the time he had to go empty as he started to load another fresh mag. But stopped as he noticed that the horde of wolves were regaining momentum once more. Climbing up and over the bodies of their own as they started to sprint as fast as they could toward them, David in particular.

"I don't got them! I don't got them at all!" He shouted as he began to back up just as Semyon and Alan walked past him. Their rifle freshly loaded once again as they joined the fray once more. Slaughtering wolf after wolf so well that PETA would've been angry at them if they saw this.

However, the horde of endless wolves continued to pour into the building as more and more arrived on the scene to replace the growing amount of bodies on the floor. Slowly but surely pushing them back as they inched themselves toward the entrance to the now destroyed balcony. Which was still emitting dust and the occasional falling rock.

"G-Guys!-" David exclaimed as he peaked behind him, noticing their approaching doom as he tapped on Alan's shoulder. Only for them to shoo him away and smack him dead on the face.

"We know! We fucking know!" He exclaimed as he fired at another wolf, causing it to fall dead as he turned his rifle to another one and fired another burst at it. " Anyone have any bright ideas!?"

"I'm fresh out!"

"Oh well that's just great!"

"No, I mean I'm fresh out!" Semyon corrected as he pulled out his pistol one last time. Emptying the mag as two more wolves joined Semyon's body count.

And no, not that one you damn dirty minded people.

"Oh well that's even better!" Alan shouted as he fired two shots at another wolf, watching as it fell dead. "We're on bingo ammo and we're about to get Sparta'ed off a fucking cliff! Just could this day get any better!?"

"P-Please, for the love of god, can you shut up!" David shouted as he ran dry once more. Reaching for another magazine on his vest but came up empty before reaching for his back pocket and grabbing another magazine. However, as he pulled on it, it got snagged on something. Forcing him to turn around as he tried to pull it out of whatever it got stuck on.

However, as he struggled to get it unstuck, he slowly stopped what he was doing as he noticed something in the distance. His eyes widening underneath his visor and his body refusing to move as he slowly reached out for Semyon's shoulder. Gently shaking them as they looked at him with an annoyed expression on their face. Even though they at the moment didn't have one.

"For fuck's sake what no-" Semyon shouted as he took a glance at whatever they were looking at before snapping his head back at the wolves. However, the gears in his head slowly turned before he realized what he saw as he turned around once more. Falling silent as his arms slowly slightly lowered themselves as a small object reflected both of their. Leaving him speechless as he slowly lowered his goggles to check if whatever he saw was actually there.

"Jesus fu- Can you both help me out over here!?" Alan shouted as he saw them staring blankly at the sky. Much to his dismay as he cursed and walked up to David. Grabbing them by the scruff of their uniform as he shouted "Hey! Wake up and help me out or else I'll feed you to the… Wolves… Myself…"

He slowly began to trail off as he turned his head to what they were looking at. His eyes widening in surprise as what they were looking at came into view. Leaving him starstruck as his mouth opened wide in surprise as he saw what they were looking at.

Which was a strange looking Osprey that was currently flying at a possible Mach 1 toward them. Giving them a first-hand experience of what some poor office worker saw when he realized that his phone could connect to American Airlines wifi in the middle of the sky in New York.

Taking the chance, the wolves took the opportunity as they all lunged at them. Throwing themselves into the air with claws reaching out toward them. Ready to slice them like fruit from fruit ninja.

However, before they could, the unknown aircraft suddenly came to a stop and banked a complete 90 degrees. A giant gust of wind blew in as it revealed its opened sides where a woman, wearing what an old world school teacher would wear and brandishing a riding crop, hopped out. Using the kinetic energy of the aircraft going at Mach 1 to her advantage, she flew through the air and over the three soldiers. Landing just a few feet in front of the wolves as they were about to slice her into ribbons as well!

Sadly for them, she had other plans as she gripped her riding crop tightly and brought it in a sweeping motion while a strange, purple like aura followed her movements. Making a strange, purple field that suddenly manifested in front of the wolves.

The wolves, unable to change their course, continued to fly through the air (Now like they had a choice since Newton's First Law of Motion said so) as they started to get closer and closer toward the purple field. Though, the moment the tip of a claw from one of the wolves touched the field, the entire thing exploded on their side. Emitting a large, powerful shockwave, sending all the wolves flying the opposite way as they crashed all across the building.

Meanwhile, the three soldiers, who just turned in time to see what just happened, dove for the floor as the shockwave rocked the entire building. Causing the ground to start forming cracks all over the place as the rock beneath was starting to give way while the roof began to give in as a few pieces fell on a few unlucky wolves. Crushing their craniums like fruit.

The woman, satisfied with her handywork, then turned toward the three soldiers. Looking up, about to say something, only to be confused when they weren't there while she realized that they were on the floor. Slowly coming to as they recovered from shockwaves.

As they began to get back up however, she noticed the state that they were in as she saw bandages wrapped around their arms and legs. Most of which were dirty from the fighting as it mixed with the dried up blood. Which seemed to have begun bleeding once more, meaning that their wounds most likely opened up once more.

Then, she looked at the only one that didn't have any sort of facial covering, noticing the bandage wrapped around his forehead while he appeared to be dazed. Needing help from one of the other two to stand upright before looking up at her. The two exchanged looks, seemingly studying the other as her face began to slowly show pity.

'He looks like a kid… One that had to grow up fast…"

"D-Did… Did you do that?" David asked, breaking the ice between the two parties as Glynda broke out of whatever trance she was in. Clearing her throat with a cough and nodded before looking back at the medic.

"Yes. Yes I did." She responded, leaving the three even more confused as they looked amongst themselves. With one of them gripping the pistol in his hand a little tighter as he looked at her with a hint of unease.

"H-How did you even do th-" He asked, but was interrupted as she held out her hand in a "stop" motion. Silencing him as she continued once more.

"Your questions are going to have to wait for later.." She said as she turned to the knocked out beowolves then back at them. "Right now, I need you three to get on the bullhead right this instant. There isn't much time to explain, but I promise, your questions can be answered later on in a much safer location.

"Bullhead?" David mumbled as he turned around, looking at the strange aircraft. "Y-You mean that?" He asked as he pointed at the strange aircraft.

"Yes." She confirmed as she began to walk toward them. "Now get on, we don't have much time before-

"Not a chance lady." Semyon said as he brought up his pistol and aimed it dead center at her head. "Now you're going to tell us where the hell we are and what the hell is going on. Or I swear I'll put one between your eyes."

"Is that a threat?" Glynda asked as she stared at him unamused.

"No." He said, "It's a guarantee."

*CLICK*

The silence was broken once again as everyone slowly turned toward David. Who was aiming his M1911 right at Semyon's head. His hands shook nervously as the Russian looked at him dead in the eyes. Not really helping them at all.

"American…" Semyon softly said. Not in an angry tone, but more of a cautious but disappointed one. "Put the weapon down… Now…"

"I-I can't." He mumbled out, his voice shaky while his hands began to shake even more as he continued to aim at him. "I-I… I won't allow you to shoot her, O-OK? So just put the gun down, a-and-"

"Are you stupid American!? I'm trying to save us, and right now, I'm not going into some old ladies… Whatever that is!" He shouted as he pointed at the bullhead, "To God know wherever she wants to take us! And you're siding with her!?"

"What if she's not lying." Alan asked as they looked at him. "Cmon ruski, be honest. If she really didn't want to save us, she'd either let the wolves take us or not even let us have this conversation. For fuck's sake, can you use your brain for a moment!?"

"I am you ungrateful bastard!" He shouted as he swung his pistol down. "I have been getting my ass torn trying to keep you two fuck ups alive all this time. Yet when some other person who didn't save your asses comes along and says that she's here to save you. You'd trust her over me!?"

"Would I trust the person who didn't try to cave in my skull and is currently trying to save all of our asses!? Hell yeah I would!"

"You're alive aren't you!?" Semyon sarcastically asked as the two began to get into a heated argument while David got into the middle of the two. Doing his best to keep them apart while desperately trying his best to calm them down. But his voice barely could be heard between the two of them.

However, Glynda just watched as the three continued to bicker between each other. With one side throwing childish insults at the other as the latter did the same.

At least the healer seemed to be a bit mature, despite having the backbone of the average first year when they get in trouble.

"If you three are done with your conversation, then I suggest we get a move on." She said as she grabbed the three's attention as they stopped and looked at her. "I may have stunned them for the time being but they will come too soon enough. I can certainly take them all on but I cannot promise I can while protecting you three. Plus, with that Nevermore up in the air, the risk of one of you getting injured or killed is very high. And I'm not taking any chances."

"Nevermore?" The three asked as they slowly relaxed and distanced themselves from each other.

"What the hell is a Nevermo-"

Whoever asked that got their answer as the same roar from the crow suddenly filled the air once more. Causing the three to look up, weapons at the ready as they waited for the Nevermore to just burst through the roof and snatch them. While Glynda just looked up calmly, a look of annoyance on her face as she sighed and turned back to them

"Look, I know you three do not have any good reason to trust me. I understand that. But if we don't go, then I cannot guarantee your safety. Please." She said, almost about to beg as the three looked at each other, then back up at the ceiling as another shriek rang out. Causing loose dust and debris to fall once again, even landing on David's face, covering his visor as he wiped it off and rubbed it against his fingers before looking back at her.

"… I call dibs on shotgun!" David exclaimed as he turned around and made a run for the bullhead while the rest watched him. Almost surprised before they too made a run for it. Running up to the balcony entrance and jumping as high and far as they could. Landing inside the bullhead (With a few doing a cool tumble) as Glynda soon followed afterward. But not before shooting out another purple wall, sending some poor beowulf into another nearby wall so fast that it turned into a cloud of mist on impact.

As Glynda gracefully stepped into the bullhead, she immediately began to walk to the cockpit whilst the three stepped aside. Where the pilot was already expecting her, looking over his shoulder as he watched her walk in.

"We got them?" He asked as Glynda nodded, confirming that they had what they needed.

"Alright then." He said as he turned back, flipping some switches whilst grabbing the throttle. "Tell them to hold onto something tight. Things are going to get bumpy, and I'm not stopping if someone falls out."

Glynda didn't say anything as she simply turned around and began to walk back to the main body of the bullhead. About to relay the news, only to find out that the three were already doing what was told of them. Making her slightly impressed that she didn't have to deal with people that were less experienced than first years.

Except for the one with the red cross. He was having trouble reaching for the overhead grip.

Meanwhile, the pilot slowly pulled on the throttle of the bullhead as he guided the bulky aircraft away from the balcony entrance. Just barely making it as the beowolves gathered themselves up from the floor and noticed the fleeting bullhead as they made a mad dash for it. Hoping to at least force it onto the ground so they could finish the occupants off.

The first few dozen, driven by blood-lust, leapt from the entrance in an attempt to grab onto the bullhead. Only to fall short as they just barely missed it by a few inches. Leading to a very, very high demise as they let out another howl in terror whilst falling to their doom of identifying as kebabs or females if they somehow survived the fall and spikes down below.

Man, I should really stop with the trans jokes before I get canceled.

"Jesus, it looks like a scene from World War Z." David mumbled as he peaked out the side of the bullhead. Watching as the stream continued on and on, like a faucet in a sink.

"Sure does American, sure does," Alan said as he watched the last of the wolves fall to their deaths. "Almost make me sorry for the poor bastards."

"Yeah, keyword 'almost," David said as the bullhead slowly got further away from the ruins. Revealing the various wolves just crawling all over the place. Sending chills up and down David's spine as he saw that most of the ruins were now covered in black. With red eyes angrily staring back at them. "God, they are everywhere."

"No shit American," Semyon said as he scanned the dark skies around them. Leaving the two of them confused as David got up from the ground.

"What are yo-"

"Shhhh." Semyon hissed as he placed a finger on their mouth. Leaving them confused as the entire group watched in silence. Watching as they continued to look around all over the skies. Trying to find something as he looked intently.

"What are you looking for?" Alan whispered as Semyon looked back at them.

"Do you hear that?" He asked as they all looked around, trying to hear whatever he was talking about. Only to hear nothing except the whine of the bullhead's engines as well as the wind rushing past them.

"No?" Alan said as he looked back at him.

"Exactly." He said as he walked to the other side of the bullhead, continuing his search. "Whenever that damn… What do you call it?"

"A Nevermore." Glynda said as Semyon nodded and snapped his fingers.

"Yeah that. Whenever that thing was close enough, we could hear its wings or it screaming until our eardrums bled."

"Yeah?" Alan said, not really following what they were saying as Semyon noticed as well. Letting out an exasperated sigh as he shook his head.

"OK, follow me through this. The 'Nevermore' was just above our heads a few seconds ago. Right?"

"Yeah?" He said, the gears in his head slowly turning as his face suddenly filled up with realization.

Too bad they didn't get to fully understand what was happening as another terrifying roar filled the air. Followed by the bullhead coming to an abrupt stop as it jerked back. Sending everyone flying all over the place and crashing hard onto the floor.

And David off the edge as he slid off the smooth floor of the bullhead. Catching himself as he slapped his hands on the floor. But the smoothness of both the gloves and floor was sadly against him as he slowly began to slip away. Desperately clawing the floor before finally slipping off the edge.

His mouth opened wide, wanting to scream his lungs out. But only for nothing to come out. Time seemed to slow down for him as he saw the bullhead begin to get further and further away. The feeling of weightlessness surrounding his body as he continued to fall through the air.

But sadly, the author really needed him for the story, so you're not dying today buddy.

Acting quickly, Glynda dove to the edge of the bullhead and reached her hand around. Quickly grabbing David's hand, refusing to let go as the medic dangled in the middle of the air. Trying his best to hold on as well he struggled to do so.

"Hold on!" Glynda shouted as the bullhead continued to shake. Causing everyone to continue to flop around like fish out of water while Glynda slowly pulled David up. Soon pulling him up back onto the bullhead as he collapsed onto the floor. Almost hugging it before a hand was offered to him to help him up.

"Next time, just hold onto something if you can't reach the handles." Glynda said as David gave her a meek nod before taking her hand. Pulling themselves up off the ground just as another roar filled the air. Followed by the bullhead jerking back and forth once more.

"Lady! I hope you got a plan for our friend here!" Alan exclaimed as the bullhead shook and groaned just as a talon suddenly sunk itself through the roof of the bullhead. "Because I'm pretty sure that it doesn't want fucking bread!"

Glynda, somehow remaining calm about the entire ordeal, walked to the side of the open bullhead and peaked out. Seeing that the Nevermore had one talon grabbing onto the tail while the other was holding it by the roof of the vehicle. Its claws slowly dig deeper into the aircraft, threatening to tear them apart and send them into a spiral if she didn't do something soon.

Pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose, Glynda simply hopped out of the bullhead, surprising everyone. Certain that she would fall to her doom, they exclaimed and reached out for her in an attempt to catch. However, instead of falling to her demise, she somehow launched herself up and turned 180 degrees, landing herself onto the top of the bullhead, face to face with Nevermore.

" … Can you guys do that?" David asked as the two shook their heads.

Back onto the fight. The Nevermore held onto the bullhead tightly as the aircraft struggled underneath its grip. Trying to escape but to no avail as it had dug its talons deep into its hull. But suddenly, a shout rang out, followed by a woman somersaulting up onto the roof of the bullhead. Fixing her head before looking up at the Nevermore as it let out another roar. Its voice blowing all around her as specks of saliva covered her glasses. Surely scaring any huntress that dared to fight it on such unequal grounds if they witnessed a roar like that.

Professor Glynda Goodwitch was not like other huntresses.

Instead, she simply took off her glasses, cleaning them from the specks of saliva that were on it before placing them back on her face. Followed by her bringing up her riding crop as the same purple aura appeared once more as it started forming all around her. However, that didn't affect the Nevermore one bit as it reeled its head back before bringing it down as fast as he could. Threatening to turn her into red paste if she didn't move and cut the bullhead into two pieces like the Titanic!"

However, Glynda wasn't going to let that happen as she reached her riding crop out toward the Nevermore. Summoning a strange, purple circle that hovered over her like a shield. As soon as its beak clashed with the purple circle, it completely blocked the attack! Sending it back with extreme force, making it lose its grip upon the bullhead as it was flung away. Flapping its wings wildly in an attempt to regain control as it spiraled throughout the air.

Soon enough, the Nevermore regained balance as it looked all over through the night sky. Soon settling down its eyes on the bullhead, mainly the professor, with a malicious gleam in its eye before barreling toward them once more. Quickly closing the distance between the two as it got closer and closer.

In response, Glynda swung her riding crop to the side, causing multiple purple lights to appear out of thin air as they too barreled toward the Nevermore like missiles from an anime. The lights peppered the bird all over its body, forcing it to come to a halt as it tried to defend itself from the attacks as more kept berating it like an Asian mother beating her child with a spoon.

Taking advantage of the Nevermore's vulnerability, Glynda prepared to send out another attack as her body slowly began to emit a purple hue. Lighting up the darkness all around her as she swung once more, the purple hue leaving and shooting out of the riding crop. Flying straight toward the Nevermore as it soared through the air.

Only for it to miss just barely as it flew straight past its head. Exploding harmlessly just a few feet over its head as a purple shockwave expanded over it.

Thankfully, that was the plan.

As the purple shockwave came to a stop, it formed a large circle over the Nevermore before slowly getting filled with dark clouds that spiraled around the creature. Slowly filling the entirety of the circle as the last of the purple lights have hit the Nevermore. Finally noticing the strange cloud formations above it as it's red, malicious eyes were now replaced with confusion and wonder.

As it eyed the strange cloud, a hail of icicles suddenly burst through and rained down upon the creature. The pieces of ice flew everywhere while some embedded itself into its head, body, and wings. Impaled by icicles as it shrieked in pain while it flew away. Injured but very much still alive as it began to retreat.

Glynda watched as the creature began to fly away back into the darkness. Satisfied with her work as she walked off the side of the bullhead once more and gracefully landed inside. Only to be greeted by the sight of the three shocked as they just stared at her.

The one without a mask had his mouth so wide, Glynda was sure that it would fall if she didn't do something

"Are you three al-"

"How the hell did you do all of that!?" Alan suddenly burst out as the other two began to beret her with questions as well. Yelling out various things, each one trying to speak over the others, filling the entire bullhead with relentless chatter.

Sadly, the pilot didn't have time for this type of bullshit.

"Hey! Can you all just shut up!?" The pilot shouted over the bullhead intercom. Promptly silencing the three as he continued to rant. "For Oum's sake, I'm trying to save this baby from crashing into the ground and I can't bloody think with you guys yapping!"

"It's OK pilot," Glynda quickly interjected, hoping to avoid a possible feud between the four. "I understand that these three are a bit… Troublesome and such. But they right now probably have dozens upon dozens of questions that will be answered later on. Now, what's our status?" She asked, trying to divert their attention as she walked back inside the cockpit.

Only to find the pilot desperately pulling the throttle back while working double time as various alarms and lights blared all around him.

"Not really good ma'am!" He said, quickly going back to work mode as he worked on trying to keep the aircraft afloat. "A lot of systems are damaged and, well, I'm surprised that we're still in the air after everything that happened."

Another alarm blared out as the pilot turned toward it. Flipping some switches soon after, making the alarm go silent. Not that it helped with the dozens of other alarms that were blaring in their ears as he continued to work.

"How bad is it?" She asked as she watched, worried, lacing her voice as the bullhead shuddered from the damage it had received. Making her a little more uneasy about their entire situation.

"Just… Give me a minute…" The pilot mumbled as he flipped a few more switches. Soon silencing a good amount of the other alarms as he let out a sigh of relief as he leaned back in his chair. "There we go… That should do it."

"What did you do?"

"Oh, right. Well, you see. Most of the systems were either damaged or completely rendered inoperable due to what just happened. I don't know what that Nevermore did to my baby, but it really did a number on it." He said before turning back to her, "By the way, how bad did that bloody thing hurt my baby back there?"

"Uhhmmm…" Glynda hummed as she took a quick look behind her. Eying the giant hole on the roof before turning back. " … Nothing that you can't buff out?"

The pilot just stared at her before lifting back up his visor. Revealing his unamused eyes as he looked at her suspiciously before shrugging. "Alright then, just let me know if things get worse back there. Wouldn't want her to suddenly break up into pieces on the way to Beacon." He said before turning back toward the window. Letting Glynda let out a silent sigh of relief as she felt his gaze leave her.

"Anyways, with all of this, what's our expected arrival at Be-"

She didn't have time to finish what she said as a loud crack rang out. Followed by the bullhead jerking to the side as a giant feather just barely grazed one of the aircraft's twin engines. Causing it to sputter and spit out smoke as it slowly began to spin out of trouble and lose altitude.

Immediately, the pilot yanked hard on the throttle as he pulled it toward himself. Trying his best to steady the bullhead while everyone else held on for dear life. Either gripping the handles, holding onto the door between the main body and the cockpit, or clinging to the nearest person as tight as they could so they won't fly off through the open side doors (That was David and Alan, but don't worry, they're not gay).

"For the love of Oum, can't we get a bloody break!?" The pilot screamed as he flipped a few more switches on the console of the bullhead. "Don't let me down, big girl. Don't you dare let me down!

As if the bullhead heard his desperate pleads, the engines whined back to life as it emitted its colorful hue once more. Making the pilot smile like a maniac, pulling the throttle back once more, slowly regain control of the aircraft as he brought it out of its spiral.

"Yeah-ha-ha! I knew you wouldn't let me down!" He laughed as he began to fly the bullhead up and away from the forest, just barely grazing the trees as if flew over them and back up into the night sky.

However, as they flew through the air, their assailant revealed themselves as the Nevermore from earlier as it followed closely behind them. Letting loose another flurry of its feathers toward the aircraft. On instinct, the pilot quickly banked the throttle to the left, barely dodging the feathers as the bullhead leaned left as well just as the feathers passed by. Missing by just a few feet as they harmlessly fell into the forest below.

Let's hope that no fawns were killed by that.

"For Oum's sake! Can this thing just bloody give up!?" He cursed as he banked to the right, dodging another flurry of feathers while one just barely grazed the cockpit window. Leaving a scratch deep enough to make a crack but thankfully not too deep to break it completely. "Hey! You better pay for that!"

"Steady the bullhead!" Glynda said as she turned around, "I'll go deal with this Oum forsaken thing."

"No chance, lady!" He shouted as they stopped where they were and turned around, "If I slow down, that Nevermore is going to tear us to shreds! Unless we lose that thing or it has a chance of heart, we're pretty much fu-"

He didn't have a chance to finish what he was saying as he banked the bullhead to the side once again. Dodging another flurry of feathers as they just barely grazed the aircraft. But one feather got too close and scraped the other engine. Leaving a sizable cut on the outside as it sputtered for a moment before coming back to life. Seemingly looking fine if it weren't for the various alerts going off inside the cockpit that were telling a different story.

"For Oum's sake, can I get a break!?" The pilot screamed as he looked over the console. "Damn it all!"

"What is it!?'

"Engine's about to go out!" The pilot said, "If we take another hit, then we're going to go down faster than a beowulf flying in the sky. You've got to get that damn thing off our tail or else we're all going to meet Oum a little early!

…

Semyon was probably having the worst rescue of his life.

Sure, as a person of his profession, saying that this was his worst ever rescue would be a little hard to believe. But in all of his rescues, this was surely the worst one he had been in.

Don't get him wrong, he was happy to be rescued and not have his fate be a brutal death with two of the worst ever squadmates in all of reality. Hell, he was kinda enjoying the show they were given as the woman did some sort of dark arts to fight off the steroid-induced crow that was chasing them.

It looked like something straight out of one of those old world anime.

However, the bravado of it all had already passed as the chase was still going, the strange looking Condor was now about to fall out of the sky, and that damn bird was still chasing them.

"What is it!?" He heard the woman shout as he turned his head toward the cockpit, listening in into their conversation while ignoring the rushing wind as well as the death-delivering feathers around him

"Engine's about to go out. If we take another hit, then we're going to go down faster than a beowulf flying in the sky. You've got to get that damn thing off our tail or else we're all going to meet Oum a little early!"

"Сукин сын, неужели я должен все делать сам!? (Son of a bitch, do I have to do everything myself!?)" Semyon grumbled as he sighed and shook his head. Turning to the two as he walked up to them and pried David off of Alan. Setting their arse on the ground and going through their backpack, rummaging through it before pulling out the drone with C5 taped on the top of it. Causing everyone to stop what they were doing as they watched as he turned on the thing.

"Ohh, so that's where you put that thing." Alan said, not even surprised in the slightest as he watched them tape a grenade onto the C5. "I thought you left that back at those ruins."

"Yeah, I-I thought the… Same…" David muttered before realizing what just happened, "W-Why the hell was that in my backpack!?" He asked as Semyon looked up at them.

"Well, I did the math and… Deduced that it was most probable that you would be the first to get mauled by those wolves." He said as he finished wrapping the grenade in tape. "So in the event that you did get mauled, I would-" Semyon said before stopping mid-sentence and pretended that he was holding a rifle. Taking aim, letting off a shot, before turning back to David and making a boom sound and motion. "That."

"That's sick… And a good idea, I'm going to take that from you, thank you very much." Alan said as an idea-forming grin was on his face while David looked back at him, surprised and scared.

"Huh!?"

"Excuse me," Glynda said, interrupting… Whatever was going on as they looked at her, "Can you please tell me what in Oum's sake you're planning so that we can all live to fight another day and not get-" The bullhead shakes once more as another flurry of feathers just barely misses them, adding to Glynda's point as she just points outside. "That."

"I'll get to that later." Semyon said calmly as he got up and trotted up to the cockpit. Walking right up behind the pilot and leaned in, whispering something into their ear. To which they looked back at him with a look that said 'You're fucking kidding me, aren't you?'

"What are you sa- Are you crazy!?" The pilot exclaimed, "T-That has to be the most insane idea i've ever heard! And you want to do it!? What are you, mentally ill!?"

"Somewhat, yes." Semyon said as he shrugged it off, "Besides, not like we have much of a choice. As you said, we need that thing off our tails, and you can't slow down for shit because of it."

"I- Do you know how dangerous and foolish this- this plan of yours is!? That's assuming that you even hit a shot like that from far away while I perform a maneuver like that!"

"And you think I can't?" He asked as the pilot rubbed the back of his neck.

" Well… If it was another huntress, I might have a little more faith-"

"Then have some faith in me instead," Semyon assured as leaned in a bit closer, "I can do it, trust me."

The two stared at each other as the pilot's eyes filled with hesitance while Semyon's were filled with determination. Enough for the pilot to see, even with the dark visor covering their face. The pilot then looked at Glynda, the shaking and groaning adding to their point as they nodded in agreement. Making him let out a sigh as he shook his head.

"Alright." He said, backing down as he looked back at them, "You better know what you're doing. Because I swear, if we meet the gods, I'm going to kill you."

He warned as Semyon just nodded and went to the main body of the bullhead. Joining up with the two once more as he calmly walked up to Alan. Despite the bullhead getting itself rocked once more as another feather passed by.

"Do you know how to control drones like this?" He asked, pushing the drone into their chest and forcing them to let go of their grip on the handles above as they shot their arms around it. Making sure that it was secure as they shot him a glare

"Are you crazy!?" He exclaimed as he made sure that the explosives on the top were still safe. "Do you know what'll happen if this goes off or-"

"Can you control the drone or not?" Semyon asked once more, shutting them up as they took a look down at it before nodding hesitantly.

"Good, at least I don't have to trust him." He said as he pointed a finger at David, who looked offended for a moment before thinking about what they said and nodding in response.

"Now, I know what I'm about to see is… A bit crazy, to say the least."

"Crazy? I was crazy on-"

*BANG*

"Ow! M-Motherfucker!"

Stick to the script or else I'll leak your browser history.

…

"C-Crazy? W-We're right now flying in a Chinese version of a Condor while being chased by a giant crow the size of an AC-130 after fighting wolves on steroids. What could possibly be more crazy than this!?" They exclaimed as Semyon turned at David. Making them gulp and shrink a little bit, worried that he said something wrong as he stared back.

However, a low hum started to emit from the Russian as his body shook. The hum slowly grew louder, soon recognizable as… Laughter, as they shook their head.

Soon enough, he calmed down as he caught his breath. Slowly reaching out for the straps of his helmet and visor and quickly undoing them before moving to his mask.

"Well…" Semyon started as he took off all of his facial gear. Revealing a young male, around the same age group as Alan. Bearing dirty, blonde hair, as well as a scar that went down over his left eye. Looking at David and giving them a smirk as he said.

"Let me show you…"

… That was cringe, you know that right?

I tried, OK!?

…

The Nevermore was tired.

Sure, you'd think such a powerful creature like it would have more strength and durability if it was the apex predator in this region. Or at least be a bit tougher and give more of a fight.

Well to be honest, you couldn't be more wrong than ever.

Sure, the Nevermore was a large and powerful creature. With an average wingspan of about 67 meters (Though they could vary between sizes), and the ability to throw its feathers like the Rods of God. It would've been a terrifying threat to those who didn't know how to deal with it or didn't have the proper weapons to deal with it.

And that should've been the case right now.

Except, it wasn't.

Instead, it found itself battered, bruised, and with more holes all over its body than some poor man who got executed Roman-style. To make things worse, the icicles all over its body have already started to melt, making them move every time it flaps its wings. Causing immense pain that felt like something was burrowing in and out of its skin.

Although, some of them thankfully fell out, much to his relief.

Nevertheless, it kept pushing on in its relentless pursuit of bullhead. Letting out another shriek as it swung its wings forward and let loose another hail of feathers as they all barreled toward damaged aircraft. Only for it to bank to the side at the last second, narrowly dodging them whilst they fell into the dark forest down below.

Damn it all, just how much longer can this damn thing stay in the air. The Nevermore probably thought as its eyes narrowed slightly in response to seeing it fail once more. But it didn't matter to say the least. Eventually, the pilot will slip up and make one, crucial mistake that would cost them their lives.

As for the three that it was supposed to grab alive earlier. Well, she could probably try to bring them back for other purposes if they were dead or mortally wounded

All it needed to do was wait and- Hold on, what is it doing?

As if it had a shot of adrenaline. The bullhead's damaged engine, now belching out more smoke but just barely hanging in the balance, pushed itself with all its might in an attempt to gain more ground between it and the Nevermore. Slowly gaining more speed as the Nevermore tried to do the same. Flapping faster and harder, pushing through the pain as it tried to close the distance.

However, the bullhead began to slowly dive down from the cloud layer and toward the ground as the Nevermore followed suit. Soon just barely flying over the treetops of Emerald Forest. Moving so fast that the trees swung hard as they passed right over whilst leaves were flung from tree branches. Adding to the cinematic touch.

Meanwhile, as the Nevermore flew through the air, it felt the icicles embedded within its body start to fade away at a faster rate. Leaving gaping holes all over that would probably take some time to heal, but nevertheless, were treatable. Still, it was slowly losing ground between it and the bullhead due to the various holes within its wings. Slowly getting farther and farther apart as they continued to fly.

Was this their plan all along? To force it to move at speeds that would hasten the melting process of the ice so that it would lose speed and ground between them? Whenever it was or not, it was working as the bullhead started getting farther and farther. Of course, the Nevermore tried to throw its feathers at it in a desperate attempt to at least slow it down. But alas, it was too far as it dodged with ease. So easily that it was sure that the pilot wasn't even trying, almost making it want to break off and deal with her instead.

But suddenly, the bullhead did the unthinkable and turned a hard right mid flight. Revealing its fat, juicy, open center, as well as its three targets and the huntress that had injured it as well as it came to a complete stop.

Had it suffered some sort of damage that it didn't know about? Hence why it stopped all of a sudden and apparently was planning to do a final stand?

Whatever the reason be, it didn't care as it gladly took advantage of this. Reaching its talons at them as it prepared to grab the bullhead and the three strangers. Probably leaving the huntress and the stubborn pilot alone as its focus was on one of the three.

But after throwing the bullhead, along with them, into the ground as hard as it could of course.

Too bad its plan never got to see the light of day as it failed to notice the small drone flying toward it. The tiny piece of machinery flew through the air, barely making noise as its high-pitched whirring was greatly deafened by the flapping of the Nevermore's wings as well as the wind rushing by. All while a block of C5 and a frag grenade was taped on the top of it, making it a tad bit slower but still able to complete its objective.

Of course, none of that mattered as a pop rang out. Followed by one, singular, 5.45x39mm round coming out of a vintage but still usable AK-74 as the round flew through the air. Cutting through like a hot knife through butter before smacking itself right onto the frag grenade. Causing the gunpowder within the explosive to light up, detonating the entire thing. Destroying the drone as it began to fall down toward the Nevermore

This was only for a split second as the C5 atop the drone suddenly went off as well. The heat and shrapnel setting the C5 off, turning the drone into a large fireball. Hotter than over 300 celsius for five seconds straight before turning, collapsing and letting loose a powerful shockwave.

However, it was five seconds of searing hot, blistering pain that the Nevermore had to go through.

Somehow, the drone managed to get close enough to the Nevermore's head without it realizing. Shrapnel flew everywhere as a few burrowed deep within its face from the first explosion. However, it didn't have time to react as the giant fireball of C5 explosives went off soon after. Burning off the entire right-side portion of its face while the shockwave sent the thing flying toward the ground toward its doom. Leaving behind a trail of black and gray smoke as it spiraled uncontrollably toward the ground.

"Спокойной ночи, сучка (Nighty night, bitch)" Semyon muttered underneath his breath as he watched his handiwork fall from the sky. A smirk forming on his face as he had killed his first ever "Nevermore" as it was called. While David and Alan celebrated behind him. The duo holding each other in their arms. Sharing a passionate ki-

Hold on, wait, fuck. Wrong script! Give me a moment.

God damn it! Now people are going to think we're gay!

I am.

Wut.

Anyways, the two were bear hugging each other (In a non-gay way) as they jumped up and down. Shouting loudly before moving to Semyon and shaking them around and patting him on the back. To which he let them as he got up from the ground. Holding them and shaking them as well.

Glynda stood on the sidelines as they continued to celebrate amongst themselves. Smiling a bit in amusement as she watched them jump up and down in the air. Like a soccer team that had just won the national finals as the entire stadium cheered loudly for them.

"I must say. In all of my years, I've never seen someone pull off a shot like that." She said as they stopped and turned toward her. Clearing their throats and/or composing themselves as they stood before her.

"I never got any of your names though."

"Oh, I'm-"

"That's American," Alan said as he walked in front of David, interrupting them before pointing at Semyon, "That's Semyon. Of course, if it's too fancy for your taste, you can always call him by his nickname. Which is seme-"

"Polank…" Semyon grumbled as he gave them a glare, his eyes narrowing as he stared at them intently. Great annoyed that they had to bring that back up while snickered like a mischievous child before composing himself once more and placing a hand upon his one chest.

"And I am the great and glorious Alan Borowski, at your service madam." He said as he did an overly dramatic bow and rising back up, "I am in command of these fine men that you see before you."

"Oh go fuck yourself." David and Semyon cursed as they gave him the "I like your cut G" treatment simultaneously. Making him yelp out in pain as he turned around, opening his mouth to scream at them. Only for a break of silence to fall between three of them before bursting out in laughter. Letting loose the stress of their most recent battles, like a soda bottle when you shake it too hard and suddenly open it.

Meanwhile, Glynda just sighed and shook her head as she watched the three start to laugh like madmen. Both in shame due to the three's vulgar language that were similar to drunkards yet also in amusement by how well they seemed to act after everything that had just happened. Reminding her of her younger days with her old team after they completed a hard-fought

Which was of course proven multiple times. Such as their valiant last stand against the horde of beowolves. As well as taking down Nevermore without even using the slightest hint of aura!

Though, she'd have to ask them why they didn't use their aura. But that could be a question for later.

Right now, she would leave them to their own devices as they continued to talk amongst themselves. Letting her slip away unnoticed as she walked up back to the cockpit, where the pilot was already expecting her as he was facing toward the entrance.

"How are they back there?" He asked as she took a seat beside him on the copilot seat. Leaning back into it as she sighed.

"They're OK. Just that they really need a lesson on proper mannerism and language is all." She said as she looked at the giant crack on the cockpit window. "What's the bullhead's status, can we make it back to Beacon?"

"Well…" He trailed off as he looked at the console on his left. "Both engines are teetering back and forth from red to yellow so I don't know. And with how this old girl is acting up right now." He said as he slammed his fist onto the chair, making the entire thing groan from the hit. "It'll probably take some time to repair. But we'll be good to fly as long as this baby doesn't get hit by anything else."

"System's are a bit in the red though. But if I can just… Divert some of the power from the right engine to the left one." He mumbled, his voice strained as he reached with all his might for a switch on the far right. Only for Glynda to casually lean toward it and do it for him. "Thanks. Anyways, now, we should have enough power to get us back."

"Good." She said as she took another peak at the three strangers. Smiling a bit as she watched them reenact the entire ordeal like kids telling a story.

"Anyways," She said while turning her head toward the pilot. "How fast until we reach Beacon?"

Wow! Just- Wow. God, this chapter really sent me down multiple routes. Over 38k words!? Jesus, I need to find a job with all this freetime I have.

OK, first of all, sorry for the wait and all. I know, I know, I said one chapter per month and I know that it's way over a month. However, it would be worth it since I was able to deliver this masterpiece. Made me remember why I did this in the first place.

Second. In relation to my second book, GATE: Thus, the Reds and Blues fought there. Please note that I am not abandoning it anytime soon. Instead, I will be soon remaking it just like this book. However, due to scheduling and life, it will take a long time. And sadly, the fastest I can do is the first few months of next year. However, I will suggest you go read other books that would tickle your fancy so that you're not bored while waiting for my lazy arse to write.

Thirdly, There's this cool RWBY fanfic with my favorite youtubers, Rubixraptor, as well as Ignis Corp. Although it's not what I thought, it is still very good and I suggest you go see it. Not that I'm in cahoots with the owner, no, I just thought it deserves some more love. Just look up Ignis Corp fanfictions or look up "The Unwinnable War '' on and you'll see it.

Anyways, I hope you all have a wonderful day, thank you all for the support and love you gave for this fanfiction, and I'll see you around. Halo out.

P.S: Please note that I am very, very open to suggestions. I may have been doing this for two years but I am still new to this and all help would be great!