Son of the Branwen

Chapter 86: War

Hawk couldn't pull his eyes away from his scroll, in a strange mix of dread and fascination, he kept watching as Atlas forces had lined themselves by the hundreds. Every soldier were grouped into platoons as airships flew above them while paladins stood beside them.

The feed showed the incoming swarm of Grimm from a wide shot, a good distance in a safe zone. But despite the distance, you could see the black mass of hundreds of Grimm nearly blend into one to engulf the yellow terrain. Bullets began to fly at the mass, followed by missiles and other heavy weaponry, cutting through the Grimm but barely diminishing the shear numbers.

The group in the manor jumped when a loud siren went off, echoing across all of Atlas, before Ironwood's voice broadcasted.

Ironwood: "Citizens of Atlas, please proceed to the nearest underground subway station for shelter."

Nora began to fuss from the siren, tossing a turning before letting out a loud groan of pain. Hawk and Weiss tucked their scrolls away, Hawk holding Nora's arms at her sides to stop her from hurting herself, while Weiss checked the bandages.

May: "I'm going to try to contact Fiona again. I'll let you know if I get through this time."

With that, May quickly left the room. Ruby and Blake exchanged worried glances, watching the two attempt to care for Nora.

Blake: "I'll go get us something to drink. Ruby, can you come with me?"

Ruby: "Of course."

Ruby and Blake left the room, leaving Hawk and Weiss alone with Nora. Hawk unraveled strips of fresh bandages, keeping his back to Nora as Weiss carefully peeled off the old bandages.

Weiss: "Snowbird..."

Hawk: "Hmm?"

Weiss bit her lip in worry, glancing towards Hawk as she hesitated on asking her question.

Weiss: "Ruby told us about your argument... and I just want to say that-"

Hawk: "Weiss."

There was a small pause as Hawk used a summoned hand to pass Weiss the clean bandages for Nora. Weiss went to work, feeling guilt for bringing up the argument.

Hawk: "Snowflake, I'm sorry for lying to all of you about visiting mother. But that doesn't mean I'm giving up. I'm still here, still fighting for those I love. Which means I'll never leave any of you, if that's what you were afraid of."

Weiss smiled a bit, shaking her head as she worked.

Weiss: "I never doubted that. I just wanted you to know, I understand why you did. I'm sorry I didn't make that clear sooner."

The two met the other's gazes, a sense of relief washed over the two as they smiled at each other.

Weiss/Hawk: "I love you."

They laughed for a moment, before Hawk became more serious as he went up to Nora. She was tossing and turning as Weiss finished applying the new bandages, before Nora surprised the two of them by managing to mutter.

Nora: "Now... what am I... good for?"

Weiss gently brushed some of Nora's hair clear from her eyes, as Hawk channeled his semblance. He waved his hands over Nora's body, hoping the cold would help sooth any pain.

Hawk: "Nora, you are more important than you realize. Please wake up."

When Nora didn't reply, nor acknowledge him, Hawk looked crestfallen as he lowered his hands. Weiss leaned her head on his shoulder as they looked at Nora, before glancing at the door when they saw Blake and Ruby walked in with four cups of coffee.