HK-47: The White Fang's Assassin

Chapter Thirty Three - The Dark Queen

As the battle raged between the White Fang Empire and Salem's Grimm, Salem and Cinder watched the battle from the bridge of the Monstra. They watched as the Star Forge create ship after ship. For every White Fang fighter that was shot down, three more were created to take their place by the Star Forge. As the battle took it's course, Grimm were being killed faster than they can be replaced. Despite this, Salem showed no concern for all she needed to do was to cut the head off the head so that the body may die. 

Cinder: Should we evacuate our forces, master?

Salem: Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances. Despite their impressive power, they lack the means to utilize it properly. You of all people should know this, Cinder. And besides, we're about to land the killing strike.

As Salem said this, Adam Taurus led his strike force into the bridge. On instinct, Cinder activates her Fall Maiden powers, but Salem commands her to stand down. As HK-47 and along with Samanya and the Sword of the Faunus readied their weapons, Adam confronted Salem. 

Adam: So you are the mastermind behind Cinder's cabal? I must say, I'm unimpressed.

Salem: Bold words, Adam Taurus. It's almost a pity you have to die. You could've been a worthy ally. 

Adam: Save me the prattling. I will tell you exactly what I told Cinder. The White Fang Empire bows to no one. I don't know who or what you are and frankly, I don't care. You are an enemy of the White Fang Empire. That means you must die. 

As Adam readied his sword, Salem chuckled as she approached Adam. 

Salem: How bold of you, Taurus. You have no idea what you are facing. But since I'm feeling generous, I'll allow you to have the first strike. 

As Salem opened herself to Adam, Adam was hesitant. He knew something was off. He gripped his sword and changed his stance from an offensive stance to a defensive. Seeing this change in stances piqued Salem's curiosity. 

Salem: Very well. 

Without warning, Salem unleashed a barrage of magic attacks on Adam. At first, Adam was overwhelmed, but he was able to analyze her attacks and moved accordingly. Adam begins to absorb some of Salem's attacks into his sword. As the fight continues, Salem seemingly lets her guard down. Wasting no time, Adam lunges at Salem and impales her through the chest with his sword. After a moment of silence, Salem begins laughing much to Adam's shock.

Salem: My turn.

With that, Salem unleashed an energy on Adam, throwing him back several feet. As Salem gained the upper hand, HK-47 begins firing his Blaster Rifle on Salem. This causes Cinder to attack HK-47, but she is soon intercepted by Samanya and the Sword of the Faunus. In that moment, all out chaos broke out on the bridge of the Monstra with Adam and HK-47 fighting Salem while Samanya and the Sword of the Faunus fought Cinder. 

Cinder: That power doesn't belong to you. 

Samanya: You're right. It doesn't. It belongs to the Faunus!

Cinder and Samanya soon unleashed the full power of their Maiden powers on one another. At one point, Cinder attempts to steal Samanya's powers using her Shadow Hand, but her Shadow Hand was severed by a member of the Sword of the Faunus. Cinder screams in pain as Samanya unleashes a powerful ice blast using her Maiden powers. Meanwhile, Adam and HK-47 continued fighting Salem with Adam hacking at her with his sword while HK-47 fired on Salem. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to kill her. 

HK-47: Analysis: This meatbag's inability to die is most frustrating, master!

Adam quickly surveyed the situation. As it stands, attempting to kill Salem now was pointless without a definitive way to kill her.

Adam: HK, transmit my orders to the Tartarus. I want the Tartarus to focus all fire on the Whale Grimm!

Without hesitation, HK-47 begins transmitting Adam's orders. Salem soon readies for another attack. 

Salem: When a man meets a force he cannot destroy, he destroys himself instead. Tell me, Taurus. What is your next move?

Adam: This. 

Adam then activates his Moonslice Semblance. He then unleashes all the energy he stored into his sword onto Salem in the form of a powerful strike. This strike slices Salem to bloody pieces. As Salem begins to regenerate at a rapid pace, Adam gives his orders.

Adam: FALL BACK! FALL BACK!

With that, Adam and his strike force began making their retreat. HK-47 throws several thermal detonators near the entrance. The explosion causes the entrance to cave in. When they made their way to the top of the Monstra, they were picked up by a White Fang Gunship which takes them back to the Tartarus. Meanwhile, Salem fully recovers from her wounds. She looks at the battle that is unfolding before her. The White Fang Empire began to gain the upper hand. The Tartarus soon unleashed a barrage of blaster fire. Her Grimm forces were being decimated faster than they could be reproduced while the Star Forge continuously produced ship after ship. 

Salem: This battle is lost. 

Cinder: You're...you're going to let them win?!

Salem: Taurus and his little empire can have this victory. All it will do is delay the inevitable. Let our enemies kill each other and we'll destroy whoever remains at their weakest. 

With that, Salem and her forces pulled back. In that moment, the White Fang Empire had done what many thought was impossible: they defeated Salem in battle. Though Adam had scored a victory against Salem, he knew this was far from over.