Chapter 10: Battle of the Breach
The next morning, 16th September 18 BBY, 3:00 am…
Nathan jolted awake as the sound of music aroused him from his slumber. Groaning, he sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
"Gah!"
Nathan swung his head in the direction of the sudden exclamation, seeing Jaune holding his scroll, apparently having been called by Ruby.
The call ended, and Jaune held his scroll close. "Ruby?" He muttered to himself.
"Something up there, Jaune?" Nathan asked quietly.
Jaune jumped and looked at Nathan, relaxing. "Yeah. Just got a call from Ruby, and all I heard was static for a few seconds before the call ended."
Nathan frowned, then grunted softly as a bad feeling took hold.
"What's up?" Jaune asked.
"It's the Force. I'm feeling a minor disturbance." Nathan replied. "It's like the air around us is holding its breath, waiting for something bad to happen."
"You think it's something to do with why Ruby called me?" Jaune inquired.
"It honestly wouldn't surprise me." Nathan answered. "But on the other hand, I really hope not. The last thing I need on my mind is the thought that Weiss could be in danger."
Jaune nodded. "Speaking of… when are you gonna tell Weiss?"
"Tell Weiss what, Jaune?" Nathan asked.
"How you feel about her." Jaune answered.
Nathan sighed. "When I feel that the time is right, Jaune." He replied. "Like you and Pyrrha, I don't want to jump in balls first and wind up hurting Weiss in the process. I might tell her after the mission, or hell, maybe when New Year's rolls around. But for now, all I can do is wait until I feel the time is right."
"How will you know when that is, though?" Jaune asked.
"I don't know." Nathan replied. "Whatever the case, it's up to me or Weiss, now. We'll see what happens."
Jaune nodded. "I guess. I guess you can't plan for everything."
"Nah." Nathan stated. "Sometimes, you have to just say 'fuck it' and make shit up as you go along. Worked during the Clone Wars, and stuff like this is no different." Pausing, Nathan added: "I hope."
Jaune chuckled. "That's what all plans are built on." Jaune remarked. "Hope that they actually work."
"You're right about that." Nathan replied.
They sat awhile in silence, before Jaune then added:
"I'm still sorry for our recent spat over Weiss." He said. "I should have listened when she said no the first time. Maybe if I had; I'd be dating Pyrrha already."
"To be honest, you sound like you have a history of pursuing girls way out of your league." Nathan remarked. "
Jaune chuckled. "And the award for Most Obvious Statement of the Century goes to Nathan Phoenix."
Nathan snorted. "Might as well nickname me 'Obvious Nathan'." He joked.
"Thanks for the idea. I'll tell Weiss next time we talk." Jaune replied.
"Wow…" Nathan muttered, rolling his eyes as he once more settled down to sleep. He had a long day tomorrow.
Later that morning, Beacon Landing Pads, 7:30 am…
"I'm sure they're fine." Pyrrha stated as they approached their Bullhead, the sun beginning to peek over the horizon like a burglar making sure nobody was home.
"You think?" Jaune asked.
"Probably a butt dial." Nora reasoned.
"At three in the morning? Don't think so, somehow." Nathan stated, looking back at Nora.
"Team RWBY has always performed exceptionally in the field." Ren pointed out. "We should be focusing on our own mission."
"We're going to be deputies!" Nora said cheerfully.
Nathan chuckled as he joined Jaune and Pyrrha, hearing them talk:
"I've just got this feeling… I don't know." Jaune was saying.
"Jaune…" Pyrrha said, about to say something reassuring.
"I have a feeling, too." Nathan said. "Like… like the air is holding its breath, waiting for something bad to happen."
Pyrrha eyed both of them, but before they could say anything, they heard it:
The haunting wail of alarms blaring throughout Vale.
The sound sent a chill the size of Beacon Tower crawling up the spines of Team JNNPR, although Nora comically covered her ears to block the sound out once the alarms started blaring from Beacon as well.
"We're changing our mission." Jaune stated. "Everyone on board!"
Nathan nodded, and together, JNNPR all headed towards the Bullhead, Jaune waiting to see his team all inside before saying to the pilot:
"Take us into the city!"
At that, the Bullhead lifted off and carried them towards Vale.
Nathan reached out with the Force once they had lifted off, and soon sensed four familiar presences:
Those of Team RWBY.
Nathan took a deep breath, and focused in on Weiss. He could sense that she was tired, but good to go. Nathan opened his eyes and sighed. Now might be the time, he thought to himself.
A hand found his shoulder, and Nathan looked to see Pyrrha stood there.
"Remind me never to discredit your instincts again." Pyrrha said.
Nathan nodded, and wrapped an arm around Pyrrha, smiling. "Let's wait until after we've seen off those Grimm, Pyrrha. Then I'll roast your tits off for not trusting my instincts." Pausing, Nathan leaned in and whispered: "Even if you'll need them to feed Jaune's babies."
Pyrrha jolted and blushed madly as Nathan chuckled, shaking her head and rolling her eyes.
Nathan smiled at her. Nothing like a joke to lighten the mood ahead of a fight.
With Weiss, Vale…
Myrtenaster felt a little heavier in Weiss' hand as the King Taijitu roared overhead, staring across the city square, seeing more and more Beowolves and Creeps entering the square. She was aware of Blake being to her left, Ruby to her right, and Yang right behind her as she tightened her grip on Myrtenaster, prepared for what she was sure was going to be an exhausting battle.
She was still tired from the fighting on the train, and she was certain the rest of her teammates felt much the same way. I hope reinforcements are on their way, Weiss thought to herself. Most of all, she hoped Nathan was somehow on his way, too.
Weiss allowed a small smile to cross her face at the thought of Nathan. Even when on the mission, Nathan had refused to leave her mind. Despite every effort she made to focus on the mission, the thought of Nathan at the dance, smiling at her as she danced with him made Weiss want to turn back, return to Beacon, and give him the biggest kiss she could muster. Even now, her heart was going insane, not just pumping adrenaline and blood through her body, but the love she knew she had for Nathan. She would get through this and see him again. And when she did, she knew she would tell him how she felt. She only hoped that he felt the same way.
The King Taijitu roared once again, and before long, the rest of the Grimm charged, seeking their prey.
Weiss immediately met a Beowolf head on, slashing Myrtenaster across its throat and beheading the mindless beast. Another Beowolf followed suit, before Weiss spun around and thrust Myrtenaster through a third.
Withdrawing her blade, Weiss took a step or two back, as one of her glyphs formed beneath her, and unleashed an ice-fuelled slash that felled several more Grimm.
Catching her breath, Weiss looked.
There were still so many Grimm left.
And Weiss wasn't sure she could manage with how little sleep she'd had.
But she would fight on regardless, because that was what a Schnee should do.
Switching out ice dust for fire, Weiss unleashed a torrent of flame with the help of her glyphs, using another as a springboard to then run through a Creep trying to take a bite out of her.
Yanking her blade free, Weiss used the momentum to behead a Beowolf trying to sneak up behind her, stabbing a Creep through the mouth.
At that, a Beowolf dashed towards her, slashing at her with its claws.
Ducking immediately, Weiss span away from the Beowolf, casting more fire at it to give herself some breathing room and assess her surroundings.
"SMASH!"
Weiss looked up to see a familiar blur of pink and white hammer down on the King Taijitu before leaping back to rejoin Jaune, Pyrrha and Ren.
Team JNPR had arrived.
Weiss allowed a soft smile to cross her face, but her expression fell when she couldn't see Nathan among them.
The breath suddenly exploded from her lungs as something large smashed into her from nearby, sending her flying into a wall to her right. Groaning, Weiss got to her feet to find herself facing an Alpha Beowolf. Sighing, Weiss steeled herself for what was sure to be a difficult fight.
Until suddenly, an unseen force sent the Alpha flying, crashing into a few other Beowolves, who now focused their attention all on Weiss.
Weiss was also sent flying, but reached her feet before facing the Beowolves. Where had that unseen force came from? She wondered.
Then came a sound she had been hoping to hear since the battle had started.
The signature snap-hiss of a lightsaber igniting.
"Need some help?"
Weiss looked, and immediately smiled when she saw Nathan stood there.
He was here after all.
Nathan stared Weiss down, smiling as he saw the relief in her eyes and the happy smile crossing her face.
Primal growls drew their attention, and Nathan and Weiss found themselves facing the Beowolves again.
Taking a moment to eye one another, Nathan shrugged before dashing forwards, slashing upwards at the first Beowolf, which soon fell to the floor in two separate pieces before beginning to dissolve.
The second Beowolf soon followed, its head bisected from its body.
Turning to another nearby Beowolf, Nathan reached out with the Force, pulling the beast towards him and impaling them on his lightsaber.
The fourth Beowolf charged, swiping down at Nathan, who smirked.
Dodging to the side, Nathan spun around so that he was behind the Beowolf, slashing down and cutting a deep gouge into the beast's back from shoulder to hip, then adding another slash that left the wolf like beast in two separate halves.
Several more Beowolves appeared behind him, and immediately began clawing and gnashing at him, hoping to score a major blow against the fiery haired Jedi.
Nathan blocked all of these attacks before lashing out with a Force push to send them back, just in time for his back to come into contact with something else behind him.
Whirling around, Nathan slashed down instinctively, only to find a thin blade stopping his as he found himself staring into the familiar, beautiful icy blue eyes of Weiss.
Their faces were mere feet apart, and they could feel one another's breath caressing their faces.
Nathan could see the fatigue in Weiss's eyes, but with the resolve to carry on until the fighting was finished. There was something else too. Something he sensed was only there because he was in such close proximity to Weiss.
Was that…
Seeing the Alpha Beowolf approaching, Nathan shoved Weiss aside and used the Force to pull it torwards him, lunging forward with his lightsaber, stabbing the larger variant of Grimm dead centre in the chest.
He watched as Weiss joined him, leaping on the creature's back and stabbing it.
Jerking his lightsaber free, Nathan watched as the beast fell to the ground and Weiss jumped off, landing next to him.
Their eyes met, and Nathan smiled. Even in battle, Weiss was still so beautiful.
"Nobody move! Junior detectives!"
Nathan and Weiss looked to see Sun and Neptune had arrived, and Nathan rolled his eyes when he saw the small bronze badge in Sun's hand. "Of course." Nathan muttered.
"We have badges, so you know it's official!" Neptune added, holding up his own with a fist pump before sharing a fist bump with Sun.
Nathan sighed, before something above Sun and Neptune drew his attention:
It was one of Ironwood's large battle cruisers, accompanied by numerous smaller ships.
Nathan had to smile, relieved to see even more reinforcements join the fray. General Ironwood's fleet couldn't have had better timing.
He watched as some of the smaller ships came down near to ground level, allowing numerous robotic soldiers to descend and join the fray, firing on the Grimm.
Nathan was briefly reminded of when he had been on Geonosis for the first battle of the Clone Wars, and how Master Yoda had arrived in the nick of time with the newly commissioned Clone Army, officially kicking off the Battle of Geonosis and the Clone Wars. Taking a deep breath, Nathan looked to see that three more people had joined the battle:
Emerald, Mercury, and a third person he didn't recognise:
It was a tall, fair skinned and beautiful young woman in her early to mid-twenties, with ashen black hair that hung over intelligent amber eyes, the left was which was mostly covered by her hair.
She was wearing a dark-red, off-the-shoulders, v-neck mini dress with yellow designs that had a blue feather-like accessory on her right hip, at the top of an open portion of her dress. The dress ended in an upside-down triangular tail in the back, ending just above the knees. Slightly visible beneath her dress was a pair of black shorts, alongside a black choker around her neck. Dangling from her right ear was a gold loop earring. Completing her look were dark, glass, high-heeled shoes and a jeweled anklet on her right leg.
Nathan watched as she nodded to Emerald and Mercury, who took off in separate directions, Mercury kicking back an Ursa with a powerful kick whilst Emerald headed down a street leading out of the main square.
Looking to Weiss, Nathan asked: "You gonna be okay?"
Weiss nodded. "Go." She replied, smiling warmly. "Just be careful, okay?" She asked.
Nathan nodded, before he surged forwards, rejoining the battle. He lived for moments like these.
With Pyrrha…
Nathan landed near Pyrrha and immediately cut down a Beowolf, promptly hurling his lightsaber at a group of Creeps rushing towards them, cutting them all down.
A Boarbatusk appeared, and immediately charged towards them.
Nathan reached out with the Force, and lifted it into the air, looking to Pyrrha. "Now!" He shouted.
Pyrrha nodded, and hurled Miló in its spear form at the suspended Boarbatusk, catching it in the underbelly.
Letting the dissolving boar-like Grimm fall to the floor, Nathan called Miló back to his hand, then tossed it to Pyrrha.
"Nathan, behind you!" Pyrrha shouted.
Stepping to the side, Nathan promptly brought his lightsaber down hard on the neck of a Beowolf, beheading the wolfish creature of Grimm. Seeing an Ursa approaching, Nathan lashed out with a Force Push, shoving the bear against a nearby wall.
Switching Miló into rifle form, Pyrrha opened fire on the Ursa, until it fell, dissolving into nothingness.
Sensing a Creep sneaking up on them, Nathan spun around, driving his lightsaber through the Grimm's mouth, jerking his lightsaber free just in time to cut down two Beowolves, cutting the first one in two, and leaving the second with only part of its head.
Looking to his right, he saw Pyrrha fighting off several more Beowolves, and hurled his lightsaber at them, beheading them all before recalling his lightsaber to his hand.
His eyes met Pyrrha's, and they shared a smile, before a loud screech drew their attention:
Looking towards the noise, they saw that a large Deathstalker had joined the battle.
Nathan walked over to where Pyrrha was stood, gesturing to the Deathstalker. "Think we can take that thing down? Been a while since the Emerald Forest."
Pyrrha smiled and nodded.
At that, Nathan and Pyrrha charged the Deathstalker together, weapons raised.
Nathan was the first to score a hit, lashing out with a quick Force push that knocked the Deathstalker off balance.
Pyrrha used the opening Nathan made for her to fire on the Deathstalker's eyes with Miló in rifle form, blinding the scorpion-like Grimm.
The Deathstalker screeched in pain, covering up with its claws and lashing out with its tail.
Raising her shield, Pyrrha blocked the stinger, shouting: "Nathan!"
At that, Nathan leapt into the air, slashing through the Deathstalker's tail and removing the Deathstalker's most potent weapon.
Screeching in agony, the Deathstalker soon blindly charged them.
"Together!" Nathan shouted as he and Pyrrha charged the Deathstalker in turn, dropping beneath it as the beast tried to grab them with its claws, stabbing upwards into the Deathstalker's exposed underbelly.
By the time they got up from the other side, the Deathstalker was already dissolving.
Nathan and Pyrrha eyed each other, sharing a smile as another Bullhead flew in. Seeing this, they rushed to rejoin the battle. It was far from won.
With Jaune…
Blocking an attempt to claw him to smithereens, Jaune countered with a stab that downed the Beowolf in front of him. Jerking Crocea Mors free, Jaune rolled forwards to avoid a boarbatusk's charge, spinning around to face the boar-like creature of Grimm.
Only to find Nathan and Pyrrha stood where the beast had been, seeing it dissolving.
"Seriously?" Jaune asked. "You couldn't have left it for-"
"DUCK!" Nathan shouted, hurling his lightsaber at Jaune.
Yelping, Jaune indeed ducked, hearing the familiar scorching schlock of Nathan's lightsaber piercing flesh. Getting up, Jaune grinned at Nathan, who then shouted:
"AGAIN!"
Hearing the hum of Nathan's lightsaber getting progressively louder, Jaune ducked again, seeing Nathan's lightsaber return to his hand. Getting to his feet, Jaune rejoined Nathan and Pyrrha, standing with his back to them. "Looks like Team CFVY's here." He remarked. "Have a feeling the battle's starting to wind down."
"There's still a lot of Grimm in the area." Pyrrha replied.
"Meaning this battle's still far from over." Nathan replied. "Come on, let's find Ren and Nora."
"Yeah." Jaune stated. "Come on, you two, let's move!"
At that, Jaune, Nathan and Pyrrha headed off in search of their teammates.
It didn't take long for them to find Ren and Nora.
The pair were back to back, fighting off several Ursai.
Surging forwards, Nathan hurled his lightsaber at the same time Pyrrha hurled her shield Akoúo̱ in the opposite direction, taking out all of the surrounding Ursai save for the one directly in front of them; which towered over them.
"Ursa Major!" Nathan called out.
"Pyrrha, Nathan; take the legs!" Jaune bellowed.
"Got it!" Nathan shouted, sliding beneath the massive bearlike Grimm and cutting its left leg off, getting up as Pyrrha severed its right leg.
Nathan looked to see Nora rushing to Pyrrha, shouting: "Pyrrha, heads up!"
Pyrrha looked, saw Nora, and nodded, dropping to one knee and holding Akoúo̱ up above her head as Nora jumped onto the shield, using her grenade launcher to propel her up into the air, raising her hammer and bringing it down hard onto the Ursa Major's head, crushing it.
As the Ursa Major dissolved, JNNPR regrouped and looked over the battle.
Nearby, Team CFVY had cleared up the square, and were taking out any remaining Grimm in that vicinity.
Professor Port and Doctor Oobleck were fighting off some remaining Grimm near a ruined stretch of road running past the square.
All the while, Team RWBY were fighting their way through a small group of Grimm to reach JNNPR.
Finally, they rejoined JNNPR, at which the nine of them watched as another familiar face came storming onto the battlefield:
Professor Goodwitch.
The deputy headmistress of Beacon stormed towards Port and Oobleck, the picture of fury as she levelled her riding crop at the hole in the floor where Nathan assumed the Grimm had come from.
Before long, pieces of debris from all over the place cascaded towards this hole, filling it up and stopping any Grimm from coming through the hole.
Nathan smiled before eyeing his teammates and Team RWBY.
His eyes once again met those of Weiss, and they shared a warm smile before Nora asked:
"What now?"
"We'd better clear up the remaining Grimm." Jaune replied.
"Jaune's right. Let's do this!" Ruby declared, as she and Team RWBY surged forward.
At that, Team JNPR did the same, planning on rejoining the battle.
Nathan made to join them, but then spotted something out of the corner of his eye:
Looking, Nathan scowled as he saw a familiar visage:
That of Roman Torchwick slipping away, using the cover of the battle to make his getaway.
Not on my watch, Nathan thought to himself, breaking into a sprint towards Torchwick and leaping forward and over the crime boss, landing in front of him. "Where do you think you're going, Torch-dick?" Nathan asked, igniting his lightsaber.
Torchwick scowled at Nathan, raising his cane to fire at Nathan.
Flicking his lightsaber upwards, Nathan pushed Torchwick's cane up as the crime boss fired. Spinning his lightsaber, Nathan brought it down in an attempt to slash Torchwick across the left shoulder.
Torchwick raised his cane to block the blow, using the resulting weapon lock to land a fierce left hook to Nathan's jaw.
Nathan staggered back, shaking his head to clear it of the cobwebs before doubling over as Torchwick jabbed him in the gut with his cane.
Smirking, Torchwick pulled the trigger.
The resulting explosion sent Nathan flying backwards, although Nathan landed on his feet just fine.
A quick check on his scroll told Nathan his aura was doing fine, though it was now well into the yellow, when it was in the green before.
Nathan took that as the warning it was, looking up to see Torchwick levelling his cane at him again. Leaping forward, Nathan used his momentum to carry him into a forward roll, getting to his feet just in time to block another clubbing blow from Torchwick. Spinning his way out of that lock, Nathan landed a kick to the back of Torchwick's left knee.
Grunting in pain, Torchwick backed away from Nathan, raising his cane again to attack.
Parrying that blow, Nathan countered with a quick jab to Torchwick's belly. When that was parried, Nathan revealed it had in fact been a feint, and slashed Torchwick across the chest, lashing out with a Force Push that sent Torchwick sprawling. Breaking into a run, Nathan charged the crime boss, leaping up into the air, spinning around in mid air and using that rotation to place extra momentum into his next slash as he brought his lightsaber down upon Torchwick.
Torchwick raised his cane to block the blow, and managed to break the weapons lock, once again raising his cane and bringing it down onto Nathan, hoping to give Nathan a crack on the head and knock him out so that Torchwick could escape.
Nathan parried the blow and kicked Torchwick back, advancing on the crime boss and jabbing once again at the crime boss' belly. When that was parried, Nathan brought his lightsaber down hard onto Torchwick's cane, managing to knock it aside, enabling Nathan to strike another blow, this time across Torchwick's shoulder.
In desperation, Torchwick lunged forward with his cane hoping to strike a debilitating blow to Nathan.
Parrying the blow, Nathan spun around so that he was behind Torchwick, slashing at the crime boss and slashing him across his back.
Torchwick then spun around wildly, recklessly slashing his cane at Nathan in a wide arc.
Jumping back to avoid the blow, Nathan stepped forward, and with a flick of his wrist, slashed Torchwick across his wrist, causing Torchwick to drop his cane.
With that, Nathan let out a victorious shout, and slashed Torchwick across the torso, seeing orange energy crackle and die, telling Nathan that he had dropped Torchwick's aura.
Torchwick hit the floor, groaning as he tried to get to his feet.
Nathan used the Force and called Torchwick's cane to his hand, levelling it at Torchwick himself.
Torchwick sat up, saw Nathan with his cane, and grunted: "Oh, come on!"
"Hands up, Torchdick." Nathan said. "It's over."
Shortly thereafter…
"You were all class out there, Nathan!" Jaune declared as he patted Nathan on the back. "That was amazing!"
Nathan shrugged. Him, his teammates, Sun, Neptune, CFVY, Port, Oobleck and Team RWBY were all gathered near an airship, onto which Torchwick was being loaded. "Just doing my part, ladies and gentlemen." He replied.
"Aw, don't be so bashful, Nate!" Yang said. "After today, you're going to be the talk of the school."
"Yang raises a good point, Nathan." Coco added from across the circle everyone was making. "You kicked ass out there."
"Well… Nathan is our secret weapon." Jaune replied.
"Well, I doubt he'll be much of a secret after today." Port remarked. "You acquitted yourself most honourably, young man."
"Yes, yes! You truly are a capable warrior." Oobleck added, smiling at Nathan.
Nathan smiled bashfully a little bit, at which he looked to see that Emerald and Mercury had joined them.
"Not bad, kid. You were pretty badass." Mercury remarked.
"Okay, okay I get it. But honestly… all of you were amazing out there, too!" Nathan said. "Especially Jaune. He's improved big time since coming to Beacon."
"Well… I have a good teacher." Jaune replied, eyeing Pyrrha, who smiled at him.
Nathan smiled at that himself before his eyes met those of Weiss.
They shared a warm look before they were interrupted by Professor Goodwitch:
"I may not be the first to tell you that you all did well, but alas, I say it now: Well done, students. Despite some of you having other missions to attend to, you abandoned those missions when immediate danger came your way, and took action." Pausing, Goodwitch adds: "As a thank you for your impeccable efforts today, those of you that were set to start your missions today no longer need to go on those missions. For today proves that which no mission could; you are all set to become great Huntsmen and Huntresses in the future."
Nathan felt himself puff his chest out a little more at that, smiling widely.
"Furthermore, while a great many people have been injured from this incident, thankfully, no-one has lost their lives." Goodwitch added. "So for that, you all may pat yourself on the back. You saved many a life today, students. Take pride in that." Pausing, Goodwitch added: "Bullheads will be arriving shortly to pick all of you up. I shall see you all back at school." At that, Goodwitch spun on her heel and walked off, leaving them all alone.
As she did, Nathan watched her, before feeling something against his right leg. Looking down, Nathan smiled when he found himself faced with an adorable little corgi dog. "Well, hello…" Nathan said as he knelt down, scratching the dog behind the ears. "Yeah… have a nice scratch." Nathan cooed.
The dog responded by laying down and rolling onto his belly.
Chuckling, Nathan promptly began rubbing the corgi's belly, finishing off by booping them on the nose.
Standing up, Nathan looked to see the ship carrying Torchwick lifting off. "Well, that's Torchdick sorted out." He remarked.
"Hopefully, that's the last we see of him." Weiss stated. "For a while, at least."
"Something tells me it will be." Pyrrha replied.
"Well; until that day comes, I think we could all use some rest." Jaune remarked.
"Couldn't agree more." Ruby said, as some Bullheads arrived.
Nathan soon joined his teammates and Team RWBY on one of the Bullheads as it lifted off back towards Beacon.
Nathan allowed himself a deep breath as he looked at Weiss again. I need to tell her soon, Nathan thought. But he could use a little bit of rest first.
Beacon Cliffs, 19:15 pm…
The pieces of Nathan's lightsaber fit together perfectly, each individual component falling into place just right, reassembling as if it had never been disassembled at all.
Reaching out with one hand, Nathan took his now reassembled lightsaber in his hand, standing up and turning around as he switched it on.
The signature snap-hiss of the lightsaber coming to life brought sound to the quiet tranquil cliffside, and the blue blade extended from the hilt as it had when Nathan had first constructed it.
Which was when Nathan realised his lightsaber was pointed towards a guest:
"Weiss!" Nathan said with surprise, switching off his lightsaber as he approached Weiss.
"Pyrrha told me I'd find you here." Weiss replied. "What were you doing?"
"Ah, meditating, disassembling and then reassembling my lightsaber, finding inner peace… you know; Jedi shit." Nathan answered.
Weiss giggled and raised an eyebrow. "Jedi shit?" She asked.
"Yeah. Jedi shit." Nathan responded, before realisation came to him. "Wait… did you just swear?"
Weiss sighed. "You may be rubbing off on me more than I'm willing to admit." Weiss confessed.
"Told you." Nathan teased.
Weiss rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Yeah… you did."
Nathan chuckled as he led Weiss back to the edge of the cliff, sitting down.
Weiss joined him, at which Nathan asked:
"So… how'd the mission go? Until you decided to crash a train through the floor of Vale and nearly unleash a horde of Grimm upon the city?"
Weiss giggled, but nodded. "Very well. We did start on a minor hiccup when it was discovered Ruby had snuck her and Yang's family dog Zwei with us on the trip, but Doctor Oobleck praised Ruby for bringing him along."
Realising Zwei must have been the cute dog he'd petted a bit following the battle, Nathan nodded.
"We quickly encountered Grimm, and during the ensuing battle, Doctor Oobleck asked each of us sporadically what made us wish to become Huntresses. Following that… we sought shelter to make camp."
Nathan nodded. "Sounds simple enough."
"Sometime early this morning, Zwei woke Ruby up so he could go to the bathroom." Weiss continued. "Whilst… doing so, Ruby happened to overhear two White Fang soldiers on patrol. However, before she could warn us, the ground collapsed and she was subsequently captured by the White Fang and brought before Torchwick. Courtesy of Zwei, we found her before he could commence any serious interrogation, by which time Torchwick boarded a train bound for Vale, carrying weapons, munitions, and explosives intended to blow holes in the ceiling of the tunnel in order to all Grimm to funnel in."
"That was their plan? Crash a train through the floor of Vale and unleash a horde of Grimm upon the city?" Nathan asked.
"As well as commit some form of terrorist attack." Weiss reasoned. "In our efforts to stop the train, I was confronted by a ranking White Fang officer wielding a chainsaw."
"Sounds like someone watched too much Anima Chainsaw Massacre." Nathan quipped.
Weiss giggled. "It would not surprise me. We fought, and I will admit; I was defeated. Blake managed to stop worse from happening, though."
"That's good." Nathan replied. "I'm guessing you guys crashed through the floor of Vale not long later."
Weiss nodded. "Indeed. And you know the rest, as I have told you."
Nathan smiled, before facing Weiss again. "You said earlier on that Doctor Oobleck asked you why you wanted to become a Huntress." He said. "What'd you say in response?"
Weiss took a deep breath, meeting Nathan's gaze. "I said I wanted to uphold my family's legacy; restore the honour and prestige my father has stripped away from it." Weiss replied. "Since my father took over, the business has operated in a… moral grey area." Standing up, Weiss added: "Which is why I feel the need to make things right. If I had accepted a job in Atlas… nothing would change. My father was not the beginning of my family name; and he will not be the end of it, either."
Nathan nodded. "He won't be." He said, standing up and facing Weiss. "Because you'll be right there to see to it that he's nothing more than a footnote in your family's history. All the while forging your own legacy as well; independent of the Schnee Dust Company. By the time all is said and done… you won't need the SDC… the SDC will need you."
The same smile crossing Weiss' face when Nathan had promised he'd protect her from her father now found its way across Weiss' face again as she met his gaze, looking into his eyes, and him into hers. "Thank you, Nathan… you've been a true friend to me ever since we met earlier this year."
Nathan took a deep breath. "Anything for the most beautiful woman in the galaxy." He replied.
Realisation of what Nathan had said struck Weiss like a lightning bolt, and she immediately found herself blushing.
Nathan felt himself blushing too, but he didn't care. This was now or never, and he planned to ensure it was now, smiling warmly at Weiss.
A similarly warm smile crossed Weiss' face, still blushing as she said: "Nathan…"
"I think we can both agree our friendship has become something more." Nathan said gently, stepping closer to Weiss.
Stepping closer to Nathan, Weiss replied: "You're not wrong."
At that, their faces inched towards each other as if an invisible force was pulling them towards each other.
Nathan felt Weiss' hands cup his cheeks, whilst his hands found a place on Weiss' hips.
Before long, their lips finally met.
Nathan had no explanation for the explosion of emotions surging through his body right now:
Joy, happiness, elation, relief… they all cycled through his mind like a revolver cycling bullets.
One emotion though bloomed through his body like a fully grown rose:
Love.
His hands left Weiss's hips as he then wrapped his arms fully around Weiss's waist, feeling Weiss's arms wrap themselves around his neck as they pulled one another closer.
Nathan breathed in Weiss's scent, accentuated by her divine perfume, getting used to the feel of Weiss in his arms.
He hadn't messed up.
He had done it.
Weiss was here, in his arms, and they were sharing their first kiss.
Finally, after a few moments though Nathan wished it had been an eternity, they broke the kiss, and Nathan found himself staring into Weiss's eyes.
Love was there, deep and lasting, and her eyes sparkled in a way they never had beforehand.
"So… what now, Snow Angel?" Nathan asked, feeling a strong joy fill him at finally being able to call Weiss by that nickname.
"Now?" Weiss asked, smiling. "We linger a little longer. I don't want this moment to end."
Neither did Nathan, as their lips met once more, the sun shining as it set beneath the horizon, heralding the end of the old, and the promise of something new the next day.
I loved writing those last few parts.
Especially having a cute little callback to one of Weiss and Nathan's first conversations together. Felt like it'd be a perfect fit in the lead up to their first kiss.
But here we are again; at the end of another part in this story. Weiss and Nathan are now together, meaning that no doubt; confrontation with Jacques is soon to take place.
Speaking of; a review posted earlier on in the story mentioned how Jacques and Whitley should have met Nathan when he first came to the Schnee Manor all the way back in Remnant of the Jedi Remastered, and I understand their perspective. However, I headcanon that Jacques stopped really giving a damn about Weiss' training or who she was training with following the Arma Gigas fight. Whitley likely shared his father's indifference. Plus; felt like the first meeting between Nathan and Jacques required some buildup, instead of just being a throwaway interaction simply because they're in the same location.
Anyway; enough talk. It's time for reviews!
CT7567Rules: Ah, I understand now. Alas, I have not considered bringing in a character related to the girl you mention. Though that would be cool for someone else to explore. As for a clone... you'll see. With regards to my gaming hobby; I sadly do not upload to YouTube, nor do I even have a means of recording gameplay.
54godamora: You'd be correct. Case closed.
Sharnorasian Empire: Your endorsement has been noted. I'll see if I can fit BG3 into the laundry list of games I will be playing this year. The other game I will also look into. And I'm glad you enjoyed last chapter, meaning I know you'll enjoy this one.
With all that said; thank you all so much for taking the time to read this story. If y'all liked it; you know what to do.
I'll be taking a two week hiatus since next Saturday is the Royal Rumble (Any wrestling fans, give me your predictions alongside your reviews), not to mention my mother will be celebrating her birthday in the next few weeks. So expect the first chapter of my next book to come your way on Saturday the 8th of February.
Thank you all for reading, and I shall see you in two weeks with the beginning of my third story: The End of the Beginning Remastered.
T-Rock14.