Greeting, readers! So i had a problem: i accidentally broke my iPad so i'll have to use my phone for writing, sorry for the long wait and hope you enjoy this chapter.
"The Apathy. They're not strong or ferocious. But they drain your will to go on. Bartleby's estate was hemorrhaging money towards the end. He wanted to cut costs on Huntsman protection, but in order to do that, he needed everyone calm... always." - Maria said, Oscar was reading the diary they found in the farm they just got out. "Managed to get two away from their pack. Hike back was miserable, but got the bastards in the cellar. Wife thinks i was out sealing the waterway entrance. I'll do it tomorrow and tell her the truth once these things take the edge off of everyone. I'm tired."
"The next page prove that he did, but not for the rest of the pack followed their missing pair all the way home. My guess is they made their way beneath the estate through the water tunnels that Bartleby sealed up the next morning." - Maria take the diary from Oscar.
"And his plan worked. No one was angry or sad or scared. No one was anything. And then... no one left." - Maria said, then she look at the page of the diary that said "I'm tired" before throw it away.
"I'm... sorry for what i said... about giving up." - Weiss said. Upon hearing this, Yang and also Ace stop their bikes.
"Me too. We can't quit until the lamp is safe." - Yang said, Ace put his hand on her shoulder.
"It's not your fault. It was those... ugly basterds." - Ace assured her.
"I should have known. The signs were all there, but I'd never seen an entire settlement withered away like that. I suppose my mind just isn't what it used to be." - Maria said.
"... Miss Calavera, there's something i want to ask. How did you know so much about Grimm? And also about how do you know Ruby's eyes can.. well, shooting lights out?" - Ace asked which earns a smile from Maria.
"It's simple, young man. I used to be a Huntress, and i also used to like her, i had Silver Eyes." - Maria said. Then she tell them that she was the legendary Huntress known as "The Grimm Reaper", and how she lost her silver eyes in a mission gone wrong.
"J-Jeepers! So you're the legendary Grimm Reaper! Master Qrow used to tell me and my team about you, you're so famous that even master saw you as his role model and use scythe as his weapon of choice!" - Ace astounded.
"*chuckle* Well, that was before. Now i'm nothing but a dissapointment, so you're well on your way." - Maria said.
"What makes you say that?" - Blake asked.
"Child, a Huntress is supposed to protect others to the bitter end. But after I lost my eyes from that battle that i thought i wouldn't make it, I only ever looked after myself. Even after my surgery, I was too afraid to fight. Afraid someone would find me again, finish what the others started. You shouldn't aspire to be like me, especially when some of you are clearly stronger already." - Yang and Ace look down sadly as she said that.
"But still, it's comforting, seeing that your generation seems up to the task of inheriting this world. I'm just sorry I didn't do more to leave it in better shape." - Maria said.
"Well, maybe you can do something now. Teach me to use my powers the way you did." - Ruby said, Maria smile as she look at her.
"Anyway, we better hustle up. The others might have reached Argus before us so let's not keep them waiting." - Ace revs up his bike, then he and Yang took off. As they have going for a few miles, Ruby's Scroll suddenly rang, she took out and she's gasp in excitement as she realize who's calling her.
"It's Jaune!" - Ruby exclaimed. Both Ace and Yang stop their bike to make sure they didn't misheard it.
"Really?" - Ace and Yang ask in the same time which cause them to look at each others.
"How?" - Weiss asked. Ruby put her Scroll to her ears. "Uh, hello?"
"Ruby! Oh, thank you! I've been checking my Scroll for your signal since we made it to the city!" - Jaune said.
"Wait.." - Upon hearing this, Ace took out his Scroll and saw that the signal is getting better, then he point his Scroll up ahead which shown the signal are stronger. Forward them was a hill, Ace drove up at the hill to get the better watch, Yang was also followed. As soon as they were at the top of the hill, they saw a walled city with the sea behind it. And the fact that Ace had a big smile on his face can only mean one thing...
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived in Argus." - Yang said.
few moments later...
"So this is Argus, fascinating." - Ace awed as he looking around the city, suddenly...
"Cute! Boy! Oz!" - he turn around to see Oscar being tackle hugged by Nora.
"Nora!" - he exclaimed happily then give Nora a hug. Jaune, Ren and LTR was also arrived giving each others a warm embraces.
"You make it, li'l bro!" - Lucia said.
"You sound surprised." - Ace said.
"Of course not, we always had faith in you, our fearless leader." - Lucia teased as she ruffled Ace's hair.
"Sis!" - Ace groaned as he fixing his hair bang
"So, who's the old lady?" - Raul asked.
"Maria Calavera, she's quite effective despite her age. Let just say we wouldn't have make it here without her." - Ace said.
Later, the group was traveled on a trolley.
"So this place is the largest non-capital cities in all of Remnant?" - Ace asked.
"Yes, it would be difficult to settle something this big away from the main Kingdom, at least until the appear of Mantle, Early settlement attempts by Mistral didn't go well. But colonists from Mantle were able to help them brave the cold climate and return for goods that Solitas couldn't provide." - Jaune explained.
"The two nations worked together to create a hybrid city. While it falls under Mistral domain, Atlas keeps a military presence here to help keep the people safe and keep trade between the two nations steady." - Ren said.
"Well, until recently..." - as Lucia about to say something...
"WAIT!" - Ace turn around, behind them was a man trying to catch up with the trolley.
" 'scuse me for a moment." - Ace said as he make his way to the end of the trolley, he give his hand out.
"Get in here, quick!" - Ace exclaimed.
"Is he.." - Weiss was about to ask.
"Yup, he is." - Blake said.
"C'mon! Run harder!" - Ace exclaimed.
"If you missed this one, you may have to wait for the next one. But you'll lose a bunch of time in exchange, and who wants that? So come on! Keep moving those legs and eyes on the prize, mate! Cuz you'll make it, you have to!" - Ace said.
"... Raaaaaaaaaargh!!" - The man scream, encouraged from Ace's words, he put every strengths he got and keep running until he finally make it, Ace grab his hand and pull him inside the trolley.
"*pant* th.. thank you..." - the man thanked.
"No problem, mate. Congratulation by the way." - Ace said.
"Now that's... kinda inspiring." - Jaune impressed.
"Yeah, i'll say he's no longer further to achieving his goals." - Weiss complimented.
once the trolley stopped, everyone hops off.
"We should probably start looking for a ship." - Blake suggested.
"So.. Where have you guys staying?" - Oscar ask Jaune.
"well.." - Jaune hesitant. Suddenly...
"There you are!" - They all turn back to the voice, they noticed a blonde woman holding a tan skin, brunette hair baby boy waving at them, standing with her was a.. man? woman? i don't know anymore. As for the appearance, just imagine Nathan Seymour from Tiger and Bunny series but with pink afro hair instead. While team RWBY have realized who's the blonde hair woman is, Ace is also realize who's the feminine man was.
"Wait, is that?!" - Ace ask in disbelief.
"Yup! is 'her', Charlotte Charmant. You remember the make up shop that i used to stop by everytime during our time in Vale?" - Lucia said.
"Ohoho~ well isn't that your ice cube little brother there, my dear Lucy?" - Charlotte asked.
"That's him, Charly. And don't worry, he was as soft as a marshmallow now." - Lucia said.
"H... Hello ms. Charmant... long time no see..." - Ace greeting uncomfortably.
"Same here, my dear Akira~" - Charlotte give Ace a hug, Ace don't deny it but his face is showing the word: 'kill me please' which earn a giggle from Lucia, Ruby and Yang.
The group was later inside Saphron's house...
"So uh.. ms. Charmant?" - Ace asked, he still can't get over from the fact that he's actually met him/her again.
"Please. Just call me Charlotte, we're not much of a strangers anyway." - Charlotte said.
"So, how did you able to know Jaune's sister, Saphron?" - Ace asked.
"Oh long story short, i was the one who recommended her to buy this house you and the others are staying. And before we even know, we have became besties! Am i right, Saphry my dear?" - Charlotte asked.
"Indeed, and being friended with a make up expert really has it own perks too!" - Saphron said as she show off her colored fingernails.
"I am glad you are able to find a friend in a place that was not Vale." - Ace said.
"Yes, i am forced to leave the place because of that... tragic incidents." - Charlotte said sadly, team RWBY was silenced when Charlotte mention that as team JNR have a moment to remembered their lost member.
"But still, i was right to continue my business right here in Argus. Sure it might not quite crowning as Vale, but the beauty this place has to offer just oh*kiss* magnificent!" - Charlotte said.
"Heh, that i agree, Charlotte." - Ace said.
"Yeah, you speak great truth." - Lucia added.
"Thank you, my dear Lucy. Oh! Saphron? was your wife should be home any seconds now?" - Charlotte asked.
"Wait what?" - Ace asked. That's when they heard the door open sound. The one who open the door was a woman who has the same appearance as Saphron's little boy but with glasses, she was carrying bags of groceries.
"Everyone, this is Saphron wife: Terra Cotta." - Charlotte introduced.
Ace: "Pleasure to meet you, mrs. Cotta."
Ruby: "Hello!"
Nora: "Hey there!"
Blake: "Nice to meet you."
" *chuckle* Why hello there. Wow, quite a party. Guess you two weren't kidding huh? Can i get some help, please?" - Terra asked as she heading to the kitchen with Saphron follow behind to help her.
"I help too." - Ace said as he get up and head to the kitchen with Nora and Ren.
"Is your brother knows how to cook, now?" - Charlotte whispered.
"He has been improved alot, Charly." - Lucia said.
"Honestly, if he was like 20 years older then i might date him myself." - Charlotte said which earns a giggle from Lucia. But soon interrupted by Raul's cigarette smoke.
"*cough* Damn it, Raul!" - Lucia snapped as she elbowed Raul. "Go smoking outside for crying out loud, there's a kid in here!" - she demanded.
"Whatever.." - Raul simply replied as he step outside.
"Urgh, as for him. Still rude as ever." - Charlotte complained as he/she pick up Adrian and hold him. That's when Nora, Ren and Ace come out of the kitchen with plates full of sandwiches in their hands.
"Everyone, dinner is served." - Ace said as he setting down the sandwiches plate.
"Wooh! finally. Raul! Food is ready!" - Lucia called.
"I'm coming, i'm coming." - Raul replied from far away. As everyone is eating the sandwiches, Terra's scroll suddenly rang.
"*sigh* excuse me, i'll be right back." - Terra told Saphron then walk out of the room to answer her call.
"Is everything okay?" - Blake asked.
"Oh, yeah, it will be. My wife is a technician for the town's relay tower. Unfortunately, the military's radar system is also housed there. Guess what's been on the fritz lately and who's getting falsely blamed." - Saphron said as she pinching Adrian's cheek.
"*gulp* let me guess, your wife?" - Ace guessed.
"You bet!" - Terra peek in.
"So, what's your plan for tomorrow?" - Saphron asked.
"Well..." - Ruby said with her mouthfull before gulping to speak properly. " We're trying to make our way to Atlas, we're probably start with the military base." - Nora, Ren, Lucia, Tanya and Raul share a concern look when Ruby mention that.
"Well... we're kinda tried that already, but it didn't go... well." - Jaune said nervously.
"Come on, it can't be that bad..." - Yang assured. And as if fate was hit them in the face, the next day team RWBY, JNR, ALTR, Oscar, Qrow and Maria were at the Atlesian military base of Argus but the gate was closed on them.
"Can't be that bad you say?" - Ace asked sarcastically which earns a glare from Yang.
End chapter 6.