Fandom RWBY: Grimm Hunter (An RWBY X Monster Hunter Crossover)

[Emperor Of Embers]

Clifford had caught up with Damian and Cassie, and saw that Cassie was on fire. Literally. He knew how angry she was, but he had to go in and cool things off before she burns the forest down on top of them. He stood up and laid a bloodstained hand on her shoulder. "Cassie... Look at me." He said, the pain of the heat was becoming unbearable, but his naturally tough hide was strong enough to not melt so easily with the heat. He then put his hand under her chin, and moved her head to where his eyes met hers, and gave a reassuring smile. "Cassie, I think we should listen to Damian, and find out why they are here. And believe me when I say I am pretty angry myself. But there are times where even I must stop and hold back. Now, let Damian handle things, and we make sure this pathetic excuse for a predator does not try anything, ok? Stay with me."
He began to calm down himself, his back no longer glowing and no longer huffing steam, he kisses Cassie, while smudging some blood on her chin. "Oop, lemme wipe that off. Things got a little 'messy' with the other guy." he grabbed out a handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped her chin off.

Sonora grabbed her children and ran out, with Magnus grabbing Aslan and Sini, and Wayne grabbing Tristan and Noctis , as well as the Russet's twins thanks to Curly. The Roja twins were crying as loud as a screeching tire, Aslan and Sini were quiet and asleep, and the Mcclouds were just simply staring off and looking at their dad, and... well... The Midori Russet and Verde Russet were just babbling and cooing. With Lapis handling the last of the intruders, Sonora was attempting to calm Cherry and Sonora Jr. "I hope this all ends soon! I would hate to have to pay for therapy when they are all older!" "Young lady now is not the time for jokes!" Magnus barked as he looked down at the Sterling babies, who were still asleep surprisingly. "Wayne, the boys alright?" "Yes sir! Tristan and Noctis are alright." Wayne replied as the Mccloud twins just stared at him and smiled. "Curly, The Russet girls unharmed?" "Yep! Peter Russet's children are unscathed and unaffected by the attack!" She said as she looked down at the green haired twins, and giggled as they made baby noises. CapRock nimona Lord0fFate Karcen

 

[CapRock]

Peter

"Lapis! Are you okay?"
As soon as Peter realized the threat was over, he ran over to his friend held her up, trying to take a look at the wound, blood quickly running away from his face. He was glancing just about everywhere, trying to think what to do for a few seconds. Then, it dawned on him to rip off the bottom of his shirt and apply pressure on the wound. His medical skills were far from great, but it was deifnitely better than doing nothing.
"C'mon, someone get a medic!" He yelled. Then to Lapis: "Next time you want to play the sacrifical hero, at least warn us first so you don't kill us with the scare, m'mkay?" He said, mentally cursing himself for not being able t okeep complete seriousness even in the direst of situations.

Cassie

Cassie was quite surprised and confused at first, seeing Clifford calm amidst all the confusion. Her eyes widened as she was kissed for a moment, then finally closed. Her breathing, as well as her temperature, seemed to be slowing down to a normal pace. She wasn't sure how Clifford managed to do it, but when she was like this it seemed like only him could take her out of it. She nodded to his final statement, calmer, yet still displeased, crossing her eyes and spitting on the ground.
"I don't blame you. These monsters... How could they do such a thing? They are just babies, for goodness' sake! Unless..." Something clicked for Cassie and she glanced over to Damian, who was getting quite 'messy' himself with the intruder. Surprisingly enough, despite his bleeding and wounds, the man held-up was reacting with a blood-curling laugh.
"So, you're looking for the truth?" He said between coughs of blood. "Are you ready for it, though? To know that the ones who want your precious babies dead... Are closer than you think?"
"I'm well aware that only my own blood would be rotten enough to call in for something like that." Damian said, leaning in closer with his switchblade stuck up the man's throat. "I just want to know... What. Branch."
"Sterling! You're all birds of a feather, anyways!"
Damian's hand clenched around the blade, and a small streak of blood began descending from a graze on the man's neck.

Emperor Of Embers Karcen nimona Lord0fFate

 

[Karcen]

Lapis could feel the pain run through her back, it was new she didn't fully remember what this level of pain felt like, it reminded her of when she had been bitten by those grimm all those years ago. The area was of course different and it was only through luck that the stab had been a little bit to low to hit anything vital. Still it was not something she could go without getting treated she needed to go to a hospital she needed stitches and care to avoid issues. that was at least if her Aura stayed low which it would and she in truth would hall all but the most grievous wounds. Lapis still held one baby with her the other checking all the other children otherwise they would have noticed the knife in her back. Peter did take it out and apply some treatment but Lapis didn't fully hear it. Lapis was breathing a bit shallow and instead of letting peter treat her more she instead did what she saw saw the smart thing as she realized having her aura shattered and the knife sinking deep into her body took an almost abnormal toll. Lapis held the child out away from her body.

"Take this treatment after" She said though after what couldn't be asked and in a way was answered as moments after speaking Lapis collapsed. Any that fought with her long enough knew Lapis was someone who was very speedy, very mobile and avoided getting hit at all she was not one to take a hit so having her aura shattered and taking a rather bad wound was to much and she passed out.

 

[Emperor Of Embers]

Clifford sighed as he clenched his fists, listening to Cassie, then Damian, and the person they were interrogating, and Clifford was not liking the way things were going one bit. "Buddy, you better start talking, or he will be the least of your worries." He growled, making it very clear what he will do if he did not talk, his claws snapping into their attack position. He was not going to let this attack slide as he had remembered what they were about to do before the party got involved. "And you cowards are just like a pack of Girros, always going for the weakest of the lot when nobody expects it. If it were up to me, you all would have been fed to the scavengers." he growled as he shook his head. He was angry, sure. But the mauling of one of the poor attackers had calmed him down to a degree, and seeing Cassie a little calmer also put him at ease. "But right now, my main concern is making sure my children and my nieces and nephews are not hurt like this again." CapRock Karcen nimona Lord0fFate

 

[CapRock]

Peter

"Oh... Ok!"
Peter rushed in to grab Sini out of Lapis' hands, balancing her in a rather precarious manner before Yukari swooped in and secured the baby with one hand, the other already reaching out her scroll to call for medic assistance. Peter rushed back to Lapis, catching her fall just before she could collapse into the floor. Holding her up like that, he almost looked like a groom taking his bride to the honeymoon. Yukari raised a confused, yet innoccent, eyebrow to him, to which Peter blushed and replied, annoyed:
"What? Did you want me to let her fall flat on the ground?" Yukari furrowed her brow, then turned away and called for help, leaving Peter exhasperated with a passed out girl in his arms.

Damian

"Do I need to spell it to you, doggie?" The intruder asked. He got hit by a knee to the gut by Damian and coughed some more blood, then he added: "We were hired to kill off your offspring. By their own kin, no less... You Sterlings may not be faunus, but you disgust me all the same. But you do pay really well."
"Don't listen to him, Clifford." Cassie said, putting her hand gently over his chest to hold him back. "He's just trying to get to us. This one's got a death wish."
"Stop buying time." Damian insisted, rubbing the switchblade against his skin again. "Spill the beans already, scum."
"And then you'll kill me quicker? No thanks. I'll go by my own terms." Damian widened his eyes and tired to reach for his mouth, but he wasn't fast enough; the hired killer bit his own teeth and, in a few moments, he was dead. The Sterling dropped his arms, flustered, and turned back around towards the house.
"Wait!" Cassie yelled. "Where are you going? Explain what's going on!"
"That's exactly what I'm going to do." Damian replied. He seemed darker and gloomier than ever. "Get everyone together."

- 3 Days Later -



As per Damian's request, the group was reunited back at the Roja mansion to discuss what just happened. Damian had barely talked - or slept - ever since the incident, always watchful of the babies and jumpy at anything around him. When he did speak of something, it was usually a mumbling such as 'I always knew it would happen' and 'this is my fault', refusing to listen to anyone confronting or denying him. Because of all that, when they did get together for it, team morale wasn't exactly at the highest. Cassie was the first to speak:
"Alright, we're all here. Care to tell us what the hell is going on already?"
A long pause.
"Damian!" She insisted.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm on it." Damian dismissed with a wave. "It's hard to explain everything. But I'll do my best."
"It all started 4 generations ago. Maximilliam Sterling, the one who had the brilliant idea of creating our family, founded the company we know now as Gearbox Inc."
"Gearbox inc.?" Peter asked, surprised. "As in, 'made half of all vehicles in Vale' Gearbox Inc?"
"That's the one. The company is the backbone of our family, and also our doom. When the old man died, he left it divided evenly between his three kids - Vapor, Otto and Diesel. But of course that each one of them wanted the whole company, not just a third. It started all legal and with arguments and stuff, but it got real ugly, real fast. The kids had kids of their own, creating the so-called 'three branches' of the Sterlings. Instead of living it down, things only got worse between the offspring, with each branch trying to snuff out the other so they can get full ownership of the company. It's how Cassie and I became orphans, after all. They died trying to protect us from exactly the same thing that happened two days ago."
Another pause to let the information sink in. Damian was quickly looking like he was regretting talking all that, but Cassie wanted more:
"What 'branch' are we, anyway?"
"You and I are Diesel." He explained. "And, if you're wondering, the creepy blonde that you met at the party was a Vapor. But names don't really matter that much. I hope you finally understand now why I was against having children. Sonora Jr., Cherry, Sini, even Alsan... They're all cursed to have our blood. They're born into this hot mess of family, they have a death mark on them, and they can't even escape the cycle of hate, no matter how much they run. That's what it means to be a Sterling."

Emperor Of Embers Karcen Lord0fFate nimona

 

[Karcen]

Lapis was fully recovered in 3 days and now had the explanation to the attackers and she couldnt really muster any intrest. She had not asked for a life story yet she had gotten one that involved to many emotions she didnt really understand fir her to be intrested. She also found it lacking in monsters she was a huntress not a banker thing like companies were not her concern. Lapis did not know or care for the intricate problems of economics. While these people were her team in a way Lapis was unsure if she should interfere as she would not ask for help.

"This sounds like the job of a lawyer or for law enforcement not a huntress" Lapis said simply her disinterest made clear.

 

[Emperor Of Embers]

"Lapis, at this point not even the law will do anything." Magnus said as he sighed, he had been in this very situation many times before. "I have been through this shit before, many times over. It never ends well for anyone that has a death mark on them." He remembered all the times he was sent to kills former Thunderwolves and their families, all because they broke the rules. It was never a pretty sight when he was working, and very hard to clean. "So I urge you to reconsider that statement. Because before you know it, this family of huntsman and huntresses are going to be wiped out..." He said, sending a glare her way.

"Really? You think some silly rules and people who follow them are going to protect MY kids? You think we will sit idly by as our kids are in danger?! For all I know, they could be hiding in the damn bushes like a pack of hungry Girros! MY CHILDREN ARE IN DANGER, AND YOU WANT US TO SIT BACK AND LET OTHER PEOPLE HANDLE OUR PROBLEMS?! NO! I WILL NOT ALLOW THAT!" Clifford angrily shouted as his breathing sped up, and he began to shake in anger. He did not like this one bit, and after hearing what Damian had to say about the Sterlings, it basically sent him into the point of losing himself in anger, people wanting to hurt his children, and people wanting to sit back an watch things unfold. It made him sick even thinking about the attack 3 days ago, which hit Clifford the hardest out of all of them.

"Clifford, please! Calm down before you start tearing things apart again!" Sonora barked as Clifford angrily glared at her. "HOW!? HOW ARE YOU NOT ANGRY ABOUT THIS?! JR. AND CHERRY ALMOST GOT GUTTED, AND YOU ARE TELLING ME TO CALM DOWN?!" He growled as Sonora growled. "I am angry. I am LIVID. But now is not the time for this, they are safe now, right?" "DID YOU NOT HEAR WHAT DAMIAN JUST SAID?! THEY ARE NOT SAFE! AND THEY WON'T BE UNTIL EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM IS DEAD!" At this point Sonora sighs and shook her head. "You have been very aggressive the past few days. Did the incident affect you that badly?" Clifford stopped, and froze up. She was right, he was acting downright mean, overprotective even. He saw the same situation as when he was taken away from his mother when the attack happened. The people he cared about being torn from him like a piece of clothing. "Sh... Shut up... Just shut up!"

Sonora knew she struck a nerve with him as he walked away, clearly embarrassed with himself. But, with Damian stating he was against having children, Sonora felt a heavy burden on her shoulders. "That... was my fault... I... I never thought it would be like this, Damian. I never wanted any of this, but here we are. We gotta do something before something really bad happens, or the kids get hurt!" She said as she was holding back tears of worry, taking damian's hand and holding it tightly.

"I agree, we should stop this before it gets out of hand." Gamora added as Wayne walked up behind her. "I second that motion." He said. "Nya! I wanna help too!" Oakris hopped up onto Gamora's lap after finishing her grooming. CapRock nimona Lord0fFate Karcen

 

[Karcen]

Lapis still was not overly interested it seemed like this trouble was going to be forced upon her because of information she could not know. Lapis simply did not understand the greed of others and the desire to fight over what amounted to nothing one day they would all die likely over run by grimm and instead they wasted time fighting one another. It was wasteful, the kind of wasteful only those that let emotion guide them were subject to. Lapis was someone who was in her mind easy to get she was a huntress and thus in all other things she took the most direct route to get back to what she actually did. The simplest solution was to be rid of these other families complete the cycle by killing off families and destroying any wills they might have without a will there could be no claim from other family members they state would take the property and redistribute them meaning the shares went up for sale.

" Fine then supply me with enough dust and a location and time they will all be gathered and we can eliminate them" Lapis said talking of murder in her normal cold tone not at all worried about legal issues.

 

[CapRock]

Damian

After Damian finished explaining, the situation quickly got out of hand. Lapis was quickly trying to brush off the problem, Clifford was enraged and left the room in a tantrum, to which Cassie was surprised and worried, following right after her husband. Peter did little more than stay upright in confused shock in stark contrast to Yukari's saddened expression. And, last but definitely not least, Sonora grabbed his hand, deeply saddened and blaming herself for the whole situation. In response, he took a deep breath, turned to Lapis and said::
"You're not wrong. This isn't the job for huntsmen. It's exactly why I've been trying to keep my nose off of those matters. But, as you can see, they just can't let it go. " Next, he listened to Sonora and Gamora's suggestion, as well as Lapis' new one. "Have you been listening? I've spent the better half of my life trying to do just that. It'll drain your life and achieve nothing." A long pause followed as Damian stared at everyone, then at the ground again. "Looks like sharing wasn't a good idea."
"Listen up, bro." Cassie showed up from the other room for a moment. "I can't take care of two people at the same time, so chin up and keep the conversation going, will you?"
Damian clenched his fist in frustration. Getting lectured on it hurt where it mattered the most, that was for sure, but she had a big point; running wasn't an option anymore. He had something to stand for, a family to protect. That had to be enough to make things different this time around.
"Despite all that... I'll be counting on you." He said, looking to Sonora, Gamora and Lapis, especially. "I'm not saying it's going to be easy or clean, but it's omething that we have to do. And I don't want to go that far, Lapis... But if it is what it takes to protect our children, then we'll do just that."

Cassie

After setting up her borther in the right direction, she resumed to catch up with Clifford and hold him by the hand. She clasped it with both hands, letting her wamrth seep into him as she said:
"Clifford, wait! Look, I... I'm not happy about this either. I want nothing more than to make them all pay and pay well for even thinking of doing harm to our children." As she said that, her hands grew hotter with anger for a moment, then colder again as her determination settled in. "And maybe you could just use a little breath of air, that's fine. But keep it at that. I know very little about this mess, but I know my mother and father both died because of it. If I lost another loved one to it..." Her voice died out for a moment, lowering our to just a whisper and cracking up slightly. "...I don't think I'd be able to take it. So, please, don't go around doing anything brash, okay?" She finally asked, staring him with watered eyes.

Emperor Of Embers Lord0fFate nimona Karcen

 

[Karcen]

Mixed signals were what Lapis was getting and that was less than productive, she would say she didn't like it but she couldn't really feel bad about it. Lapis did however assume that her words were misunderstood while others could not kill the people she could without even having to face them she would simply open a giant rift and drop them in. Lapis did not want to waste time on a family feud, but it seemed these other families would come after her regardless of her mild connection. There was a chance that if the other groups would leave her alone she might just leave this as a family matter that didn't involve her. Lapis was not part of this family she was part of a the team, but family matters should not be brought into team set ups. Lapis didn't really get why she should be involved, but it seemed that she was being dragged into it due to others emotions.

" Unlike you i do not have to slay them myself i can kill them, destroy their lands, erase their homes, all in one moment with enough dust" Lapis explained normally she could only open rifts so big but if she could get dust and lots of it likely a literally ton or so of dust she could likely open something big enough to swallow up their homes. It was not something Lapis could do regularly as the money required was far out of her range and it was pointless except in this one situation. " i offer this as you have explained they will not accept that as a teammate i would not normally get involved in family matters"

 

[Emperor Of Embers]

"Cass...." Clifford said as he looked down, his hands still grasping her very warm hands, feeling somewhat calmer. "I... I don't want to lose anyone else... I've lost my mother, and one of my best friends from Beacon. I do not want to lose our kids, not while the have a shot at a good future... I am angry because I feel like nobody else is. I want to rip every single one of them apart for what they did. But that would just further prove that I am still a - " He stopped, and looked at cassie with tears in his eyes, and let go, backing away slowly. "Monster... those White Fang, and now the rest of your family... Am I just cursed to a life of bloodshed, even though it feels like it is justified? What have I done to receive any of this...?" Clifford then collapsed on his knees, and put his hands on his face as he silently cried, legitimately feeling as if he was burdened by the blood he had spilled, and soon to spill. Like a raging beast within is parched for the red waters. "I don't want the kids to see their father go down like this... Not at all...! I want to be the one they look up to, just like I do with you...!" Even though she was his mate, he looked up to her like a kid would their parents. She had taught him many things that he never knew before, like how to cook, clean, even care for their little bundles of joy, despite being new to parenthood herself. Though he is struggling, he is still trying his best.

"Damian, as much as I want to, I prefer not to spill any blood either. But right now Cherry and Jr. come first on priorities. They deserve better than this! And we have a chance to give them better!" Sonora exclaimed as Gamora nodded. "And I am part of this impromptu family, my boys may not have been targets, but they are fair game to the attackers. They are in danger just like yours, and I will make sure they feel the hurt when I get my hands on them!" Gamora added with furvor, with Oakris pumping her paws and nodding. "Nyah! We will bite those meanies in the bottom!"
"That's the Spirit! But Lapis, if you really do not want to get involved, don't. But know that they may come after you if they knew you are even affiliated with us. Experience proved me right every single time, with lots of blood on my hands. We need all the help we can get, with or without bloodshed..." Magnus said, his serious scowl turning into a desperate look of sadness. CapRock Karcen nimona Lord0fFate

 

[Karcen]

"Then can you supply me with what i have requested" Lapis said " You are all being very bad about being direct the answers are yes or no not maybe, not don't get involved but do, yes or no" Lapis said her tone holding the slightest hint of annoyance despite her face never changing. This quickly faded but she didn't like this she assumed her anger was here because she didn't like the confusing situation. Lapis tended to be far more absolutist than others she wanted yes or no answers not maybes. She was like a computer in that she wanted one of two options and didn't understand anything else. Lapis would also realize in a way she didn't really chose things they happened to her and she just went with it for long as it achieved her purpose of being a huntress she didn't branch out and she was shoving if she should get involved on others over actually picking herself.

 

[CapRock]

"Your answer is no, Lapis." Damian said eventually. "The folks here are clearly not joining in your mission, and I'm not letting you put your neck out on this alone. Instead, we should-"
*DING DONG*
The group was instantly startled by the sound of the doorbell; Peter scrambled to get out a weapon, Casssie held on tight to Clifford with one hand while reaching out for hers with the other, and Damian crouched down, putting his pointer finger over his mouth to signal everyone to stay hush. With his switchblade secured on his hand, he creeped out to the door, gritting his teeth in anxious anger. His free hand carefully reached out for the door handle, ready to strike down whatever despicable foe that laid on the other side as soon as it lay open. With a turn and a yank, the door was slammed open, revealing...
The mailman.
The poor man, who already had the trouble of coming all the way there just to deliever the mail, was scared out of his life by the scowling, armed man about to lurch on him. He screamed, dropped the letter on his hands and ran for his dear life. Feeling annoyed by the incovenience, Damian rolled his eyes, about to close the door when something caught his eye. He crouched down and picked up the letter, widening his eyes and muttering under his breath:
"This seal..." His scowl quickly returned as he slammed the door shut and tossed the letter in front of everyone. "The damn Vapors sent us a letter. This can't be a coincidence."
"Well, let's look it up." Cassie said, fetching the letter and opening it up. She then read it out loud for everyone:

"To our dear Diesel consanguines,
We are overjoyed to bring you the most auspicious of news.
After a few costly months of recovery from the tragic fall of Beacon, GearBox inc. is finally expanding its ventures again - and in the continent of Astera, no less!
We have set up a modest base of operations in the vicinities of the main settlement, and we urge you to pay us a visit anytime that's to your liking. There are decisions to be made regarding the future of the company that are of urgent nature and, as such, your input is critical.
Much love,
Dior Sterling."

"So on a scale from 1 to pyramid scheme, how much do you think this is a trap?" Peter said.

Lord0fFate Emperor Of Embers Karcen nimona

 

[Emperor Of Embers]

"Dior Sterling... isn't that the guy who gave Aslan to Cliff and Cass?" Sonora asked as she turned her ears left and right, listening for the children before looking back at Damian. She remembered that old geezer from when he paid a visit to them, just to deliver a baby to Cassie. She did not like the look of the old man as he walked off, and Damian knew who he was, but never wanted to talk about him.

"Yes, he is. That bastard gave us our Aslan because his actual father died. But I never liked him the day we met at Beacon, when he kissed Cassie's hand" Clifford said as he walked up, with Aslan in one arm looking around, and Sini laid up against his shoulder, sleeping. "But hey, can't complain though. Aslan is a good kid. Just put into a situation I know a bit too well." Clifford looked down at Aslan to check on him, and he looked back, with a smile and a giggle. Clifford giggled back with a bit of a forced smile.

"I do remember that odd fellow, screams trouble to me. And Peter, This is definitely a trap. But what choice do we have at this point? Our kids are in danger here, so we are going." Magnus said as he got up, and walked off to his room.

"I can call a ship to take us there. Oakris and I can help navigate to the New World." Gamora suggested as Sonora nodded. CapRock Karcen nimona Lord0fFate

 

[Karcen]

To lapis she had been told not only to not try to solve this her way but also to not be involved. Thus she would not offer anymore solutions to the problem that these people could not solve themselves. The likely trap was no longer her issue it was the issue of the others. Still they were going to another place where more monsters could be found and Lapis was a huntress thus she would need to go. The only issue was she could not simply open a rift for she had never been there or even seen any pictures of it. This meant Lapis could not simply leave and start her hunt in the new world like she would have wanted to do. Lapis would stay out of their business, but she would need a ride to the new world at the very least. The invitation was a trap that was for sure, but well that was not her concern unless she was attacked , and if she was then no matter who it was that did so could expect no mercy from her and none asked.

" I understand" Lapis said though likely only she knew what she really understood " Then i must ask for a ride to this new world so i may hunt there while you pursue your family business" She continued clearly now drawing a line between her business and the business of the group. " I will go pack my things " Lapis finished getting up and heading out herself.

 

[CapRock]

- Two days later -

It had been a long and tense voyage between Vale and Astera. Damian seemed to have slept even less than before, muttering about on about possible plots and ruses, mostly to himself. Peter had quite a bit of energy from all his anxiety, but not much to do with it, so he focused it the only way he knew - by forging an entire new weapon, Yukari never far to make sure he got enough food and sleep and to make remarks at every step of the process. Finally, Cassie had her own matters to attend off before she could fully focus on the mission, namely, Clifford and their conversation leading up to the arrival of the letter.
"We didn't really finish talking before all that mess happened." Cassie said softly to clifford while she rocked Sini in her arms. Unlike Aslan, Sini was quite the behaved baby and woke up at night much less often. "i'm... Sorry I dumped all that on you like that the other day. It was a really sudden change from the lives we were having, and it can be pretty scary." A short pause, then she opened a slight smile. "But we've come this far together, haven't we? And now we have twice as much motivation to be our best selves." She stared directly at her husband to say: "Cliff, regardless of what happens, you are the one these kids will look up to. And the man that I admire and love the most. Whatever happens next can't ever change that."

"We're arriving!" Peter said, reaching out to the railings. After a pause, he added: "In the name of the Elder Dragons, what is that?" Damian was quick to follow, catching a glimpse of the same as Peter and adding:
"That's... Everything I feared of."

As the airship began its descent, the scenery opened up to them: the once wild florests that surrounded Astera had been mercilessly struck down for nearly a mile around the settlement and replaced by white, lifeless tents, fences and vehicles, all of which carried non other than the Gearbox logo. Although there was still much wilderness in the New World, given how little they were there for, one could only wonder how long it'd last against the relentless march of technology unfolding upon their eyes. Upon a sight like this, many questions could be raised, but one certainty remained:
The Sterlings had to be stopped.

Emperor Of Embers Karcen Lord0fFate nimona

 

[Emperor Of Embers]

Clifford had no idea what to say, as he listened to Cassie speak. It hit him in a way he did not expect, especially when she said that his children would be looking up to him, and that she admired him and loved him most. It almost brought a tear to his eye, and hearing about what was dumped on him, and coming this far together was also very warming to him. "If I am going to be honest, all of this is very new to me. I never thought I would ever get this far in life... Back home, every day could be your last. Starvation, being killed by the other denizens and fed to the scavengers, the toxic gas that floods the place, even flesh and blood turning on each other is what I feared the most. As a monster, I did not care about anything but staying alive, and looking for my next meal. But as a person, I realize how messed up it was to live that way, that my kind has to contend with others in a place that is inhospitable to basically everything else, to cheat death just to live another day. When we were attacked, Cassie, I felt those very things not for myself, but for Aslan and Sini. I was scared and angry. I was scared I was going to lose my family like I did before. I do not want them living the life I have lived. Especially not Sini. The Rotten Vale is not a place for anything that values their life, Cassie. I somehow survived in there, until I was brought to Remnant. Now people still see me as a monster, despite my appearances. But... You have changed that. I see myself as like you, despite my... Behavior."

Clifford then looked at Sini, who was asleep in her mother's arms as Aslan looked up at Clifford in his arms, and smiled with a giggle. "And I never expected these little people to like me at all... I actually did not know what to expect from them. But now... I feel... strange. Like they see me as more than just a person, I dunno how to explain it."

Sonora held the girls in her arms as she worried about Damian, she sighed as she got up and walked over. The sight she bore witness to was an atrocity at best. Forests cut down, the Apotnoth fleeing only to be shot, and any of the larger monsters who dared to fight back where either killed or captured. Anjanath, Great Jagras, Pukei Pukei, Tobi Kadachi, Even the Rathalos and Rathian were not safe. "This.... This is not right....! Those poor monsters never stood a chance! What are we even going to tell Gamora!?" She panicked, wondering how the blue haired huntress would react to her home being desecrated, the ecosystem being utterly annihilated by the Sterling hordes, armed with technology and the intent of destruction. She then realized how beautiful the place was when they were there, even the creatures that were wantonly slaughtered had grown on her in memory. "And the girls... they will never see the beauty of this place... the creatures that thrived... the flora that blossomed... none of it...." CapRock Karcen nimona Lord0fFate

 

[Karcen]

Lapis only saw this as a ride to her next hunting ground and had treated it as such. She had in her mind been told she was not to be involved with the personal business of the others as they were all one family and she was in the end an outsider that hunted with them. Lapis had thought they saw her as closer, but if so they would want her help with these matters, but it mattered not Lapis had been on her own before going back to it was just fine. The scene of the monsters killed and the tree cut down was not horrifying to Lapis and in truth given her purpose was monster hunting seeing so many dead was something the approved of. Lapis was a huntress she killed monsters all the monsters she could, thus there were no tears to shed for her in the slaughter. The trees where a notable loss and Lapis did not see why they needed to deforest this place, it seemed expensive. Well this was all the family's business not hers.

" It seems if i wish to do any hunting i will have to race against these people, they are very efficient" Lapis said in her usual detached manner, the slaughter was only an issue in that her hunting might be hampered and Lapis had never really been one to see the beauty in nature. she should attempt to learn one day, but right now she had a hunt to get to.

 

[CapRock]

Cassie

"It's called 'being a parent', you silly." Cassie chuckled at Clifford's innoccence. It would be the last time she'd smile for the forseeable future, however, as she quickly put Sini safely down and followed Damian and Peter, seeing the sorry state the New World was being reduced to. Her hand curled up on the wooden railings, scraping off a chip of the wood. "About time I have a little conversation with my folks."
Sonora was also reacting quite badly to it as well, to which Peter replied:
"We'll tell her that we fixed this, together." Damian glared at Peter and he winced, but he didn't seem ready to take back on his words. "But it is a bit weird, though. When you abuse nature that much, you'd expect it to end up fighting back some-"
*ROOOOARGH*

Before Peter could finish, the group was interrupted by the thundering sound of a beast coming from the ground level. It was a Nargacuga that managed to flee its bindings and was now trashing about, trying to navigate the maze of tents that once was forest while leaving a trail of destruction and wounded guards on its wake. While the men were trying the mount a response, they were hardly experienced with Hunter monsters with the New World, and it seemed very possibly that some human losses could ensue from the confrontation.
"See? That's what I'm talking about. We might not even have to do a thing." Peter said confidently.
"Are you daft?" Damian asked. "Those there aren't Sterlings, they'd never put their neck out there like this. They're just paid workers who have got nothing to do with this. Are you okay with having they pay the price for their mistakes?"
"That's enough chatter for me." Cassie said, reaching out for her Hellpike. She seemed excited with the prospect of laying out some of her anger on any target at all, though if possible she'd try to spare the monster at the end. "Let's stop it before anyone gets killed."
"That's as low as i'll go with that thing on and about." Warned the airship's pilot as they got around 30 feet from the ground. "If you want to land, then take that Nargacuga down!"

Lord0fFate Karcen Emperor Of Embers nimona

 

[Emperor Of Embers]

Gamora had come up to where the group was at, and saw the sad sight, as well as an enraged Nargacuga attacking the workers. "Cassie and Lapis, we are going to distract it while everyone else works on getting everyone out. Oakris, you will be aiding us!" "Yes, Meowster! Nya!" Oakris said with enthusiasm as she then hopped over to the drop gate of the ship, With Gamora armed with her Corona sword and shield, she looked at Wayne, who nodded in understanding. "I will do whatever I can to help get these people away. Just be careful, alright?" Wayne asked as Gamora nodded.

"I will stay behind and watch the children. Someone has to look after them while you all save the day." Magnus said stoically as he held the Russet Twins in his arms, as well as the McClouds in a stroller attached to his belt loops. "Do not worry, they are in great hands." He added as Gamora chuckled, and Sonora smiling at her father, before they jumped out and got right into the action. "Cassie! On me! We need to distract the Nargacuga while everyone else evacuates the area!" Gamora ordered as Oakris readied her shield, and clacked it onto the ground, causing a huge racket. The monster stopped its attack and turned to Oakris.

*ROOOOARGH*

The enraged monster leaps at Oakris, and proceeded to do a lunging bite, which Oakris blocked with her shield. "Meownster distracted, Nya! Hit it Meowster!" Oakris called as she was knocked back, her limbs hurting from bracing herself.

Sonora and the others assisted in the evacuation effort, guiding everyone to safety. However, the few monsters that were captured managed to escape their bindings, and flee from the harvested forest. Sonora felt awful for the creatures, and Gamora knew this feeling all too well. Meanwhile, Clifford as assisting with getting any wounded people out with Peter and Damian. "C'mon! We got a few more!" He exclaimed as he had two people on his shoulders, and one across his back, allowing him a reason to run on all fours. CapRock Karcen Lord0fFate nimona

 

[Karcen]

Lapis watched as one of the monster broke lose and started it's rampage, she didn't care that it had been antagonized or captured, it was a monster and it was threatening humans. This situation had one solution to the huntress as all situations involving monsters did, she would kill it. Lapis did not really get why others might let a monster go as they had from time to time, she could only assume it was some misplaces sympathy. Lapis was free of such things and thus did not see the need for mercy upon monster, they were all threats to humans and letting one go would only cause harm to humans. The order to distract for her was the same as an order to kill for simply subduing the monster only delayed the inevitable.

Lapis vanished in a flash and as the monster was blocked she appeared over it. Her blade in it's two handed configuration to caused the most damage as she fell down onto it in a plunging stab. Lapis did not plan on letting the monster live as she was a huntress and she would kill her prey. That was at least if she had her way. Thus a large deep gash was tron into the monster's back.

 

[CapRock]

"i can't believe I have to tell you this, but... Move as far away from the angry giant monster as possible! This way!"
The one yelling was Peter, who was signaling with his hands for the nearest exits as the workers fled the scene. He grabbed a wounded victim and placed it on top of one of Yukari's Hoppes, which carried them to safety. Remember, Peter, they're not to blame for all this... Even telling himself that, the boy hoped the scare would make them rethink their choices. Maybe open up a hot dog stand or something. He'd happily buy one from them. Damian was also around, but he wasn't having as much of a good time:
"Hey, aren't you a Sterling?" One of the workers asked, stopping on their tracks.
"Shut up and move, you idiot. Do you want to become monster food?" Damian snapped back, yanking them right before a stray tail swing tore apart a crate right next their old position. "Keep moving!"
Damian massaged his temples, then pressed on with the rescue grind.
Meanwhile, the fight against the Nargacuga was progressing as expected. After Oakris distracted the monster, Lapis dived in and got a direct hit on its back, causing the monster to screech in pain. Cassie quickly realized that the Huntress wasn't there to just stop it. Using her Hellpike's recoil fire, she jumped in and hit it a few times on its hind. She dodged the tail as it slammed the ground and held her weapon in front of her as the Nargacuga turned around, blocking against it as it tried to strike her with its bladed wings. Cassie was tossed backwards from the impact, however, landing in the inside of one of the tents. Despite all that harass, the monster didn't seem interested in pushing on its attack or getting back on anyone. It was almost like it was focused on something else...
About that time, a second cry could be heard in the vicinities. It was like the Nargacuga's roar, in a way, except higher-pitched, squeaky even, and more panicked.
A baby's cry.

Lord0fFate nimona Emperor Of Embers Karcen

 

[Emperor Of Embers]

When getting the wounded out, Clifford had heard a cry from somewhere within the vicinity. He set off to find the source of the cry, when he found Lapis on the monster's back, her sword impaled into it. When he saw this, he heard the same cry, but this time, slightly louder. "This monster... is a mother?!" He whispered with a shake of the head. He did not believe he was going to do this, but he committed. He then went on all fours, and sprinted at the beast, lunging up, and knocking Lapis and her blade off. Cassie had been thrown into a tent, but right now, sparing the Nargacuga was clifford's main priority. He stood between the wounded monster and the robotic huntress. "Lapis! Listen to me! This monster is not a real threat here! She is just looking for her baby, so stand down!" Clifford looked at the monster at the corner of his eye, and gave a low hiss as the beast turned tail, and started to look around for her baby, squealing for it.

Gamora could not believe what she had just seen. One of her friends defending a monster, and then basically covering it as it looked for its baby. "You surprise me every day, Cliff...." She trailed off as Sonora ran up, after saving as many people as she could, and saw the monster looking for something while Clifford stood in its way. "Is he crazy? He's crazy isn't he?" "No... I think it's sympathy for her. He is giving her a chance to reunite the family... I guess it's because he was taken from his mother..." She thought as she looked at Sonora. "Help him. buy her as much time as you can." CapRock Karcen nimona Lord0fFate

 

[Karcen]

Lapis did not expect to be knocked off her prey, she did not expect to be attacked by a supposed ally, yet she was. Lapis did not have a defense for someone she could not have expected an attack from, though as soon as it registered she could assume why it had happened. Sympathy for the monster from a monster. Clifford had attacked her to save the monster, it was not something she could say fully surprised her, he was a monster pretending to be human after all in the end he would one day pick his kind over humans. it was only as Lapis reclaimed her blade that she heard his reasoning, it was a sympathy she didn't expect. Lapis knew these monster bred and thus females were mothers and males fathers, the only ones that didn't have children had likely missed their breeding period or were unable to do so for one reason or another. This was not a reason to not hunt the monster even a baby would one day grow to be a threat, it was sympathy that would not be returned a monster was a beast if it was weak you did not spare it for if you were weak it would not spare you, pity was wasted on them. Lapis might have counter attacked Clifford if not for the other there for to her his loyalty was clear, still her blade was stayed and she didn't.

" Very well, this is now a family matter and i have been asked to not interfere in family matters " Lapis said her voice calm though for a moment her eyes were filled with anger as she glared at Clifford, though that was gone in an instant. Lapis would then vanish having left the battle field and appearing back on the boat having completely left the battle with no intentions of helping.

 

[CapRock]

Peter

"Honestly, is there even such a thing as having a normal landing with an airship? I'm starting to have my doubts..."
The volatility of the situation was quickly taking its toll on Peter, to the point where he seemed more like he had to the saved than he was doing the saving himself - in particular seeing his own teammates clashing and doubting each other, something he never expected to see to this point. Unsure of who to help or how, he waggled in circles, trying to make up his mind, until he felt a soft hand around his. It was none other than Yukari, who took a break from commanding her Hoppes to see for him.
"Yukari..." Was all that he said, his expression calming down bit by bit with her presence. She glanced to the airship that Lapis had ran off to.
"She's upset. You know what you should do. I'll handle the mother." Peter nodded and took a deep breath. He held off her hand and added:
"Alright, you take care. And if anything happens to me..." He said, clenching his wife's hand with emotion before bursting out and adding: "Then tell Damian he's an ass!" And then he offered Yukari a comforting smile before slinging himself up the airship.

Damian

Despite the whole chaos, Damian's mood actually seemed better than the usual; this would definitely be big headache for the Vapors to deal later, and the idea amused him to no end. He saw Clifford's bold stance and gave him a proud nod while he overheard Gamora correctly deduce his intentions. He put his hand over Sonora's shoulder and said:
"She's got a point. Not only that, if we get the two together, they'll probably stop attacking the bystanders. I'll secure an exit route for them... Just gotta find that baby now." He gave Sonora a hick hug and a kiss on her hair, then added: "See you soon." Before running off with his knife drawn.

Lord0fFate nimona Emperor Of Embers Karcen