Alan awoke with a start once more. This time the ceiling of his room greets his eyes.
He began to think, trying to figure out where he was. 'Woke up in a forest, found Amin, Shot demon, Found town.' When he finally got his bearings he silently sat up and stretched.
The pain of hunger hit him as The Corporal began Grabbing at various parts of his uniform, spread around his bed. Alan ignored the pain for now, thinking he'd get some food later.
After getting dressed in his dirty Uniform, Alan then stood up and walked to the table, pulled out a chair and sat himself down. taking the opportunity he looked to his watch and saw he slept a good amount, waking up around 7:30.
Leaning back into the chair Alan began to think again, He needed a way to make money, Find that Qrow guy to Train in whatever the hell he said that shit was, Then maintain his gear.
After a moment, Alan stood up, Began to walk to his bed picked up his Gear. He mentally took inventory while Equipping himself. 'Alice Gear, Helmet, Cloak, Rifle, Handgun one, Handgun two, knives one through four.' Alan nodded as he finished, His cloak over his shoulders, Helmet on his head, Taking his discarded mask from the bed he stuffed it into his pocket. glancing down at himself, everything he owned was currently on his person, Excluding the other pieces of armour lying in a pile next to his bed.
Thinking about what to do after that he made note of his current side armament.
His first handgun sat in a holster on his left hip, an American-made M1911, using .45 ACP. Alan's pistol had a slide with a Battered Nickel finish with a flashlight mounted on a bottom rail that had a differing black finish to it.
Alan's second handgun sitting snugly in his right boot, Looked like a Comically small M1911 and was chambered in .380 ACP.
Alan realized he didn't have much ammo for his sidearms. Thinking back, he was issued around three magazines for his .45 and only found the one for his .380, At this Alan sighed, He last counted for the loose rounds in one of his pouches sat around to 12 rounds of .45 and 7 for the .380, he'd have to count the remaining rounds in the magazines later.
Looking at his rifle, he wasn't as worried about it for now. His battalion practically swam in the cartridges. patting his mag pouch, he carried around 240 rounds within his magazines, at the moment depending on the bullets in the Ammo cans, he'd be able to repack his mags.
Alan thought back to the days past when they used the standard issue 5.56 and .308 rifles and how their supply always seemed lower the farther North they fought. Not only did they fight to reclaim land, but sometimes they and the bandits killed each other over the bounty of a successful hunt.
Alan's mood became bitter as he thought back to when they had to turn their rifles onto the innocent looking for help they couldn't provide.
Shaking his head, The corporal walked over to the table and picked up one of the boxes he'd been lugging around, he vaguely recalls seeing them on a table next to him before those missiles exploded.
"Let's see what we have here" Alan cleared a spot on the table and began to open the box. lifting the metal lid and tossing the burlap strap aside, he looked on in delight as he saw the neatly aligned rows of 7.62 in Stripper clips.
Picking one up he saw 10 rounds per clip, shifting through the container he counted 800 cartridges in this box. Alan put the clip of ammunition back and noticed two metal speedloaders for magazines, Eying a Little Star cast into the design.
Nodding Alan set it aside and slid another in front of him, opening it, he saw a similar situation. neatly aligned clips, Counting to around 800 rounds.
Alan closed the container and slid it back. he reached for the last one and opened it, only to sigh at the amount of loose ammunition in the can. Alan took notice of what made this can weigh more than the others. not only was there more ammo but it was also filled with water.
"fUc-" Alan coughed, as his voice cracked "damn it"
Alan picked up the box and walked to the bathroom, Getting to the sink, he started pouring the water into it, using his hand to hold back the rounds as he drained the can.
Alan eyed the water that spilled out, A red-orange tinge to it.
"Fuck." was his simple response to the potential condition of the ammo
Alan set the box down and then reached for a towel. Looking back he laid it down on the counter next to the sink.
Grabbing the box again he tilted it and poured the rounds on the towel. wincing as he realized the rust started staining it.
The Corporal recoiled as something heavy fell out of the box; a Chunk of ice that held a solid clump of rounds together.
"Who the fuck stores ammo like that?" he said after a while, Dumbfounded at how someone filled this can with water and left it to freeze.
Alan inspected the chunk and surrounding pile. He believed the count to be around 900 to 1100 bullets. Setting the can down with a little more force than needed. Inside the sink he saw a grate in the drain, so he put the clump of ice inside the sink and then left the bathroom.
As Alan left, he felt the pain of hunger once again, this time accompanied by a little groan.
"food, right," he said to himself "That bar downstairs might serve something," he grabbed his gloves off the table and let his rifle hang at his side, 'At the very least some drinks.' he hoped
The door opened with a jingle, and Alan stared out across the room.
other than two employees, he didn't see anyone else, Assuming it to be like this due to it being early in the morning.
There was a counter where one employee sat, Behind them sat a window that led to a kitchen. Other than that. there were multiple tables, chairs and the bar itself. above held a neon sign.
Making his way further in, he heard the woman behind the counter say something under her breath and then finally greet him.
"Good morning! I assume you're here for breakfast?" Alan nodded "Oh good, you can take a seat and I'll be right with you to take your order." The woman said a slight joyfulness in her voice. He'd probably been the first person to visit this morning.
Walking over to the table near the wall Alan sat down. After a moment leaned further into the chair. As he relaxed a bit of clarity hit him as he realized his hearing wasn't accompanied by the constant ringing he'd been so used to.
He was taken out of his moment by the woman putting a menu on the table.
Picking up the menu, Alan's eyes widened at the variety of food available. After a moment of consideration, Alan pointed to an Item he could vaguely recognize. Eggs, bacon with hashbrowns.
"Alright, that'll be 20 lien," She said and Alan reached for one of his pouches and rifled around the stack of cards, looking for one closest to the offered price.
Eventually, he found one labelled '25' and set it on the table.
she took it and walked away.
Alan then began to wait... his mind began to drift once more. Thinking back to the Dream he had last night.
the memories of his family and friends, his village, and The stories the elders would tell him. He Missed them
The eyes of his mother flashed in his mind.
Alan shook his head. "stop thinking about it retard" He whispered. Alan despised times when his mind wandered back.
He was once again taken from his thoughts as a plate was set on the table in front of him, on it sat his breakfast. Alan Realized he'd managed to space out once again.
"thank you" Alan muttered, and the woman smiled.
"Oh, so you can speak!" she said, poking fun at what Alan Realized the fact he hadn't said anything.
"Sorry," He spoke after a second.
"Oh, it's alright, I almost took you for a mute." after that she laid a card with the number '5' on it, "Here's your change, Enjoy your meal!" She said and walked away.
Moving to unclip his helmet Alan heard the bell jingle and didn't pay any mind. taking off his helmet and began clipping it to his belt but stopped once he heard the new arrival speak. looking up he saw Qrow. The Man clearly had just woken up and was talking to the woman.
Alan looked back to his meal, and finally began to eat, Savoring each bite. He especially likes the Bacon.
Eventually, he finished eating, looked around and saw Qrow at the bar. A plate with a sandwich, and a Glass of whiskey or some other drink.
Sitting up Alan made his way to Qrow.
Qrow managing to notice him kicked out the stool next to him and Alan took it and sat down himself.
"You remember what Oz Asked me to do yesterday?" Qrow started.
"Naw not really," Alan Responded and pointed to Qrow's drink while looking at the bartender. The man nodded and Alan continued "Something about an Aura."
"ah right, well let me eat and we'll finish that little spat we had in the interrogation room with a spar." Alan nodded as Qrow finished, A glass being set down in front of him he took it and inspected the liquid, as he was about to take a sip, he was interrupted by being suddenly dragged off, the glass fell to the counter and miraculously didn't spill or shatter.
"oh come on" The Corporal Whined, but was mostly ignored as the cape-wearing man dragged him off, sandwich hanging from his mouth.
Alan blocked another Fist sent towards his face, then Sent his response in the form of a kick to Qrow's side. They had been doing this for a good bit.
Qrow Stepped back and avoided his kick, they circled each other and Qrow went in for another kick, Alan grabbed his leg and pulled him towards him.
in a flash of red Qrow was hit in the face, without missing a beat, the Alcoholic jumped up and used Alan's chest as a springboard to jump away while sending the Corporal to the ground.
'Man fuck this shit.' Alan Thought and watched as Qrow approach him, 'Fucker didn't even break a sweat?'
"Alright, that's good enough" Alan was offered a hand and he took it and was lifted up. dusting himself off he looked to Qrow. The man motioned off to some bench nearby. "Sit down, let's talk."
They walked to the bench and sat down in silence.
"From what I Remember, You're not from here." Qrow Began after the moment almost turned awkward.
Alan shrugged.
"Yeah I initially thought I was in Europe, but the more I think about it" Alan raked his fingers through his hair, some sweat gleaming through it. "I have no clue."
"Europe?" Qrow asked flash of confusion on his face "Never heard of it"
"Well, considering there's no snow, no Ash covering the skies, no War or Thousands dying to poison and starvation, Yeah I think I ended up far from home." Alan sighed leaned forward and locked his hands together. "My running theory is that me and Amin died, But if that were the case, Dom... would be here." Alan's tone near the end of his sentence slowed a bit.
"Friend of yours?"
"We treated each other as if we were brothers." He reached for one of his pouches and pulled one of many dog tags in a pouch on his left hip.
"Dom Norman, 37020, he'd been serving for about... damn like 10 years." Qrow eyed the pouch then the tags. "He died yesterday, It was quick. Two rounds, one to his neck and one straight to the lungs. Amin Killed the bastard who Got him." Alan felt a feeling in his heart. Sorrow, he realized.
"you have my condolences," Qrow said after a second of silence
"Thanks, I guess." Alan remembered a red field when he hit Qrow so he looked at the man and asked, "What about this Aura shit?"
"Right" Qrow sighed
This Aura shit was Crazy, Insane. A manifestation of one's soul. in the form of what Alan can see as a force field. It Can heal one's wounds, faster than conventional means. It can Harden or Improve weapons, form barriers and enhance abilities.
Then there are 'semblances' Qrow explained them in a way that seemed like superpowers, or magic.
Then there was dust. Alan would need a while to figure out Any of the presented information, and how to implement it into the way he fought.
when Qrow finished Alan sat in silence.
"Man, what the fuck" He said after a solid 3 minutes of silence.
"you alright?" Qrow asking out of concern, not knowing the info he just dropped on the Trooper will cause a later mental break.
"Yeah, I'm fine." he lied. Alan was genuinely stumped. Confirming He wasn't on earth.
"Oh, almost forgot," Qrow said while digging around his pockets. Eventually, he found what he was looking for, Pulling out a Device.
Alan recognized the device, it was folded up but he saw it was very similar to what Qrow and Ruby used.
"here, Ozpin decided to get you this." Alan took it and stared at it.
"How the fuck do I use it?"
Qrow told him how he could use it, but didn't demonstrate how to. Alan realized how useful this device really was.
It was called a scroll. it can track people who paired their devices and communicate almost instantly be it through text or Voice. Qrow also mentioned how he could use it to browse information about Remnant, as this place was called.
Now if only he told him how to use all these.
"Man this will be useful," Alan said and Qrow gave a quick nod.
"Yeah, just be aware if you get out of range of the CCT" Qrow responded with more information instead of showing him how to open the damn thing
"CCT?" Alan asked and Qrow began to talk about the Cross Continental Communication system and as he went on, Alan realized how easy it would be to sabotage
explaining how if one tower goes out, the entire system is gone. Alan thought this was stupid.
"So you're telling me, All it takes is for one tower," Alan raised a finger. "One Fucking tower!" this went on for a bit.
eventually, they finished what Qrow felt were the important bits.
Qrow told Alan he needed to look into his soul by meditating. this went on for what felt like hours for Alan, as he found difficulty in doing this, and Qrow sighed.
"This is going nowhere," Qrow said suddenly. snapping Alan out of his slow Meditation "Look we'll pick this up later, I gotta be somewhere like three hours ago."
"hey before you go, do you know how I can make some money?" Alan asked and Qrow thought for a bit.
"The docks are always looking for Mules and, dumb labour... you could also hunt animals for one of the butcher shops, other than that you could work retail" He answered, and Alan decided to check them out later.
"Okay, thanks for the help I guess."
With that, the two parted ways.
Qrow to signal. And Alan? gets lost in the small town again while looking for the town's docks.
docks
Alan sat near the coast, The sound of waves and the smell of seawater greeting his senses. he saw a board marked helpfully with 'volunteers wanted'
Looking at the board He saw multiple fliers, if he helped load and unload some cargo it'd pay a decent amount. They would travel to A train yard somewhere in a place called 'Forever Fall Forest' and they would pick up supplies, then proceed to go back to the island. simple.
He looked at the ship's name, 'Salt Muncher.' shaking his head at the name, he then walked to the dock and looked around, spotting the boat in question. it was a medium-sized vessel, Clearly armed and a decent amount of people to crew it.
It had a Heavy machine gun mounted on a pintle near the front and, of all things broadside canons. Alan walked up to a lady standing next to the ramp that led to the boat
"Hey, I was wondering about a job offer?" She looked at him and smiled
"yeah sure, you look like you can handle yourself, so that's a bonus!"
While the Ship Sailed onward, our Corporal's mood wasn't the greatest, as he leaned over the edge of the railing, He emptied his gut. Never been on a boat before, kind of does that to a man.
The rest of the crew looked on in pity or amusement, more of the latter. The sight of the warrior brought down to his knees by a simple bit of sea sickness. Alan was told this trip would take around two hours to get there and two hours back.
"Fuckin' Dam- urrH" he didn't finish as the last of his breakfast was thrown into the ocean. Alan felt a hand on his back, He had a small bit of awareness to look back and see the ship's Captain, a young man, around six years older than him.
"first time on a boat?" Alan nodded and the captain told him to let it out of his system. After a few minutes, Alan stood to his full height and he walked back to a seat and sat down. He tried his best to calm his stomach. The captain handed him what appeared to be a root. "Chew on this, lay back and focus your eyes on the land over there, it should help." Alan nodded again and leaned farther back on the chair. he put the odd root in his mouth and chewed it. Alan enjoyed its taste. his eyes looked into the distance, and his eyes watched in the distance as the hazy shape of land greeted him.
He had to sign a temporary contract before they left the docks. It told him about some basic things, things he didn't really understand, But he just signed it anyway.
Enjoying the wind on his face. He felt clarity as the ship's constant rocking started to feel soothing. His mood was Immediately soured as the memories filtered in.
"kogada mi byli na voyne" An old Bandit sang. Alan has been stuck in prison for a week now, Separated from his only remaining family. He saw Prisoners come and go. the old man liked to sing, Most of his songs felt sombre, the Bandit and Alan hadn't spoken to each other, ever.
thinking back about the other prisoners, he was reminded about how some were bandits and others, were petty criminals.
"kogada mi byli na voyne" As he sang the second verse, Alan looked at their cells. It was a square cage set in the corner of the room, he and this old man were the only ones, the old man Arrived two days after Alan's incarceration.
"Tam Kazbdyy Dumal o svoey" Alan had no idea of what he was saying in the song. but it sounded melancholy. "Lyubimoy ili o Zbene" Alan didn't mind the man's Constant singing, it probably is what was keeping him from going insane.
Like background noise to distract him from the constant ringing of his tinnitus
He was interrupted by a guard walking in and motioning for the old man.
"Today is your day," the Guard said, and as he was Messing with a loop of keys The old man stood up and slid a piece of paper to Alan's cell.
"Please take, you may not be understand much, so please" Alan Scooted closer to the paper and took it.
The guard found the correct key, and the old man was taken out of his cell and Alan was left alone.
After a minute Alan looked at the paper, Reading it he realized it was the lyrics in another language, but under most of these words. Alan saw a rough English translation.
He began reading it. it was the song the Old man was singing earlier.
Alan Flinched as he heard Simultaneous rifle fire.
it was the normal procedure for dealing with the prisoners of war. Capture, Interrogate, Kill.
Alan Folded the paper and put it in his pocket.
"you good man?" one of the crewmen asked, Alan blinked and realized they were approaching their destination. He looked at the man and Observed his attire, he had long, brown, almost reddish hair and pale skin. He wore a red bandana around his neck and had pieces of armour around his body.
"yeah I'm alright, just thinking," Alan Replied to the deckhand
"K, if you need anything just holler," the sailor left after that, leaving Alan to reminisce about the song.
Alan reached for one of his pouches and dug around. Feeling his hand touch a tattered piece of paper. Pulling it out of his pouch, he immediately panicked upon it almost slipping from his grip from the harsh Ocean wind.
"God damn," He sighed in relief and looked at the parchment, He mostly ignored it for around a year, but it changed when something happened in the town he stayed at, the event made him Resonate with the song.
So He along with some squadmates translated the song. He'd say they did a good job at translating the song.
Hearing the boat's horn brought him to slide the paper back into its original resting spot. Alan stood back up and looked out over the train yard.
He saw hundreds of containers, boxes, and Pallets of generic cargo, The most eye-catching part was the ever-present shade of Red. All Alan can do is blink as he stares at the Crimson Coloured Forest.
Alan whistled, Impressed at the colour of the forested seaside. He Ceased his admiration upon hearing the captain start talking while looking at a Clipboard.
"Alright, look through warehouses 3 and 1 for crates marked for patch and Signal" He looked off towards the dock and he saw some workers getting a Bridge and crane ready.
after a bit, they got on dry land. Alan stopped at the edge of the dock upon Hearing someone begin to talk to the captain.
"Your shipment From Atlas is late," A man wearing a hard hat and reflective vest informed them. "In fact, the train transporting them should be arriving any minute."
"damn, Great timing" After that they dispersed off towards the warehouses.
The massive door slid open and Alan having re-adorned himself in his helmet and mask was holding onto a trolly with the deckhand from before standing next to him, They looked inside the large warehouse.
"Shelf 22," said the man and walked in, they began to look for the corresponding number.
After a minute they found the shelf and looked further in, Alan remembered the emblem for the crates, Two crossed axes and the word Patch or Signal under said emblem accompanied the boxes.
Feeling a pat on his shoulder Alan saw the man pointing at a few pallets with crates. Alan moved and held the trolley in front of the shelf.
Alan looked at the holographic display on the lift and pressed a button labelled with an up arrow. and a fork began to rise.
Reaching a point he eyeballed to be around the height of the crate he let go of the button and pushed it forward, sliding the fork under the pallet.
The deckhand pressed another button, Hearing a click he nodded toward Alan, Pulling it out he watched it start to lower. they walked back with the pallet.
As they walked back to the ship they stopped as they heard a ton of gunfire in the distance, Accompanied by the horn of a train going off in a certain pattern. The Crewman's eyes widened as he seemed to recognize the pattern.
"Hey Corporal, prepare yourself for an attack" Alan rolled the Trolley to the side and reached for his rifle, Alan checked the chamber, Seeing a round in the chamber he nodded and looked to the deckhand.
Alan watched as the deckhand pulled out a Sword handle and simply flicked it, eyes widening as he saw it extend out revealing it to be a retractable Rapier.
"Is it Grimm?" Alan saw the Man think for a bit.
"Most likely," after another moment of consideration, the man blinked upon hearing the gunfire again. "Thieves maybe."
The Rapier-wielding man pulled out his scroll sending a potential warning to the nearby city.
Alan ran towards the train tracks, and he noticed how the tracks were absolutely massive. Compared to his home, they were four to six times as wide.
"damn," Alan was taken out of his musings as he heard the train getting closer, Looking beyond a fence with an automated turret every section or so. Alan Saw this behemoth of a Locomotive accompanied by only Two Cars, One passenger and one flatbed car.
He heard the train's wheels screeching as it slowed down. One of the train's crew waved frantically towards the train yard.
"Corporal what do we got?" He heard the Deckhand ask.
"Looks like an attack, Bandits maybe." he nodded and suggested they hang back a bit.
Getting behind a concrete barrier they awaited the train. Alan took a moment to breathe, and he Focused.
Alan Breifly remembered something about aura Qrow told him. Not everyone has theirs unlocked. Alan began to formulate a plan of attack for when he saw the thieves.
"Alright, When the train gets here, we'll figure out who the good guys and bad guys are, and I'll Fire at any to gauge Aura users."
"K, The Defending forces will be either Atlesian Knights Or soldiers themselves" Alan acknowledged and continued.
"I'll provide covering fire, you close the distance" He heard the Rapier wielder acknowledge him.
After a bit the train finally Rolled into the perimeter fence, slowly crawling to a halt. Coincidently the Flatbed slowing in front of them.
The two Looked over the barrier and he heard the man next to him curse under his breath.
"We got White Fang," he said and Alan nodded at the man's words.
"Equipment, Training?" As he looked on he saw seven individuals, one black-haired woman was talking, or pleading with the other six.
"Trained, Well-equipped Terrorists," Alan Observed the White Fang Grunts wore Long coats, hoods and masks covering their faces. Weapons of various makes and models he didn't recognize.
"Please, we don't have to fight. I don't want to hurt any of you!" He heard the Woman, desperation in her voice as she begged,
"Traitor!" the one in the lead yelled and then the gunfire began again.
Taking the Opportunity he raised himself up and propped his rifle on the barrier. taking aim at the terrorist farthest to the rear.
Blake's plan didn't go as expected. She had planned to cut the Other cars off and leave Adam to his own devices so she could figure out her own way of life while hiding out in Vale.
Unfortunately, as she was about to hide under some tarps, she was attacked by her former comrades. Having jumped from another attack point she managed to forget about it.
They weren't happy, Having seen the Exchange. and Assuming she betrayed them.
Their fight was mostly her Avoiding trying to hurt them, but the situation became worse and worse.
As they reached a Trainyard near the sea, they would have to all scatter.
When they also realized this, they stopped for a second and she pleaded with them.
As she pleaded the train came to a stop and the Leader didn't listen
"Traitor" the leader Spat at her words. Raising his rifle once more, he began shooting at her again.
She simply blocked the rounds, with her weapon, Gambol shroud and slid behind some crates. After a second she peeked back out and her thoughts stopped at what she unexpectedly caught a glance at.
The one at the back of the group, sitting crouching behind some crates. had his head spray the wall of crates in a shower of gore.
She saw Another shot hit and ricochet off another grunt's head, Pink Aura Protecting her.
The Grunts all dispersed and took cover facing the direction of the Trainyard. Another Grunt's head recoiled back when he peeked. A Bullet had sailed through his eye.
"No!" She screamed and looked towards the source of fire and saw a cloak-wearing Soldier, Rifle Propped up on a Concrete barricade. Blake observed Another man jump out, this one had a sword and was wearing a bandana around his neck, garbed in the uniform of a sailor, leather belts across his chest that held pouches and pieces of light armour on his shoulders and chest.
The unexpected huntsman And soldier Duo worked in unison, One closing the distance, the other holding the White Fang heads down with his rifle.
Blake locked up. she'd seen death before, but Never saw it executed as quickly by this individual.
Alan Noticed that what he realized was a teenager, was temporarily out of the fight. Focusing back on the White Fang. Alan fired again and missed. The grunt he targeted returned fire, A round struck his helmet.
Alan Suddenly Jolted as a wave of electricity hit him.
"Man Fuck that shit!" he recovered fast and saw the Deckhand he was with, Make it around halfway before he received a hail of bullets. The sailor using his sword began to cut the Rounds away, dodging a few. and one round that struck him simply Shattered in a blast of ice on a Cyan Barrier.
Taking this as his moment Alan Acquired another target and fired, watching his own Round shatter on the Grunt's yellow Aura. Seeing the Grunt lower himself, Alan moved to his next target, A man with A large rifle peeking himself out of cover was preparing to Aim at his newfound ally.
Alan didn't let him have a chance to open fire. Feeling his gun Recoil, the round hit the Grunt's thigh. Alan took the chance as the Man doubled over and slightly exposed more of himself from his cover.
Aiming for the side of his head Alan noticed a pair of Goat horns protruding out of his head. Ignoring it for now Alan depressed the trigger, his rifle recoiling More than two times in a trigger pull and watched one of the Shots strike true. The jacketed piece of lead tore through his skull, Ending him quickly.
'That's three' Alan kept count of the non-Aura enabled Grunts He neutralized.
He looked at his rifle and saw an empty Casing sticking out of the chamber.
'gonna have to fix that later' he thought and moved to rack the bolt to clear the jam.
The White fang Turned their attention to him finally. letting loose more rounds. Alan took cover only for his eyes to widen as the barrier around him started to explode. The last grunt he hadn't seen shoot yet had a rifle with explosive rounds.
The Deckhand used the chance to get his way close enough, Using another barrier to jump up, He switched his Rapier's grasp into a reverse grip and pointed the hilt at the nearest Grunt. A spike of ice shot out with a bang and hit the woman, sending her to fall on her rear.
Switching to the last aura-less grunt he fired another shard, this one shattering on the grunt's head, sending him into the boxes.
Alan Stood once more, his cover barely any more than a pile of shattered concrete. Alan saw the situation. and made a decision to let the Sailor fight them and support the Sailor whenever he can.
Alan raised his rifle, hunched slightly giving himself a solid stance. Began walking forward and Taking shots at the three fighting Aura users, the White Fang having pulled swords from somewhere, began to fight.
At the Melee, The huntsman blocked a hit from a sword, sliding it away He sent a punch, and Yellow flashed.
Feeling the wind shift behind him The Huntsman abruptly raised his Rapier behind him, blocking another sword from striking at his back.
The man's eyes widened as he saw the yellowed Aura swordsman about to send a stab into his chest.
It didn't get too far as three shots hit his hip, making him miss the stab.
Another three rounds sailed past him and he saw a pink flash, and the woman fell away. Giving him breathing room.
Using his current orientation, He sent the hilt of his Rapier into the back of the Fallen Grunt. it sent a shard of ice into his back, using the Recoil as a way to wind up another hit sending his handle into the grunt's back he felt the man's aura shatter. The huntsman twisted and raised his foot and stomped on the back of his head. Knocking him unconscious.
Turning around he saw the last white fang stand back up raising her sword, ready for another round.
The woman went in for another strike but the Huntsman maneuvered to Parry, Blocking her sword and then twisting his Rapier around the hilt of her sword, He disarmed her.
The Soldier he'd met on the boat, had kept him from getting hit. and proved himself useful in the fight once more as some more rounds struck her in the chest and shattered her Aura.
The sailor moved quickly and sent a high kick to the side of her head, sending her flying into a crate. rendering both aura users unconscious.
Alan watched the Last aura enabled White Fang to get neutralized.
Alan walked closer to the train car. Turning a corner near some crates He came to face the last White Fang grunt reaching for a sword at the man's hip.
Alan simply raised his rifle and Pressed down on the trigger, putting a round into the back of his neck.
'Four' he thought
"Good God's man!" He heard the Sailor behind him exclaim.
As Alan was about to give a Response when he noticed a pair of Amber eyes Staring at him from the shadows, Fear present in the girl's eyes.
Alan remembered one of the Terrorists, mentioned a previous affiliation, so he moved to raise his rifle.
"Don't move A muscle, You are being detained!" He yelled at her, This seemingly got her to finally do something. In a flash of Black and white, The girl Sent a kick to his face.
Alan fell back, He saw a blade flying for his neck. Alan raised his arm to block a hit from the girl's Handgun sword thing. As this happened he felt something in his chest and it quickly travelled to his arms. The Corporal watched as the blade skipped off a Dark Red barrier.
"Oh, Shi-" Alan Was cut off again as a flurry of punches hit him in the face.
From Alan's point of view, he couldn't see shit. In a daze, Alan fell back and he heard a clash of blades. After a second, the sound of wood smashing and Alan heard someone running away.
"Ow damn it, shit she's getting away." the man informed him.
Alan, feeling a little upset at the fact he discovered he could indeed use aura. But he was then promptly floored.
Sitting up and opening his eyes, he saw the deckhand dusting himself off from the crate that'd been thrown at him. looking forward past some more cargo he saw the girl running away.
Rising to his feet Alan grabbed his rifle from his side and rested his rifle on one of the crates.
He fired once, Striking True the Bullet Shattering on impact, with her Shimmering With A Purple Barrier.
Cursing under his breath as she got farther away at blistering speeds, Alan fired once more, The bullet doing the same.
She managed a jump that would definitely clear the wall. Alan aimed a little higher and Fired. Watching the round impact the back of her head, and her Aura Shatter. The force from the impact Sent her tumbling over the wall.
"Damn it," Alan Exclaimed, He began to lean himself on the crate and held his face. "Man, she hits hard."
After a second, they heard footsteps and he turned around to see some security guards approaching.
"Hey take care of this mess, I'll go looking for our fugitive," The huntsman told Alan and he simply nodded as the man took off.
"Hey, can y'all help me with this?" they began to gather the fallen and detain the two incapacitated Terrorists.
when all was said and done they heard a door from the Passenger car open, and Alan watched an Atlesian soldier exit.
Alan admired the suit of armour, White-grey plates encompassing his upper body, A helmet covering most of his head and face Red outlines along parts of the armour and a black Uniform. The soldier himself was armed with a sword, and a boxy rifle slung to his back.
"Is it Clear?" he heard him ask.
Alan responded. "Area Clear, one Target escaped," Alan responded and The soldier sighed in relief.
"Thank the Brothers," he leaned on the open door frame, and Alan approached.
"what was going on?" Alan was given a rundown of the situation.
The train was transporting experimental cargo, and important passengers when it was attacked by the White Fang. The rest of the train was lost around 7 miles back.
"Thanks for the save, though I wouldn't go around doing what you did around huntsman." Alan was warned
"Why?" he asked
"Most of them don't like it when you take care of hostiles like that." The soldier said, and the two fell into silence.
Eventually, Alan had to leave. he said goodbye to the soldier. Beginning his walk back to the boat.
Alan had the familiar feeling of being watched and he looked around, eventually looking in the direction of the passenger car.
Amber eyes locked onto Light Blue. he saw a girl standing in the window. she seemed to notice him looking back at her.
Alan gave a quick wave and simply turned and walked away, not realizing how comically majestic he looked doing that simple turn.
Alan sat in the boat, his nuts itched and he gave them the old pinch and twist. In the corner of his eye, he saw one of the reporters recording him, lower the camera and scowl at him.
it'd been about half an hour since the attack and some police arrived along with some news reporters.
The police asked for him and questioned him, he gave them a rundown of what happened and they let him go. The Reporters he didn't like. They put cameras in his face and asked him so many questions, and he just ignored them.
After the Reporters seemed to leave Alan continued to move the crates he left at the warehouse. Other crewmen began doing the same.
after getting done with that they returned to the ship and waited.
Another hour of waiting Eventually led to the Deckhand who helped him, coming back empty-handed. The cops told him he could also leave after some questioning.
The captain said the shipment they were waiting for wasn't accounted for and decided it was an acceptable loss.
Alan stared at the docks as they left, checking his watch he saw it was 1:27 pm so he'd be back at Patch around 3:30 pm.
sighing, Alan leaned forward. As his mind began to wander again someone sat next to him, looking up he saw the man that helped him during the fight.
"The names Auburn" he held out his hand towards Alan and Alan took it and shook "Auburn Archer," he finished introducing himself and Alan began to introduce himself.
"Alan Lynx," He saw the man snickered.
"Last name, a little on the nose huh?" Alan smiled at the joking manner. realizing his eyes are probably among his most noticeable traits now.
"I guess." they had a one-sided conversation for a bit, but later Auburn excused himself and walked into the main cabin of the boat. Leaving Alan Alone once more.
They made it back to the island of Patch after three hours, The captain said something about Grimm, so they had to make a detour. Alan began to think about a waterborne grimm and then began to worry if there were Seabears.
When the boat docked he was handed his pay of 120 Lien along with another stack of 200 for helping against the White Fang.
Saying his goodbyes Alan made his way back to the Inn. For once he didn't get lost along the way.
Walking up the stairs that led to his room Alan Heard knocking on a door. Looking up from the concrete floor Alan saw Ruby, standing at the door to his room with a backpack.
"Hey, Ruby!" Alan greeted and she seemed to jump at his sudden arrival.
She seemed to regain her composure, and asked: "Alan there you are, where were you?"
"I was working at the dock for a bit," he nodded pulled out his keys and opened the door.
"Oh, I was wondering if I could take a look at your guns today." Alan thought for a bit and decided it was fine.
"Sure," and as they entered his room Alan heard a caw, looking back and up he saw A black bird sitting on a lamppost. Staring at the bird "You will be my breakfast someday," he said after a second. Finally walking Inside Alan saw Ruby standing at the table with the spare rifle, She was visually inspecting the Grenadier Rifle.
It took Alan this long to Realize the Rifle was Doms.
"Is this an under-barrel grenade launcher?" She asked after a second.
"Yeah, It belonged to a friend." he walked over and picked it up, pressing a paddle on the left side of the launcher while he held his hand in front of the barrel. Out slid a 40mm grenade. Alan eyed the caseless round and realized it wasn't like the subcalibre 40 millimetres Dom usually carried around.
"Whats thermobaric?" He heard Ruby ask after a second.
"What?" Alan turned it over and saw it was marked in English. "damn, he said he ran out of these ages ago, must have found them before he died." He saw Ruby look a little glum at the mention of the recently deceased soldier so Alan decided to change the subject.
Alan slid the grenade into his pocket and leaned Dom's rifle onto the table.
"Okay, My Rifle is called an Ak-103" He picked his rifle up and released the magazine and he handed it to Ruby. "Chambered in 7.62 by 39," Alan put the selector to semi-auto temporarily and racked the bolt to empty the chamber. Grabbing the round, he set it on the table.
Alan looked at Ruby and she seemed to be following along well enough "Alright, time for some basic maintenance. to field strip you press this back here"
He went on, showing her how to disassemble the rifle, setting the rifle's fire selector all the way down, double-checking the chamber to see if it was empty, and Removing the dust cover. Taking out the cleaning rod from the front. setting the recoil spring and guide rod out onto the table.
Turning his attention back to the front of the rifle, Alan flipped a lever near the rear iron sights and slid the gas tube out from on top of the barrel.
Alan stared at the internals and saw concrete dust inside and sighed.
"Man, I realize I haven't had a chance to clean this for weeks," Alan said as he put the disassembled rifle on the table
"well, at least the Rust is only external," Alan saw Ruby take her backpack and open it, taking out some steel wool and what appeared to be oil. She also took out her scroll leaned it onto the back wall and pressed a button. Then taking the rusty dust cover into her hands and proceeded to clean it of rust.
Alan took his rifle and began shaking the concrete dust out of the rifle.
As silence reined on Alan decided to sing the song from the old prisoner he met all those years ago.
"When we were at war, Oh! We were at war," He began and Ruby looked up from her scrubbing "In the army corps, drowning in gore,"
"Each man thought of his love back home"
"Where she's waiting by the door."
Alan set his rifle on the table, took the Bolt carrier sliding the firing group back and twisted it. The part that held the firing pin slid out with ease.
"Each man thought of his love back home"
"Where she's waiting by the door."
Alan saw a Ruby grab a rag, pour some solvent on it and hold it out to him,
"Of course, I do think every time,"
"Of course, I do think every time,"
Alan took the oiled rag and began wiping some internal parts with it.
"I look at the pipes stokes and the blue smoke,"
"Rising in the bitter night."
Alan moved on to the gas tube and looked inside, Months' worth of carbon built up inside.
"I look at the pipes stokes and the blue smoke,"
"Rising in the bitter night."
Alan took his disassembled rifle and looked to the rear.
"But I will clear my mind of all thoughts,"
"Oh! Clear my mind of all these thoughts,"
Alan pushed a little door at the back and out slid a hidden cleaning kit.
"Except for this good pipe and Texan-type"
"Of tobacco, I have bought."
handing the rifle to Ruby Alan took the Cleaning rod and a Brush from the cleaning kit, attaching the brush to the end.
"Except for this good pipe and Texan-type"
"Of tobacco, I have bought."
taking the now extended brush bit he slid it into the gas tube and felt quite a bit of resistance
"But oh! How she lied, and Oh how she lied,"
"She lied to me... lied to me!"
Alan saw Ruby begin cleaning rust from the barrel and gas block.
"When she gave her heart to a lover anew"
"And with it tore my trust in two."
After a bit of effort, Alan saw most of the Corrosive gunk free of the gas tube He removed the brush head and took another part off of the tool kit.
"When she gave her heart to a lover anew"
"And with it tore my trust in two."
Alan looked at the Slotted piece of steel and he saw Ruby hand him a small piece of cloth she covered in solvent. Alan nodded in thanks
"So now I just shoot closing an eye,"
"I just shoot letting the bullets fly,"
Looping the Cloth onto the slotted cleaning bit Alan began cleaning the inner tube and rifle barrel with it.
"Hoping that someday, to feel no more pain"
"And forgive before I die."
He observed Ruby in the corner of his eye cleaning the internals of the rifle with a rod and those cloth patches.
"Hoping that someday, I'll feel no more pain"
"And forget before I die."
After that was done Alan took the Bolt carrier and handed the bigger piece of cloth back to Ruby where she soaked it again and handed it back to Alan.
"So I go to war, Oh I go to war,"
"In the army corps, drowning in gore,"
They sat there Cleaning the Parts as he sang
Once they finished cleaning the parts, they began re-assembling the Gun
"Upon my black horse, riding with force"
"Through shells honest in their roar."
Reassembling the bolt carrier and putting the Gas tube back in place, Alan Slid the Bolt carrier back onto the rifle itself.
"Alas, it looks like Death's not for me,"
"Oh, surely death won't leave me be,"
Alan took the guide Rod and Recoil spring which were already decently clean. Slid them back into the rear and set them into the rifle proper.
"And this old black horse, an honest horse"
"Carries me from death against my plea"
being handed the dust cover, Alan placed it over the exposed internals and with a quick hit to it he settled the dust cover back into the rifle
"And this old black horse, an honest horse"
"Carries me from death against my plea."
Alan held his now-cleaned rifle, it was basically sparkling. He grabbed the charging handle and racked it a few times 'Smooth as butter' Alan grinned at his squeaky clean rifle. He saw Ruby pick up her scroll from the table and put it away.
"That was a beautiful song," he heard Ruby say after a second "Did you write that yourself?" Alan shook his head
"No, it was originally written like, a couple hundred years ago, in a place far away." Alan placed his rifle on the table and picked up Amin's rifle. Alan began to repeat the process from earlier. "I got the lyrics from an old prisoner, It was in a different language when he handed it to me."
"ah, how did you figure out the song then?" she questioned Alan as he was taking the bolt carrier out.
"It was partially translated and with the help of my squad and anyone else who wanted to help we translated it so it fit the original melody."
"Where are you from anyhow?" She asked curiously, Alan paused, thinking for a moment.
"I don't know," He responded, getting an 'oh' from Ruby
"Well, we have to repeat all that with this Rifle." He put the cleared rifle onto the table and Ruby sighed
"These rifles are so simple, that they are unique on their own." She smiled and asked, "What is this one named?"
"This Rifle belongs to Amin and it's an AK-104, Creative I know" Ruby picked up the Rifle and began to Field strip the gun "You learn fast."
"mmhm," She focused on the Rifle and once it was disassembled, Alan sighed at the condition of this one.
"Damn," He said after a second as they stared at the reddish hue of rust on the gun's trigger group.
"you wanna take a break?" Ruby asked and Alan Nodded
"I'm gonna clean my supplies real quick" She walked off toward the bathroom and as she rounded the doorway she gasped
"What is it?" he asked
"Alan, what the Heck is this?" He heard her say and he turned from the table and walked to the bathroom.
"what's what?" he then stopped as he stared at the pile of rusted and corroded ammunition "Oh that,"
Ruby turned around and they had a quick argument about proper ammunition storage, It ended when Alan mentioned the Bullets weren't his at all
.
"We are at an Impass" She finished and Alan walked to the sink and began putting the cartridges back into the can. Eventually Ruby began helping him "Who do these belong to by the way?" she asked
"well, they don't matter anymore, but they were being used by those bandits I mentioned earlier," was his response. once they finished cleaning up Alan walked out to the main room and sat down on his bed while taking out his own scroll.
"Oh, do you have any games on your scroll?" Ruby asked while walking out of the bathroom.
Alan gave a quick chuckle and said "I have no clue how to use this thing"
After that Ruby offered to teach him how to use it. and after he got a hang of it they played a game called 'Huntsman Brawl'
Ozpin sipped at his mug, enjoying the taste of hot cocoa.
The Old man was Sitting at his desk, just finished up some more paperwork. The forms were about some damaged training dummies he needed replacements for.
When he set his mug down he got a notification on his scroll, looking at said device he saw a message
'Take a look at this' sent from Glynda.
Tapping his desk, a Holographic screen appeared and he swiped his finger to the side and watched a saved news broadcast appear.
"what do we have here."
he turned on the volume and watched
"Around 1 Pm earlier today an attack was carried out by The White Fang, Against an SDC Transport train headed to Vale" Ozpin looked on as the view switched
They began talking about how the attack left five dead, and millions worth of lien in damages and stolen Cargo. of the five casualties was one Atleasian soldier stationed at the rear of the train.
Ozpins eyes widened, as the footage from a Security camera showed a Cloaked figure in a gunfight with the Terrorists alongside a huntsman he recognized.
Ozpin watched as Alan's thoughts blurred for security and Sheer violence reasons. Efficiently took out the White Fang one by one. pausing when his rifle failed to extract a casing after something happened with his rifle.
They talked about The Huntsman Auburn, and an Unknown soldier took care of the White Fang attack on the train yard.
"Here we see Huntsman Auburn Archer And an Unknown Soldier Clear the rail car in a swift but unsettling manner." The first man said
"We tried to get an interview with the unknown Soldier but he ignored our reporter"
The footage switched back to the newsroom and the video ended.
Ozpin leaned into his chair further and began to think about the two young men, and anyone with an attachment to magic would've felt their arrival.
Ozpin put a hand to his forehead remembering the sudden sharp pain he felt in his head, around the time they arrived. Thinking it is equivalent to a Magical brain aneurysm, giving him an immediate migraine.
Pulling up his scroll Ozpin called Qrow after a minute he picked up.
"Hey Oz, let me guess, you saw the news?" He heard the Drunkard declare.
"Certainly, I was wondering if you heard anything from him?" Ozpin asked.
"yeah, I wrote up a report, give me a second." Ozpin waited and saw a notification appear on his computer.
"and his current whereabouts?" He asked after skimming through the information.
"He's with my niece cleaning some guns" At this Ozpin raised an eyebrow.
"Well, does it look like they are fitting in?"
"Alan seems to be, the other one is still hospitalized." Ozpin nodded
"well I better get to reading your report, I'll talk to you later." He finished and heard Qrow give a goodbye
Ozpin set his scroll on the desk and began reading. Noticed the DNA sample came back saying he was in the 17 to 18 range "Interesting, to be so young, yet so experienced." Ozpin saw it in his eyes, and using a bit of his dwindling magic he was able to determine Alan was not of this world.
Ozpin sighed, He'll learn of where he comes from another time. Right now He had to take care of an oncoming headache stemming just from the memories of Alan and Amin's Arrival. "ugh, that was a terrible feeling."
At this moment Ozpin realized he might not have been the only one to notice the event. At this Ozpin Groaned "damn it all"