Chapter 4: Battle in the Forest

Optimus was completely surrounded by Grimm with no way of escape. The creatures of destruction ensure there will be no opening for the Prime. Growling louder and louder, they prepared for battle. Also, Optimus notice how well their formation was which caused suspicion. He read that Grimm possessed intelligent after a long period of time, but the way they were formatted was that of a military tactic. This level of strategic planning was something that the Grimm should not be aware of yet nor created.

Clutching a fist slowly in frustration, "It's as I feared. Someone with the power of Unicron is controlling the Grimm behind the scenes, but who?"

More questions filled the Prime conflicted mind. Who was this Herald of Unicron? Where did he/she come from? Was this foe a Cybertronian like he was? Why are they doing this? What was the purpose of this senseless war? The biggest question he asked himself of all was if Megatron was the one responsible for this. After all, he still has the Blood of Unicron coursing through his veins. Optimus highly doubt that it was him because the look in Megatron's eyes showed he was done with power and conquest before exiling himself from Cybertron.

Optimus was broke out of his trance when the Grimm started to roar. "The answers for those questions will come later." He transformed his bracers into its sword mode as he slowly marched towards the Grimm, "Surviving this battle is my top priority."

His helmet slid the mouth guards out of his helmet and connected, signaling he was ready for battle. The Grimm charged forward while Optimus move a lot faster and made a war cry.


Meanwhile back on top of the cliff overlooking the forest, Ozpin was holding his cane and a Scroll as Goodwitch was giving him a report of the students pairing.

"Our last pair has been formed, sir." Next she pressed a screen of one pair then another, "Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren. Poor boy. I can't possibly imagine those two getting along. Still, he's probably better off than Ms. Nikos."

"Hmm."

"I don't care what his transcripts say, that Jaune fellow is not ready for this level of combat. I guess we'll find out soon enough. At their current pace, they should reach the temple within a few minutes. Speaking of which, what did you as relics this year?" The man did not answer her causing Goodwitch to look at him with concern, "... Professor Ozpin?"

Ozpin was paying attention to two particular students on his Scroll. One was the young miss Ruby Rose and Optimus Prime, but out of the two of them Optimus was the one who had his full attention. While Ruby was sitting around, Optimus was engage in combat with a huge amount of Grimm. Usually, he or a teacher would intervene since the student was too green to fight so many on their own. Yet Optimus was slaying them no problem switching from blasting to slicing them down.

Ever since Qrow brought him here, Ozpin has been curious about the young Prime. Despite his age, he was far wiser than anyone his age should be and older. His view of the world was something that took people years to come to and he was far more mature than most teenagers are. During the video, he noticed something interesting in his eyes. His eyes showed a fierce determination to survive, intense focus, and a strong drive to protect. Such eyes could only be seen in the eyes of soldiers or experience Huntsmen/Huntresses. Eyes that shouldn't belong to a young man.

Ozpin lifted his head as he stared into the distance. Just who was Optimus Prime? What did he go through? Why does he fight and what was his reason? What was he trying to protect? More and more questions echoed inside the man's head as his curiosity grew for the Prime. All he knows for sure that Optimus was the key in turning the tide against the Grimm like Qrow said.

"Let us see where your path takes you, Optimus Prime."


It took him awhile, but he was able to overcome the overwhelming Grimm attack. There was only five of them left, 3 Beowolves and 2 Ursas. The environment around was damage from the battle. Trees were broken from throwing some Grimm, claws could be spotted around, and some areas where scorch markings could be found from Optimus' miss shots. Optimus was panting from exhaustion as sweat slid down his face underneath his helmet and tightening his fist. He had his swords out and he was ready to finish the battle.

A Beowolf leaped towards him, but Optimus ducked. Next he blocked a barrage of claw attacks from the other two Beowolves by using his Aura to enhance his strength. Sadly, he was running low and he needed to finish this quickly. Optimus pushed one of the claws back allowing him to stab the Beowolf's head. This was follow by kicking the other Beowolf in the guts to provide some space. An Ursa charged at him to get the jump on him; however, it was useless. Optimus cut off its left arm causing the Ursa to roar in pain. This allowed Optimus finish it off by stabbing the Ursa through the chest.

The second Ursa was able to pin Optimus to the ground from behind. Before the bear Grimm could bit his head off, Optimus brought his right arm up and the sword was in the Ursa's mouth. The Ursa was trying desperately to break through the sword by biting the sword over and over again. Optimus was struggling to keep the Grimm from eating his head he needed to a plan and fast. It wasn't long until a plan come into his mind when he saw the Ursa's head. While it was chewing on his sword, Optimus head-butted the Grimm. The impact caused the mask face to crack a little forcing the Grimm to let go of Optimus so it could clutch its head. As it roared in pain, Optimus shoved his sword into the Ursa's head from underneath its chin.

The two Beowolves circled around the Prime for a bit before leaping towards him. Optimus rolled forward to dodge and ended them by blasting them in the face. Once they disappeared in light, Optimus called off his blasters and placed a hand on the ground to provide support as he panted. Despite his additional training, he was still not use to this body's limitations. One of these limitations was the stamina. In his old form, he never had to worry about being tired, but now he have too. Fighting against so many Grimm took a toll on Optimus along with the amount of Aura he used. He learned from his reading that if someone's Aura reach a critical low they would be expose to fatal blows or being knock out. He had a lot of training to do to overcome this limitation.

Optimus' instinct started to tick him causing him to grab something from behind and slamming it to the ground. Quickly getting out his sword, Optimus was about to kill his attacker, but stop. The thing he was pinning down wasn't a Grimm, but Yang Xiao Long. His hand that was pinning her down was at her throat and the sword was an inch away from piercing her skull.

Optimus called of his sword and mouth guards in order to stand up and help Yang back on her feet, "Yang! I am so sorry! I didn't know it was you."

The smiling Yang rubbed her throat as she flapped a hand up and down, "It's fine. But damn you got some sweet moves. How did you do that?"

"I have sharp instincts and I always react to them."

"Then there no need to apologies. If I was in your shoes I would do the same."

Optimus looked down for a moment in guilt, "Still that was terrible error in my part. I almost killed you from relying on my instincts and I am sorry. Allow me to make this up to you, Yang."

A devilish smirk appeared on the blonde's face as she got closer to him, pressing her chest against his torso and giving a seductive stare at him, "Anything~?"

"Anything." Optimus was trying to figure out why she was acting this way, but couldn't find the answer.

"Well then..." she said as her smile gotten even bigger.

"Yang, knock it off. This isn't the time for this", a new voice entered the conversation. The two look to see Blake standing there with her arms cross. Yang walked over to her to have a chat leaving an awed Optimus.

"Wait... She was flirting with me? That was it?" Optimus rubbed his forehead and sighed, "Primus help me if my obliviousness get me in major trouble in the future." He could handle the toughest of foes and overcome impossible odds, but when it certain things like flirting for example he was clueless. Like the time when he overlook human customs when Jack, Miko, and Ralph enter his world.

Blake turned to Optimus and smiled, "Good to see you again, Optimus."

"Good to see you too, Blake."

Yang's eyes shift from one person to the other as she placed a finger on her chin, "You two know each other?"

"We ran into each other yesterday and this morning", he answered. "I take it that you two are partners?"

"Yep!" Yang answered with a thumbs up.

"What about you?" Blake asked because she couldn't find Optimus' partner anywhere.

"Unfortunately, I am the only one left without a partner."

"Really? There should be someone else that..."

"There isn't Yang. I counted the number of students at the cliff and there was an odd number. No matter what there was going to be one without a partner and it appeared that I am the unlucky one."

"That's unfortunate", Blake said before examining the area around them, "By the way, what happen here?"

"Grimm."

"There must have been a lot of them judging by the look of this."

"You are correct, Blake. Which reminds me, Yang why did try to sucker punch me?"

"Oh! Well... Hehe... that's a funny story", she nervously said as she scratched the back of her head.

"We heard some noises of a fight nearby and decided to check it out. That when we saw the pointy part of your helmet causing Yang here to charge right in believing that it was a Grimm. We couldn't tell that it was you since we couldn't see through the bushes", Blake explained while Yang sweated a little.

"Yeah... sorry about that."

"It's okay, you were just trying to save a life of a fellow classmate and you just mistook me for a Grimm. Don't worry about it. We all make mistake."

This caused Yang to smile at him, "Yeah you're right. So um where are we going again?"

Blake rolled her eyes and she pointed north, "We're heading toward the temple to collect a relic then bring it back to the cliff."

"Oh yeah!"

Optimus chuckled a little, "We should get moving before the Grimm find us again." The two girls nodded in agreement and the trio headed north.

It didn't take them long to find it. The open temple was in ruins. It was missing pieces of stone in certain places and moss hanged down off the top. Platforms could be spotted inside the interior in a circular line. The three went for a closer look and were surprise at what the relics were.

"Chess pieces?" Blake questioned as she got closer to the pillar holding a black piece.

Yang placed her hands on her hip, "Some of them are missing. Look like we weren't the first ones here."

"Well... I guess we should pick one."

"Indeed", Optimus nodded as he continued to look at the pieces.

Yang was staring at a white Knight piece for a bit before picking it up, "How about a cute little pony?"

Blake simply said sure as Optimus gave her a confused look, "Yang that is called a Knight. Not a pony."

"Whatever it's call, it is definitely a pony in my book, OP."

"If you say so."

"What piece are you going to take, Optimus?" Blake asked.

Optimus continued to search for a piece to take until something shined at him. Curious, he followed the light only to find a light blue crystal piece sitting on a stone between two empty platforms. It was strange to find an extra piece here, but Optimus had a strong suspicion that Ozpin place it here for him to find.

He picked it up and showed it to Blake and Yang as he walk over to them, "I will be taking this one."

"That wasn't too hard", Yang commented.

"Well, it's not like this place is very difficult to find", Blake added on with a smile.

Soon a loud shriek echoed the air causing the teens to be on guard. Yang wondered what should they do, but Blake was too busy looking up to the sky. Optimus and Yang look up to see Ruby falling straight towards them. Out of nowhere, Jaune came flying in from the side and collided with Ruby. The two then crashed into a tree leaving the group on the ground speechless.

"Was that... Ruby and Jaune?", Optimus asked.

Blake stepped forward to get a closer look at the tree they crashed into while asking Yang a question, "Did your sister just fall from the sky?"

"I-" Yang was about to answer when a growling noise and trees falling interrupted her. Coming out of the woods was a Ursa swinging its paws around like crazy before a pink lighting killed it from behind. Rolling off the dead corpse was an orange hair girl in pink who looked disappointed.

"Aww. It's broken."

Coming from behind the Grimm, a boy in green took a moment to catch his breath before speaking to his partner, "Nora. Please... don't ever do that again." Sadly, she was long gone. She was staring at a white Rook piece with great interest before doing a happy dance with the piece on her head.

"I'm Queen of the castle! I'm Queen of the castle!"

"NORA!"

Nora stopped what she was doing as Optimus and Yang looked at her weird while Blake simply crossed her arms. She then saluted as she caught the piece as it fell of her head, "Hehehe, coming Ren!"

"Did that girl just ride in on an Ursa?" Blake said breaking the awkward atmosphere around her.

Yang was about to answer when another uninvited guest crashes in. Tracing the source of the noise, the three saw Pyrrha running away from a giant scorpion which was call a Death Stalker. She rolled around to dodge the giant claws attacks. Optimus sweated a little because he wonder what other crazy thing was going to happen next. Ruby jumped out of the tree and landed near Yang who was about to hug her.

"Ruby?"

"Yang!"

Right when they about to embrace someone popped between them, freezing them in their place, "NORA!"

Blake continued to watch the chase with a neutral look while Yang was trembling in anger, "Did she just run all the way here with a Death Stalker on her tail?"

Optimus was about to answer when Yang burst into flames along with her eyes turning red. Optimus blinked as Yang just shouted, "I can't take it anymore! Could everyone just chill out for two seconds before something crazy happens again!?"

Too bad for her, there was one last crazy thing left. Up in the sky a giant black Grimm bird, which is called Nevermore, was flying around with Weiss holding on one of its talons. Optimus noticed that she couldn't hold on for long and decided to act. Looking at a nearby tree and how high Weiss was he formulated a plan to save her. He dashed towards the tree and quickly climbed it. Jaune just happen to notice the falling Heiress and was about to jump to save her, but Optimus ran across the branch he was on causing him to fall.

The young Prime leaped off the end of the branch and stuck his arms out for Weiss. Once he caught her he performed the next phase of his plan. "Hang on."

Weiss unconsciously wrapped her arms around Optimus' neck and shut her eyes as Optimus performed his landing strategy for a second time. He flipped forward and slid a little before stopping in front of everybody. The group jaws were dropped at Optimus' performance then closing them as Jaune limp over to them as he rubbed his head. Weiss opened her eyes only to see she was being carried by Optimus in a bridal style causing her cheeks to turn slightly pink.

Optimus gently placed her down, "Are you hurt, Miss Schnee?"

"I'm fine thanks to you", Weiss answered as she straighten her clothes.

Optimus sighed in relief, "Good."

Soon Pyrrha slid in front of body catching everyone's attention. "Great! The gang's all here! Now we can die together!" Yang sarcastically said.

"Not if I can help it!"

Everyone watched as Ruby pulled out her scythe and headed towards the Death Stalker. The Grimm knock her back with it claw. Ruby quickly got up and decided to run after shooting at it head for a second. Yang ran towards her to save her with Optimus not too far behind. The Nevermore was coming in and it spread it wings. The Grimm flapped it wings firing a barrage of sharp feathers at it prey. Ruby's hood got pinned by one of the feathers forcing her to stop while Yang came to a halt to avoid being skewed. The scorpion Grimm was in striking range of Ruby and was ready to strike her with it stinger.

"Ruby, get out of there!" Yang shouted.

"I'm trying!"

"RUBY!"

Ruby looked up to see the stinger coming right toward her. She closed her eyes and embrace for her end.

"No one's dying on my watch..."

The young reaper slowly opened her eyes to see who voice was that. Her eyes widen as saucers at what was in front of her. Her savior was none other than Optimus who was blocking the stinger with both his forearms. He had his weapon in gauntlet mode and channeled a good portion of his remaining Aura into his arms to provide a shield for them. It was a power struggle between the two and Optimus couldn't hold it for long. Luckily a white symbol appeared beneath the Grimm causing Optimus to shove the stinger to the side. The scorpion's stinger and one of it claw were soon engulfed in ice a second later providing a chance to escape. The one responsible was Weiss.

Optimus pulled out the feather allowing Ruby's hood to become free. Before she could thank him her body froze in fear as Optimus gave her his serious commando stare. He spoke in a serious yet calming tone, "That was extremely reckless of you, Ruby! You could have gotten yourself killed."

"I was just trying to help" she said in a scared tone.

"By charging in headstrong at the Grimm? You know what you were just now? You weren't warrior... you weren't a Huntress... you were a child."

"I was just trying to show that I can do this and prove to everybody that I'm not some child!"

"This has nothing to do about showing what you're capable of. It's about working together as a team and learning that no one can accomplish anything on their own."

"But!"

"Ruby..." Optimus spoke in a comforting tone which eased her scared body along with placing a hand on her shoulder, "I understand that you want to help people and I'm not telling you stop. I'm trying to tell you that you can't do everything on your own. Look." She turned to see the new friends she made and her partner as Optimus continued his speech, "You have friends to help you now and are willing to stand by you. You don't have to face everything alone. We are stronger together as one."

Optimus closed his eyes as flashes of his past appeared, "I have watch too many young soldiers who acted just like you Ruby die in battle. I will not allow another to fall again."

Ruby looked at the group for a moment before remembering something her mother said to her when she was a kid. She said that her strength came from her friends including her and Yang. Seeing Optimus' point, she realized that she was going against what her mother taught her and was glad that Optimus showed her ways.

She lifted her head to face the young Prime, "I understand... Thank you, Optimus."

"We're friends, Ruby, and I will always be there to help you."

She beamed at him with a big smile, "We sure are!"

Optimus smiled as Yang gave Ruby a hug before returning to his neutral expression as the Nevermore circled around them along with the Death Stalker struggling to break free.

"Guys, that thing's circling back. What are we gonna do?" Jaune asked as he pointed to giant bird.

"Look," Weiss catching everyone's attention, "there's no sense in dilly-dallying. Our objective is right in front of us."

"She's right. Our mission is to grab an artifact and make it back to the cliffs", Ruby said.

"Agreed, our quarrel with the Grimm is not our concern right now. We need to hurry. That ice won't hold that Death Stalker long", Optimus mentioned after seeing the struggling Grimm scorpion trying to break free from the ice.

"Run and live. That is an idea I can get behind", Jaune said in agreement. Ruby went to grab a Knight Piece while Jaune grabbed a Rook piece.

Optimus noticed that the ice was cracking and decided to take command, "Okay everyone, let's roll out!" Everybody nodded at the Prime and followed him.

The group made their way through the forest before encountering more ruins which led to an abandon stone tower. The Nevermore was hot on their tail and was able to fly pass them. The group scattered to find cover, each with their partner except Optimus. The giant bird landed on top of the tower, standing in their way. It wasn't long until the Death Stalker caught up forcing everybody to run for it; however, the Grimm had other plans. The Nevermore flew up and flapped its wings to fire a feather barrages. The group failed to realize that the feathers created a barrier which cut off Optimus from the group.

"Optimus! Are you okay!?" Ruby yelled in concern.

"I'm alright", he answered.

Optimus noticed how the Nevermore specifically fired its feathers to cut him off. He wondered if the Grimm were trying to separate him from the group so they could easily kill him. His train of thought was broken when a large shadow cover him. A giant stinger was about to hit him, luckily Optimus rolled to the side to dodge. Optimus was about to retaliate, but the Death Stalker bust through the feather wall. He was about to stop it when a hissing sound stop him. Optimus turned around to see a large white and black snake Grimm that was called King Taijitu. The two snakes' bodies were connected to each other at the center. His mouth guard covered came together and gauntlets appeared as he was ready for battle.

Meanwhile, the group was divided into two because of the destroyed bridge. Ren, Blake, and Pyrrha were together fighting against Death Stalker while the others were trying to fight the Nevermore. Blake noticed the large serpent behind the scorpion and wonder where did it come. Dodging it fang attacks was Optimus causing Blake to shout.

"Optimus!"

"We have to help him!", Pyrrha shouted.

Ren fired his guns at the Grimm, "Easier said than done."

"Don't worry about me!" Optimus shouted to them, "Focus on taking those two out! I'll handle this!"

Before they could say anything, Nora came flying in and slammed her hammer at the Grimm's head with Jaune flying with her. The Death Stalker pushed Nora back causing her to push Blake off the cliff. She was able to save herself by throwing her weapon onto a wall and swinging her way up. Optimus continued to dodge the snake's attacks and was about to attack. Sadly, it was stop when Optimus flipped backwards to dodge a pair claws. Standing alongside the serpent were two high class Grimm, an Alpha Beowolf and Ursa Major.

"Great", Optimus muttered.

The Grimm worked together to destroy Optimus. The Beowolf start off by launching a series of attacks consisting of lunging and swinging its claws. Next the Ursa did a combination of bites and claws attack. Optimus dodged and blocked each one of them. The two Grimm continued their attack relentlessly for bit until one of Optimus' heel hit something. Looking down then up it was none other than King Taijitu. The two serpent heads quickly constricted the Prime. Optimus used his remaining strength and Aura to hold off the pressure.

Optimus struggled to hold it off as his strength and Aura were leaving his body, "Slag it. I can't keep this up. I have to finish this now."

Back with the others, the two groups were victorious. Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora were able to defeat the Death Stalker by shoving it's stinger into its head and falling off the cliff. Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang defeated the Nevermore by firing the young reaper at it. This was followed by Ruby running up the cliff with her scythe impaled in the bird's neck before decapitating it. They enjoy their brief victory until Ruby remembered something important.

"Where's Optimus!?"

Before anyone could answer, a large roar echoed the air causing the group to be on guard. They turned their head to see the three Grimm not too far from them. The Alpha Beowolf and Ursa Major circled around Taijitu as it continued to squeeze something. Putting the pieces together, they group realized it was Optimus being constricted. The eight hurried over to save their friend. With her speed, Ruby came in front of everyone with her scythe in hand and was ready to kill the Grimm, but they came to a halt when the snake Grimm roared in pain.

Optimus came leaping out of Taijitu's grip and landed on the white one's head. Clutching his fist, Optimus punched the white head snake so hard that it's mask completely cracked. The white snake swung its head up and down in pain forcing Optimus to get off. Next he pulled out a gun and sword while he was in the air. He took aim at the black snake's right eye and fired. The snake roared as its red eye burns allowing Optimus to come flying down and slash its left eye.

When Optimus landed, the Beowolf tried to bite him, but it failed. Calling off his gun, Optimus gave the wolf an uppercut to the jaws breaking a few fangs too. The Ursa tried to attack next by swing its arm. Optimus dodged the swing with ease and grabbed a hold of one of its bone plated arm before cutting off the bear's limb. The Ursa roared and swung its other arm to provide distance between the Prime and Grimm.

Optimus landed in front of everybody and glared at the wounded Grimm then called off his sword and stared at his right hand, "I don't have much Aura left... I need to finish this now."

Channeling the last of his Aura into his fist then slamming into the ground. The impact created a light blue energy shock wave causing the Grimm to roar in pain while the others used their arms to block the brightness. When the light had faded, the teens lowered their arms to see what happen and were shock to see that the three Grimm were gone without a trace. Optimus slowly stood up to face his friends while mouth guard separate themselves.

"Whoa..." Ruby muttered.

"How did he do that?" Jaune asked.

Everyone was wondering the same thing about how Optimus performed that attack, but couldn't bring themselves to ask him. Light pierces through the cloudy sky and shine upon the Prime He simply nodded to them before the nine headed towards the cliff.


Later on in the auditorium, Ozpin was announcing the 1st year teams. On stage four students were line up in front of Ozpin while everyone else were standing. Above them was a screen showing the faces of four individuals and read off their names one by one.

"Russel Thrush. Cardin Winchester. Dove Bronzewing. Sky Lark. The four of you retrieved the black Bishop pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team CRDL. Led by Cardin Winchester." The room clapped for them for a bit before the next group went on stage and the screen showed new faces.

"Jaune Arc. Lie Ren. Pyrrha Nikos. Nora Valkyrie. The four of you retrieved the white Rook pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team JNPR. Led by Jaune Arc."

"Huh? L-led by..." Jaune asked shock.

"Congratulations young man."

"Blake Belladonna. Ruby Rose. Weiss Schnee. Yang Xiao Long. The four of you retrieved the white Knight pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team RWBY. Led by Ruby Rose."

Weiss was surprised to hear the announcement while Ruby was simply stun as Yang went to give her a hug for congratulations.

"Will you four stay on stage for a moment?" The girls nodded to him before Ozpin cleared his throat, "And finally Optimus Prime. You have retrieved the crystal King piece."

Optimus came on stage without his helmet. He decided it would be best to put it back in his locker for the announcement of the teams. Team RWBY stood beside the Prime with Ruby and Weiss on his left and Blake and Yang on his right.

"During the initiation, you have proven to have exceptional skills, wisdom, and courage." The screen then showed clips of Optimus battling against the Grimm. The room was speechless on how Optimus defeated a swarm of Grimm by himself along with a King Taijitu, an Alpha Beowolf, and Ursa Major. "You put your own life on the line to save a fellow student from being killed and you overcome impossible odds. This year we decided to have you be a co leader with one of the first year team. The team that you will be working together with will be Team RWBY. Congratulations."

The room clapped for once again. Ruby and Yang were happy to have Optimus to have on the team while Weiss and Blake simply smile.

Optimus smile for a moment before turning his attention to the window to see the broken moon, "Primus please watch over my new comrades and that they will not be drag into the war that is yet to come."


Back in the dark realm, the mysterious figure stared at the land as frustration filled her body. She felt the Grimm that were defeated by the champion of light were gone. This forced her to accept the possibility that she hope that will never come.

"It won't be long until he arrives."

She quickly contacted one of her minions to speed up the plan and give her some new orders. If what she feared is coming then everything she worked for will be for naught.