AN: Jumping back and forth between stories seems to be working so far. Mainly because I've been jumping back and forth based on what's inspiring me. Hope everyone enjoys this chapter.
Chapter 43: Flynn and Charlie
Thanks to the twisted efforts of Rainn Biggs, chaos reigned in the streets of Atlas. Unbeknownst to everyone, the night before, Viper had successfully set explosives in key areas all over Atlas. And now, the people of the wealthy, militaristic country were now paying the price for Rainn's escape.
The people of Mantle also took note of the state of Atlas. The clouds of smoke from the blasts were already making their way into the sky, visible for all to see. Robyn Hill's eyes were wide in shock at the sight. "What the hell happened up there?!" She exclaimed.
None of my own did anything behind my back, I know that much. I know we've stolen from the military once or twice, but straight-up terrorism just takes it too far! People could be dying up there, for crying out loud! Robyn let out a gasp of realization. But...how many people got hurt because we stole military equipment that could have protected others?
"Hey, Robyn?" May Marigold cut Robyn out of her thoughts. "What do we do? If shit's going down on Atlas, it could easily spread to Mantle if we're not careful!"
Robyn shook her head. I'll table that revelation for another time...fuck, I hate the fact that kid was right. She groaned inwardly.
"Get Fiona and Joanna, let's make sure whatever's happening up top won't start happening down here too."
"What are we even looking for?"
"I don't know, May, something that can explode; now come on!"
Up top, Atlesian soldiers were scrambling to not only get civilians away from the blast zones and into shelters to protect them from what would undoubtedly be an intense showdown, but to also shore up the defenses that had also been blasted.
In the streets, a piece of wall finally gave way, falling towards a ten year-old girl and her five-year old brother. The sister did not hesitate. With all her strength she threw her brother away from the falling wall at the cost of her own safety. "SIS!" The brother wailed.
Something golden and fiery streaked past the brother. Yang Xiao Long appeared next to the sister and fired a shotgun shell that blasted the wall to pieces. Yang took notice of the debris, and realized it could still put the girl in danger. She quickly grabbed her and shielded her, letting her Aura absorb the hits. Getting hit by some debris was nothing compared to getting smacked around by Teach during practice anyway.
When the debris let up, Yang finally let go of the little girl. "You saved me." She said breathlessly.
Yang smiled. "Duh, it's my job."
"SIS!" The little brother wailed, running over and embracing his big sister.
Yang chuckled and ruffled the hair of both siblings. "Way to look out for the little one, kid." She said to the big sister. "You're a proper big sis, that's for sure."
Her expression turned serious. "But where are your parents?" She asked. "You two are way too young to not be with them."
"We got separated after the explosions started." The big sister replied.
Yang scowled. Leaving these two alone would leave a bad taste in my mouth. I want to go with them and find their folks, but there could be more people who need my help. I don't have time to babysit.
"Oi, Huntress!" Yang turned to see two Atlesian soldiers running towards her. "We'll take the kids off your hands, go and see if there are more people who need your help. You're clearly more suited for that."
Yang grinned and gave them a mock-salute. "Thanks fellas, see if you can find their parents while you're at it." She addressed the kids. "Go with the nice soldiers, they'll help you find your parents."
"Thanks, Lady!" They both said before running to the soldiers. Yang, for her part, turned and continued to move forward, trying to find more people that needed her help, like a Huntress.
Meanwhile, Blake Belladonna was pulling someone from a building on fire. It was a mustachioed man with green eyes and a black suit. "Are you alright?" She asked. She turned to a few soldiers who were running towards them. "If you have any oxygen machines on you, he could use one. I don't know how much smoke he's inhaled."
The man groaned and looked up at Blake. He saw her cat ears and gasped. "You...you're a faunus." He muttered.
Blake frowned slightly. That was seriously the first thing he said to her? She then remembered Hansel's words from before. They managed to calm her down. "Yeah, I am," she nodded, "but so what?"
The man's eyes widened. "Yeah...you're right...I'm sorry, I'm just shocked. I mean, I'm from Atlas...I never imagined a faunus would ever bother saving my life...thank you, Miss."
Blake gasped at this. He honestly thought she would just ignore him because he was from Atlas and she was a faunus. And he was certainly being sincere in thanking her. I'll table these thoughts for another time. There could be more people in trouble. That was right, Blake could worry about her personal crusade later. There were people in trouble.
Elsewhere, Weiss was firing off weaponized ice dust from Myrtenaster at buildings on fire. It's not the most practical solution, Weiss admitted inwardly. But with enough effort, I can definitely put out these fires.
I can't carry someone to safety like Yang or Blake, or even Ruby, so I've got to focus on what I can do to save lives! She declared.
And finally, Ruby was speeding about, picking up as many people as she could to get them further and further away from the blast zones. This is crazy, that guy really caught Atlas off guard. She noted. And because of that, there are so many people who need to be rescued. Professor Kobalt was right to send us out here to help.
Ruby's expression turned somber as she used her Semblance to grab onto a woman. Professor Kobalt...you're probably catching up to that guy, aren't you? Please be careful…
Indeed, Hansel was starting to catch up to Rainn Biggs. However, Rainn was certainly not making things easy for him. The combat professor quickly deflected a few spikey icicles. "Bastard…" Hansel growled.
You can't escape me. I'm going to make you pay for everything you've done!
Meanwhile, the boy formerly known as Charlie Magnolia groaned in frustration as he ran his hand through his hair. The drones known as the Seven Dwarves hovered around him. Strangely, this boy was now calling himself Flynn. It was as though his entire demeanor had changed.
"Seriously, what the hell did you get us into, Charlie?" Flynn demanded. "It's been over a year since I was let out for a stroll, and you get us into a mess like this? Who the hell even is that psycho who attacked us, huh?"
Flynn then looked at the burning van that was the result of his attack. "Well, actually, now that I think of it, I really have no right to call him a psycho since I kinda flew off the handle like that." He admitted. "But who can blame me? Dude hurt me."
Flynn touched his cheek. "Well, at least I'm already healing. I seriously wish Charlie would have the foresight to switch with me before he gets us hurt. I mean, between the two of us, I'm the one with Aura. He should know he's gotta switch with me before shit goes down."
Flynn then gasped. "Speaking of shit going down, that guy somehow got out of the van." He remembered.
Flynn looked around. "How did that even happen? I mean, I caught the bastard off guard. I had him on the ropes with the gunfire from the Seven Dwarves. When could he have had time to make a run for it?"
Flynn scowled. "He said he was working with Charlie's old boss...who's apparently a traitor to Atlas. Seriously, Charlie, what the fuck did you get us into?"
"Well, if this guy really is after us, I better stay on my toes. If he plans to kill Charlie, that means he's going to kill me too in the process. Can't let that happen."
Unbeknownst to Flynn, however, Viper was observing Flynn from the shadows of a nearby alleyway. The Gray Jackal assassin looked utterly baffled by Charlie Magnolia's behavior. Or rather, Flynn's behavior.
Okay, this might actually be the weirdest fucking assassination I've ever done in my life. And I once assassinated a Mistral politician in the middle of one of his freaky-ass orgies. I couldn't tell where his body ended and the others began so I think I stabbed a few others by accident. I wouldn't have gotten out of that chaotic mess had it not been for my Semblance.
Viper narrowed his eyes. I was under the impression this Charlie kid was an easy mark, but I hurt him once and he just goes apeshit. No, it's not that he went crazy, it's like he became a completely different person.
Viper's eyes then widened as it hit him. Different person...hold on, is this kid suffering from a split-personality or some shit like that? Wait, no it's not that his personality shifted, I can sense Aura from him too now! That shouldn't be possible. It's one thing if someone's got a split personality or even more than two. But I've never heard of a situation where someone gets Aura when they enter a completely different personality.
Viper rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Does this have something to do with the kid's family? Think, Viper, think, what do you know about the Magnolias besides their business?
Viper scowled. The more I spend thinking about stuff like that, the more likely this guy will get away from me. I can't let that happen. As long as he's alive, one of my fellow assassins will have a very devastating distraction. The kind that could cost Gray Jackal as a whole. Whatever's going on in this kid's stupid head means nothing to me. He'll bleed just like all the rest. And I've got the exact kind of Semblance to catch him off guard and kill him.
Viper then crouched down. My Semblance is known as Lunge. I can teleport a certain amount of distance that's in my immediate line of sight. That was how I managed to escape the van when that psychotic little shit started shooting at me with his drones.
A Semblance like this is perfect for someone like me. I lunge at my victim out of nowhere, kill them, and then lunge to safety. Like so!
Viper suddenly vanished from the spot he was in. His eyes were trained directly on Flynn. Flynn gasped when Viper suddenly appeared right in front of him. "What the fuck?!" He yelled in surprise.
"I've got you!" Viper yelled, taking out his kukri knives and slashing Flynn across the throat.
Viper gasped when Flynn's beige-colored Aura became visible. My attacks couldn't break through his Aura? That shouldn't have happened. Even if this kid's alternate personality does have Aura, it shouldn't be too strong. A bookish nerd like this brat shouldn't have the strength to block my attacks.
Flynn gasped. "Too close!" He exclaimed. "Dopey, Sneezy, shoot him down!"
The two drones named Dopey and Sneezy hovered in front of Viper and fired on him. Viper quickly looked off to the side and 'lunged' away from his prospective victim. Flynn was now both enraged and terrified of this assailant's abilities.
He just appeared out of nowhere. Flynn noted. Is that his Semblance...some kind of spatial manipulation perhaps? Gah, this kind of thinking shit is more Charlie's speed than mine. Unfortunately, he's never in a talkative mood whenever we swap. Well, it's not like I'm that talkative either when he's in control, so I can't really complain.
Still, if this guy is rushing me with his Semblance, he's definitely not messing around. I'm pissed that he's after me, but I don't want to think about what'll happen if he decides to go after someone else. If he, for some reason, goes after Weiss…
Flynn shuddered. I've got to deal with this deranged bastard somehow.
Flynn looked at Charlie's Seven Dwarves. "Bashful, Sleepy, Happy, Grumpy, defense formation alpha."
The four drones quickly moved around Flynn protectively in a diamond formation. Meanwhile, the other three hovered above him. I gotta admit, Charlie's talent with tech is pretty impressive. The newest versions of these guys respond perfectly to a variety of voice commands.
Flynn looked down at the console on his wrist. The first models of the Seven Dwarves required control from this console on my wrist. But now, the Seven Dwarves Mark II has a variety of voice commands. But for super specific stuff, I still need the console to issue commands.
Viper, meanwhile, was already preparing his next attack. He's using those drones to form a defensive perimeter. If it was anyone else, that would be a pretty good idea. But my Semblance makes all of that meaningless. After all, I can immediately appear within the perimeter.
I'll try and cut through his Aura again. I'll get him this time. Assassins are masters of piercing right through the Aura, no matter how strong the Aura. I'll channel my Aura into my kukri knives and take his head!
Viper lunged towards Flynn and appeared right behind him within the defensive perimeter. Flynn gasped, immediately sensing Flynn was planning to make another attempt on his life. He fell to his knees just as Viper attempted to cut him with Aura-enhanced kukri knives.
He sensed the danger just in time. Viper realized as Flynn discreetly issued a command via the console on his arm.
Suddenly, all Seven Dwarves trained their guns on Viper, surrounding him. "All units, Attack Pattern Epsilon!"
The Dwarves all fired in unison. Viper yelled in surprise as the bullets peppered his Aura. Shit, did he already plan ahead for my next attack? Viper looked around. I have to find a gap. I can't lunge if something is obstructing my vision!
Viper thankfully found a gap and quickly vanished from sight. That was way too close for comfort. He thought with relief.
Flynn, meanwhile, looked around and took note of how some of the stray bullets had hit the area around where Viper had been. Attack Pattern Epsilon is risky, considering I'm firing in a circle.
Flynn looked at the destroyed van. If this guy keeps attacking me, I'm going to have to start issuing commands like that. I don't like continuing like this. I need to draw this guy away from Atlas. Maybe I can draw him to some of the soldiers, or maybe I can get him to a more secure location. Either way, I have to get him away from a place like this. I don't want to think about what'll happen if someone gets caught in the crossfire. Charlie would hate himself if something like that happened, and that would make me miserable too.
Flynn then started running. Soldiers are probably running around dealing with whatever the fuck is going on here. I don't know where to run...maybe to where the danger is? No, that's not a good idea, that just puts me in even more danger, and there's also the fact that civilians could already be in danger too, and getting them involved in my problem will make things even worse.
What am I going to do? Do I go back to Atlas Academy? Do I try to get anyone from there involved? Flynn narrowed his eyes. Fuck that, I'm not so pathetic that I need to go to someone for help like this!
Plan B it is, I'll find a secure place to take this guy down, and I've already got a good idea where to go.
Viper then appeared right behind Flynn. Flynn quickly caught on. "Doc, Dopey, turn 180 degrees! Fire!" He commanded.
Viper gasped as Doc and Dopey both turned and trained their guns on him. "Shit, what don't those damn drones respond to?" He demanded, quickly looking off to the side and lunging away from the line of fire.
This guy really doesn't know when to give up, does he? Guess he really does want me dead for getting close with his partner. Flynn noted. What he doesn't know is that I'm starting to figure out his Semblance. Whenever he looks in a different direction, he vanishes. That can only mean he can teleport based on whatever direction he's looking in. That's an odd Semblance, but pretty effective for an assassin.
"Drone cameras, on." Flynn commanded. He also issued a few commands on his console and Doc flew up next to him. Grumpy, meanwhile, flew up to the nearest alleyway. If my theory is correct, then that means he teleported down that alley.
A screen then opened up on top of Doc, revealing exactly what Grumpy was seeing. A shocked Viper. The shared feed revealed exactly what he was supposed to do. He quickly issued a command to Grumpy, who charged up a fireball.
"SHIT!" Viper yelled before Grumpy fired.
The blast sent Viper flying further down the alley. Flynn made sure to use a controlled burst to make sure neither of the buildings were caught in the explosion. That should keep him off my back until I get to the airships. Hopefully there's someone who's still running them, because one thing I can't do is fly. And I know he won't stop pursuing me, especially after that stunt.
Viper groaned as he slowly got to his feet, slightly stunned by the blast. His Aura was visible, having protected him from the fireball. "That little shit is dead when I get my hands on him." He vowed. "I swear, there will be nothing left of him."
Flynn continued to run. He panted heavily. His lungs were gasping for air and reprieve from sprinting. Oh for fuck's sake, Charlie! He complained. I know you prefer spending your time in the lab, but a little cardio wouldn't kill you. It may end up killing me though!
Flynn then saw a few airships up ahead. "Oh, good, there are a few here. Now if I can just find someone to fly me down to Mantle."
I may be acting a bit too hopeful here. I mean, the general's probably scrambled everyone available...but pilots aren't exactly frontline fighters or meant to evacuate people in a situation like this. I've gotta find someone. My plan won't work otherwise.
Flynn then thankfully spotted a pilot exiting a nearby airship. A look of relief washed over his face. He called the drones back to the console, where they would then reattach themselves to his wrist. So, he decided to get the pilot's attention, in the only way that such an aggressive person could.
"Hey, you!" He yelled. "Get in your airship, I need you to take me down to Mantle, right now!"
"Who the hell are you?" The pilot demanded. "Do you even realize what's going on around here, kid?"
"I'm well aware, and there's a lunatic after me!" Flynn yelled. "Now shut up and get your airship up, now! I'm trying to get him away from here."
The pilot just sputtered as Flynn ran up to him and dragged him into his airship. Flynn shoved the pilot into his seat. "Look, just get me down to Mantle and we'll call it good. You don't even have to worry about the return trip, I'll figure it out for myself."
"Kid, I can't just take a flight on demand!"
"You're a trained pilot, aren't you? That means you kind of can!"
Flynn looked out the windows of the airship and saw a very pissed off Viper coming into view. Crap, he's already here!
"Look man, we don't have time to argue. There's someone trying to kill me, now get me out of here! Get us out of here!"
"Oh for fuck's sake!" The pilot exclaimed. He looked to where Flynn was looking and gasped. "Damn it, what the hell did I get dragged into!"
Still, he's just a kid. He's a brat, but I can't hang him out to dry like this.
"Okay, strap in, I'm taking off!" The pilot frantically yelled.
Outside the airship. Viper watched as the airship Flynn ran into lifted off the ground. "So, he's trying to run from me, huh?" Viper growled. "Or maybe he's trying to change locations?"
Viper let out a vicious snarl of pure, unadulterated rage. "As if I'd let him get away from me that easily. If he wants to change locations, then I'm going to make his flight a living hell!"
With that, Viper looked right at the airship and lunged towards it. Inside the airship, Flynn and the pilot both gasped as something crashed onto the roof. "Do you really think you can escape me!" They heard Viper's angry voice.
"Oh shit! He's on the roof! How did he get on the roof?" The pilot frantically wondered.
"That Semblance of his is a colossal pain in the ass!" Flynn snarled.
"His Semblance!" The pilot exclaimed. "You dragged me into an escape from a guy who can teleport?"
"Oh, quit complaining!" Flynn exclaimed. "Look, he only teleported onto the roof. That can only mean he can't enter places through his teleportation Semblance. So just shake him off. You're a pilot, right? Do some sort of cool maneuver and shake him off us!"
A kukri knife suddenly appeared from atop the roof. Viper stabbed downwards. Both men yelped in fear. "Cool maneuver...what do you think this is, Top Rifle?!" The pilot screamed, turning his attention back to Charlie.
"No, just do a barrel roll or some shit like that!" Flynn yelled.
"A barrel roll...now you're thinking of Star Cat!"
"Yeah, well if you don't do a barrel roll right now, this guy is going to find some sort of way into the airship." Flynn reminded him. "And he's not going to let either of us leave here alive!"
"But this isn't the movies or video games, barrel rolls aren't really…"
"Oh for fuck's sake!" Flynn yelled as he reached out and delivered a kick right at the airship's steering wheel.
The pilot yelped as the airship violently barrel-rolled. "You're insane!" The pilot screamed at Flynn.
Viper yelled in shock as the ship suddenly barrel-rolled. "What the hell?!" Viper yelled in shock as the force wrenched his kukri knife out of the airship, making him lose his grip in the process.
"Damn you!" Viper screamed in rage as he began to fall from the sky. "Damn you, damn you, damn you, damn you!"
The pilot groaned as his airship came out of the barrel-roll. "Please don't ever do that again. This ship isn't really meant to do that kind of stuff." He pleaded.
"Oh stow it, it worked." Flynn scoffed. "Now, take me to the abandoned MWD Factory in Mantle."
"Huh? Magnolia Weapons Development? The abandoned factory? That thing closed down after the workers went on strike and the Magnolias couldn't reach an agreement with them."
Flynn scowled, remembering that incident through Charlie. That bitch, Hill, just kept pushing and encouraging the union to demand more until the Magnolias couldn't realistically give up anything else. Truth be told, I'm not too fond of Mantle because they're frankly no better than the so-called 'greedy pigs' they hate so much. They get greedy as soon as they get the chance.
"So why would you want to go there?" The pilot asked.
"Because that guy's not dead yet. He's probably going to use his Semblance to teleport to safety. When that happens, I need to be in a place where I don't have to worry about anyone getting caught in the crossfire!"
"You say that but you dragged me into this shit!" The pilot screamed.
"Yeah, and you've been a big help." Flynn acknowledged. "But that's it, that's all there is to it. I'm not going to get anyone else involved in this fight."
The pilot was taken aback by Flynn's sincerity. He then sighed. "Okay, fine, I'll get you there. You want me to stick around and wait for you to wrap things up?"
"No, this is a one way flight." Flynn responded. "I appreciate the help, but I can take it from here."
Meanwhile, Viper suddenly appeared on a rooftop in Mantle. He snarled at the airship as it flew towards a certain location further away from him. "This is quickly turning into an extremely difficult mark." He admitted.
He tightly gripped his kukri knives. "Like hell I'm just going to back off though. I've never gone back to Gray Jackal a failure, and I sure as shit ain't gonna start now."
With that, Viper began lunging from rooftop to rooftop, hellbent on catching up and killing Flynn, and Charlie with him.
Soon, the airship landed inside an opening within the old factory. Flynn quickly exited. "Thanks for your help, Mr. Pilot. Stay safe, alright. Shit may be about to go down here, but shit is already going down up top too."
"I should be telling you to stay safe, kid." The pilot shook his head. "Good luck."
With that, the pilot reentered the airship and quickly took off. Flynn, meanwhile, quickly called the Seven Dwarves back out. "I planned to lure the guy all the way out here, but the truth is, I'm leaving myself a sitting duck out here." He admitted. "I'm now waiting for this guy to show up. And I don't know where the hell he's going to come from."
Flynn sighed. "I may have all of Charlie's Aura...but I also have his training, or lack thereof. It's hard for me to sense anyone's presence, mainly because Charlie never received any training with our Aura."
With that, Flynn commanded all Seven Dwarves to hover several miles above him, next to the rooftops of the buildings surrounding him. "All I can do is prepare as best I can. Prep with the paranoia of a doomsday conspiracy theorist." Flynn lamented. "And pray to whatever god is listening that the guy's first attack doesn't kill me...kill us."
"But if it doesn't...I'll win." Flynn vowed. "Because even though you're a total wuss...I believe in your genius, Charlie."
And so, Flynn simply stood there, eyes closed as though he were in silent meditation. Admittedly, Flynn was trying desperately to sense for the moment Viper came into his range. However, even the prideful and assertive inner personality of Charlie Magnolia knew that was a useless gesture. Like he said, he had all of Charlie's nonexistent training. Everything he could not do was because Charlie could not do it either. It was the curse of being a split-personality with a bookish, nerdy kid who could not fight to save his life. And now he had to save both of their lives right here and now.
So, he waited, and waited, and waited. Waited for either his victory, or his end. And frankly, that waiting was more terrifying than the fight itself had ever been.
Flynn opened his eyes and took in the sights around him. He was familiar with this place through Charlie. It was a weapons development factory run by the Magnolia Family. They wanted to give the people of Mantle some decent, high-paying jobs that did not involve slaving away in the unsafe Dust mines the Schnees ran. But, unfortunately, that was not good enough for the so-called hero of Mantle, Robyn Hill, who convinced all the workers they were still being heavily underpaid. One thing led to another and the strike led to the factory's closing and abandonment. In the end, a bunch of egos ruined the lives of a lot of workers who got riled up by all those egos.
This clearing he was standing in was where they tested some of the smaller-scale weapons that were developed in the factories. The Magnolias saved a decent buck by setting up a safe testing field for the less destructive weapons. And now, it might very well be his grave.
Unbeknownst to Flynn, Viper had just arrived, hiding himself behind a door that led to a flight of stairs down to the testing field. He's just standing there. I'm guessing he's waiting for me. Viper noted. Probably laying a trap of some sorts.
Viper quickly surveyed the area around him. It's an enclosed area, reinforced by steel that has enough strength to stop even bullets. I think this was a weapons factory back in the day, so this must be their testing grounds.
I don't know what he's planning, but he's made a crucial mistake. He has nowhere to run. These places tend to be sealed off for safety when testing weapons. And because this is an abandoned factory, there shouldn't be a way for him to escape. He's lured himself into a deathtrap of his own design. And as long as I can get in range, he can't safely use those little drones to shoot me without risking himself in the process.
I win, Flynn, Charlie, or whoever the fuck you are. I win.
And with that confident declaration, Viper lunged right into the spot where Flynn was. He was staring him dead in the eyes with his kukri knives, Venomous Fangs, at the ready. Flynn frantically avoided Viper's first couple of swings. But he knew he could not do it for long. Charlie's lack of training was hurting him once again.
I still have a strong Aura...Charlie's Aura. I could theoretically take a few hits from those knives of his. But one good swing enhanced by Aura and I'll probably lose my head.
Unbeknownst to Viper but known to Flynn, all Seven Dwarves were pointed downwards. Viper had been so focused on surveying the ground, he failed to survey above. No, it was not that he had failed to survey above. He never once considered that Flynn had the guts to do something as reckless as what he was about to do, right here and now.
All Seven Dwarves, from Bashful to Doc, were charging up fire dust to the level of a small explosive. And combined together, these seven blasts were going to envelop both men. "You can't escape me!" Viper exclaimed. "You should've just rolled over and died like a good little weakling!"
"Don't you call me a fucking weakling!" Flynn snapped.
"You dodge like a kid dodging a schoolyard bully's punches. You have no real training as a fighter. All you can do is run and rely on your precious drones to protect you. If that's not a weakling, I don't what the fuck is!" Viper exclaimed. "Look at you, you're already panting like a dog in heat! I, on the other hand, can go all day!"
"If I'm so weak, assassin, then why am I the one with the upper hand right now?" Flynn grinned. "Look up."
Viper did as asked and gasped. "Seven Dwarves, fire!" Flynn exclaimed.
"Warning," said the voice on Charlie's console, "you are in the line of fire."
"Disregard." Flynn said. That single word sounded like a death sentence to Viper.
And with that, all Seven Dwarves fired downwards. Viper almost instinctively lunged to a nearby rooftop, desperately trying to escape, only to be grabbed by the arm by Flynn. "Let go!" Viper demanded.
"What's wrong, you can't teleport with some extra baggage?" Flynn taunted. "I win, asshole."
And with that, the fire bombs exploded, enveloping both men in a blast of hellfire. The force of the blast sent Flynn flying right into the wall all the way behind him. Flynn let out a yell of pain as his Aura became visible. It then shattered, just as the flames let up. Flynn then landed awkwardly, gasping as he felt his right angle roll and bend at an unnatural angle.
"Fuck!" The alternate personality cursed.
I guess that's the last of our Aura. Flynn realized. Thank goodness it's strong...as long as I'm in control.
After all, I'm the manifestation of all of Charlie's anger, frustration and assertiveness. The result of him suppressing everything and just being a doormat to his family, hiding away and tinkering with his machines. With all that emotion, of course our Aura is going to be strong. But...this is the end of it for now.
Flynn looked at the fire, thankfully under control. It had nowhere to spread. This area was designed to seal away disasters so that they would not spread, disasters like fires. At least, it would hold out until a fire department would show up to contain the fires. Of course Flynn would know that. Charlie knew that, because it was his family's factory. Flynn looked over and saw an old door. It should still open up if he pulled hard enough.
But he could not leave yet. He had to make sure Viper was never going to come after him or Charlie, ever again. Flynn began limping towards the fire. The Seven Dwarves hovered up behind him. He yelled into the flames. "Hey, assassin! Are you still alive there? Or did you go up in flames?"
"If you are, how about you get your ass out here and let's finish this." Flynn suggested. "Because I'll be damned if I let you leave here alive! You hear me, Viper?"
Flynn then heard a familiar snarl of rage from the flames. He watched as Viper limped out with horrific, visible burn marks all over his body that were barely being healed by his Aura, or what was left of it. His purple Aura was visible and flickering like a barely-working light switch. He was on his last legs like Flynn was, but still very pissed off.
"You deranged little shit." Viper growled. "You blew us both up?"
"So, am I still weak, huh?" Flynn taunted. "Maybe I'm not as tough as you, but I won't lose in guts."
"Do you think this changes anything?" Viper demanded. "Because right now, the way I see it, you're nothing more than a wounded animal that I just need to finish off."
"In case you've forgotten, my Semblance still makes me faster than you. And with your Aura gone, all I need is one good hit." Viper reminded him.
I've got enough in me for one lunge. I'll kill him. I swear I'll kill him.
"We'll just have to see about that, won't we." Flynn grinned. "Too bad this ain't high noon. It'd be almost cinematic if it was."
Viper narrowed his eyes. "Bring it on, Flynn."
The two wounded fighters stared each other down. The flames flickered violently. Viper roared with fury and then lunged towards Flynn. Flynn took a deep breath and then put as much weight as he could muster on his bad leg.
Flynn let out a yell of pain as he buckled and fell just as Viper appeared. Viper was already mid-swing when he lunged. His Venomous Fangs had been aimed to take Flynn's head. However, due to Flynn deliberately making himself fall, he had nothing to strike.
"FIRE!" Flynn commanded.
Viper could only look up in shock as the Seven Dwarves trained their guns on him. The Dwarves fired and Viper was riddled with fiery bullets. He let out a pained gasp. The holes were cauterized due to the fire, but they were all still fatal.
"Well...shit." Viper groaned as he began stumbling about.
Flynn looked up impassively at Viper. Viper then smirked. "I hope you realize what you've gotten yourself into, kid. This won't end with me. Gray Jackal never forgets slights against them, and that includes killing one of their agents. Who knows, maybe your precious boss will be the one to do it?"
"Things are only going to get a lot worse for you from here on out. See you...in...hell…" Viper collapsed onto his back, dead before he hit the ground.
Flynn sighed and forced himself to his feet. The drones returned to the console on his wrist. "Hopefully not too soon, you son of a bitch." Flynn promised as he limped to the door.
When he reached the door, he dug his good foot in the ground and pulled as hard as he could. Flynn then limped inside and made sure to close the door. He then made his way to the exit. "I've gotta...get out of here, make sure Charlie doesn't see the mess I made." Flynn said weakly.
"He doesn't need to know that...technically he's a killer."
Flynn eventually reached the abandoned factory's front door, and was treated to a surprise. The airship from before was touching down. The pilot quickly made his way outside and grabbed onto Flynn to support him.
"Didn't I tell you this was a one way flight?" Flynn reminded him.
"Yeah, but leaving a kid to fend for himself doesn't sit right with me, especially when it's a good kid." The pilot admitted as he gently helped Flynn back into the airship. "Besides, the fire department will be here soon, and if you brought that guy here to deal with him, I doubt you want to be at the scene of the crime, right?"
"You could get into a lot of trouble, you know."
"Not as long as they don't find out."
"What's your name, Mr. Pilot."
"Eugene, what's yours?"
"...Flynn."
"Good to meet you, Flynn. Now let's get you somewhere up-top where you can get that ankle treated." Eugene the pilot sat Flynn down and strapped him in.
As the airship lifted up, Flynn reached into his pocket and pulled out his glasses, undamaged by the fight. Good, these things are what allow us to switch back and forth...well, more specifically, when Charlie loses his glasses in a stressful situation, I come out.
Flynn sighed. I should be upset they're still good. If they were destroyed, I could be in control forever. He admitted inwardly.
Flynn relaxed into his seat and then smiled. Well, considering his machines saved us...I'll throw him a bone. Just this once.
As the airship flew back to Atlas to safety, fire crews moved onto the scene in the abandoned weapons factory. Meanwhile, up top, Atlas's mission control was horrified when their monitors picked up two very horrific readings on their radars. Specifically, one reading was in the sky and the other was on the ground, and both were making their way to Atlas and Mantle.
"Get him on the line, get General Ironwood on the line, right now!" The head of mission control frantically stated.
His subordinates quickly did just that. "What is it, Ritter?" Came Ironwood's voice.
"General, the situation has just gone from bad to worse. We just picked up two readings on radar. One in the sky and one on the ground."
"How bad?"
"Well, the ones in the sky are obviously a swarm of flying Grimm...General, they're going to where our defenses got hit by the bombs." Ritter pointed out.
"Send me the locations and I'll send some people to defend the area. What's the other reading?"
Ritter gulped. "Sir, this one's even worse than the other. We're picking up reports of a small army coming towards Mantle. Based on the readings we think it's people."
On the other end of the line, Ironwood's eyes widened, immediately knowing what it was. "Sir?" Came Ritter's voice.
"Mobilize as many people on the ground as you can and get them to defend the area!" Ironwood ordered. "It's them! The escapees from the maximum security prisons! And get the AceOps on the line! Tell them to get back to Atlas now, double time!"
Why the hell are they here? Ironwood wondered. Revenge? Damn it, we can't lose Mantle!
And finally, Hansel Kobalt reached a certain distance between himself and Rainn Biggs. He quickly placed both hands behind his back and fired off his Purgatory Flames like thrusters. He used the increased speed to rocket himself in front of Rainn, landing gracefully in front of the fleeing Gray Jackal Infiltrator.
Rainn skidded to a stop on the ice path he created. The blades on his shoes retracted back into the bottom. Hansel raised an eyebrow at his method of travel. Ice skates? That was how he was traveling?
"You know," Rainn frowned, "I kinda figured you were incredibly determined, but this is...well, frankly you now seem more obsessive than determined."
Hansel scowled, uninterested in responding to Rainn's taunts. He simply brandished Wolf Fang at Rainn. "You're not leaving until you've answered for your crimes." He promised.
Rainn responded by brandishing his hands, which had a wintery mist surrounding them both. "Go ahead and try, boy."
AN: This was actually a very fun chapter to right, mainly because this is the first time I've written a character with a split personality. I mean, yeah, you can argue Ichigo and Hollow Ichigo are two personalities, but I think Flynn and Charlie are the first 'real' split-personality duo I've ever written. Hope everyone enjoyed this rather experimental chapter. We're finally in the endgame of the Atlas Investigation arc, which is great because we spent way too much time here, honestly. See you all next time.