Hunting or Bust: The Journey Continues
Dust 8: The Unknown Factor
I have so many chapters of this story saved up. I could update this for a full month if I wanted to. But I'm sure you guys want some variety, so get ready for our July super drop! Another month of chapters every week!
Man, why do I do this to myself?
((((((((Hunting))))))))
It was raining so heavily that it was almost impossible to make out the road ahead. But thankfully she spotted some faint lights and made her way back to the inn. She rushed through the door and the innkeeper made a grunt in her direction. She made her way up to her room and waited at the door before knocking with the agreed code.
"Come in."
She opened the door and pulled her hood down, "Damn, it's like a monsoon out there." With a sigh, she shuffled off the poncho and let it drop to the ground with a wet thump. Shaking the stray droplets off her, she grabbed the bag of food and supplies she'd gotten from the general store, "I got some snacks."
"And the medicine?"
"Painkillers and wrappings. Best we're gonna get out here."
With a groan, Sienna sat up in the bed while clutching her stomach and the tight wrappings around it. Yugito made her way over and laid the bag out. As Sienna settled, Yugito extended her nails and cut a portion of the wraps so that they loosened and peeled away.
The nasty wound that Adam had left during his surprise attack had been cleaned and sewn shut with the help of a medical officer they had pressured into assistance. But now it started to look like the area was swollen and red. And with them trying to lay low and avoid attention, it was hard to get proper follow-up examinations. Especially if someone checking up on her recognized her as the Supreme Leader of the White Fang.
Sienna gritted her teeth as the old gauze was removed to make way for the new gauze. Yugito started pulling, "You sure you don't want that painkiller now?"
"It'd dull my senses, and I don't want to risk too much while we're on the run." Even in her injured state, Sienna spoke with all the authority she'd developed from years of leading. It didn't matter about her weakened state because she still tried to carry herself with dignity. It didn't stop her from hissing when the gauze tightened around the injury though, "Although this isn't pleasant. I wish we had gotten out of the water a little bit quicker instead of floating down it for miles."
"Well, we had to get away fast." Yugito defended, "I offered to help with the wound-"
"And I told you cauterizing it wasn't going to be effective. Not everything on TV should be emulated." Yugito frowned and shrugged before cutting off the gauze and finishing the wrap on it. With that Sienna let out a breath of relief and slumped into the headboard.
The Noble Guard grabbed a pre-packed sandwich and the painkillers before holding them out. When Sienna grimaced she immediately spoke up, "I don't care if you don't have an appetite or they leave you groggy. You need food and you can't let the pain keep you up. Eat something, take half a pill, and focus your Aura on your injury."
The tiger Faunus glared at the cat before taking the offered bits and complying. As Sienna looked at the sandwich and pushed down the urge to gag, she looked out the window, "Was anyone following you?"
"Not in that weather. And I don't know if they'd follow us out this far."
"Don't underestimate them. And don't underestimate Adam's paranoia."
Yugito laid down in her bed and tried to get comfortable as she felt sleep beckon her, "Won't he have better things to do? I mean he's in charge of the whole damn thing now. And they have an attack coming up soon."
"That's right, and he'll be focused on that," Sienna bit into her sandwich while staring out the window, "But the fact we're alive and running around will burn a hole in the back of his head that he just won't accept."
Yugito shifted around trying to get comfortable, but Sienna's words of warning stirred in her head. She spoke up, "Hey," She got the former leader's attention, "With him in charge…how bad is it going to be? I mean I know he's violent and angry but people will rein him in and fight him, right? He has to stop at some point. And then they can make a better world, right?"
"You're naïve if you think he'll give anyone that chance."
Yugito turned in the bed and looked up at Sienna, watching the tiger staring at the rain as she had her meal, "It isn't about trying to make the world a better place for him…it's just about hating it for what it is…and making it crumble anyway possible."
The room settled into an uncomfortable lull as the rain pelted the windows of the inn.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Hey Bee, good to see you again. And with a new weird crew as well." The confident woman stood out of her chair and faced all of them with crossed arms, "How'd you end up getting involved with these guys?"
"They bugged me at the club, I picked a fight with this guy and had fun, my bro interrupted and nearly ruined everything, and then this guy fought my brother off and convinced him to allow it. And now we're here."
Robyn and her comrades all looked puzzled for a moment before their gazes turned to Sasuke. The light-haired leader let out a small laugh and pointed at Sasuke, "That was you? I heard there was some nutjob that challenged Bulky to a fight, but I just assumed it was a rumor. And that whoever fought him had died because…I mean they obviously would, right?" She looked around the room and there was a wave of unanimous agreement from both sides of the discussion, "Right? That's so weird. I mean no disrespect but compared to the big guy you look-"
"Small."
"Shrimpy."
"Weak."
"And his sword looked like a toothpick next to that guy's fist!" Sasuke turned and stared at Fū silently before the bubbly girl stepped back, "Sorry."
Sasuke sighed and turned back to Robyn and her crew, "I convinced the Lt. General to give us a chance and he did. That's all that's important. We need help getting through the blockade and out of Atlas. Can you help us figure out how we can do that?
Robyn stared him down, looking him over and accessing what she could from his appearance and demeanor. Sasuke could feel her gaze linger on their weapons and pondering how they would make a move if they attacked. Now that he was looking around, he saw all the others positioned in advantageous points around Robyn to help defend or fight in case things took a turn. They were certainly Huntresses and skilled ones at that. They were suspicious and wary of him, but one quick look between each other and they nodded. Robyn stepped forward and offered her hand, which Sasuke took-
Only for a bright light to suddenly appear around their hands. Her grip tightened and Sasuke heard his friends panic as her people immediately stood in defense, "Don't worry. This isn't going to hurt," Robyn suddenly reassured them, keeping her gaze focused solely on Sasuke before she asked, "Besides Bee's brother, do you have any other connections to the Atlas Military? And be honest."
Looks like she wanted some answers from him and wasn't going to tolerate lies. Sasuke looked down at the light holding their hands together and couldn't feel any pain or sensation as it did. Whatever it was, it was probably her Semblance determining if they were trustworthy. He nodded, "Yes. I followed General Ironwood's orders to fight and protect the city during the Fall of Beacon, and my brother and many of the people I grew up with now work under him in the armed forces. But that is all. I haven't had contact with them in a long time, and I just want to get myself and my friends out of the Kingdom safely."
The light binding their arms turned green, and while Robyn still seemed hesitant her expression did ease a little. She nodded and released his hand, "Okay, sounds good."
"Was that a lie detector? Oh, was that your Semblance?!"
"Yep," Robyn walked back to her desk, sitting against it as her friends came back to her side, "Can't do much against Grimm but pretty helpful to cut through the bullshit and figure out who I can trust."
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked back at Kiba's worried expression. His partner didn't say anything, but Sasuke quickly raised his hand and showed there were no side effects or damages. The look of relief passed his face for a moment before it hardened and he stepped forward, "Alright if you're done blindsiding us with questions, can we get to the point?"
"Easy Tusks, all in good time."
"Tus- THESE ARE FANGS! THEY'RE FANGS!"
Fū and Bee quickly pulled Kiba away as he got into a heated fervor defending his tattoos. Robyn looked amused by the reaction before her tone became more focused, "Now it's no easy task trying to smuggle people out of Atlas, especially with the rank and file breathing down our necks at every corner. It'll take some time to find you lot a way out, and during that time we could seriously use the help."
"Can you give us an estimate of how long it would be?" Shisui asked evenly.
"A few weeks. Maybe a month or two."
The conversation quickly devolved from there. Their side raised complaints about the urgency with which they had to leave. Robyn's side gave rational arguments as to their priorities and the time it would take to find a new way out of a gridlocked Kingdom.
They were trying to sweeten the deal in their arrangement. A classic tactic he recognized from his days as a thief having to listen to people bicker and argue about rules and rewards for a job. Whatever restrictions they may or may not be facing, they were underselling it to coax a little more out of the people asking for a favor. Probably wanted to coerce them into menial jobs or risky business for longer until they earned enough of a reward. He had seen it enough to recognize exactly what was happening.
Only Naruto never quite got a grasp of it. When negotiations began, he'd say something stupid that would completely derail the workings and nearly ruin the deal. A desperate move to force things along like-
"How about we just help you with that robbery you're planning and call it even?"
The room went silent, and everyone looked at him, Robyn and her people seeming extra startled by his declaration. He pointed to the framed poster behind her desk, "I can see the plans on your desktop in the reflection of that poster. Looks like a lot to consider before you make a move."
Fiona desperately cleaned off the desk to hide everything and let out a nervous giggle as Robyn smirked, "Pretty good eyesight."
"Comes in handy." Sasuke stepped forward to confront her directly, "I saw a few plans, and the others' names on there, but I didn't see yours. And you don't seem like the kind of person to throw others to the fire out of cowardice, so you can't participate because you need to be elsewhere, right?"
The room was tense and silent as Robyn considered what to say. She could have just waved it off and denied the idea, but instead, she sighed, "There's a rally we set up in a few days addressing the worries and concerns of the public about the recent actions Ironwood's been making. A lot of people are going to be there, including a member of the Council. But during that time, a huge shipment of Dust is going to be transported through the streets on its way up to Atlas." She uncrossed her arms, "That Dust could be used to help the people in the city and the crater during a time like this. And we need to use it. But I have to make an appearance since I helped set it up, so we're figuring out how May and the others can pull it off."
"Let me help." Sasuke offered, "I have a sordid history of stealing from Atlas security. Before I joined Beacon, I worked under Fenton Wilsk helping him secure his empire." They looked shocked by that, and the way Kiba nodded his head gave his boast credibility. He offered his hand, "If you want to do good for Mantle and the crater, you'll need our help getting that shipment."
The offered hand hung in the air for a few moments as Robyn considered it. With a complicated expression, she stood up and took his hand to shake it. Probably weighing the benefits of asking an expert thief for help against whether she could trust someone who helped one of the worst traitors in Atlas history.
Their hands were snared in a glowing light, and this time it was Robyn and her crew that were surprised. She looked up into Sasuke's red eyes as he asked, "Do you have a way to get us out of Atlas, or is this just a ploy to get our help?"
"Heh, so that's what it's like on the other side." She chuckled before her smile fell, "A surefire way to get you out of the Kingdom? No, I don't have one. But I have some ideas and they're the best we can work with on short notice. That's all I can give you. Take it or leave it."
Their hands glowed green, and although that wasn't quite the answer he was hoping for, a lead on a way to get out was better than nothing.
With a nod, both leaders let go and started to come up with a plan.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"You know when you picked me up from that underground arena with the promise of adventure and doing something to help the world…this is not what I had in mind."
"Yeah," Kiba nodded beside Shisui, all of them dressed in dark clothing and staying in a dreary alley waiting for their target to arrive. The tattooed young man let out a nervous breath leaning against the wall, "I still can't believe he and Naruto wore stuff like this back in the day."
"Was that true what he said?" May asked while keeping an eye on the street, "Are we supposed to trust someone like that to look out for us?"
"To be fair he made up for it by helping take down Wilsk and his entire criminal organization, but we don't like to brag so keep that to yourself." Kiba causally said and ignored the others' surprised expressions as he started pulling his mask down, "I hear something coming. Get ready."
"~Creepin' through the dead of night, knowing what we gotta do is right~, ~got some Dust runnin' by in a batch, me and my crew dropping down to sna-"
"Bee! Not now!" They all quickly shushed him before his rapping could distract them. They quickly pulled down their masks while Bee also pulled up his hood to hide his horns and locked both in with safety pins. With them fully dressed and hidden from sight, they saw a small convoy of trucks turning down the street and making their way over. They tensely nodded and gathered up, "Remember, we have to hit all three at the same time. Who wants to go-"
Bee jumped on a trashcan and then leaped out into the street to grab the oncoming first truck.
Shisui quickly followed suit and jumped onto the second.
Kiba and May shared a look and shrugged before they brought up the back and grabbed onto the last one rushing down the street.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Wow, there are so many people here," Fū noted in amazement as she saw the turnout for the rally. People from the crater and the city came out in droves so big they nearly filled the square. Fū was consistently amazed by just how many people were packed into such a small space when back in Vacuo she could have gone days or weeks without seeing people sometimes, "They must all be very worried."
"They are." Sasuke nodded as he took note of the military and Atlesian Knights posted around the premise. With emotions no doubt going to flare in the heat of things, Huntsmen and soldiers were posted around to keep them safe. Still, with what was happening at the same time, he couldn't help but feel anxious. He spotted Fiona and Johanna standing together looking up at the stage and walked over, "Should be started soon."
"Yep." Johanna tersely answered. The largest member of the Happy Huntresses didn't engage them in many discussions, but if she didn't turn and fight them, they were happy.
Fū on the other hand was too excited to stay quiet, "This turnout is awesome! And I think a lot of them are excited because Robyn will be speaking, right?"
"Yep!" Fiona didn't share her partner's reservations and was happy to engage with them, "Robyn is super popular! She was famous while in Atlas and could have gotten one of the highest positions in the military if she had stuck around. But instead, she decided to devote herself to coming back home and helping the city. Not just the people in Mantle but the people in the crater too." Fiona smiled fondly as she looked down, "If more people thought as she did, I'm sure things would be better."
Johanna nodded and Fū smiled at the admiration the two had for their leader. Sasuke could respect both Robyn's desire to help and the people she inspired as well. If this were any other situation he would have gladly liked to help her do more for the people of Mantle, but he knew he was needed elsewhere and had to focus on that, "There are more people here to speak than just Robyn, right?"
"There are." Johanna answered, "Robyn will be acting as something of a moderator tonight. Along the way, we'll get speeches from Hanlon Fifestone of the Mantle Union group, members of the guardians outside of Mantle, Councilwoman Camilla Sleet, and round it out with questions from the people here. It's going to be a long night." She kept her eyes focused on the stage, "Hopefully long enough for May and the others to finish."
They had the plan figured out after a few days of workshopping. Robyn's intel and Sasuke's experience with Atlas security gave them a solid foundation. The convoy would be armed with automatic Atlesian Knights – trouble but nothing they couldn't handle. And the glory of the automated system was that if they could take the front truck, the others would remotely follow it to their destination. If they could destroy the robots and steal the front car, there would be no issue getting it to their hideout.
Since Fū had little combat training and Sasuke would be too recognizable as a one-handed thief, it was decided that Kiba, Shisui, and Bee would help May in her endeavor. And hopefully, by the time this rally was over they'd return to find their friends with the Dust they need to ensure Mantle's safety during the lockdown.
Fiona leaned in to whisper, "Hey, are you sure they're gonna be okay?"
He nodded, "They'll be fine. Outside of the unknown factor, they can handle it."
They looked at him with confusion, "The unknown what?"
"It's the thing we had no way to plan for. There's always something. From a guard coming back to check on something to a new security system being implemented after the intel has been given. What makes or breaks a job is whether you can adapt to that unknown factor before it destroys everything."
"Oh…" Fū gulped, "That sounds terrifying."
The crowd suddenly filled with cheers as Robyn stepped up onto the stage. She smiled and waved to everyone before she spotted them in the crowd. She looked at Johanna and Fiona and sent a small nod to the side before she started speaking.
They followed her gaze and then cursed, "Oh dammit."
"What are they doing here?"
"Who?" Fū asked, "Who is it?"
Their attention was on a pair of men standing off the stage and watching the rally in silence. A tall, broad-shouldered man with a sleeveless white and blue coat with short brown hair. Right beside him was another man in similar colors, svelte and pale with a taciturn expression amid a cheering crowd.
"They're the Ace-Ops." Fiona whispered, "The best of the best among Atlas Specialists."
"O-Oh," Fū nodded before letting out a nervous laugh, "But that's not a problem. This is a big event. They're probably just here to watch out for everyone, right?"
"Yeah," Johanna frowned, "Except there are five of them."
Sasuke closed his eyes and sighed. Looks like they found the unknown factor.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Atlesian Knights were tough, but with enough force, they crumbled to scrap like anything else. May and Kiba caught their breath in the cramped compartment of the supply truck as the broken parts of the robots clattered against the ground and Dust cargo tightly packed inside. May quickly touched her ear, "Car 1, Car 2, do you read? How's it looking up there, over?"
("Car 2 is clear. Navigation is unharmed. Car 1, all good, over?")
Radio silence and a pit was falling in their stomachs, "Car 1, what-"
The trucks suddenly stopped and lurched, forcing the thieves to brace themselves before things got steady again. Through their earpieces, they heard Bee, ("Aw yeah, Atlas' premiere musical god holding it down!")
Kiba scoffed as May rolled her eyes and growled, "Just focus on the job, you moron. Make your way to the first stop and we'll reconvene there, over."
("You got it!")
May sighed, "He doesn't even remember proper radio lingo. Man, no wonder he wasn't fit for the military. And I'm glad I came on this job instead of Johanna. If she had to suffer his stupidity…"
"Hey," Kiba asked while they waited for the convoy to reach its midpoint destination, "What's the beef between them? He seems to like her but she seems a moment away from punching him the whole time?"
"That's understandable." The Marigold woman chuckled, "Johanna was getting ticked off with Bee constantly asking her out, and it hit the breaking point when he tried to serenade her."
"Oof. Still, that doesn't seem enough of a reason-"
"The song was a ballad about what they'd do in the sack after their date, and he did it in front of other people."
"Oh - ahahahahaha!" Kiba doubled over and held his gut as he laughed, "Oh shit! Oh, that's funny! I-I'm surprised he's still alive!"
"He almost wasn't." Despite herself, May couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction, "Bee's tough, but hell hath no fury like Johanna's righteous anger."
Their laughter worked to cut through the tension of the moment. Even though it seemed like everything was going well, they still remembered Sasuke's warning about the unknown factor. Until they were secure and out of the woods, there was no point to celebrate too early.
The convoy slowed to a stop inside an empty construction site. Once they did, May poked her head out to survey the place and make sure it was empty. She stepped out, still on edge in case anyone suddenly showed up as she disappeared with her Semblance. She jogged over to the edge of the street and looked around before letting out a breath and making her way back over.
She slammed her fists against the side of the trucks as Kiba, Shisui, and Bee hopped out. Bee quickly jumped on Shisui and tried to celebrate with the older Uchiha as Kiba looked around, "How long are we stopping here?"
"The drop-off point is next. We're just going to make sure we don't have a tail or anything." May said, a little on edge as she sighed and scratched her face under her mask, "Y'know, for a first-time heist it's going pretty well."
"You said it. Hey, can you hide all three of them with your Semblance?"
"If they were stationary? Maybe. But while we're driving them down a street? Definitely not."
"Alright, well how about we stop using all three?" Kiba suggested to her and his friends, "If we pack part of the third truck into the first and second we don't have to worry about all three."
"No, we're going to scrap these trucks after we've dropped off the cargo. We don't want to risk the chance of tracking, forensics - any of that shit. It's all three until they're cleared, and then scrapped." May stated, waiting a moment before the other three nodded in understanding, "Alright, then let's get going. Car 1, back to the wheel."
Bee picked up the pace as the rest of them got back into their trucks. The masked bull Faunus hummed a tune and started it up again to drive out-
Straight into a giant hulk of a woman with glowing feet and a hammer.
"Oh shit-"
It slammed into the side of the truck, bending the front wheels and hood so deeply it swerved into the wall. The two trucks crashed into each other and caused them to stumble around desperately inside when they heard the violent crashing. They quickly jumped out when they saw the wrecked front truck, "Hey! What-"
A blur rushed by in a dash of lightning and knocked them off their feet. May and Shisui roughly slammed against their trucks as Kiba weathered the blow. His Feral immediately activated and his heightened senses helped him realize the sudden arrival of their attackers. His fist lashed out at the blur-
It slipped under his arm and slid to a stop as a woman with short brown and white hair looked up at him, a metal exoskeleton along her limbs. She smirked, "Wow, the first time some thugs reacted to me in time. I'm getting excited about this."
Kiba growled under his ski mask as he prepared to fight. May and Shisui picked themselves up-
"Stay!"
They suddenly froze in place. Only their eyes could shift around and move to spot the third soldier coming to interfere in their heist.
"Tch, Marrow," The short woman clicked her tongue as she glared back at the approaching man, "Good job and everything but you jumped in just when it was getting fun."
"I thought we were doing our job, Hare." The young Faunus man chided his senior as he walked to her side, his wolf tail wagging as he kept his finger pointed at them, "Glad we managed to sneak up on them."
"Yeah, pretty impressive what you guys were trying to pull…but whatever it is, it ends here."
((((((((Hunted))))))))
"Now I have to believe that the reasons General Ironwood had for taking these measures were for the sake of Atlas."
"But Atlas isn't just the City of Atlas! It's Mantle! The crater! The settlements! And every one of us is suffering!"
"The conditions working in Mantle have never been the best, but the threat of Grimm charging in is higher than ever before! And I cannot let the people in my union risk their safety like that!"
Sasuke looked out across the crowd and saw the leaders speak and debate on stage while the impassioned audience raised questions when they had a chance. In all the times he'd come to Mantle he'd never seen them so unified on something. He looked to his side, "You alright?"
Fū nodded, looking out over the crowd in quiet disbelief, "Yeah, it's just kinda weird. Seeing so many people gather together about what they think is wrong with their Kingdom. I knew the other Kingdoms are different from Vacuo but…I guess I never realized what it meant to be part of something bigger like this."
That was understandable. Vacuo was a solitary and personal Kingdom in comparison to others. Seeing another land's people gather together instead of figuring things out themselves was probably something like culture shock.
"She's doing well up there."
"Of course. You think she'd be overwhelmed by a bunch of public speakers?"
"Well, she was pretty nervous before this started."
Although they couldn't tell it now with the way Robyn was handling both the stage and the crowd. Even it if was a little rough at first, Robyn eased the rally together by being attentive to what the audience wanted, when they had questions she quickly pointed them out and vetted them before addressing their concerns. When things got heated she made sure to settle things quickly and keep them on track.
"She's doing really well. If I didn't know any better I'd think she had experience doing this." They looked over as the short-haired Ace-Op and his partner made their way over. He smiled, "Although I remember her being very uncomfortable speaking in front of crowds."
Fiona and Johanna were quiet until the larger Huntress spoke, "She's not going to let something like butterflies in her stomach stop her from helping people. That's what it means to be a Huntress. What it's always meant."
That statement seemed especially pointed, and the older Huntsman silently nodded, "I can respect that."
"What are you doing down here, anyway?" Fiona asked, "The general isn't going to make a surprise appearance, is he?"
"I doubt that'd be wise, considering the atmosphere of the crowd." The pale Specialist beside him said, "We were ordered down here to watch over the rally, protect Councilwoman Camilla, and make sure things go smoothly."
"And the whole team wasn't needed for that?"
"They're taking a break at the moment."
"Sure they are." Johanna groaned, "Hey if you want things to go smoothly, how about talking some sense into Ironwood? You have his ear."
"It isn't that simple."
"Yes, it is. If the people around him tell him this whole lockdown is asinine-"
"He's hearing it enough. And he has good reason to want to prepare like this."
"What good reason?"
"Because the people behind Beacon are still at large." The Atlas natives turned to Sasuke as he joined the conversation while still watching the stage, "Even though they were identified, they still evaded capture and disappeared from the face of Remnant."
"B-But," Fiona stammered, "That was different! I mean this is Atlas we're talking about-"
"We didn't think Vale would ever fall, but then it happened around us."
"Hmm," The lead Ace-Op walked around and came over to Sasuke, "I'm surprised someone so young understand's the general's reasoning."
"I'm sure lots of people understand why he's doing this. It's the abruptness and lack of warning or discussion that is drawing so much anger." Sasuke responded, "I might understand his reason but I don't agree with his method."
"Do I know you? You seem familiar." He simply shook his head as the older man nodded, "I'm Clover by the way. My partner here is Vine."
"Sasuke."
"And I'm Fū."
"Huh, now where did you two-"
"It's bullshit!" Their attention turned back to the stage as the crowd started getting fired up. On the stage, the burly man in worker's clothes, Hanlon Fifestone, stood up and stared down Councilwoman Camilla, "How can you just let him run rampant like this?! I thought the whole reason you and Sleet stood on the Council was the keep this man in check!"
Camilla didn't rise with the provocation. She had come down here as the representative of Atlas government and knew she'd be seen as the opponent if she did, but still, she stayed composed and responded, "We do act as a checks and balance system to General Ironwood's decisions. And I assure you that he has explained the logic behind this decision to myself and Councilman Sleet extensively."
"What logic?!" Fifestone argued, "He shuts us down and leaves it at that! Grimm sightings have spiked since this lockdown! Everyone on Mantle is on edge!"
"But with the threat of that unknown malicious force that attacked in Beacon still on the loose, we have to be careful."
"We all have to suffer because he couldn't do his damn job?!"
"Okay enough!" Robyn quickly stepped in before Fifestone could get any more irate. The large man caught his breath and stepped aside, leaving Robyn centerstage to look out over the nervous and antsy crowd before she turned to Camila, "Councilwoman, I understand he explained the logic of this decision to you both. And you act as his checks and balances regarding his decisions. But let me ask you," She shook her head, "Did he tell you that you were doing this? Did he listen to either of you before moving ahead with this?"
The entire street and rally went deathly silent as they waited for an answer. The only thing that drew the attention away from the tense atmosphere was when Clover got a notice on his Scroll and he had to step away.
Camilla looked troubled and seemed bothered by Robyn's question. As her silence lasted a few seconds longer than she intended, the message started to spread through the crowd.
"Oh, my gods!"
"He's a tyrant!"
"We're gonna die because of him!"
The crowd's anger and frustration quickly ramped up. Robyn noticed and tried to calm them down, but her voice was drowned out by their complaints. Vine's Scroll buzzed next and he quickly turned to Johanna and Fiona, "We need to get everyone to safety, right now."
As their dread and training started to take place, people noticed Clover stepping up to the stage. He spoke to the guards around Camilla as they quickly started to move. He and Robyn met each other stone-faced but as he whispered to her they saw her expression change. She nodded and faced the crowd, "Everyone! Everyone listen! We need you to leave in a calm and orderly fashion! Please return to your homes or the local shelter!"
Fū could feel the anxiety in the air and turned to Sasuke, "Hey, are we-"
"Staying." He started making his move toward an alley where he stashed his weapon for safekeeping, "Stay to the side and make sure to guide any stragglers, okay?" She nodded as he focused on the farthest point of the street.
And could hear the howls of Grimm incoming.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
"Elm, do you have that guy? Bring him over with the rest."
"I have him." The statuesque, muscular woman stomped around the truck she had bent with the masked Bee draped over her shoulder. The giant woman stopped by Harriett and the frozen thieves Marrow had captured and dropped the fourth one on the ground, "Quite impressive they tried to pull this off with just the four of them, no?"
"Wha- No!" Marrow argued, "It's not impressive! It's a pain dealing with a bunch of wannabe master thieves when we should be standing guard at the rally!"
"Luckily, Clover suggested we shadow that convoy, otherwise things would have gotten dicey." Harriet noted while leaning against the truck, "Plus I don't know what you're complaining about, Marrow. We took them out in just a few seconds. No big deal."
Kiba tried to look around at the others but struggled to get a good view with his body completely stopped like this. He felt like his muscles were raging under his skin to try and push back but his body refused to. They couldn't let this happen. After all the traveling and fighting and preparations to finally get back to their friends…
It couldn't just end like this.
"Well, should we check who these guys are?" Harriett wondered as she walked in front of the frozen crew. She grabbed the edge of Kiba's mask and pulled up, "We'll need to bring them in for headshots-"
The quick Ace-Op stopped just shy of revealing his chin when her Scroll buzzed. She stepped back and touched her ear, "This is Harriett. Clover? Good call on the convoy. We caught four – what? What?!" She exclaimed and drew their attention, "Well are you evacuating everyone? How'd the Grimm get in close enough to get in the city?! I know there are some holes in the defense but we have soldiers-"
"Grimm?" Elm and Marrow looked at each other, "Do they still need help with evacuations?"
"Let's turn these guys over to the police and-"
"Marrow, you need to focus-"
Bee lurched up from the ground and threw some dirt in Marrow's face. He coughed and had to cover his eyes, his Semblance's ability slipping for an instant as the three captured thieves made a move before Marrow turned back around, "STAY!"
They froze in place again, and Elm slammed her foot into Bee's back to keep him pinned to the ground, "I thought this one was unconscious."
"Dammit Marrow!"
"I-I'm sorry! But I caught them again!" The young wolf quickly defended against Harriett's teeth-clenched annoyance, "Look, stop glaring at me and get them tied up!"
The speedster grumbled and retrieved some Gravity Bolos from her belt, "Just keep them in place, rookie." Marrow frowned and Elm chuckled at their antics as Harriet stepped behind the first thief and grabbed their arm. And when she did, her eyes widened in confusion as she moved it around, "W-What the hell?"
"Harriett, hurry up!"
"Something's wrong." She let go of one and reached over to grab another. The same unusual feeling crept up her arm when she grabbed something she knew was in front of her but felt nothing when she did, "I-It's like they aren't-"
Something slammed into her back and sent her flying across the yard. Marrow and Elm looked shocked before something invisible struck them and sent them flying as well. Every Ace-Op member lay on the ground before Harriet looked back up-
She saw the air flicker and distort before she saw all the thieves that had been frozen somehow on their feet and moving. They turned, "Go! Get in the trucks!"
The thieves jumped into the second and third trucks before they started driving away as quickly as they could. Shisui helped Bee into the second truck and started driving as May took the wheel and Kiba jumped in the back of the third.
"Dammit!" May curse as she floored it down the street, "We lost one of the trucks!"
"Leave it! The damn thing's wheels were bent!" Kiba yelled back as he went to the back of the truck and tried to close the doors, "Let's just hurry up and put as much distance between them and us as-"
A flash of something shined in his eyes before he felt a strong kick to his sternum that sent him flying into a crate so hard he dented it. Harriet landed inside and quickly scanned around before she spotted May's head behind the wheel. She growled and rushed forward to grab her-
"HEY!" Harriet grunted when something squeezed around her ankle. She looked back and saw Kiba picking himself, pulling his mask back down to completely cover his face as he growled, "Not so fast, little rabbit!" Before she could kick or buck her way out, he turned and threw her into the truck's interior, "You gotta deal with me first!"
Kiba and Harriet both let out primal growls as they faced each other. Bolts arched off her body as she sped forward and started to unleash a barrage of punches against him. Even with his Feral deployed, Kiba raised his arms and could only weather the vicious rush of punches that assailed him. He gritted his teeth and raised his arms before bringing them back down to lock her outstretched arm under his armpit.
Harriet tried to pull her wrist out but found it pinned too tightly. Her masked opponent swung and punched for her head, forcing the Ace-Op to bob and weave around his attacks. With the rush of speed from her Semblance she easily avoided the range of his attacks, and in the moment when he was chambering his fist to attack again, her leg swung down and cracked into his kneecap.
Kiba tried to push through the pain but nearly tumbled over when his leg buckled. At that moment, Harriet pulled out of his grasp and slammed him into the wall. She wanted to keep doing so until he was stuck in a dent, but he gripped the bars of her exosuit so she couldn't pull back. A sharp snarl ripped through her teeth, "I don't have time to keep fucking around with you!"
"That's good! So just fuck off and leave us be!"
"Not until we have the Dust back and you're behind bars!"
"There are Grimm out there, right?! Why don't you go do your job?!"
"Stop fighting back and I will!" Harriet roared and started slamming her knee under his ribs. Kiba felt a dull blow echo through even with his Aura shielding him and knew if he kept taking the strikes then it would inevitably break.
He roughly threw her arm out and then slid by her side, ending up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her torso and lurched back to slam her into the floor before she could squirm her way out. Kiba tightly held on and tenaciously weathered her frantic blows and cursing before he yelled, "Hey! HEY! REMEMBER WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT EARLIER?!"
"What? Are you talking to me?!" May yelled back, "Kid, I'm driving!"
"Time to give it a test run!"
"Are you kidding?! I told you I can't promise anything and I'm driving-"
"STOP MAKING EXCUSES AND DO IT!"
They hit a particularly sharp corner and the cargo that had been shifted and displaced during their brawl started to topple over. Kiba and Harriet struggled against each other on the floor before a shadow was cast over them. They quickly separated to avoid the falling box as it landed between them-
"HA!"
Kiba kicked it with all his might and made it slam into Harriet so hard he sent her and the box out the back. The Ace-Op curled up and bounced off the street a few times before finally gaining her footing. She saw the trucks turn the next corner and sped after them with all her might as she turned-
Only to find the streets empty of Atlas cargo vehicles.
"No." She caught her breath and looked around, "No, no, no way! Shit! SHIT!" She stomped her foot in anger and wanted to rage even more. But quickly catching her breath, she calmed down and touched her ear, "Harriet to team, I gave chase to the thieves but they got away. All I got is a cargo box for all the effort. Making my way to the rally point as backup, over."
With an agitated sigh, the Ace-Op rushed down a different street to help with the effort against the Grimm.
The moment she was out of sight, the two trucks reappeared parked on the street just off to the side. Kiba and May looked out the back to make sure things were clear before they sighed, "See? I told you it was a good idea."
"Kid, shut up."
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Over the sounds of roaring Grimm and screaming, Fū tried to call out to the panicking people and get them to safety. Once again she was surprised and confused that people could be so different from what she knew in Vacuo. To be this startled and frightened by Grimm – even a surprise rush of them – was something that only happened because they were safe and protected by walls. If they were in Vacuo and reacted like this, they would have surely died.
It was fortunate that so many capable people were here to fight them off.
Johanna and Fiona knocked Grimm back and shot them respectively with the same type of weapon. They covered Robyn's flank as she fired multiple shots rapidly from the crossbow secured to her forearm, striking Grimm directly in the head and exploding them with her arrows. Barely a second lasted between their coordinated attacks as they made quick work of the Grimm around them.
Speaking of teamwork, Fū was flabbergasted to see Clover and Vine work so perfectly without saying a word. Vine ensnared a Grimm in whips made of his Aura and threw them into the air where Clover caught them with a fishing rod of all things. He'd bring them back down to the street with a slam and draw the line up to their necks where it would tighten and slice through. And in a single move, he'd cast the line, catch another Grimm, and leave it open for Vine to slice with his bladed weapon.
While those teams worked off each other so well, the individual Huntsmen and Huntresses fought back as best they could. They were some of the guardians that protected the villages and settlements outside of Mantle and proved it with swift strikes and kills that felled the monsters. And at the center of it was Hanlan Fifestone, barking out directions as he shoved his drill and spear weapons into the mouths of Grimm and decimated them instantly.
And in the mix of it all was Sasuke, zipping and dashing through every space to find Grimm. Even though he was younger and not even licensed, Sasuke put some of the pros to shame with his efficiency. Each swing of his blade instantly slashed through a Sabyr or Beowolf's weak spot to kill it. Even as a few bouncing and cackling Swindlen slipped by and jumped towards civilians, he appeared and bisected them in a single stroke before returning to his rush.
They were doing great work, but it wasn't enough. As long as these Grimm kept prowling around they would never be able to cut them off at where they were sneaking in. And with the people still afraid and panicked it was just drawing even more of them in a frenzy. They had to-
Fū flinched when she heard a tone and quickly pulled her Scroll out. She saw Kiba's profile and immediately answered, "Kiba! W-Where are you?!"
("We ran into some trouble but we're fine! Are there Grimm at the rally?!")
"Yes! They keep coming! I-I heard they have soldiers posted at the wall to stop any more from coming in, but the ones here have us surrounded! Sasuke and the others are holding them back but I don't know for how much longer!"
("I got an idea! Robyn ain't gonna like it but she'll live with it! Get to Sasuke and tell him to get all the Grimm together on the road and keep his eyes open on when to fire!")
"O-Okay?" She sounded confused but when the call cut off, she realized that was all she was getting. With a quick, shaky breath she ran away from the sidelines and rushed into the battle. It was a mix of years of high-speed flying and the tickle of the wind on her skin that helped her weave through the carnage without getting caught. She slipped by the backs of Hunters and avoided the claws of Grimm before finally reaching him, "Sasuke!"
"Fu? What are you doing?! Get back-"
"Kiba called me! He told me you need to get all the Grimm together on the road! And look for a chance to fire!"
The young Uchiha looked confused by what she said as he swiped and forced a Grimm back. After a moment he realized what his partner was planning, "Back up! We have to back up!" Fū nodded and retreated as Sasuke quickly skidded back to Robyn and the others, "We have to get back!"
"What?! Are you crazy?!"
"We need to retreat and force the Grimm together on the opposite side of the road from us!"
"Look T.D.B., if we give ground now the Grimm will push us back! We'll be sitting ducks-"
"There's a plan and we need it! Tell everyone to get back! Trust me!"
It was hard for her to just risk their safety on one boy's plan. Honestly, every instinct in her mind told her to deny it and keep fighting like they were. But one look into the ferocity in his red eyes told her he wasn't just blindly risking them or playing stupid. Robyn's face twisted before she called out, "Fall back! Everyone get back!"
There were complaints and counters raised, but soon enough everyone started stepping back. Even the Ace-Ops followed their lead, looking confused and concerned as the Grimm formed a wall between them and the street passed them. The monsters prowled forward and the Huntsmen facing them raised their weapons in defense.
Sasuke sheathed his sword and then pulled it off his waist to prepare to fire. The sounds of people yelling and Grimm growling filled the air, but his eyes remained sharp and focused past the monsters in front of him. He waited for something to happen-
And it did.
He saw a truck suddenly appear in the street before immediately disappearing again. But not before swerving and tossing a cargo box out the back as it sailed through the air. Sasuke immediately aimed as soon as the box came over the Grimm.
The explosion was so bright and deafening that everyone had to turn away from it.
The Grimm that wasn't immediately obliterated screeched and roared as they burned. The wall of Grimm that blocked them off was now a broken horde of dead or dying monsters.
As the Atlas Huntsmen looked at what was left of the Grimm, Clover's gaze wandered over to Robyn's side. The young man that took that shot had disappeared while they were distracted by the explosion. He'd come to help fend off the Grimm, took out their forces with a well-placed shot, and vanished before anyone could ask.
"Clover! We're here!" Harriet called out as she arrived with Marrow and Elm following up, "Sorry we're-"
"Ace-Ops! Form in!" He ordered, "We're clearing out these numbers!"
"Yes sir!"
((((((((Hunting))))))))
It was a while before Robyn finally made her way back to their base. After clearing out the Grimm and making sure everyone was okay, they had to reach out to everyone that attended the rally. Clearing things up with the union and guardians was a bit of a hassle. The Ace-Ops were their usual annoyingly thorough selves. And Camilla had warned that the next time they held a rally they needed better protection prepared. It wasn't bad advice, even if she didn't stick around long after to discuss any policies or actions they could take to lighten the load of the lockdown.
Still, it was better when they came home to see what they had gained from tonight.
Kiba, May, and Fū were unloading the boxes from the two trucks into the warehouse. While Shisui and Sasuke checked on Bee to see if he was concussed after the car crash without the application of his Aura. Considering he was still making dumb rhymes it looked like he would make a full recovery.
The Happy Huntresses approached them as they finished unloading the trucks, "Looks like we got a mighty good haul this time."
"Yeah, but those damn Ace-Ops broke the front truck, and we lost a box in the escape."
"Yeah, and we had to throw another one for the Grimm. We took out part of it so it wasn't all wasted but…sorry, Robyn."
"Hey," She wrapped an arm around Fiona and May's shoulders with a grin, "We got two more trucks worth of Dust than we had before! That's gonna power the crater and bolster Mantle's defenses for a while! We should be proud!"
The feeling was shared around the room, and everyone congratulated each other for their hard work. But Sasuke still kept a quiet and pensive look on as he stepped to Robyn, "Hey," She turned to face him, "I know we couldn't fulfill our deal completely, so if you need more from us, I understand. But my friends have done enough. If you need more work done, let me take care of it. I'll manage."
Again, Robyn was surprised by how earnest and honest this kid's eyes were when he talked. Not a shred of dishonesty or ulterior motives she could find. She sighed and shook her head, "Sorry kid, no can do. I think we gotta stop this grand larceny work while we're ahead. Camilla tipped me off about what it takes to change things up and I'm thinking…I might need to do something a little more public if I want to help the Kingdom." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a slip of paper, "Here. For your help."
Sasuke took it and saw the address written on it, "Is this…"
"Not a surefire thing, but the best chance you have is appealing to a good man with connections. And there's no better guy in the Kingdom." Robyn stepped up and patted his shoulder, "This is the end of our collaboration…and we don't know each other from here on. But still…I hope you make it where you need to go, kid."
Robyn and the Happy Huntresses made their way through the warehouse with plans for what the Dust would be used for. While Sasuke and the others checked the address and decided to see what this possible lead could be.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
When they arrived at their destination they hadn't been expecting to find a clinic open past midnight.
Sasuke made his way in and found a comforting and cozy clinic. A bit untidy but with exceptionally advanced technology ready to help anyone in need.
"Just one moment! Finishing up back here!"
An elderly and warm voice came from the back room. And as they waited they were finally met with an old man in a chair with legs emerging from the back to greet them. He removed his hat and rubbed his balding head with a smile, "Now how might I be of assistance?"
((((((((Hunting))))))))
The rains were starting to make the room humid and muggy. She was stirred out of her sleep by how hot it was. And for some reason, breathing was-
"NII! WAKE UP!"
Yugito's eyes shot open to find their room filling with smoke. The moment she tried to take a breath her lungs filled and she started coughing. The Noble Guard struggled for air, "W-What-"
"We're being smoked out!" Sienna said as she gathered their things while clutching her injured side, "Grab what you can!" Even in the madness and confusion, the two Faunus tried to keep calm and gather their belongings. The moment they were done, Sienna grabbed the drawer and threw it through the window.
They jumped out and landed in the street, splashing in the dirt and mud as the rain continued to pelt down over them. Yugito panted for fresh air and looked back at the fire that was consuming the inn, "H-How? I-I didn't-"
"Well, well, look who finally came out."
Yugito and Sienna looked over and were faced by a small group of masked Faunus. And at the front was Adam's lieutenant, his muscles bulging as he raised his chainsaw. It revved and smoked in the rain as he eyed them down, "Hunting wasn't as difficult as Rōshi said it would be."
"Banesaw."
"W-What is this?" Yugito yelled, "Why are you here?"
"Should be obvious…the White Fang is motivated by the unfortunate losses of its High Leader and exalted Noble Guard…" His chainsaw started to roar as the chain spun wildly, "We're here to make sure that motivation is true."
((((((((Extra: Hard to Kill))))))))
The rocks were bloody heavy.
They bared down on them from every angle and made breathing hard.
It was only after they thought they were safe that they finally made a move.
Shadows expanded in a dome and pushed off most of the rocks and stones that buried them. The moment the shadows receded, a giant hand made of Aura pushed all the rocks away and cleared a path.
Shikaku, Chōza, and Inoichi coughed and desperately sucked in the air after they were finally freed from their confines. The pineapple-haired Huntsman crawled over the rocks and toppled down into the dirt and dust to greedily fill his lungs, "T-That sucked."
"Shikaku! Come on, I need help with Inoichi!"
"I-I'm fine! Just-gah! G-Give me a minute!" Shikaku quickly climbed back up the rocks and looked in. He reached into the hole and grabbed his friend's shoulder before hoisting him up. Chōza made sure to carefully hold his legs, making sure not to apply too much pressure to his injured one as he helped lift him, "Shit. S-Shit."
Shikaku grimaced when he saw the terrible shape Inoichi's leg was in after the Grimm attack and rockslide, "Sorry buddy, but I don't think you'll be doing any marathons anytime soon."
Through his pained grunts, the blond scoffed, "Screw you. J-Just needs to get my Aura back and I'll be good as new."
"My Scroll is broken." Chōza groused as he held up his broken device, "Don't know if it was the rocks or whatever that sound thing was, but I can't connect to anything." Shikaku grabbed his and Inoichi hissed as he pulled his out. Both men then shook their heads as the damage to theirs was too great, "Dammit," The large man cursed, "How far are we from that village we were dropped off in?"
"Far." Inoichi hissed as he sat up, "We hiked for two days before we found that pack of Grimm. And we've only gotten farther after we were chased away. Plus I hate to say it," He looked down at his injured leg, "Don't think I'd make that trip."
"Then we'll find the closest place and go there." Shikaku nodded as he knelt by Inoichi and tore some of his shirt off to prepare a tourniquet and some passable first aid. His eyes hardened as he looked between his teammates, "Someone attacked us for a reason. Something is going on here and I don't like it. And most importantly; I want to get back to our kids. How about you guys?"
"Of course."
"Isn't that obvious?"
The trio of Team MINA wasn't going to go down so easily. And they were going to find the one behind this and make them pay.
((((((((Hunting))))))))
Done
The Happy Huntresses, the Ace-Ops, Pietro, and most of Team MINA still breathing! Man, it's fun to setup stuff for the future! You do it with a cheeky little smirk that says, 'I'll come back for you later~'.
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