Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
The Battle of Atlas continued, but the army found itself in an increasingly desperate situation. Initially, 10 giant Grimm whales attacked the city, 3 of which were destroyed at great cost to the fleet, unfortunately the ground units weren't so lucky.
The battle started at sunset and it was already around midnight, although it was hard to tell because of the black storm clouds that covered the entire sky. In the beginning, the soldiers held their own against the Grimms, as they dug themselves thoroughly into the civilian buildings on the edge of the city, on the wall, from which they could provide support fire to the heavy units from perfect cover.
At the beginning, the battle went so well that they managed to break out outside the city wall, where the worker robots dug several trenches in less than an hour, into which the soldiers immediately jumped. Unfortunately, this initial success was short-lived as the Grimms' number were growing rapidly and began to surround the soldiers outside the wall, cutting off any possibility of retreat.
While hundreds of Grimms poured out of the mouths of the two whales on the ground, winged monsters flew out of the mouths of the other two whales and without thinking attacked the soldiers or began to surround the trenches.
The giant Monstra Grimms were a terrifying sight from the outside, but inside they were much more terrifying, as they were a series of dark, endless corridors half stone half made of some unknown material, barely illuminated by some dim red light and several small puddles of black Grimm liquid were on the floor.
The team, Yang, Jaune, Ren, Roman, and Neo ran down one such corridor, hoping to find their lost friend Oscar. In other words, Roman and Neo only joined because they didn't want to end up in Atlas's prison.
- Well, that was shocking. - Yang gasped as they stopped at a crossroads.
- We aren't in a safe place yet. - Jaune was sure that they were far from reaching a place where the Grimm couldn't reach them, the front was still too close.
- Is there any safe place here? - Roman looked at the walls of the dark corridors with dissatisfaction.
- Anyway, - Ignoring Roman's comment, Jaune thought about which way they should go. - we still have to search this whole creature and find Oscar before the Ace Ops blows us to pieces.
- And if it's not in this whale? - Roman was worried. - There are at least six other whales!
- And if he's here, how do we find him? - Yang wasn't confident either. - It's like we're looking a needle in a... - She looked away and felt that haystack wouldn't be the best option to say. - giant whale. Why did we think this was a good idea?
- Good morning, - Roman waved indignantly. - I've been asking this the whole time!
- Oh, yeah, - Yang crossed her arms and looked at the two criminals. - if this is so crazy, then why did you come at all?
- Either this, - Roman put a hand on Neo's shoulder. - or me and Neo will be put in Atlas prison. And you can believe, that I'm not in the mood for the general's hospitality again.
- So, you prefer Salem's hospitality? - Jaune joked.
- You know the saying, - Roman adjusted his hat. - if you must fail, at least fail big.
- I... - Ren, suddenly joining the conversation. - I think I can help.
- What? - Roman and the others also looked at him curiously.
- I think, - Ren closed his eyes and turned to face the road ahead. - I can feel people's emotions. It happened on Winter's plane. If I focus my aura I can maintain it.
- Okay, - Yang and the team just looked at him in confusion. - that's new.
- So, is the Magic Kid here? - Roman was interested, who was also surprised by Ren's new ability. - This Ninja kid can always surprise me.
- I can tell you where they are, - Ren continued to concentrate. - but not who is who. They are roughly in the same area. - He opened his eyes and looked at the road. - Further, deeper. I know where.
- Hey, - Jaune grabbed his teammate's shoulder and stopped him. - you don't have to overdo yourself. I can help too.
- Yes, - Ren spoke after a short silence. - good idea. Thank you.
- Well, - Jaune just shrugged and smiled confidently. - then show us the way.
Oscar finally got some rest after all the beatings. He stretched out tiredly on the floor of the cell and was reciting the quote from his fairy tale to Ozpin.
- She brushed away the scrapes and bruises, because nothing hurt more than the loneliness she felt in her chest. - Oscar loved this quote, it was about a girl who suffered several injuries, but loneliness was what hurt her more than anything.
"I know this," Ozpin knew exactly which tale it was, "The Girl Who Fell Through the World."
- I shouldn't be surprised, - Oscar turned to his side. - that you know fairy tales so well.
"I've been through a lot. How can you handle it?", Ozpin was worried about the boy.
- I found the idea exciting, - Oscar, however, was still thinking about the fairy tale. - to fall into a new world through Remnant. I never understood why she was so sad when she finally came home. - He raised his hand and tried, hopelessly, to reach the ceiling. - But now it makes more sense.
"She wasn't the same girl anymore."
- Yeah. - Oscar lowered his hand to his chest and closed his eyes.
"I think that deviding plan of yours didn't work. Time to think about how to get out of here.", Ozpin didn't trust or agree with Oscar's plan to get Hazel on their side, while Oscar painfully turned to his other side. "Not having our cane limits our options."
- No, - Oscar opened his eyes and felt sick just thinking about Ozpin's cane or his magic. - I don't like what happens when we use magic. Every time we do that, I feel like we're merging into one faster. I'm not ready for that yet.
"I don't blame you for that.", Ozpin understood the boy's fear. "Honestly, I think you're better on your own."
Oscar was about to thank the ghost for his words of praise when the prison door opened and Hazel came through. The boy lay on his back, closed his eyes and prepared for the worst when the big man grabbed him by the neck of his jacket.
What surprised Oscar was that he didn't pick him up to beat him, but to take him out of the cell, down a corridor and into a chamber with the Lamp of Knowledge on a platform in the middle. The man threw Oscar in front of the platform and then started circling around the Lamp.
- Why did you bring me here? - Oscar raised his head to look at the man.
- I thought about what you said. - Hazel didn't look at him, he just stopped and focused on the Lantern. - If you only want to fool me and I bring a lie to Salem, then I would be punished for the failure before you for the lie. - He turned back to the boy, distrustful, clearly expecting a lie from Ozpin. However, what Oscar said, that he trusted him and really told her the password, with which he could really find out the truth about his sister, gave him new hope. However, he has suffered so much from lies and false hopes that he doesn't even count it anymore. - If what you said is true and I would use the password myself, - He began circling the relic again. - I have no idea what happens when this thing activates. - He stopped and stared sternly at the boy. - Let's see if you're just bluffing.
- Do... - Oscar slowly understood what the man wanted. - do you want me to summon her?
- Whatever will happen, - Hazel knew he had to make sure now. If Oscar was just bluffing about the Lamp, at least he'd avoid being the victim of another lie. He hadn't sought the truth for so long that he had already forgotten it. But now, this boy had given him an opportunity, not only the truth, but also the opportunity to choose. - I will know what I need.
- What are you doing? - Suddenly, Emerald entered the chamber, but she was both scared and shocked by what she saw.
- Hm, - Hazel wasn't scared by her presence, knowing that she's just a kid who had no idea what she was getting herself into in the beginning. She just blindly followed Cinder, who led her down a very dark path and now that she found out what kind of person was the person she loved the most, she wanted nothing more than to leave this place. - let's find out.
Oscar understood that now not only his and Hazel's fate was at stake, but also Emerald's. He stood up, took a deep breath and said the password.
- Jinn.
Then time stopped for Oscar, Hazel, and Emerald, the Lamp began to glow and emit blue smoke that filled half the chamber and then a giant, naked, gold-chained, pointy-eared, blue-skinned and haired woman appeared, stretched in the air.
- Well, - Jinn greeted Oscar as an old friend, who she knew was Ozpin's host. - welcome back, old man. Do you have a question for me? - She was still floating in the air, then leaned closer to Oscar and rested her head on her hands, but the boy just waved at her.
- As a matter of fact, - Hazel just looked at the giant woman who came out of the Lamp with a shocked face. Oscar told the truth and wants to help him. - by you coming forward, I got answers to all my questions.
- What are you going to do now? - Oscar was still waiting for Hazel's answer, he showed him the truth that he could trust him. Now he was worried if Hazel would reciprocate that trust.
- What Gretchen would have done. - Hazel made up his mind. - And I'll start by getting you out of here. - He looked towards the girl, who he knew was just a misguided child who had nothing to do here. - Both of you.
- I need something else before I go. - Oscar was happy and moved closer to the big man, but he absolutely needed something before leaving.
- Let's clear it up then, - Jinn, still hovering in the air, waiting to be asked why she was summoned. - none of you have any questions for me?
- There is none, - Oscar awkwardly, clasping his hands, smiled at the spirit woman. - but we'll take you with us too.
- As soon as we move that thing, - Hazel warned. - this place will be alarmed. I'll take you out first.
- But... - Oscar was a little worried, since it wouldn't be a good idea to leave the Lamp here for Salem.
- I'll be back for it. - Hazel was adamant. - Not that she knows the password.
The group left the chamber, but before Jinn could disappear, she looked into the shadows where she saw a fourth person perfectly.
- And you, do you have any questions? - Asked the one who hid in the dark and heard everything.
The rescue team had been walking the corridors for at least 20 minutes now, Ren used his Semblance to hide the team members and sense the presence of the people in the whale while Jaune held his shoulder and continuously strengthened his aura.
- Ouch! - A light yellow flash appeared around Jaune which was a sign that his aura was starting to sink and he stopped panting. - I'm sorry.
- We have to go keep moving. - Roman instructed them. - Can you hold it?
- Hey, it's not his fault! - Ren stood up to defend his teammate. - I disguise ourselves and follow the trail at the same time.
- Maybe we could stop for a minute. - Yang suggested.
- Not a good idea, - Roman shook his head and explained with suppressed fear. - at any moment a bunch of Grimm, one of Salem's people or Salem herself could appear here.
- Roman's right, - Jaune persisted. - we don't know how much time we have left. - He turned to Ren. - Why don't you rest your Semblance for a while? Give me a direction and I'll go scout ahead.
- Thanks, - Ren sighed in relief. - go straight for a while.
Jaune didn't need any more, he was already running ahead and Ren was smiling at him proudly.
- Either he's hiding very well that he's afraid or he's very stupid. - Roman only looked after Jaune, who was getting further away.
- He? - Ren looked at Roman curiously. - He's not afraid at all. I can see in him that he believes that he will succeed.
- Then me too. - Yang Ren stood next to him and smiled.
- Then he's stupid. - Roman laughed, showing fear for the first time. Neo put her arms around him and pressed her face to his chest. - One of us is dying, Neo? - He just laughed and Neo smiled too.
- You don't need to hide your fears with jokes. - Ren interjected, while the two criminals just looked at him curiously. - It's natural to be afraid now. I'm scared and so is Yang. But as long as we are together and take care of each other, we have a good chance of success.
- It's a strange feeling. - Roman just looked to the side in relief.
- That you have friends you can rely on? - Yang was interested.
- No, - Roman just shook his head. - that the Ninja kid talks so much.
The others just rolled their eyes but worriedly noticed Jaune running towards them with a look of terror on his face and silently motioning for them to hide in the corner of one of the hallways.
- Hide us, Ren! - Jaune ordered as they all hid, Ren used his emotion masking ability and all five of them turned grey.
Roman and Neo recognized Salem's floating, skull shaped, tentacled crystal ball passing by in the corridor. Ren's aura was already starting to run out and his disguise was afraid it would fall off before the crystal ball passed. The others noticed this and readied their weapons in case Ren ran out of aura.
Unfortunately, the worst happened and a purple flash around Ren indicated the exhaustion of his aura. The crystal ball stopped and started flashing red like an alarm, but they heard nothing from it.
The plan was simple, but Emerald and Oscar were more concerned with the execution. Hazel did offer to take them out and come back for the Lamp, but that would put himself in more danger than he needed to be.
Oscar gained his trust again by coming up with a plan to help Hazel get the Lamp out more safely. The two of them headed to the hangar platforms with Emerald to hijack a plane and leave the Grimm whale together.
To make this plan work better, Emerald used her Semblance on Oscar to assume Hazel's form and they tried to get out.
- Do you think he'll be fine on his own? - Asked Oscar, in the form of Hazel.
- I don't know, - Emerald shook her head doubtfully. - we just need to get a... wait! - Suddenly she saw a group on the other side of the corridor, which scared them both.
Salem was the one walking towards them with Adam, Mandy and Genna at her side. Emerald quickly grabbed Oscar's hand and they both stood against the wall to make way for Salem.
- Ah, Hazel, - Salem addressed Oscar, who was still wearing Hazel's disguise, before he raised his head in fright. - have you got the Lamp password from Ozma?
- I... - Oscar started to nestle nervously, he didn't know what to say. - I...
- Or should I call you Oscar? - Salem's words scared the two young one, Oscar's disguise fell and then a dozen Grimm arms grew out of the walls, with which they grabbed Oscar and Emerald and pinned them against the wall.
- How... - Oscar tried to question Salem, but one hand stuck to his mouth.
- From a sly little fox. - Salem looked at Mandy, whose fox ears twitched.
- I listened a little. - Mandy made it clear that she overheard Oscar and Hazel's conversation at the Lamp's chamber.
- She did more than that. - Salem smiled evilly. - Jinn. - That one word sent an icy terror into their hearts. - The Lamp's password. As soon as I punished you and Hazel... - She suddenly stopped speaking and felt something. - The Seers... - She turned back to the two young one and kept smiling. - we have guests. Looks like your friends won't give up on you, boy. - She turned to her people. - Take care of the guests.
- Yes. - Adam bowed, then Mandy and Genna turned and left.
- Until then, I'll deal with the traitors. - Salem moved on, and Grimm arms came out of the wall as if they were swimming in water, they followed her along the walls, bringing Emerald and Oscar with them.
After the crystal orb's alarm, dozens of Grimm attacked the team and they were forced to fight.
- Now what? - Ren panted worriedly, as it was clear that Salem already knows about their presence.
- Let's do what we do best. - Yang confidently looked at her companions. - Let's run blindly into danger.
- Great idea. - Roman just shook his head, but Neo confidently bounced in her excitement.
- I would have chosen to move on, - Jaune scratched the back of his head a little nervously. - but all right. Ren?
- Keep going, - Ren was fully determined. - no matter what. - The team was united, the danger didn't matter and they were ready to face anything to save their friend.
- How about saving the run? - The next obstacle wasn't far, as Adam stepped forward from one of the corridors, followed by Mandy on his right and Genna on his left.
- You?! - Yang immediately recognized the faunus boy who cut off her left arm and the old fear came out of her again.
- We have some unfinished business, - Adam just smiled at the girl for whom his girlfriend left him. - Yang. - Yang didn't hesitate and opened fire on him with Ember Celica, but Adam absorbed the force of the shot with Wilt. - Wow, have you lost some weight? You can be easier by two or three... - He turned to Mandy curiously. - How much does an arm weigh?
- Maybe ten pounds. - Mandy nodded.
- Yes. - Adam spun Wilt in his hands.
- Don't let him provoke you. - Roman grabbed Yang's shoulder from behind and whispered in her ear. - This is a psycho beast.
- Don't interfere, Torchwick! - Adam opened fire at Roman with Blush, but the shot was blocked by Neo with Hush.
Ignoring the distractions, Adam charged at Yang, who dodged the first strike, then the next with Ember Celica, but with the third, Adam was able to push her back. Yang didn't give up and aimed a shot at him which Adam absorbed with his sword and threw the sword at her but Yang parried and hit back but Adam jumped into the air and kicked Wilt back at Yang but she parried it again but this time she knocked it aside to dig into the ground.
Adam quickly picked up his sword and charged at Yang again, who dodged the attack with a back somersault, but Adam didn't let the girl rest for a moment and continued to hit her with his sword until he pushed Yang back again.
Yang still didn't give up, she stood up and this time she attacked, Adam parried several of her hits, then punched him in the chest and landed several punches, one to the chin and one to the face, knocking him back.
Adam stood up again and aimed his sword at Yang again, but she caught his wrist, lifted him up and struck him in the side, then kneed him in the stomach and finally beat him in the face. It still wasn't enough to knock out Adam, who was forced to defend himself against the girl, but he kept absorbing the force of the blows with his sword. Yang was well aware of what Adam was capable of, so before he could use his Semblance, Yang quickly kicked him in the head, causing him to fall to the side and start firing Ember Celica at him.
Adam spun quickly and dodged the shots with amazing speed. Yang could barely keep an eye on Adam when he started running around with incredible speed and it felt like she was being surrounded by several Adams at the same time.
By the time Yang was completely confused, Adam jumped straight at her and shot a beam of red energy at the girl, who needed all her strength to fend her off.
Yang continued to fight, Ember firing Celica backwards to gain momentum and launch herself at Adam. The stance was familiar to Adam, she jumped towards him just like in Beacon, placed his hand on Wilt's grip and prepared to cut off Yang's other arm. When it was time for the cut, Yang shot to the side at the last moment, dodging Adam's slash in the blink of an eye and kicking him in the head again in mid-air. Adam stayed on his feet and swung at Yang again, but she dodged him and then jumped away from the next attack.
Yang still didn't give up, she gave herself another push with her shotgun hinges and charged at Adam again, who managed to dodge one of his shots, then hit him with a punch and several kicks, but he parried her next blow with Wilt and pushed her back and fell to the ground.
- The moment of truth, Yang! - Adam grabbed Wilt's grip as she stood up. - Think you're faster than Beacon?! - Adam's words pierced Yang's heart like an icy dagger, as she remembered this stand-up and how she lost her arm. Adam was aware of this and just laughed. - I thought so.
Adam took out Wilt and lunged at Yang, but she dodged the first attack, parried the second and then kept dodging Adam's sword, but the boy was able to land a blow with the sword's pommel and found herself on the ground again.
- Your aura has already faded from the constant fighting and don't tell me that there is still a lot left after our little skirmish. - Adam was aware that Yang couldn't take it much longer, as she was already panting as she stood up again. - Come on, hit me! - Adam attacked, but Yang dodged again. - What does she even see in you?! - He threw his sword at Yang again, who knocked it back, but Adam caught it, charged Wilt with his own aura, which he fired at Yang with a swipe, causing her to fall to the ground. - You're just a coward, just like her! - Another beam of energy shot at Yang, but Yang's had enough, her eyes turned red and her hair started to burn as she parried Adam's blow.
Yang slammed into the wall, accompanied by a yellow flash and her aura drained completely. Adam put Wilt away and walked towards her.
- You know, - Adam saw that Yang was still conscious and was looking back at him angrily, but he knew that there was nothing she could do. - she made a promise to me, a long time ago. She promised to stay by my side. - Adam just smiled as he bent down to the girl. - And you see how well she kept this promise.
- She made that promise to you, - Yang met Adam's gaze. - or the one you pretended to be?
- Hm, - Adam just smiled. - so I just wasn't good enough for her? - He just knocked her down to take her to Salem.
While Yang and Adam's fight moved on back down the hall, Mandy treated Jaune and Ren in another hall. The boys' auras had already faded quite a bit, for Ren from the tracking and disguise and for Jaune from the constant amping, but still they didn't give up and fought against the faunus girl.
- Why are you doing this?! - Jaune tried to talk to her. - Why are you helping Salem destroy a kingdom.
- Because she's full of anger. - Answered Ren, who saw the red leaves around Mandy, which symbolized her anger, but next to the red ones, there was also some blue, which indicated her regret. - But you aren't sure if this is the right decision.
- Shall I tell you how I found my Semblance? - Mandy spoke up. - Do you know what's the Haring? - Her question only confused the two boys. - In Mistral, this is a pretty popular game. They catch a rabbit or hare, as they call, put it on a track and let two starving dogs on it and the people bet on which dog will catch it first.
- What are you... - Jaune just shook his head in confusion, but Mandy continued.
- Here in Atlas, there is a similar game, only instead of hares, they're using orphaned faunus children.
- Oh, that's terrible... - Jaune began to understand what she was trying to get at.
- I heard a lot of my friends screaming, - Mandy continued the story. - while I saw that the dogs were tearing them apart and the knowledge that a similar fate awaited me gave me enough fear to overcome my reason and try to escape against all odds. If my Semblance hadn't formed right then, I might have died in that wretched arena for the amusement of the rich people of Atlas.
- You got bittered. - Ren found out. - There are many bad people living in Atlas, but there are also many innocent people who have done nothing wrong.
- I don't care. - Mandy knew what she was doing was wrong and she didn't care at all. - Just like the Atlasian people weren't interested in killing my friends and parents either.
- Then you've made your decision! - Jaune lunged at Mandy with his sword, but she teleported and appeared behind him and kicked him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
She drew her daggers to execute him, but Ren stood in her way and parried her attack with the blades of his submachine gun, pushing Mandy back.
Ren backed up and was quickly helped up by Jaune who immediately raised his shield to block an arrow Mandy fired at them. She placed another arrow on the nerve, drew it, aimed and fired. This time Ren blocked the shot and both boys ran towards the girl.
Mandy wasted no time in taking out another arrow, quickly putting away her bow and taking out her daggers again to defend against the two boys. Ren attacked first from her left, which she parried, pushed him back, then parried Jaune's strike from her right, but Ren attacked again and Mandy had to hold off the two boys' attacks with one dagger each, which was too much for her, so she was forced to jump back.
Mandy didn't give up so easily, she teleported again and immediately came between the two boys and stabbed both of them with both daggers at the same time. Ren and Jaune fended off Mandy's attack and an amazing duel ensued between the three of them, but Mandy proved equal to the two boys.
Mandy first managed to push back Jaune with a kick and then fought Ren who she somersaulted next to and kicked him in the back. Jaune was back on his feet and charged at Mandy again but she defended quickly and accurately until Jaune used his shield and sent Mandy backwards with a gravity blast.
Taking the opportunity, Ren could now attack Mandy in the back, who teleported behind him again, but Ren had quick reflexes and was able to block the kick with both arms at the last moment. Before he could counterattack, Mandy teleported away again, Ren scanning every direction she could appear but one.
Mandy appeared in front of the boy and punched him square in the face, causing the Ren to stagger, but he stayed on his feet and counterattacked. Jaune also rejoined and together with Ren, they attacked Mandy from two sides, who persistently defended against both of their attacks, but Jaune managed to push the girl on the ground, who was on her feet in the blink of an eye, accompanied by a backward somersault and this time the two boys were forced to retreat.
Ren and Jaune attacked Mandy at the same time again, this time head on and she backed away for a while, but teleported again, this time between the two boys and kicked them both in the head. Mandy continued to fight Ren, who she managed to pin down, but before she could do anything to him, Jaune came from behind her and had to defend and then counterattack.
Jaune used his shield's gravity thrust again, but this time Mandy knew what he was capable of and teleported back, out of range of the shield.
Ren and Jaune stood next to each other and were ready to continue the fight while Mandy just stood in front of them and as she waited she twirled the two daggers in her hands.
Ren opened fire with his submachine gun as Jaune stood in front of him, activating a force field on his shield that they used as cover. Mandy teleported away from the bullets and appeared behind the two boys.
Ren and Jaune had already expected this, so they quickly turned around and attacked the girl first, who was forced to retreat again. Ren grabbed Mandy's hair at the back of her head and hooked his leg behind Mandy's to pin her, but Mandy swung her body through the air with a short handstand and landed on her feet.
The fight continued, first Mandy beat Ren back, then Jaune tried, finally they forced the girl to back down again at the same time and finally managed to corner her. Ren and Jaune attacked at the same time as Mandy teleported, Crocoa Mors and Stormflower collided and the two boys turned back where she appeared.
They didn't have time to react as an arrow pierced Ren's right chest, causing him to fall to the ground and a purple flash indicating that his aura had depleted. He wasn't dead, but he was no longer able to continue the fight.
Jaune realized that now he was the only one left who could defeat the girl, so he gripped his sword tightly and inserted it into his shield, combining the two into a larger broadsword and charging at Mandy.
Mandy easily avoided or dodged Jaune's blows, but the boy's perseverance didn't run out and in a careless moment, he managed to push Mandy back, but she got back to her feet with another tumble and, taking the fight more seriously, repelled Jaune's next blow.
Mandy and Jaune stopped and started circling each other a bit, but Jaune attacked again, slashing from above with his two-handed sword, which Mandy blocked with her crossed daggers, ducking under the sword and pinning Jaune.
Jaune rolled to the side away from Mandy's dagger, wanting to increase the distance as much as possible and when he was far enough, he quickly stood up. The relief didn't last long because as soon as he got to his feet, an arrow pierced his breastplate, which didn't break through the armor, but gave him a tinge of concern.
Bang
It was an exploding arrow that slammed Jaune into the wall before he fell to the ground and a yellow flash appeared around him.
After the first few stab, Jaune tried to roll away from her, Mandy didn't follow the boy, instead putting away her daggers and taking out her bow again to take him down with an exploding arrow.
- You... - Ren tried to stand up and pulled out the arrow from his chest. - there's a way back for you, Mandy.
- Ren, - For the first time in Mandy's voice, regret could be heard. - I've killed 27 people. It's too late for me.
Ren collapsed and passed out, allowing Mandy to take them to Salem without a problem.
In the third corridor there were more gunshots and explosions than blows and clanking blades. Genna aimed her rifle at Roman, who took cover instead.
- Muro san, Torchwick! - Genna warned as she stepped closer, aiming her rifle at the passage where Roman was hiding.
- Someone must have paid a hell of a lot to send a Mistral Bounty Huntress after us, Neo! - Roman got to know Genna's language and signaled to Neo.
Neo jumped out of the shadows to attack Genna from the side, but the Bounty Huntress reacted quickly and strike at Neo with her rifle's back, but she was also quick, leaned back, so flexible that her head almost reached the ground, and kicked the woman, three times bigger and stronger than her on the bend of her knee.
Genna stayed on her feet, released her rifle with her right hand, which she held in a fist towards Neo and activated her flamethrower, but Neo opened Hush, which she placed on her back and turned it to Genna and shielding the flames.
Roman, watching his girlfriend draw the attention of the Bounty Huntress, emerged from cover and opened fire with Melodic Cludgel.
Boom
The fireball caught Genna in the side and Roman had a good laugh at the explosion, but when the smoke cleared, the smile quickly froze off his face. Genna stood there and didn't seem to be seriously hurt.
This time, the Bounty Huntress targeted Roman again, who started to back away, but this time Neo attacked her in the back. Genna, who propped her rifle on her back and fired, as she was aware that Neo had no intention of fighting her face-to-face.
Neo was forced to use her Semblance to dodge Genna's shot, but Roman immediately came to her aid and hit the Bounty Huntress in the head, or rather, in the helmet with his cane, causing her to back away a bit, but Roman wanted to follow up with a punch, which Genna blocked with her arm plate.
Genna didn't have much of a chance to counterattack as Neo turned on Hush' tip to stab her in the side with it. The Bounty Huntress activated the serrated blades on her right arm plate, which she used to protect the tip of the parasol.
Roman, seeing that Genna was looking elsewhere again, attacked again with Melodic Cludgel, but this time Genna expected it and parried the blow with the rifle in her left hand, then, holding it with one hand, opened fire on Roman. Roman reacted quickly and knocked the rifle aside in time, which missed the target.
Meanwhile, Neo continued to attack Genna with Hush, hitting her with quick, graceful and precise blows, from which the Bounty Huntress was forced to retreat. When he was far enough, Roman fired with Melodic Cludgel again, which again was useless against Genna, but it was enough to send her down.
Neo took the opportunity to finish off the fallen Bounty Huntress, but Genna sat up, her left hand clenched into a fist and headed towards her. Neo reacted quickly, anticipating that her opponent was going to use her flamethrower again, opening Hush and reaching in front of her with her right hand. She was very surprised when Genna's arm plate didn't shoot flames, but a wire rope that wrapped around her waist and forcing her left arm close to her.
Genna yanked the much smaller girl, who was so light she flew right at her, but she quickly somersaulted and kicked her in the helmet. Genna took a step back, then activated her jetpack, which lifted her into the air and flew away, deep into the corridor, dragging Neo with her.
- Neo! - Roman shouted after the girl, after which he fired the grip of Melodic Cludgel.
Neo saw this and with only one hand free in which she held Hush, she was forced to drop the parasol that meant so much to her so that she could catch the handle of the cane.
She caught it, Roman pulled her hard and Genna, due to the unexpected force, suddenly flew to the side, she flew straight against the wall and fell on the ground.
Roman ran to the girl, but before that, he picked up Hush from the ground, turned on its blade and cut the wire rope around Neo.
- Is this how you treat my gift? - Roman gave Hush back to Neo after helping her up.
Genna just shook her head as she got back to her feet, realizing that Roman and Neo together were quite the challenge. She looked at the two criminals who were ready to fight her.
The Bounty Huntress stood astride, leaned forward and fired the missile on her jetpack straight at the ceiling above her two opponents, causing it to begin to crumble. Genna quickly activated her jetpack, with which she sped forward in less than a few seconds, straight towards Roman, on whom she threw herself and both of them somersaulted to the ground.
By the time they woke up, the corridor had already collapsed.
- Neo! - Roman looked around, but he didn't see his girlfriend anywhere.
- Krat dui sanaun. - Genna just laughed as she stood up. - Your rakli amalica won't save ya.
- So you were afraid to fight the two of us. - Roman showed no fear, he just rolled Melodic Cludgel on his finger.
- Aah'm fightin' godzolo, - Genna just aimed her rifle. - not krat zoralo.
Genna opened fire, but Roman blocked the shots with Melodic Cludgel and got closer and closer to Genna, who instead lowered her rifle and took out her brushcutter knife, which she tried to stab Roman with.
Roman knocked the knife out of her hand and aimed for Genna's head with the next blow, but the Bounty Huntress blocked the blow with her rifle. Genna fought two-handed with her rifle as a stick, while Roman fought Melodic Cludgel one-handed. The two sides proved to be equal, if Genna was strong, then Roman dodged and struck when he found a weak point.
Although he dealt several blows to the woman, she didn't suffer much damage due to her armor, aura, and strong physique. Roman got a new idea when Genna lunged at him with the rifle butt, bent down, hooked Melodic Cludgel's grip on the Bounty Huntress' ankle and gave it a big yank.
Genna fell to the floor from the sudden force, Roman nailed Melodic Cludgel on her and opened fire. The explosion knocked Genna back and rolled on the floor. Roman fired again, and then again, sending Genna crashing into the debris that had just fallen, but Roman still didn't stop.
He fired non-stop at the Bounty Huntress and the heat of the smoke was so great that he could no longer see anything. He only stopped when he ran out of Dust and had no more in his pocket.
Worrying the worst, that Genna might have survived, he started backing away, but didn't dare turn around, lest the Bounty Huntress follows him.
Suddenly he saw a green flash from the corner of his right eye and from the smoke Genna threw herself at him. Although her aura was depleted, she was still strong enough to knock Roman, who was tall and lean, to the ground, but Genna proved to be stronger than him.
The Bounty Huntress showed traces of the many explosions, her helmet had fallen off, her armor, on which the green paint was still worn, now looked as if it had been through hell, it was full of burn marks and soot, but it didn't make serious damage in the metal itself.
Genna knelt on Roman and pounded his face with her fists until a gray flash appeared around him, meaning that his aura was drained as well.
Relieved, the Bounty Huntress got off from the man, who could no longer fight and put on her helmet, knife and rifle.
- Muro san, Torchwick. - Genna smiled before taking her helmet back. - Aah phenelted forward. - She pointed her rifle at him, signaling him to stand up.
- There's another way to turn a guy up. - Roman, although he couldn't do anything, he just obeyed, but he continued to joke.
- Aah kamel mah zoibar method. - Genna picked up Melodic Cludgel, which she fitted on her belt, then nodded to Roman to go ahead.
Hazel had no idea how long it had been, but this was the first time he felt hope again. The part of him that he thought had died with his sister's death, now returned and instead of revenge, he acted for the good cause and to save the world. All it took was a little honesty and sincerity from a boy who was inhabited by the man from whom he never received it.
Among Salem's relics, he found Ozpin's cane, then went to the chamber where the Lamp of Knowledge was and waited for the Scroll call from Oscar and Emerald to see if they were out. He knew the whole place would be alarmed if he took the Lamp now and putting them in danger.
- Hazel. - The man was surprised when he heard Salem's voice behind him, but even more so when he saw Emerald and Oscar on the walls to her side, being held captive by a pile of Grimm hands.
- What... - Hazel didn't have much of a chance to speak because a dozen Grimm hands came out of the floor, grabbing and forcing him to the ground.
- I am deeply disappointed in you, - Salem's face hardened because of the man's betrayal. - that you no longer want to take revenge for your sister. I thought you hated Ozpin as much as I did.
- You're not wrong about that... - Hazel moaned as more Grimm hands held him down. - Ozpin is truly an evil doer who should have gone a long time ago. But Oscar made me realize something I had long forgotten. - He tried a desperate attempt to break out, but in vain, he couldn't even move. - That you are even more evil and that Gretchen would continue to fight against you.
Before Salem could say anything, at the end of the hall, her people, Adam, Mandy and Genna, returned with the intruders. Genna pointed a rifle at Roman, who walked in front of her with raised hands, Adam forced Yang to move in the same way and Jaune and Ren walked in front of Mandy with raised hands as well.
- We caught them. - Adam reported proudly.
- You did an excellent job. - Salem smiled at them with satisfaction, then took a deep breath as if trying to suppress her anger and slowly walked towards Oscar. - Look how degraded you are. - She spoke to the boy, more specifically, Ozpin, in frustration. - How deep have you fell and for what? - She spread her hands and looked at the prisoners. - For these children? For this pitiful world? - She silently moved closer to Oscar, but lightning fast and furious she took his head in her hands. - Why? Are you? Coming? Back? All the time?
- Why you?! - Yang took a step forward, but Adam held her down and pressed Blush to her back. Salem turned away from Oscar and looked at her. - This much, endless deaths, - The girl continued indignantly. - just because something bad happened to you once upon a time?! - Salem let go of the boy and walked towards the girl, who wasn't frightened by her. - No one gets a fitting ending to their fairy tale! Everything I've lost and every person I've loved and lost is because of you!
- And who did you lose because of me, girl? - Salem stopped in front of Yang, who bravely met her gaze.
- Summer Rose! - Yelled Yang with full anger and sorrow. - My mom!
- Hm, - Salem smiled and stroked her face with her hand. - I remember her. If it comforts you, I tell you that many people's mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, cousins and lovers have died because of me. Don't feel yourself special.
- Salem, - Adam interrupted. - what are your plans with Yang? - He nudged her.
- I take it you already have plans for her? - Salem saw on Adam's face the anger and hatred towards Yang and all his desire to live out his sick fantasy on her. - Do what you want with her.
- Thank you very much. - Adam flashed an evil and crazy grin at Yang. - The two of us are going to go alone and have some... - His sly chuckle filled the others with concern. - fun. Move! - He led her down another corridor.
- Yang! - Jaune tried to go after them, but Mandy wouldn't let him.
- If I were you, I'd rather worry about myself. - Mandy suggested before Jaune realized that their situation was hopeless now, so he was forced to take it back.
- You and me, - Salem still stopped in front of Roman, who was trying to hide his fear with confidence. - are going to talk now.
- I guess it's too late to switch sides again. - Roman laughed.
- When we finish, - Salem didn't think it was funny at all, she summoned two Ursa Grimms, which grabbed Roman by the arms. - the grin wears off your face. - The two Ursa dragged Roman into the chamber where the Lamp was. - You two, - She turned to Genna and Mandy, then summoned at least another dozen Grimms. - take them to the prison.
- Rajni, - Genna spoke to Salem. - if he mereled, he atunche of any use to meh.
- Don't worry, - Salem turned after entering the chamber and assured Genna. - he won't suffer permanent damage. As soon as I'm done with him, you can take him with you.
The door to the chamber closed as Mandy and Genna led the prisoners along with the Grimm who stood by helplessly. A few seconds later, Roman's screams of pain could be heard from the chamber, causing the others to flinch and look at each other in concern.
Mandy stopped and looked worriedly towards the chamber.
- Don't paxune. - Genna just ordered her along and poked with her rifle towards the prisoners.
Today was an enjoyable day for Adam, he can finally see the destruction of Atlas, the kingdom that caused so much suffering to him and his kind and torture Yang, the girl his girlfriend left him for.
Now here she was in front of him, without an aura, vulnerable after he pushed her into an empty room and fell to the ground.
- So, - Yang looked at Adam with disdain. - do you want to kill me here?
- It might even happen. - Adam still kept his sadistic grin to himself. - But it will be a little further away.
- So what do you want from me? - Yang didn't get scared, she bravely looked at the faunus man.
- First of all, - Adam began, with a pause. - to stand up. - Yang narrowed her eyes and stared at Adam and defied his request. - I said stand up. - He demanded, much more aggressively, before Yang complied. - Good. - Adam nodded satisfied. - Now take off your gauntlets.
- No. - Yang clenched her fists and tried to find an opportunity to attack Adam.
- Take off your gauntlets or I'll cut off your other arm! - Adam started bellowing furiously, like an enraged bull. Yang, still having no aura and Adam pinning Wilt and Blush on her at the same time, saw no point in fighting back. She took off Ember's Celica from both human and robot hands and threw it to the ground at Adam's feet. - Go on. - Adam pointed Wilt's tip at her mechanical arm. Yang hated the feeling of helplessness, feeling small and weak in the company of this madman who forced her to disarm herself, even took off her the robotic arm. - Good. - He lowered his sword and put it away before Yang saw the time to attack him, even unarmed and with one hand.
Unfortunately, her lack of aura greatly reduced her defenses, as it only took one punch to the nose from Adam to send her falling backwards into the wall, from which a stack of Grimm hands emerged to hold her down.
- What do you want to do now?! - Yang demanded as she tried desperately to free herself from the grip of the Grimm's hands while Adam only picked up the robot's hand to examine it closely. - What does your mistress want?!
- My what? - Adam took his eyes off the robot arm and stared sternly at Yang.
- Your mistress! - Yang repeated.
- Listen well, - Adam dropped the arm, slapped Yang and grabbed her by the neck of her jacket to warn her face to face. - I don't have a mistress or a boss! I work with her because we have common goals! Did you understand?!
- Just say it, - Yang wasn't scared, she just looked at him boldly and contemptuously. - that doesn't make it any less true.
- Hm, - Adam just smiled and let go of Yang and looked at his palm, which he had just slapped her. - ew, my hand got human. - He wiped his hand on her jacket.
- If you're going to get information from me... - Yang was unmoved as Adam pulled a wad of duct tape from his pocket and taped it to her mouth.
- Listen to me carefully, Yang. - Adam, after closing Yang's mouth with it, threw away the duct tape. - I know that you aren't the smart one in your team, so I have to clarify something. - He took her head in both of his hands and looked directly into her eyes. - I don't care what you know and what you don't. I will definitely torture you. I don't want to know anything. I'm just enjoy torturing you. I want Blake to see your mutilated body, - Yang was enraged at Blake's name, her eyes turning red, but she was still helpless against the Grimm hands holding her captive. - that she knows that she's the reason you suffered before you died and I want her to be broken inside as soon as she sees what happened to you because of her. - In the blink of an eye, he took out Wilt and kept his blade inches away from Yang's throat. The girl was still looking at him angrily, with red eyes, not at all frightened. - I'll make sure I hear you scream at the end.
Adam just smiled and let go of Yang's head, took Wilt back and took a few steps back. He grabbed Yang's robotic arm and turned its fingers into fists, except for its index finger, which he began poking and prodding at Yang's nose, who was trying to shake her head uncomfortably. Adam continued to poke her nose, then stuck the robotic finger in her nose, causing her to laugh.
- Does Blake know you pick your nose? - Adam laughed as he hit the girl in the face with his fist, who was caught completely by surprise.
Adam only meant poking her nose as a diversion and provocation, so that the blow hit the girl completely unprepared, then he threw away the robot arm and this time he hit her in the stomach and cut her face with his sword.
- It will be fun. - Adam probably felt the happiest right now, he didn't intend to make it easy for Yang, he beat, cut and humiliated her several times. The fun won't stop anytime soon.
The Atlas army persevered, even in the most unforgiving situation and their morale was boosted by the arrival of the Ace Ops. Once the prototype bomb arrived, Winter and Marrow were ordered back inside the walls.
They were escorted back by a whole platoon, who lined up and stood at attention waiting for the order. A soldier came down from the plane that delivered the bomb and handed a Scroll to the woman, who almost didn't look at its contents, just locked her hands behind her back and turned sternly towards the soldiers.
- Attention, everyone, we have to clear the way to the biggest monster. - Summarized their task. - We take the bomb on board, set the timer and get back. - As soon as she finished her speech, the soldiers only saluted to show that they obeyed, and then she signaled to them that they could divide.
- But they might still be alive in there! - Marrow, who still disagreed with the order, tried to dissuade Winter.
- I told them they don't have much time. - Winter didn't even look at him, she just typed the Scroll she had just received to set the bomb. - We can't wait any longer.
- Would you say the same thing if your sister was in there?! - Marrow didn't care about rank or respect, he simply asked his superior. - Are you going to tell her what you did with her friends? With the guy she likes? - It was very difficult for Winter, as she knew that the young ones who went into the whale for their friend and she imagined what would happen if Weiss went with them. She knew that if she did what she was about to do, her sister might hate her forever.
- Yes, Marrow, - Winter turned to look at the faunus man. - because this is my duty. - She stepped towards him and put her hand on his shoulder and looked at him pleadingly. - Do yours too.
Seeing the regret but also the determination in Winter's eyes, Marrow complied with only a sigh.
Neo never dreamed that the Bounty Huntress would risk blowing the ceiling off them, but it seems like Roman, Genna likes to gamble. Examining the pile of rubble that Genna had used to separate her and Roman, she saw that there was no way she could get through it.
She turned and started down the hall, hoping to find Roman in time and help him. With her Semblance, she changed the color of Hush, her clothes, skin, and even his hair to a mixture of black and dark red to hide her from Salem's Seers, i.e., skull shaped crystal balls, and she moved very quietly through the seemingly endless corridors.
She had no idea how long she had been sneaking around like a little mouse looking for Roman when she reached the bridge where she found Salem, Genna, a pile of Grimm and Roman standing in the middle of the hall, traces of beatings and torture were visible in several places.
Neo immediately wanted to break out of her cover to rush to his aid, but she thought it would be smarter to listen instead.
- Kane doesn't survive, then Aah lose mah bounty. - Genna worriedly warned Salem.
- If he doesn't survive, I will generously compensate you and Ms. Malachite. - Salem assured.
- So, Ms. Malachite sent you? - Roman, although he was in a weak and helpless state, still didn't lose his cool and looked at Genna. - Does she still resent me?
- It's simply ko va, - Genna shrugged. - nothin' zeno.
Salem directed six Seeing Orbs around Roman, before Genna decided it would be wiser to get out of the circle. The orbs began to spin around Roman and Salem shot purple lightning into one, which then spread to the others, completely enclosing Roman.
Before she could continue the ceremony, Neo jumped out of cover, slashing at least three Grimm and kicking one of the orbs aside.
- Neo! - Roman called out worriedly after his girlfriend. - Stop! - He tried to stop the girl, but she didn't even hear him. Genna raised her rifle to shoot the girl, but Salem only put her hand on the barrel of the rifle, indicating that she could lower it. - You can't help me now!
Neo was surprised by what Roman said, but shook her head and cut down more and more Grimm. Salem and Genna didn't do anything during that time, they just watched her fight desperately and hopelessly against the never ending Grimms.
- Don't waste your strength, Neo! Please! - Roman tried to get closer to the girl, but the Seers stood in his way. - Stop!
The orbs suddenly moved aside, giving way to Roman and the Grimms fighting with Neo also stopped. Roman looked back at Salem and Genna and Salem nodded to indicate that he would get a chance to talk to the girl.
Neo didn't hesitate and immediately ran to Roman and they hugged each other.
- You can't help me now, - Roman caressed her, then smelled her pink and brown hair so that he could smell the chocolate and strawberries for the last time. - now they won. - Neo just pressed her face tightly into Roman's chest and gripped his jacket with such force as if she was never willing to let go. - Even if you could get me out, these two would come after us, and in my condition, we wouldn't stand a chance. You still have a chance, you can outwit them with your Semblance and help the others. They are in captivity and you are the only one who can get them out. - He took the girl's sweet, heart-shaped face in his hands and saw that tears began to flow from her pink and brown eyes. - Hey, don't cry. - He wiped the tears from her face and smiled. - If they wanted to kill me, they would have done it already. I'll be fine for now. - Neo caressed the man's face and looked at him sadly. - I know, but for the others... you are the last hope. You have to save them.
Neo just stared into Roman's eyes, her mouth trembled, she began to breathe heavily and did something she had never seen before in her entire life.
- I... I love you. - It's unbelievable, but Neo spoke for the first time in her life. She had said that thing to him countless times since they had been together with Roman, but never in her own voice. Neo's sweet, musical, airy and bright voice, which was as pleasant to his ears as the melody of a flute, was an unforgettable experience for Roman as well.
- You finally said it. - Roman, who was always very loud and always knew when to say what, now his words were completely stuck after hearing his girlfriend's voice. No words were needed for Neo to understand, as it was written on the man's face how much this meant to him.
They breathed a last goodbye kiss on each other's lips, Roman tried to stick his tongue into Neo's mouth, but unfortunately, it ended quickly when one of the Seer's spiky tentacles wrapped around Roman and pulled him back into the center of the circle.
- You had your goodbye, my children. - Salem, after seeing Roman convince Neo to stop, was about to continue the ritual.
The Seer knocked down by Neo was quickly replaced and the spheres began to circling around Roman again. Salem shot purple lightning at one of them again, which then spread to the others, then summoned a purple ball of energy into her hand, which then flew towards Roman. The lightning in the Seer, which had multiplied in power, focused full force into the sphere of purple energy above Roman, making it larger and larger. When the ball of energy grew to the proper size, it shot three white beams around Roman in a triangular formation, causing perfectly transparent crystals to grow from the floor, surrounding Roman's body, until he was imprisoned in a large, mirror-smooth triangle.
The energy sphere disappeared, the Seers stopped spinning and Salem smiled with satisfaction at the end result. Roman was trapped in a triangle of transparent crystal.
Genna wasn't so satisfied, she checked the man's vital signs with the computer mounted on her gauntlet.
- He's in dzi and perfectly hibernated. - Genna's words calmed Neo so much that her fear went away, but the angry look with which she gazed at Salem and Genna didn't soften and she swore to herself that they're going to regret what they had done.
- Now you can do what you want with him. - Salem just passed Roman over to Genna.
- Can Aah've a slaka ani comuni, aso I could ligrel him?
- Of course. - Salem summoned two Beringel Grimms, who grabbed and lifted the crystal block that contained Roman and headed towards the hangar. - Give my regards to Ms. Malachite and let her know that I intend to cooperate with her in the future.
- I'll give it to her, Rajni. - Genna bowed and followed the two gorilla Grimm.
Salem knew very well that there was no point to chase Neo, who already had a cold spot on the bridge. She knew very well that she wanted to free the others, so she would go ahead of her and wait for them at the exit.
It was an unpleasant situation in the prison, Jaune, Ren, Oscar, Emerald and Hazel were captured, Roman and Neo disappeared and Yang was taken by Adam.
- We have to get out of here somehow! - Jaune tried to open the cell door. He didn't care at all that Hazel was the one who tortured Oscar and that Emerald was involved in Beacon's fall. He simply felt camaraderie towards them for helping. He started banging on the door with his sword, but it didn't budge.
- That doesn't work. - Hazel told him, then took out Ozpin's wand from his pocket and handed it to Oscar. - No more Gretchen, boy.
- Now what... - Before Ren could finish, Hazel tore off his vest, then reached into the bags hanging on his belt and took out an ice Dust, which he stabbed into his shoulder, then white veins appeared on him.
After that, a fire Dust that caused red veins to join the already existing white ones, a lightning Dust that then caused more yellow veins to appear on him and finally a rock Dust that caused purple veins to cover his entire body.
Hazel now had such strength that he was able to break open the thick cell door with a single blow, freeing themselves.
- Hazel... - Emerald gratefully looked up at the man.
- Come on! - Hazel ordered them.
Fortunately, Salem didn't think to take their weapons, so they didn't have to bother looking for them anymore. Hazel led the children straight to the exit.
- You! - Their path was blocked by Mandy, but as soon as she saw the fully powered up Hazel, Jaune, Ren, Emerald and Oscar pointing their weapons at her, she was forced to realize that she wasn't going to win this fight and immediately teleported away.
The others could continue their journey towards the exit undisturbed.
Yang couldn't take it much longer, Adam's continuous beatings, which caused blood to flow from her nose, her right eye swelled up and at least a dozen blue and green spots appeared on her body and her face, started to take effect and a small puddle of blood gathered in front of her feet. She had a cut on the left side of her face and her right eye, three on her right leg, two on her left and four on her left human arm, but the cruelest thing was that Adam cut off the ring finger of her human hand.
- You haven't passed out yet, have you? - Adam returned to the room with a Dust storage cylinder, which he opened and sprinkled the contents on Yang.
It was red fire Dust, causing Yang to choke and cough as the duct tape on her mouth, the blood coming from her nose, and the Dust that Adam had sprinkled on her made it almost impossible to breathe. Adam sprayed her with another dose, which made her start coughing again, choking, but it even got into her eye, which stung terribly.
Adam saw that Yang was about to pass out from lack of air, so he ripped the duct tape off her mouth.
- What are you doing?! - Yang was grateful to be able to breathe again, but she was already horrified by what Adam had done. - You sick beast!
- What does it look like? - Adam sprinkled the last amount of Dust on Yang's head, which covered her entire body. - I sprinkle you with fire dust. - As soon as the container was empty, Adam tossed it aside and took Wilt out, then he made a cut on the stone wall of the room, which caused a spark. - So you can burn.
- Are you completely crazy?! - Yang, who so far bravely stood the man's torture, now really lost her courage, turned pale and began to tremble. - Don't do this! Please! Wait! Stop it!
- Are you finished? - For Adam, Yang's terrified plea was a nice prelude before he could hear her screams of pain before igniting the Dust.
- You don't have to do that! - Yang was scared to the painful death and desperately tried to get free, but the Grimm arms wouldn't let her go. - Please! Stop it! Don't light it!
Adam spun Wilt in his hand and Yang's flaming corpse floating in front of his eyes, but before he cut the floor to light Dust with his katana, Neo appeared in a flash of pink and white and parried Wilt's blow with Hush.
Adam, as if he had been disturbed in a great amusement, growled and lashed out at the girl lika an infuriated bulls, who quickly and easily dodged his blows. Adam charged again, but Neo dodged him again, caught his arm and pinned him, causing him to fall to the ground.
Adam didn't give up, he was back on his feet and ready to finish off Neo, but she was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, with his faunus's hearing, he heard a faint metallic scraping and quickly looked behind himself.
Neo hid herself with her Semblance, took out Hush's blade and attacked Adam with lightning speed, who didn't even have time to react, let alone defend himself. A single quick, strong and precise strike was enough for Adam to fall to the ground and, accompanied by a dark red flash, his aura drained.
The man still didn't give up, leaning on his sword he tried to stand up, but Neo walked towards him with slow, graceful and measured steps and kicked him in the head, knocking him unconscious.
Neo went to the relieved but badly injured Yang, seeing her tortured face, her injuries, the small puddle of blood at her feet and the amount of Fire Dust that Adam had sprinkled her with, she understood why she was sobbing. She cut off the Grimm arms that were holding her captive, but Yang fell forward and if Neo hadn't caught her in time, she would have fallen face down.
- You... - Yang was relieved to see that Neo had saved her. - you... you saved me... - Neo started to pull her and wanted to get her up. - Wait... - She supported herself on the ground with her hand, she knew that Neo wouldn't be able to carry her out. - My arm... - She looked to the side, towards the robotic arm that Adam had stripped her of. Neo went after it and helped hook it back onto Yang's stump, with which she was able to stand up. - Sick beast! - Yang just looked angrily at the unconscious Adam, who tortured and mutilated her a second time.
Neo started pulling on Yang's human arm, wanting them to go. Yang was able to move slowly, leaning on Neo.
- We got you! - Fortunately for them, they just ran into the others. - Yang, - Jaune looked at the girl in horror, who was almost lifeless. - what...
- Adam... - Yang moaned weakly. - a f*cking beast!
- We have to get her out. - Hazel warned the others, who now took control of the team and took the injured Yang on his back.
However, Neo stood in their way and held out her hands, indicating that they couldn't leave yet.
- What is it? - Jaune asked curiously and Neo, knowing that no one here speaks sign language, took out her Scroll and started typing.
"The Bounty Huntress took Roman. We have to save him."
- We have to free him! - Jaune snapped.
- Of course! - Ren joined.
- I don't know how you feel about it, - Emerald didn't like the plan anymore. - but Blondie won't last long.
- That's why you have to take her out. - Oscar joined.
- How? - Emerald shook her head in confusion.
- You know where the exit is, - Oscar explained. - with your Semblance you will be able to get her out and take her to a safe place.
- We trust her to you. - Hazel took Yang off his back and propped her up on Emerald.
Yang didn't like Emerald's company, but she was in no condition to object right now, so leaning on her, they headed for the exit together.
- Let's go! - Jaune instructed everyone, then they followed Neo, who had already gone ahead.
The wind howled strongly on the landing pad as the two Beringel Grimm carried out Roman encased in the crystal. Genna was glad to finally complete this assignment and return to her family, victorious.
- Kerel Torchwick on the bruka. - Genna, who was waiting in front of her plane, said the two Grimms.
Genna noticed the company that had come to Roman's rescue, Neo, Hazel, Oscar, Jaune and Ren and didn't hesitate to open fire. Neo used Hush and Jaune blocked the shots with his shield, Ren ducked behind them and returned fire.
Hazel charged forward to deal with the Bounty Huntress with hand to hand combat, but Genna threw a grenade at the man, which he dodged and was able to hit with his fist on the helmet, causing her to fall to the side but stay on her feet.
To dodge Hazel's next punch, Genna activated her jetpack and took to the air. Before Hazel could catch her feet, the two Beringel Grimms jumped out of the plane and charged at Hazel.
While the man was fighting the two Grimm, Genna could take care of the youngsters, more specifically Neo, who Jaune shot with his shield in the air, straight at Genna. Genna parried Neo's blows with her armored arms, which were unable to break through and quickly shook off the girl, who was parachuting towards the ground with her parasol.
Genna was able to land on the ground, taking aim at Neo with her rifle, but Jaune went at her with his shield, causing her to take a step back. The Bounty Huntress took out another grenade, which she threw to the ground. Ren and Jaune, with their auras still drained, had to retreat and Neo, still parachuting with Hush, was pushed back by the blast's radius as well.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Genna quickly boarded the plane, closed its ramp and once she was on board started the plane, which took off and left the Monstra Grimm and disappeared into the clouds.
Hazel had just finished off the two Beringel Grimm and was disappointed to note that they were late.
- I'm sorry. - Jaune put his hand on Neo's shoulder, who just stared at the sky where Genna's plane had disappeared. She almost went into shock when she realized that Roman was gone and there was nothing she could do to save him.
- We still have to get out of here. - Ren reminded them.
- There. - Hazel showed the way.
Fortunately, they didn't encounter any more obstacles and reached the mouth of Monstra, which was open and the front line wasn't too far. If they get out of the creature's mouth, they can easily slip past the horde and are already half way home.
- Ready to go somewhere, kids? - Unfortunately, Salem appeared right at the finish line, who was already waiting for them.
- Salem. - Hazel, being the only one who had a serious chance against the witch, stepped forward. - Go, I'll hold you up.
- Hazel... - Jaune knew that if anyone stood up to Salem, who was immortal and merciless, he wouldn't survive.
- No time to argue. - Hazel didn't even want to hear about it, but Neo stood next to him and pointed Hush at the witch. - This applies you too. - Hazel lifted Neo with one hand and put her back to the boys. - We can't win this fight, but I can buy you time.
Neo was angry, but forced to accept that the man was right and that if she stayed, she would be throwing her life away.
- Thank you, - Ren was grateful. - finally, you made the right decision.
The boys and Neo started towards the monster's mouth, but Salem didn't let them and wanted to shoot a purple lightning towards them. Hazel, however, combined his aura with the Dust embedded in his body and flashed in front of Salem, whom he beat and slammed into the wall.
- Now, what exactly are you hoping for? - Salem, as if the blow didn't even bother her, stood up and summoned a dark aura around her.
- I'm doing what Gretchen would have done! - Hazel bravely stood alone against the witch while the others ran away.
- Will you throw your life for a lost cause?! - Salem shot purple bolts again, this time at the man, who jumped aside and ran straight towards the witch.
The lightning in his body accelerated Dust to the point that he could foresee where the lightning would strike, so he had no trouble dodging them, then he punched forward with one of his fists and shot three fireballs towards Salem. Salem summoned a small tornado, which she used to rise into the air and dodge the fireballs and send several spheres of purple energy into the air, from which purple lightning burst out and hit random places.
Hazel stopped on one of the cliffs, took out another fire Dust, which he buried in the ground, causing it to explode and the blast's beam shot him up into the air, straight towards Salem. He took out three more Dusts, a Fire, a Lightning, and a Rock, which he combined into a huge, spiky, electric magma rock that he slashed at Salem, crushing her to the floor. The rock quickly evaporated, but Salem was underneath it and still unharmed.
Hazel still didn't stop, he towered over the witch and started hitting with his fists, full power and with each punch black Grimm liquid splattered from Salem onto the floor. Salem touched the floor, causing a red rune to appear and a pile of Grimm arms to grab Hazel and lift him up into the air.
Meanwhile, Jaune, Ren, and Neo had reached the exit and were already out of Monstra when Jaune noticed they were down by one.
- Wait, Oscar?! - He turned back and saw the boy with Ozpin's cane in hand, preparing to turn back.
- She will only come after us. - Oscar activated Ozpin's wand and went back to Monstra.
Salem caught Hazel and held him in the air until her bruised and broken face healed.
- You know, - Salem just rubbed her chin after it was back to its old self. - "what Gretchen would have done" seems pretty weak as last words, but I'll be honest, - She softened and shot purple lightning at the man again. - far behind from the worst decisions you made today.
- Then f*ck off, old b*tch! - Hazel shielded the lightning with an ice shield.
- See, you can do better if you want. - Salem smiled proudly and threw the man with the Grimm arms and hit him against the wall.
Salem didn't stand idly by, she ran to the man lying on the ground, grabbed the back of his head and slammed it to the ground, again and again. She only stopped when she saw some kind of orange light out of the corner of her eye and noticed that Oscar had returned, holding Ozpin's wand, which he was about to cast a spell with.
Oscar and Salem just glared at each other for a while, but Salem moved first, quickly flying towards the boy, trying to stop him from charging his magic, but before she could, Hazel grabbed her from behind and held her back.
Salem again summoned a red rune under the man, causing him to be caught by more Grimm arms, three wrapped around his legs and one around his throat.
However, Hazel had a fire Dust in his mouth, which he bit and it exploded, causing him and Salem to burst into flames, causing her to scream.
This gave Oscar enough time to charge the green and orange magic into his wand, but Salem's fire-induced screams didn't make his concentration any easier.
The Grimm's arm was tighter and tighter around Hazel's throat, the flames were burning his body, but he didn't let go of Salem.
- Do it! - He shouted to Oscar.
Oscar knew that Hazel was ready to die for buying time, not only for him and his friends, but also give Atlas a chance to survive. He regretted that the man who, after so many years, had finally returned to the right side, was already ending his life.
All he could do was fully charge the magic in the staff, which shone with a golden light, and then he pressed the lever on it to fire it. A shield of green energy appeared around the boy, and a blast of blinding white energy erupted from it, destroying everything around it.
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