HK-47: The White Fang's Assassin

Chapter Thirty Four - Out In The Open

After the defeat of Salem, morale had soared for the Faunus of the White Fang Empire. They had defeated an enemy that was thought to be unbeatable. But the power of the Star Forge allowed the White Fang Empire to triumph over Salem. Though Salem had escaped, her forces had been decimated and it would take time for Salem for recover. In the meantime, Adam had regrouped his forces and prepared to wage war on Remnant once more. Meanwhile in the city of Mantle, Ruby's group had witnessed Adam's victory against Salem's forces from inside Pietro Polendina's pharmacy. All were stunned at Adam's victory. They didn't think it was possible. At that point, the threat posed by Adam Taurus and the White Fang Empire became ever more dangerous. As Ruby's group prepared to regroup, a broadcast was played in Mantle. Adam Taurus could be seen on the screen.

Adam(Broadcast): People of Remnant. Moments ago, I defeated the one they called Salem. She thought she could destroy us. She thought she could end our cause. But the will of the Faunus cannot be destroyed. The will of the Faunus is an unstoppable force of change. This message is for the city of Mantle. The unyielding wrath of the Faunus will descend upon you like a purging flame. There will be no mercy. To the Faunus living in Mantle, the time has come for you to rise up against the true enemy. To those who seek to join the cause shall be welcomed with open arms. But those who seek to stand with the enemy, you will share the same fate. Mantle.....your time as come.

With that, the broadcast ended, leaving Ruby's group in a state of shock. Ruby's mind soon fell to the city of Mantle which would soon be attacked.

Ruby: We...we have to help the city!

Qrow: Think about what you're fighting, kiddo. You're fighting a radical with a military that rivals Atlas. Not to mention that he managed to send Salem running.

Ruby: We have to try, Uncle Qrow! We have to stop Adam here and now!

As Ruby attempts to rally the others, Blake fell silent. The doubt within her had grown. The power Adam now wielded terrified her, knowing what he was capable of. Despite his impressive military power, not even Blake could ever imagine that Adam could've battled Salem in open war and not only survived, but managed to defeat her. It became clear that Adam was perhaps an even bigger danger to Remnant. As the threat of Adam Taurus and the White Fang Empire loomed over the city of Mantle, Blake felt a sense of guilt of what had happened. In her mind, Blake felt that if she had done something, none of this would be happening. But before Ruby's group could formulate a plan, the city's alarm system began to blare all across the city. Left with little time to act, Ruby's group rushed outside to see a fleet of White Fang warships hovering over Mantle. 

Blake: They're here.....

As Ruby's group took a moment to process the situation, the city quickly fell into chaos as people frantically attempt to leave the city, knowing what the White Fang would do to them once they entered the city. Fear had gripped the city. For Blake, the fear that these people felt was the same kind of fear many Faunus felt. She knew that the fear Adam was spreading was intentional. It seemed to be a form of punishment to the Humans who oppressed the Faunus. But as the situation fell into chaos, Robyn Hill and the Happy Huntresses arrive and attempt to calm the situation. 

Robyn: Everyone listen up! If you can hear this, gather any food and supplies you need to stay warm, then head to the evacuation zone! We don't have much time before the White Fang attacks! Take only what you need.

As Robyn attempts to bring order to the city, Ruby's group approached them. 

Ruby: We want to help.

Robyn: I'm no about to turn down a few extra hands. With the White Fang getting ready to march into Mantle, we're going to need all the help we can get.

As Robyn said this, a familiar face flies down with green jets coming from her feet. As she lands on her feet, Ruby recognizes her.

Ruby: Penny!

Penny: Ruby? Ruby! Salutations! 

Penny then rushes at Ruby in high speed and tackles her in a great big hug.

Penny: It is so wonderful to see you again!

Ruby: I....I don't understand. I thought you were dead!

Pietro: She was. However, we were able to recover her core from Amity Arena once it had made its way back to Atlas. It took me some time, but....

Penny: I'm as good as new! Better, even! And now I'm the official protector of the city!

Pietro: That's my girl. We're not going to let a little ripping to shreds stop us, are we?

Penny: No sir!

Penny then knocks on her head, making a clanking sound. This strangely warm moment caught everyone off guard.

Robyn: Penny, I hope you have good news!

Penny: Indeed I do! I managed to clear up five blocks and lead them to the evacuation zone!

Robyn: Good. Let's keep going. We're losing time. 

With that, Ruby's group teamed up with the Happy Huntresses and Penny to help evacuate Mantle. But as the evacuations were underway, Adam Taurus prepared his attack on Mantle, prepared to grant Mantle the same fate as Atlas.