Chapter 13 - The Second Great War Begins


It was chaos. In a matter of days after Tekkadan's fierce battle with the Eight Princes of Hell, Grimm attacks all across the planet had suddenly increased without warning and the negativity was quickly spreading. Huntsmen were called back to their respective kingdoms to defend their borders, leaving many villages to fend for themselves, only to wind up destroyed by the hordes of Grimm that attacked them. Some huntsmen did not follow the councils' orders, and tried to help out these villages, but did not have much luck, and even a few of them did not make it back alive. Meanwhile, the huntsmen academies had to temporarily suspend the semesters as students had to be sent out to help with combatting the Grimm due to the sheer number of attacks that were taking place. Because of all this madness, the upcoming Vytal Festival was cancelled and students from the other academies had to return to their respective kingdoms to help out with repelling the Grimm attacks. Meanwhile, back at Beacon, students were talking amongst themselves. Those that were there were wondering how a Grimm could talk, and were wondering what the hell were Tekkadan and where did they come from. The ones who had the most questions were the members of Teams RWBY, JNPR and even NEGL about this Salem.

The members of Team RWBY are currently in their dorm room, all wondering about what they're going to do next. Kudelia happens to join with them to get some answers after she just arrived.

"This is crazy. I know that Grimm attacks get bad, but never this bad." Yang explained, reading a news report about another Grimm attack outside Vale.

"What's more, now tons of people know about Tekkadan. They may not realize that they are only here to help, and that may make things worse." Kudelia explained, concerned about her friends lately.

"…I think we need to talk to Ozpin. What that Salem and these 'Eight Prince of Hell' Grimm has me on edge. It seemed like Ozpin knew what it was talking about. We need some answers from him. He wouldn't tell us earlier, but I just can't wait anymore without knowing. Not with all that's been going on lately." Blake explained.

This got the five girls thinking, until… "Then let's go talk to him," Ruby said, getting their attention. "We all heard something that we probably weren't supposed to hear, but the fact remains that we need to know the truth. I'm sure Professor Ozpin had his reasons for keeping secrets from us, but, it looks like that's not going to work anymore. More importantly, this doesn't change the reason why we are here. We came here to become huntresses, to protect and help people. To make Remnant a better place for them. And those people need us now more than ever. But if we're going to help them, then we need to know what's really going on here. So, let's go talk to Professor Ozpin." Ruby gives an inspirational speech, stunning her teammates and Kudelia.

"…That's my little sister. Let's go for it." Yang cheered.

"I agree with you, Ms. Rose. Boss and Mikazuki wouldn't hide this unless it's being hard on them too." Kudelia explained, agreeing with Yang.

"It's time we get some answers anyway." Weiss joined in.

"We're in this together. As Tekkadan." Blake added.

"Then let's go team. We're bringing Jaune and Ms. Natasha's teams too." Ruby explained, as they all leave to head to get Teams JNPR and NEGL before heading to the headmaster's office.

XXX

Beacon Tower - Ozpin's Office

"This is bad, Ozpin. I can't even begin to tell you how things are back in Atlas," Ironwood explains as he stands in front of Ozpin's desk. "The council has order me and my men back to Atlas to strengthen our defenses. Grimm attacks are on the rise, and word is spreading about the existence of Tekkadan and the Mobile Suits. Luckily, they didn't learn about Salem or the Maidens, but that may change real soon," Ironwood explains again.

"We are perfectly aware of that James. I've received news from Port and Oobleck who have just returned from their missions. Two more villages have been attacked outside Vale. Although they were able to fend off the Grimm, it was not without lives lost. And it's not just here, or in Atlas, but all across the planet. People have been flooding the kingdom walls, trying to escape to safety, but things have been slow. We've received word from the headmasters from Shade and Haven that they're using their schools as shelters for those that manage to get inside if they can't find anywhere else to go. Things are progressing, but like I said before, progress is slow." Glynda explained.

At this point, the ceiling opening opens up and Orga, Mikazuki, Biscuit, McGillis, Gaelio and Isurugi fly down to land in the office, deactivating their Mobile Suits.

"Mr. Itsuka, Mr. Fareed, Mr. Bauduin, Mr. Griffon, Mr. Augus, Mr. Camice. Were you successful in your missions?" Ozpin asked.

"We were able to beat back the Grimm at our respective destinations and were able to get the villagers safely out of danger. Airships have already brought them to the kingdom." Orga replied.

"But my concern though is all this negativity that's rising. It will only make the Grimm become stronger. Our numbers are spreading thin, and things don't look like they'll be getting better any time soon" Biscuit explained.

"These Grimm are everywhere." Mikazuki said, which Barbatos added, "It's like the negativity is drawing more in by the day."

"Well, I'm sorry to say that I can't help you much now. I need to return to Atlas and help with the defense efforts there. We need to make sure that the CCT towers are kept operational. As long as they remain standing, we can at least coordinate with each other long-distance. It's best if I leave now." Ironwood explained.

"You need to go and help your kingdom. We'll do what we can here. Keep us informed of any changes over in Atlas. Good luck to you, General Ironwood," Isurugi assured.

"Thanks. Best of luck to you all. I'll keep in touch, Oz." Ironwood said before he goes to leave the room. However, when he reaches the elevator door, they suddenly open to reveal Team RWBY and Kudelia, along with Fumitan, Atra, Jaune, Pyrrha, Natasha, Eugene, Akihiro, Shino, Nadi and Azee on the other side. "What are you all doing here?" Ironwood asked.

"We need to talk to Professor Ozpin. We want some answers," Blake said as they walk in.

"Please, Professor Ozpin. We just want to help. If you can tell us anything, that will help us do our jobs as future huntresses. We need to know," Ruby pleading with Ozpin.

"And the rest of Tekkadan deserves to know too. The boss wouldn't lie to us if we weren't going in without knowing." Shino explained.

"Same goes for those who have no idea what is really going on." Eugene explained.

"I'm sorry, now is not the time for this. I suggest you all return to your quarters for the time being." Ironwood tells them.

"That's not your call, Ironwood," Orga argued, which angered the Atlas general.

"He's right, James. What you're saying will not work I believe I can't keep this a secret anymore, at least from you four. It's time for you to learn the truth…about what's really been going on in Remnant," Ozpin explained. The 15 that just entered walks up to his desk. "Tell me, have any of you students in this academy heard the tale of the seasons?" He asked, referring to Team RWBY, Jaune, Pyrrha and Natasha.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Weiss asked.

"Please, answer the question," Ozpin encourages them in a calm manner.

"…Well, yeah, we've heard of it. The tale of four sister who met this old wizard, taught him how to appreciate life, and in gratitude he bestowed upon them magical powers that they use to protect the people. The four Maidens, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. I still don't see what that has to do with our situation." Blake explained.

Just then, the elevator doors open up behind them, and in walks Qrow and Amber.

"Uncle Qrow, what are you doing here? And who is she?" Ruby asked.

"I'm here to help out. And this…is Amber, the current Fall Maiden." Qrow introducing Amber.

Amber bows to them, "It's a pleasure to meet you all," she greets them.

This gets their attention, "Wait, you're joking right? This has to be some joke." Shino asked.

"That story was just that, a story. It's not real… right?" Yang asked.

"Actually, Yang… it's true," Orga said, getting their attention.

"The truth is that the four Maidens DO exists. Amber here is the Fall Maiden." Gaelio explained.

The people who followed Team RWBY turn back to Ozpin, "What is all this? Who are you guys?" Ruby asks.

"You know who we are. We're still the same teachers and headmasters you met when you arrived at Beacon," Glynda trying to calm Ruby down.

"Except we've got a little part time job." Qrow added.

"We are the protectors of this world." Ironwood added.

"And we need your help, but first let us explain more about the Maidens. The Maidens have existed for thousands of years, but much like in nature, the seasons change. No two summers are alike. When a maiden dies, her power leaves her body and seeks out a new host, ensuring that the seasons are never lost, and that no individual can hold onto the power forever." Ozpin explained.

"So, they really do exist." Weiss said, taking in the revelation.

"But, how does the power choose its host?" Atra asked.

"Through a series of stupid and convoluted rules," Qrow begrudgingly replies.

"Qrow…" Glynda practically growls at him.

"Hey, don't get mad because I'm right." Qrow retorted as he looks forward.

"At first, the only thing that was certain was that the powers were specifically passed onto young women. But as time went on, it was discovered that the selection process was much more…intimate." Glynda explained.

"Intimate?" Pyrrha asked, in a confused manner.

"As we understand it now, when a maiden dies, the one who is in their final thoughts is the first candidate to inherit her power," Glynda explained.

"Unless it's a dude, or some old hag. Then the power goes to someone random, and our jobs get a lot harder." Qrow explained.

"Only this time, things became more complicated. You see, Amber here was recently attacked by an unknown group of assailants, and for the first time in our history, a part of her power was stolen," Ozpin says, making Amber look away in discomfort at the memory. "We were worried that if she died, that her power would go to her assailant. Luckily, we were able to avoid that scenario thanks to Mr. Itsuka, Mr. Augus and Mr. Bauduin." Ozpin explained, gesturing to Orga, Mikazuki and Gaelio.

"I'm surprised you two willing joined forces with an ex-Gjallahorn soldier." Azee commented, glaring at the Kimaris pilot, who scoffed.

"It was only because McGillis tipped us to where Amber's assailant is." Gaelio said, which caused the other Tekkedan members to glare at the Bael pilot.

"It was Bael who figured that there was a disturbance, so I followed his instincts after arriving here," McGillis explains.

"Oh please…" Akihiro muttered.

"Alongside Isurugi, Gaelio and Tekkadan, I was able to locate the assailant, a woman named Cinder Fall, and her cohorts. After apprehending them, we were able to get things ready for Amber to get her powers back. With her powers restored, Amber recovered from her injuries, and Cinder was no longer a problem. But now, it seems that we have a more pressing issue at hand." McGillis explained.

"Salem…" Ruby said, making everyone look at her. "Who… Who was she?" Ruby asked.

"Salem is… the queen of the Grimm, and an immortal being," Ozpin admits, shocking everyone who haven't been told about Salem. "The people you see here, the headmasters of the other two academies. We have been fighting her for a long time. She is the true darkness that has been plaguing Remnant for almost 2000 years. It is clear that she was the one behind Cinder Fall's attack on Amber, and their plans here in Vale, had been interfering with their plans, so it would seem that Salem decided to create something that could fight back against him… the Eight Princes of Hell." Ozpin explains.

"You mean those guys that attacked Mikazuki and the others a few days ago the same time the rest of Tekkadan arrived?" Nadi asked.

"Correct. This isn't like her unless something made even HER uneasy." Glynda said, her fingers on chin to think.

"It has something the Gundam Frames. That explains the reaction these new Grimm had that are believed to be faster than the Alaya-Vijnana." McGillis explained, which got everyone's attention.

"How can you be so sure?" Natasha asked, not following Fareed's trail of thought.

"Bael was only able to come up with that. But honestly, he feels like not remembering anything." McGillis replied.

"You better not be pulling our legs 'cause we don't remember anything!" Barbatos, Gusion, Flauros, Hajiroboshi and Kimaris hollered in unison, raging at Bael for keeping secrets.

"If I'd remember, don't you think I would've told you all 300 years ago?" Bael questioned.

"YOU WOULD'VE!" Barbatos, Gusion, Flauros, Hajiroboshi and Kimaris barked in unison, as their respective pilots sweat dropped of the conversation, since they're the only ones who can hear them.

"We recruited only Orga, Biscuit, Fumitan, Gaelio, and later Mikazuki into our group to help us combat this threat. Though, it seems we can no longer keep this all secret as we'd hoped." Ironwood said.

"And you only tell us just now?" Azee asked, feeling a little betrayed as she looked at the five in question.

"We only learned it a few days ago." Fumitan replied, reasoning with the new Turbines leader.

"But… why keep this from everyone? Why not tell them about any of this?" Ruby asked.

Glynda steps forward, "From what we understand, it used to be common knowledge." Glynda explained.

"Excuse me?" Yang and Shino asked in unison.

"How do you think legends and fairy tales get started? Even the craziest ones come from somewhere." Qrow explained, taking out his flask and taking a drink from it.

"Our group was founded in order to protect both mankind and the maidens. Those hungry for power hunted them with the hope of inheriting their strength." Glynda says.

Qrow finishes drinking his flask, "And as you can imagine, the ones that succeeded weren't exactly the kind of people you'd want to have UNIMAGINABLE power," Qrow added.

"And so this brotherhood chose to remove maidens from the public eye, allowing their existence to fade away into legend," Ironwood added.

"The things we're telling you go against hundreds of years of human history. Religion-" Glynda began.

"No one would want to believe us. It'd cause an uproar-" Ironwood interrupted her, before Ozpin does the same.

"It would cause PANIC. And we all know what THAT would bring clawing to our kingdoms' walls. Which is why we had to keep it secret, in order to prevent chaos and another Great War from erupting…Though it seems war has now come to us. Salem would work in the shadows, using others to do her work for her. This made it so that when things become dark, people would only blame each other while she'd watch from the darkness. But now with Tekkadan in the picture, she decides to wipe us out with open war now," Ozpin explained and then sighs. "I am truly sorry for keeping this from all of you. I never wanted you to become a part of this conflict. I wanted you all to become huntresses without going into war. Sadly, that will not happen now. Again, I'm sorry." Ozpin apologizing to them.

The room gets real quiet after Ozpin finishes his explanation to Team RWBY, Kudelia, Atra, Jaune, Pyrrha, Natasha, Eugene, Akihiro, Shino, Nadi and Azee. The fourteen needed a moment to take this all in. To know that a simple story that they read as kids was in fact real, that the four Maidens actually existed, and that there used to be some mysterious woman that led the Grimm, and that Ozpin's group had fought against her over the years. To know that there were so many secrets being kept from them, from everyone, it was a little difficult to accept.

"Okay…" Ruby suddenly said. "Honestly, this is a lot to take in, and everything you just told us is a little hard to believe, but…I trust you, Professor Ozpin. I trust you, Uncle Qrow, Professor Goodwitch, Mikazuki, Orga, Biscuit, Fumitan, Gaelio, and McGillis; all of you. If you say that you were only trying to protect the people from knowing all this, then I believe you, even if it's a little hard to accept. But, right now we can't waste time mistrusting one another. Grimm are attacking places all over Remnant, and a lot of people are getting hurt. If we're going to help them, then we're going to have to do so TOGETHER. That's the only way we'll win. I don't know about all this secrecy, with this Salem, the Maidens, and anything else the people don't know about. But I do know that the people out there need our help right now. This is what we've been training for, to become huntresses to protect the people and change the world for the better…So I'll fight. I'll fight for the people, for what's right, and for Remnant. Because that's what it means to be a huntress." Ruby declares, in an inspirational speech.

Everyone in the room is moved by her words. To see one so young act so mature and so brave under these circumstances. To keep going after everything that's been revealed to her. It made everyone in the room, even Ironwood and Goodwitch, smile. Heck, even the members of Tekkadan, along with Kudelia and Azee, smiled even more at the young huntress-in-training's words.

Yang slings her arm around Ruby's shoulders, "That's my little sis. You're right. No matter what's going on, we're still huntresses, and we still have a job to do. So let's go out there and kick some Grimm butt." Yang cheered.

"I agree. We have a duty to uphold. Whatever may be going on, it is our job as huntresses to stop it. I'd expect nothing less from our leader." Weiss added.

"You're right, Ruby. Whatever we do next, as long as it's together, than nothing can stop us." Blake agrees.

"Thanks, Ruby," Orga said, before turning to the Tekkadan members that just now knew the secret, "And I'm sorry for keeping you guys in the dark about this. I-" Orga was interrupted by Shino.

"Well, you and some of us wouldn't keep this unless this was serious. Besides boss-" Shino explained, before Akihiro interrupted him.

"We're family. If Salem threatens it, we'll fight to protect it." Akihiro explained, as Shino exclaimed "HEY!"

"I don't get this at all, but if the boss is willing to fight, then so will I." Eugene said.

"My team are on board. Help in anyway we can." Jaune said, which made Pyrrha giggled.

"Same here. My team and I still have to show the first years how it's done." Natasha noted.

"Then count us in." Azee said, which Nadi nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, guys." Biscuit said.

"Are you two in now that you know?" Fumitan asking Atra and Kudelia about getting involved.

The two gave determined faces, with Kudelia going first, "My dream is to create a world where children on Mars can be happy. Hearing about this and the Faunus going through the same pain makes me more determined than ever to stop her - for both our worlds." Kudelia's speech gained awe and smiles from everyone. Especially Blake and Natasha who feel the same about the future of the Faunus.

"Even though I'm not as strong as Mikazuki and the others, I wanna do what I can to protect this family. The son Mikazuki and I gave birth so he can have a bright future." Atra declared, which gave the same effect as Ruby and Kudelia's own speeches. Mikazuki smiled too, knowing he wants to protect the child he and Atra "created together".

"Thank you. All of you. I am extremely proud to call you four my students. And believe me when I say I will do everything in my power to make up for my secrecy." Ozpin explained.

"Well, what can we do to help?" Kudelia asked.

"For now, we need you and the other students to assist the evacuation efforts in the surrounding villages outside the kingdoms. Unfortunately, we may not be able to get to all of them in time, but we can still try and save as many as we can. All the airships we have are currently out at the moment, and the closest ones won't be back for a short time. I suggest you all get ready for departure in the meantime." Ozpin explained, before McGillis joined in.

"Before arriving here, I recently received a transmission from a local village that a Grimm force led by what appears to be some kind of Grimm clad in armor." McGillis explained.

This got everyone's attention, with Jaune asked, "You think it's one of these Eight Princes?"

"Most undoubtably. The target appears to be a local village just several miles north of here." McGillis replied.

The news soon shocked Mikazuki, Orga, Biscuit, Fumitan, Akihiro, Shino, Team RWBY and Natasha. "Oh god… that's where Ms. Grace is!" Natasha hollered.

"Ms. Grace?" Atra asked.

"She's a close friend of mine since coming here. Ms. Admoss' too." Biscuit explained, his voice now concerned.

"And the reason those of us who died reunited." Mikazuki said.

"They barely survived the last attack if it hadn't been for us. If Salem's sending one of her top dogs there…" Akihiro muttered, now worried.

"Then I suggest all of Tekkadan head there immediately to evacuate the villagers. Take the rest of Teams JNPR and NEGL with you." Ozpin explained.

"I'll have Isurugi join you as back-up." McGillis said, which Isurugi saluted in agreement.

"What about her?" Pyrrha asked, gesturing to Amber.

"I'll be helping out as well. I can still fight, even without using my Maiden powers. Even though times are dire right now, if the people see me using them, it may end up making things worse. I'll only use them as a last resort." Amber explained.

"And I will be handling things back in Atlas. But, I'll keep in touch and inform you all about any updates in Atlas. I will also have Specialist Schnee with 2 ships to back you up in case these Princes are dangerous enough to take on all of Tekkadan together," Ironwood says, which excites Weiss to see her older sister. "Meanwhile the huntsmen here will assist the students. They have more training and experience, so they'll have to fight more closely to the frontlines. We want to save as many lives as possible, so we can't send students into the toughest fights unless we have no choice. I'd better get going. Good luck to all of you," Ironwood explains and then is the first one to leave the office.

"I'll take this as my leave to find any information on any attacks." McGillis said, transforming into Bael before flying off through the ceiling roof, which immediately opened.

"I better keep my eye on him for now to make sure he IS on our side." Gaelio explained, transforming into Vidar and following McGillis, which everyone else don't seem to mind at all.

"Eugene, Ms. Azee, Pops. You, Jaune, Pyrrha and Nat get all our boys as well Ren, Nora, Liam, Gideon and Elizabeth ready. We're taking the Venator, Isaribi and the Sledgehammer to evacuate the villagers, and if by luck, take one of them out." Orga ordered, which Eugene, Azee and Nadi agreed and immediately left next.

"Well, then I guess we'd better get ready. Let's go gang!" Ruby chirped, pumping her fist before they all nod to others and leave to prepare.

"I only hope they'll be ready for what awaits them." Glynda said, a little worried.

"They're gonna have to. As much as I don't like the idea of sending my nieces into a war, we just don't have a whole lot of options right now. I'll be keeping an eye on them know whenever I get the chance. I'm tired of losing people that I care about." Qrow commented.

XXX

New Tekkadan Base

Several minutes later, Orga, Mikazuki, Atra, Kudelia, Eugene, Biscuit, Akihiro, Shino, Nadi, Fumitan, Azee, Isurugi, Team RWBY, Team JNPR and Team NEGL (the latter two teams having been brought up to speed by Jaune, Pyrrha and Natasha about everything Ozpin's Group said) gathered every Tekkadan member available and get their ships ready for combat, loading up as much supplies and ammo, and go over battle plans on how to take on the Grimm and evacuate civilians in Grace's village. Only Almiria, Dexter and Todo were told to stay behind to help out at the Academy.

Orga finished discussing the details with Eugene and Azee, as the three of them are leading the operation, along with Mikazuki, Akihiro, Shino, Ruby, Jaune, Natasha, Nadi, Biscuit, Fumitan and Isurugi in different teams and the jobs each team is ordered to do. As for Isurugi, he went to rendezvous with Winter and her two ships, who already got the word from Ironwood to help out. Once done talking, Eugene and Azee left as Weiss just showed up, walking towards Orga.

"Weiss, shouldn't you be getting ready for your mission?" Orga asked.

Weiss comes in front of him. "OUR mission. And yes, I'm prepared, and so is the rest of the team." Weiss explained.

Orga looks up a bit, "…I'm sorry for keeping all this a secret from not just Tekkadan, but from you and your team." Orga apologized.

"Don't apologize. You were only doing what you thought was right. You were only trying to protect us, and everyone else. I can't blame you for that." Weiss explained, shaking her head a little. "What's really bothering you?" Weiss asked.

Orga sighed, "This war is because of Tekkadan, no… because of my actions. Salem created those Eight Princes because Tekkadan came here after dying. It was already worse when we picked a fight with Gjallahorn long ago. And now things have gotten worse for all of Remnant. It's like every choice I make makes more problems down the road." Orga admitted.

Weiss stares at him for a moment before she gets a determined look in her eyes, "Orga Itsuka. This is not your fault." She said.

"You don't get it, this is-" Orga began.

"IT IS NOT!" Weiss yelled, surprising him before she calms down; some of the members heard Weiss' shouted and became stunned. "You didn't cause any of this. Fighting Gjallahorn nor Salem. So instead of moping around, let's do what we need to do. We're family, right?" Weiss asked.

Orga stares at her for a moment before he starts chuckling, much to her confusion.

"Heh-heh-heh, never would've imagined it took another woman, let alone a teenage girl, talk some sense into me," Orga commented, which made Weiss blush a bit. "You're right. Tekkadan never backs down nor runs from a fight. Thanks for that." Orga explained.

"Of course, but, um, one more thing," Weiss said, now becoming nervous as she still blushed.

"What is it?" Orga asked, before he got the answer when Weiss, on her tippy-toes, kisses Orga's right cheek, much to his surprise. Several of the Tekkadan members, chief among them being Pedro, Takaki, Fuka (though her eyes were shielded by Takaki) and Eco, were shocked and surprised.

"T-That's for best of luck when we go out there!" Weiss hollered, before making her quick exit to meet up with Team RWBY.

Orga touches the right side of his face, where Weiss kissed him, "Women…" he mutters.

Takaki, Pedro, Fuka and Eco decided to go on with their business, not wanting to ask Orga and pretend what they saw never happened.

XXX

Vale Skies

Flying on what appears to be some kind of Grimm raptor-like dinosaur with wings was the eight Prince of Hell, Beelzebub, who is already making his way to decimate Grace's village in a way to draw out Tekkadan.

"Best hurry, space rats. You won't like what I have in store for you." Beelzebub said, gripping his fists wrapped with the chains of his scythes hard, now more determined than ever to break Tekkadan's spirits.


The secret is now out (Salem is immortal and I'd would say it'd be 2000 years she's lived; obviously since she (and Ozma/Ozpin) have lived for millennia, but how long?), which is why keeping secrets doesn't help anyone (Something you can learn Ozpin if you trusted those close to you!), and Tekkadan along with RWBY, JNPR and NEGL quickly rush to save Grace from the Grimm force led by Beelzebub! Now the war is really kicking things off with the first bang, and a little romantic moment for Weiss and Orga. Will the combined forces of the new Tekkadan, Teams RWBY, JNPR, NEGL and an Atlas force led by Winter Schnee will be enough to take on a Prince of Hell, who is among the eight that took on all of Tekkadan… and what if they weren't at full strength?! What does Salem have in store? Until then, Read and Review on your own time.