A/N: Been a while everyone, but here I am. Writing has been tough I will admit that, but I wanted to get this chapter out because the story has surpassed 1000 collections, which to me is insane. Thank you all for the incredible support. It truly means the world to me. With that being said, thank you again for the 1000 collections, enjoy the chapter. Rhino out.
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Sarah: "Go Topaz, take your team and head to Atlas. We will look around here and see if we can find anyone willing to join the fight."
Topaz: "Right. Let's go guys."
Turning away from everyone, Topaz goes up to his room to pack his things for the long trip. Grabbing extra clothes and tossing them into his bag, he does everything he can to calm his frustration. Hearing a knock on his door, he goes over and opens it. Standing there is Raven, with Yue by her side.
Topaz: "Raven. What brings you here?"
Raven: "What do you think I'm here for you idiot."
Yue: "Topaz, are you going to help them?"
Topaz: "Of course I am Yue, they're family to me."
Yue: "And family sticks together."
Topaz: "Exactly."
Raven: "Where did you learn that from Yue?"
Yue: "Topaz taught me."
Raven looks towards Topaz and raises her eyebrow.
Topaz: "There is nothing on Remnant more important than family. I wanted her to learn that early so she would know that she's never alone, and that she will always have someone in her corner should she need it."
Raven: "Thank you Topaz. I know I'm probably that last person that should ever say that considering everything I've done, but I'm happy Yue has you to help."
Topaz: "I want her to have a happy life, this wasn't for you Raven."
Raven: "Still, thank you. You've been so good to her, and it means a lot to me."
Topaz: "Of course. I have a question for you Raven, how many people can you send through your portals at a single time?"
Raven: "Um, I'm not sure. I haven't sent more than myself and three others at a given time before. Why?"
Topaz: "I was wondering if myself and all my friends could be sent through to either Yang or Qrow's location."
Raven: "I would be happy to, but with what Ruby said, are you sure it's wise?"
Topaz: *sigh* "That makes sense, thank you Raven."
Raven: "Why are you thanking me?"
Topaz: "You helped make sure my head was still on straight. I was ready to rush in without thinking all of this through, and that wouldn't have ended well."
Raven: *sigh* "We're all stressing out over this. No one wants to hear that someone they know is in an area being attacked by such a dangerous enemy. We'll join you and your friends as soon as we can, but until then we will trust in you guys. I almost feel bad for Salem for getting on your bad side. Almost."
Topaz: "She was on my bad side the moment she mentioned harming Ariel and Neo. Now she's solidified it."
Yue: "Are you going to help big sister Yang?"
Topaz: "Yep, have to make sure she doesn't get herself into too much trouble over there."
Yue: "Be careful."
Topaz: "Don't worry, I will be perfectly safe. Make sure you take care of Raven while I'm gone."
Yue: "I will!"
Topaz: "Good girl. Be good."
Raven: "I don't know how you are so good with kids Topaz. I feel like I can mess up with her at any given moment."
Topaz: "Don't think like that, it will only lead down that path eventually. Just enjoy being around her and make her happy. You'll get used to it eventually."
Raven: "If you say so."
Topaz: "You got it."
Raven: "Fine, now we will head back home so you can get everything packed for your journey. Travel safely, and make sure you take care of yourself while you're in Atlas. Salem is a tricky bi- *ahem* a tricky lady, don't let her fool you."
Topaz: "I know. I've dealt with her enough already."
Raven: "Right, Summer told me. Just be careful, alright?"
Topaz: "No promises."
Raven: "Get out of here."
Topaz: "See you Raven, and see you too Yue. Have a good one."
Yue: "Bye Topaz! Be careful!"
Giving the two a smile and nod, Topaz leaves his room carrying his bag. Walking down the stairs and out the front door, he sees his friends standing there with his family. Once he leaves the house, Summer and Tai turn towards him.
Tai: "You be careful out there Topaz, don't do anything too reckless until we get there."
Summer: "Stop patronizing the boy Tai, you and I both know he'll be fine."
Tai: *sigh* "Sorry Topaz, I can't help but worry. My daughters are there."
Topaz: "I know Tai. I'm going to Atlas to help them. I'm worried about them too."
Summer: "We know that Topaz, we just want you to be careful when you go."
Topaz: "I'll try my best."
Alex: "We know you will do great Topaz. I'm proud of the man you've become. Show Salem that she should never have messed with us."
Topaz: "I will dad, you can bet on that."
Sarah: "I won't say much Topaz, I feel like if I say too much I'll break down and try to keep you here. Just know that I'm proud of you and love you."
Topaz: "I know mom. We'll take care of Salem and her minions, and then enjoy a quieter lifestyle."
Sarah: "I love the sound of that, now go."
Nodding his head, Topaz turns towards his friends, gives them a smile, and then begins walking away from the house. Getting the message, his friends give the others a wave and followed after him.
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Nova: "Hey Topaz, we've been walking for a while man, do you know where we are even going?"
Topaz: "Nova, we are going from Patch to Atlas. Just how small do you think the world is…"
Nova: "I don't know, doesn't it take like a day to get there?"
Scarlett: "Nova, you know I love you, but you're an idiot."
Nova: "Hey!"
Topaz: "Don't worry Nova, I know where we are going. We should be getting to the airfield shortly."
Nova: "Airfield?"
Topaz: "Yes, and airfield. It would take way too long for us to walk all the way there. I have a buddy that will fly us the entire way there."
Scarlett: "And why would he do that?"
Topaz: "Saved his butt a while ago, as repayment he will fly me when I need to."
Scarlett: "Nice of him, and convenient for you."
Topaz: "Exactly."
Finally leaving the dense forest they were in, the group sees a small airfield on the horizon with a lone airship resting next to a small house. Walking closer, the group sees a lone figure rocking back and forth on a rocking chair on the porch of the house.
Topaz: "Hey Don, you look like you could use something to do!"
Don: "Bah! It took you long enough you little pipsqueak. Been waiting out here since that girlie's message aired. Now get a move on!"
Topaz: "Sure thing."
Turning to his friends he breaks into laughter at their confused looks.
Neo: "He seems… interesting."
Topaz: "He's a strange guy, but a riot to be around."
Nova: "How did you meet this guy again?"
Topaz: "How I met Don? Well, it was-"
Don: "I'll tell ya the story when we are in the air. Now load up!"
Topaz: "Yeah, yeah you old coot. We're loading up."
Scarlett: "Topaz! You can't just talk to him like that!"
Neo: "Why not? He's enjoying the banter."
Don: "Topaz, that the Neo you told be about?"
Topaz: "The one and only."
Don: "I like her. She's got spunk and wit about her, I can tell."
Topaz: "That she does."
With a small blush, Neo climbs aboard the airship with Scarlett and Ariel teasing her. Nova jumps in and starts trying to get Don to spill everything while Topaz just shakes his head at his teammate's antics.
Don: "So ya want to know how Topaz and I met, well that is a tale worth reliving."
…