GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! I'M BACK! *Sighs*. So sorry for the long wait, I wish I could explain, but a lot has happened and I genuinely just needed some time to step back and approach writing at a different angle. And I have, I have decided to jump onto something that I debated on for a long time. A sequel to What Came Before and a direct continuation of RWBY: Renegade GRAY. GDCCE will now be taking over the Volume 4 onward scene from RWBY instead of GRAY, so you'll get to see more of them, and their abilities. I apologize greatly for taking so long. I've just been...lethargic, let's say that. Anyway, let's go. I own nothing except my ideas and OC's.
Ozpin sat in his office, waiting silently for Team GDCCE to arrive. He had mixed feelings about bringing them into this, but their skills in absence of GRAY would be a great boon. And their knowledge of the future may be even more helpful. The question is, is how to break the sudden news to them. He looked up as the elevator open, GDCCE falling in. Their 'leader' Ember Ketchum stepping forward.
"You called for us, sir?" Ember asked, face in a calm and focused order.
"I have indeed, we have some...concerning news." Ozpin said, standing up and starting to pace.
"Concerning? How so?" Garnet asked, curiosity written all over his face. Ozpin silently mused at how different the siblings were, but shook it off to address the issue.
"Cinder Fall has escaped custody." He answered.
"What?!" They all exclaim at once, except for Duran who just seemed surprised.
"Yes, her allies broke her out and now she is free with the Maiden's Full power at her side." Ozpin continued, face firm. "With Team GRAY missing, I was hoping I could ask you to help capture her, along with aiding with a few other issues as well."
"And why should we?" Duran asked.
"Duran!" Calida exclaimed in surprise and almost scolding.
"No, he is right. Why should you? This honestly does not concern you, you have aided us and prevented a tragedy to Beacon and the Vytal Festival. Cinder's escape should be on our hands, but I would merely like to ask for your help. You are skilled, resourceful, and have future knowledge. You could help us turn the tide." Ozpin explained.
"Turn the tide? For what?" Crystal asked.
Ozpin's eyes went wide, slowly looking over the confused faces of GDCCE. "You...you do not know?"
"No...whatever you're talking about, we don't know it." Ember said, shaking her head.
Ozpin cupped his chin and looked down. "I see...then do you mind I do explain it?" He asked.
They all glanced at each other before nodding.
Ozpin went and sat down, putting his hands in a tent formation. "Tell me, what is your favorite fairy-tale?"
The team looked at each other for a moment before Ember spoke.
"The tale of the Four Maidens, my Mother used to tell us it a lot...though I'm not sure why."
Ozpin smiled. "Well, what if I told you...that and most fairy tales, are true?"
Garnet stepped up. "Wait, you mean the Maidens are real?"
Ozpin chuckled. "Yes, after all. You use Magic yourself Mr. Rose, and you as well Mr. Schatten. Would you deny its existence?"
"N-No." Garnet answered, Duran nodding.
"Well, perhaps there is another story you may be interested in. The Tale of Two Brothers." Ozpin labeled, looking up at the shifting gears. "In the beginning there were two Gods, brothers. The elder brother during the day who created life, land, and water. And the younger brother who would destroy his brother's creations at night with famine, plagues, pestilence. But every time life would return, as it always does. Then one day the younger brother made something, his own special creation that would share his desire for destruction."
"The Creatures of Grimm..." Ember muttered.
"Indeed, the older brother was disgusted and they clashed in a fierce battle that nearly tore Remnant to pieces, but they eventually settled at an impasse, making one final project...together. Combining their powers they created their masterpiece: Mankind. They gave it the ability to choose, to learn, and to decide its own fate." Ozpin finished.
"So...we know the true origins of the Grimm and Mankind, but what does that have to do with the subject?" Calida asked.
"That is where...Salem comes in." Ozpin answered hesitantly.
"Salem?" Crystal inquired.
"Yes, you could call her the 'leader' of the Grimm, a Queen more than anything." Ozpin said as he hummed for a moment. "Salem is mankind's oldest enemy. And she must be stopped, with Cinder now having her hands on the Maiden's Powers...she has the potential to find the Relics." He finished.
"Relics?" Garnet wondered.
"When the God's left they left behind four Relics: The Gift of Destruction, the Gift of Knowledge, the Gift of Creation, and the Gift of Choice, each associated to Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall maiden's respectfully." Ozpin explained.
"So...you want us to stop Salem. Is that what this boils down to now?" Ember asked.
"Indeed, but you are not alone. Qrow, Summer, Ironwood, myself, and other Headmaster's are fighting against Salem." He reassured. "With your insight of the future, we may be able to finally end Salem...what say you?" He finally asked.
The Team stood silent for a minute, thinking the decision over. Ember glanced at them, before they nodded back at her. Ember smiled and turned to Ozpin. "We accept." She accepted.
"Fantastic, then let's get to work." Ozpin said, standing up. "Cinder escaped two days ago, she couldn't have gotten far. And some of our informants say she is going to Haven. It would be best to start your search there."
"Are we going by airship?" Crystal asked.
"No, you must make your way there yourself. Not out of cruelty I assure you, but because Cinder may bring chaos in her path, and that chaos can be both a lead, and a problem that must be fixed." Ozpin explained.
"So we're not only the Hunters, we're the cleanup crew." Duran chirped up.
"A simple sum up, yes." He agreed.
They all nod in understanding.
"I do believe that is it, you do not have to leave now. Take a day or two to prepare, but know Cinder is returning to Salem, and if she does we won't get another shot at her. But I will not force you into the pursuit unprepared."
"Thank you sir." Ember thanked, the team bowing in respect before they left to go prepare.
Ozpin sat back down and took a deep breath, staring at their backs as they went to the elevator. "Good Luck...you are our Guidance of the Future."
To be continued.
And here is the first chapter! Just a good catchup on things, getting GDCCE up to speed and prepping to head out. And as of right now they're focusing exclusively on RNJR's part of Volume 4, they'll spread out more in Volume 5. Menagerie and the Spring Maiden need to be addressed after all. Now, as you all know some things changed.
Penny and Pyrrha are alive.
Cinder still has the Maiden's Full power, but she's on the run back to Salem.
Beacon is still standing and Ozpin has not moved on to another host. So no Oscar either.
Other stuff will unfold in the meantime. I hope you'll enjoy what I have to show you. R&R This is Oathkeeper0317 signing out.