Here we are at Chapter 53. Now that things in Atlas are pretty much done, time to head back to Beacon for another rest and preparations chapter. I do not own RWBY or Gundam IBO. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 53. Enjoy.
Chapter 53: Final Preparations
News about Jacques Schnee's arrest and dissolution in the SDC didn't take long to spread throughout the kingdom of Atlas. Even more so that Whitley has been disowned and Weiss Schnee has reclaimed her status as heiress of the SDC. However, Weiss had made a statement that she wanted to focus on helping in the war against the Grimm and finishing her training at beacon Academy before she fully takes over the family business. With that in mind, The Atlas council and General Ironwood have agreed to keep the business running until she is ready to take the reins, with Winter Schnee providing support. It also helped that Ozpin has some connections in Atlas besides Ironwood top help make sure the SDC doesn't become even worse before Weiss can take over. After Weiss was medically cleared to leave the hospital, she and everyone else decided to return to Beacon Academy for some much needed rest after a busy schedule in the northernmost kingdom in Remnant. The trip back was quiet, much to everyone's relief, and it didn't take long for them to return to their home in Vale.
…
Agnika makes his way to Ozpin's office for a full debrief of the mission in Vale. Once he comes through the ceiling entrance though, he finds Ozpin in his office, but he also finds Goodwitch, Qrow, and Raven with him.
"Agnika, welcome back. It's good to see that you and everyone else have made it back safely from Atlas. Even more so that you came back with Miss Schnee free from the Andras' control. I can't even begin to imagine what that must have been like for her," Ozpin greets him.
"All that matters is that Weiss is safe, and the Andras failed to destroy Atlas. And I see that you two are back from your mission. Have you found the Andras' hideout?" Agnika asks the twins.
Qrow shakes his head, "Nothing. I sure he's using Salem's old domain when she was in charge. Of course, we've never been able to find out where that is either. I'm sick of always playing defense. Sure, we can launch attacks at some small groups of Grimm, but those little skirmishes won't matter in the long run, not when the Andras can make more of them. Unless we can strike a decisive blow to his home turf, this war won't be ending anytime soon," Qrow explains.
"As much as I hate to admit it, this Andras is smart. No wonder he's survived this long. I also hate to admit it, but I agree with my brother. We've already lost Menagerie and Vacuo, with only Shade Academy still standing, barely. At this rate, it won't be long before the Andras finally manages to take out another kingdom," Raven adds.
"I agree. The kingdom's defenses have been severely depleted. While we have made progress with gaining support from groups like the White Fang, that may not be enough. We need to learn more," Ozpin says.
"Well, we'll have to figure that out later. The young ones have just returned from another grueling mission, Weiss most of all, and need their rest. It will be a little while before she regains her full strength. Being the Andras' puppet really did a number on her," Agnika notes.
"I understand. We'll keep looking on our end. They've earned a reprieve for now. For now, Agnika, finish your report on the mission in Atlas," Ozpin says.
"Of course," Agnika says and begins his debriefing.
…
Meanwhile in Team RWBY's dorm room, Ruby and Blake are sitting on Blake's bunk, with their guest Ilia sitting on Weiss' bunk. Ilia has apparently changed her attire, no longer wearing the clothes she wore when she was working in the White Fang. She is now wearing a pair of black pants that end just above her ankles, black shoes, a black jacket with gold edging and the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, over a dark green shirt, and a brown belt.
"So, you guys managed to save Atlas and get your friend back. Feels a little weird that I'd be glad about that, considering how I used to feel about Atlas and the Schnee family," Ilia says.
"It just shows that you're not the same person as you were before, and that's a good thing. Believe me, I'm no fan of Jacques Schnee, but Weiss is not like her father. With her in charge of the SDC, things WILL be getting better for the Faunus in Atlas. While this war is not over yet, things are starting to look up for a lot of people. The White Fang has been helping with the situation in Mistral, which has been helping people realize that the Faunus are not their enemies. The SDC will become better with Weiss in charge, and the kingdoms are working together to help rebuild both Vacuo and Menagerie. Once this war is over, we can really rebuild Remnant, make it better than it used to be," Blake describes.
"Yeah! When we all have a common goal, nothing can stop us," Ruby cheers.
Ilia chuckles a bit, "I must admit, I'd never thought I'd see the day. I guess I have you guys to thank for that. If it weren't for you two, I'd probably still be in the same situation, making little progress and a lot of mistakes," Ilia says.
"It's because we never gave up on the possibility that we could be friends. Even after everything we went through. It's like my uncle says, sometimes bad things happen, but it's how you react to those bad times, by getting back up when you get knocked down, and to keep moving forward. Eventually, you reach the light at the end of the tunnel," Ruby says.
"I guess you're right…I'm glad I got to become friends with someone like you, Ruby. I can see why you like her so much Blake," Ilia notes.
"She is one of a kind," Blake notes, making Ruby smile. Just then, Weiss enters the room, with a determined look on her face. "Weiss, what is it?" Blake asks.
"We all need to meet in Ozpin's office. Now," Weiss says before leaving, leaving the others perplexed.
…
As Agnika is finishing his debriefing with Ozpin in his office, the two entrances to the room open up, allowing the members of Team RWBY, Ilia, Ghira and Kali, and Mikazuki to enter the office.
"Um, may I ask what this is about?" Ozpin asks.
Weiss is the first to walk up to his desk, "We need to tall. It's important," she says.
"What is this about, Weiss?" Agnika asks.
"When I was under the Andras' mind control, I said that I remember everything that happened during that time, and I mean everything…Including where to find the Andras' lair," Weiss admits.
This gets everyone's attention, "You mean you know where he's hiding?" Qrow asks.
"Yes," Weiss begins and pulls out a map of Remnant. "I remember him taking me…here," Weiss says, pointing to the dragon-shaped continent northeast of Vale.
Ozpin leans closer to the map, "That continent is largely unexplored. From what we know about it, and there isn't that much to know, there may have been settlements there at one point, but that was a long time ago. Since then, no settlements have been made there, and any attempts to do so have ended with people missing and/or dead. Because of that, it was deemed too dangerous a territory to explore. The kingdoms have never been able to make more attempts to explore that region due to the issues within their own borders and with the Grimm…Which would make it a suitable hideout for the Andras and his forces. That is also where Salem's domain is located before her death," he says.
"Yes. His hideout is directly in the center of that region. I remember seeing it, a large old castle-like structure, with hordes of black Dust crystals all over the area. The shattered moon glows red there, and finally, there are the pits," Weiss explains.
"Pits?" Ruby asks.
"Pits of black ooze. It's from these black pools that the Creatures of Grimm are born," Weiss says, stunning everyone.
Raven steps up, "If we were to find a way to destroy those pits and the Andras…we might be able to destroy the Grimm once and for all," she says.
"An end to the war, and finally bringing peace to Remnant," Ghira adds.
"Professor Ozpin, what should we do?" Glynda asks.
Ozpin clasps his hands in front of his face, "If we do this, then many lives will be lost. We'll be fighting in unknown, enemy territory, and where the Grimm are at their strongest. We would need all four kingdoms working together to even have a chance of winning. There will be no coming back should we fail," he says.
"Ozpin, people are dying already. Vacuo, Menagerie, all the smaller settlements across all the continents, and all the people lost in the kingdoms. If we don't do something now, then they'll have all died for nothing," Qrow says.
"Professor Ozpin…" Ruby begins, gaining their attention. "I know that this will be difficult. I know it won't be easy. And I know that if we do this, a lot of people will get hurt, or die…But, if there's even a small chance that we can finally end this war. To end all the chaos, all the suffering, then shouldn't we take it. This is what huntsmen and huntresses do. We fight the Grimm, and we protect the people. This is our duty, but it's more than that now…" she says as he holds Blake's hand, who returns the gesture, along with Weiss and Yang who join them. "This is to show the Andras the strength we possess as a people, as a big family. When we work together, anything is possible. This isn't a fairytale, but as long as we keep moving forward, we CAN make this a happy ending like in the books. That's why we're here," Ruby gives another emotional speech.
Even after everything she's seen, after all her previous speeches, those listening to her now are still in awe about her incredible will to never give up. Her pure heart that wants everyone to be safe and happy. For Raven and Qrow, it reminds them of Summer.
Ozpin eventually smiles, "Once again, you surprise me, Miss Rose. You're right. We can't hold back here. For a long time, we have been fighting the Grimm, even before this war began. And now we have a chance to make history, to do what no one else has ever done before. The time has come to end this long conflict with the Grimm once and for all," he says and stands up. "I'll get into contact with the headmasters of the other academies, and with the councils. We'll need more than just everyone huntsmen and huntress we have available for this mission. The militaries, the police, anyone who can fight. The Andras will know we're coming, so there'll be no sneaking around this one. We're going to kick in the front door and march right into his domain. There will be casualties, but if we can defeat the Andras once and for all, then their sacrifices will not be in vain. We get one shot at this, and we must give it everything we got," he says.
"Yeah, let's kick some Grimm butt!" Yang cheers.
"For humans and Faunus everywhere," Blake adds.
"To protect the weak," Weiss says.
"For peace and order," Agnika adds.
"Yeah, let's do it every one!" Ruby finishes.
…
Things at Beacon Academy quickly get really busy. All the students and teachers that can fight are seen preparing any weapons and gear that they can carry. Airships are coming in with supplies and to take any civilians into shelters in the kingdom in the worst case scenario. Ozpin and his allies are communicating across all channels to link up forces from the other kingdoms for this important mission. Talks of this being the final battle quickly spread, and the emotion of the situation comes up high. In Team RWBY's dorm, Yang is seen tuning up her right arm and loading up her left gauntlet. Blake is sharpening her katana, and Weiss is loading up on whatever Dust she can carry, while Ruby packs a few extra clips of rounds for her weapon. In Team JNPR's dorm, Ren and Nora load up ammo, Pyrrha modifies her shield to fold into itself like Jaune's shield, and Jaune upgrades his sword and shield, now able to combine together to form a two-handed sword. All other students in the school are preparing their weapons, from CFVY to CRDL. Soldiers are preparing the airships for air combat and to transport the ground forces. In one area, the remaining members of Team STRQ are preparing as well.
Qrow polishes his sword, and surprisingly forgoes bringing his flask with him this time around. For this battle, he's going to need to be stone-cold sober. Raven is loading up on as many Dust blades as her scabbard will hold, with Vernal behind her, preparing her guns. Taiyang is here as well, preparing his own weapon. His weapon is a pair of gauntlets, similar to Yang's, except these gauntlets are equipped with fire Dust that, when activated, form a ring of fire around the gauntlets, thereby increasing the power of Taiyang's punches and can even be used for ranged attacks. After preparing themselves, Vernal stands back while the three former teammates stand together. Taiyang then pulls out the picture of their team when they were younger, and all place their hands around Summer Rose in the picture.
"One last time…for Summer," Qrow says.
"For Summer," Taiyang and Raven agree.
"…Let's go, Team STRQ," Qrow declares before they leave along with Vernal.
In his classroom, Oobleck along with Port, Glynda, and Amber prepare their weapons.
"Can't let the students have all the glory. This will make a marvelous story to tell when classes start up again," Port notes.
"Yes…because it'll be the first one you've told that actually sounds realistic," Glynda says, making Oobleck chuckle.
Up on top of Beacon Tower, Agnika watches as everyone prepares for what could be the final battle.
"Almost feels like old times," he hears and looks back to see Mikazuki walking up to stand next to him. "Like back home with Tekkadan," he notes.
"Indeed. The time has come to end this war, once and for all…Mikazuki, I have a favor to ask of you…" Agnika begins and the two Gundams stare at each other.
…
The next day, everyone at Beacon, students, teachers, and anyone else that can fight, stand outside the school in the courtyard, all eyes at Ozpin who stand before them.
"First, what I am about to tell you may be hard to believe, but you must here it. The Grimm have a leader, named the Andras," Ozpin begins, shocking those all unaware of this fact. "He has been leading the Grimm in this war and is hell bent on destroying us all. But now, we know where he is hiding. That is the objective of this mission: to locate the Andras and destroy it. If the Andras falls, then the Grimm will be leaderless. We have also learned that where the Andras is located is also where the Grimm are being created. Destroying the source of their creation will end the threat of the Grimm to Remnant…forever," he adds, further stunning the crowd. "This mission will no doubt be difficult and very dangerous. Some of those you see here…may not come back. Take this moment to look at those around you," he asks. Everyone look at each other. Friends, teammates, classmates, teachers, family. Everyone. "Remember those that stand with you today, and remember those that stood with you in the past, but can no longer do so now. Many lives have been lost since this war began, and even before then. We can't do anything for those who have died, but we can do something for those that haven't died yet. I cannot force you to come on this mission. If there are any here that wish to stay, please speak up now. No one will stop you, and no one will blame you for it," Ozpin calls out. After a few seconds, not a single person makes a move to leave, all standing resolute. "Thank you. This is our duty as huntsmen and huntresses, but more than that. This is our choice as living beings. We will not go quietly into the night. We will not go down without a fight! We will survive, and we will win. And we finally bring peace to Remnant, so that your children, and their children after them will know a world of peace and happiness. You have all done more than anyone could have asked for you…and I am truly honored to have had the pleasure of being your headmaster for your time here at Beacon academy. Not just to know you as students, but as friends and as individuals. This will be the biggest joint operation between the kingdoms since the Vytal Festival. Let us go, and show the Grimm who we are. For our kingdoms, for our homes, for humanity, for Faunus…And for Remnant!" Ozpin declares.
All present raise their hands and cheer with him. With that done, everyone boards the airships ready to take them to the final battle. Teams RWBY, JNPR, CFVY, CRDL, STRQ, the teachers, Vernal and Amber, and Ghira and Ilia. Those that stay behind watch them leave, all with heavy hearts and holding onto hope that their loved ones will come back to them. Meanwhile, Agnika and Mikazuki take off into the skies from the tower and lead the air fleet towards their destination. The time has come for this conflict to reach its final conclusion…Once and for all…
…
"…So, they will be coming here for one final battle…" the Andras mutters as he sees through his Seer Grimm giving him images of the armies coming to his lair. The Andras stands up and walks toward a large pool of black ooze. "If it is a battle they want, then I will give it to them…along with their final breaths," he says as dark energy flows around his body before he submerges himself into the black pool…
And that's the chapter. The final battle is approaching, and so too is the end of this story. Only a few more chapters left before it all ends. Let me take this time to thank everyone that have been following this story since the beginning. You have all been awesome in your support. Just keep going with me for a little while longer. The final battle approaches, but will Agnika and his friends end the war? Until then, please Read and Review.
