The Wild Geese: A RWBY Story

Chapter Seventeen - The More The Merrier

After taking the time to rest, Pip and a squadron of Wild Geese mercenaries along with Ruby's Group made their way to Haven Academy after receiving word from Leonardo Lionheart that there was a development in the search for the Spring Maiden. As they entered the building, they are greeted by a visibly nervous Lionheart. 

Lionheart: Why hello. Thank you for...coming. There... seems to be more of you than last time. 

Qrow: Eh, you know what they say, "The more the merrier". So what's going on with the council?

Lionheart: Why... did you bring your weapons? 

Qrow: What? Leo, we're Huntsmen. You okay?

Lionheart: Of course! Of course, sorry. Just haven't had my evening coffee.

Qrow: Look, it's nice to see you, but we got work to do. Are we getting support from the council or not?

As Lionheart stumbles over his words, Yang glances over to see a black bird perched over a nearby balcony. She immediately recognizes the bird. 

Yang: Mom?

Without hesitation, Pip and Qrow shoot at the bird. The bird dodges the shots and soon transforms into Raven, shocking everyone. 

Nora: They... they really are magic...

Raven: If you're going to shoot me, shoot me. That was insulting.

Qrow: What are you doing here?!

Raven: I could ask you the same thing. You've been scheming, little brother. Planning to attack your own sister.

Qrow: Leo... what have you done?!

Lionheart: I...

Raven: Leo did what any sane person would in his position - he looked at all the information he had in front of him, assessed the situation, and made a choice. And it seems you all have too.

Qrow: You have the Spring Maiden. 

Raven: I do. 

Pip: You're making a big mistake, Raven. 

Raven: You of all people should know, Bernadotte. There's no beating Salem. 

Ruby: You're wrong. We've done things that most people would call impossible, and I know the only reason we were able to do it is because we didn't do it alone! We had people to teach us, people to help us, we had each other. Work with us. At least I know we'll have a better chance if we try together. Please.

Ruby's pleas fell on deaf ears as Raven uses her Semblance to open a portal. Out of the portal enters Cinder Fall who was joined by Emerald, Mercury, Hazel and Vernal.

Cinder: Hello boys and girls.

As Ruby's group became surrounded, Pip and the Wild Geese prepared their weapons. Cinder and her group line up alongside Raven, while Ruby's group gasp. 

Mercury: C'mon guys, is that any way to greet your old friends? 

Yang growls at him. 

Pip: Christmas come early, boys! We got ourselves a shooting gallery in front of us!

Mercury: Pretty big talk, merc!

Pip: Don't get so cocky, Black. You're not facing your run of the mill mercenaries. You're facing the toughest and meanest sons of bitches Remnant has to offer! And it just so happens that I have a personal score to settle with you for what you did to my niece. 

Qrow: Everybody, stay calm. 

Suddenly they hear the doors behind them open up. 

Oscar: Oh no...

As Oscar says this, Hazel enters the room. 

Hazel: The White Fang is prepping demolition and securing the school grounds. No one's getting in, and no one's getting out.

In that moment, the heroes began to piece together the situation.

Weiss: This was all just a trap?

Ren: It appears so. 

Qrow: Raven, tell me. How long have you been with them?

Cinder: Aww, don't take it personally, little bird. Your sister was a recent addition. The lion on the other hand... Entrance into the Vytal Festival was a real treat, Leonardo's been sending Salem all sorts of information for a very, very long time. Isn't that right, professor?

Lionheart: Stop it...

The revelation of Lionheart's treachery deeply angered Qrow. As the situation became tense, Pip could see that they wee cornered. With the White Fang outside Haven, Pip simply smirked. 

Pip: Heh. 

Emerald: What's so funny?

Pip: I kinda had a feeling that we'd be walking into a trap. That's why I left a couple of my boys outside Haven just in case. Lionheart, I hope you're ready for what's coming to you. 

As Pip says this, Leonardo whimpers in terror. Suddenly, Jaune confronted Cinder. 

Jaune: What is wrong with you...? How can you be so broken inside... to take so many lives, and then come here and rub it in our faces like it's something to be proud of?!

Nora: Jaune...

Jaune: All with that damn smile on your face!! I'm gonna make you pay for what you did!! Do you hear me?! Well?! SAY SOMETHING!!

Cinder soon glances over to Jaune without a hint of emotion. 

Cinder: Who are you again?

Pip: I like what Ruby did to your face. Shows you exactly what you truly are. I don't usually take pleasure in killing, but with you and your posse, I'm more than happy to make an exception!

Cinder: Such bravado. Just like Nikos....

Enraged by Cinder's words, Jaune lashes out at Cinder and attacks her. It wasn't long for all hell to break loose. As Ruby's group moved to engage Cinder and her allies, Pip turned to his men.

Pip: Alright, boys! I think it's high time we earned our pay! My orders are clear! Search and destroy, boys! Search and destroy! Let's show these lapdogs what the Wild Geese are made of!

The stage was set and the battle had begun. The battle to come would be fierce as neither side would give an inch as the fate of Haven Academy would be decided in this very battle.