Here we are at Chapter 110. Time for the gang to finally enter Atlas, and hopefully (or unhopefully) meet up with Ironwood. Also, I will say this once, there is NO Ace Ops OC characters here. That's not how I'm planning this volume out. Anyway, I do not own RWBY. They belong to Roosterteeth. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 110. Enjoy.
Chapter 110: A New Approach
The airship the group is in travels up through the sky, heading for Atlas. Khazhak and Ruby look around, seeing their friends having various expressions of anger, worry, and maybe a little fear, with only Nora showing none of them as she tries to chew her way through her handcuffs.
"Where do you think they're taking us?" Ruby asks them.
"I'm gonna take a wild shot in the dark and say... jail," Khazhak says, unhappy with the current situation.
"Who were those guys from before? They took us down like we were nothing," Lloyd asks.
"Welcome to Atlas. Those were Ironwood's Ace Operatives," Weiss says.
Another guy in the airship overhears them and widens his eyes as he turns to them. He has brown hair tied back in a short ponytail, with a brown beard and dark green eyes, wearing clothes with the colors of green, brown, and gray.
"You guys ran into the Ace Ops? Ironwood must really have a bone to pick with you," the man says.
"They're not that big of a deal," Weiss rolls her eyes.
"Not that big of a deal?! The Ace Ops are the 'elite' of elite military huntsmen... and Ironwood's personal attack dogs," the man says.
"So they got you too, huh?" Nora asks.
"Pfft, I wouldn't let myself get caught by them. I'm here because I've been speaking out against Atlas' exploitation of Mantle, and General Ironwood is trying to silence me," the man says.
"...You threw a brick at our ship," one of the pilots up front corrects him.
"It's worth it if it gets people talking about our cause!" the man doesn't even deny it.
"What cause would that be?" Edom asks.
"The fight for better conditions in Mantle, lead by the charismatic, talented, and lovely Robyn Hill, and her happy huntresses!" the man cheers.
Khazhak groans as he rolls his eyes, "Lloyd, will you please?" he asks, since Lloyd is closest to him.
"Got it," Lloyd replies and leans close to the man, "Hey, listen, you're gonna like this, it's about old Ironfart," Lloyd mutters to him.
"What is it?" the man eagerly leans in.
Lloyd then encases his forehead in steel and head-butts him to knock him out and shut him up.
"Sweet dreams," Lloyd jokes as he leans back.
"Hey, what do you-," one pilot begins.
"Leave them alone," the other stops him.
"But he-," the second continues.
"Do you have any idea how annoying that guy was? As far as I'm concerned, they just did us a favor. Let's just get them to their destination and get moving," the main pilot says.
"Thank you, Lloyd, he was ticking me off," Khazhak notes. "I'd rather hear as little about 'her' as possible," he mentally groans.
"Do you know this Robyn Hill?" Bahamut asks.
"Yes, unfortunately. Let me put it this way, she's not quite as caring as the people of Mantle believe her to be," Khazhak replies.
The airship finally flies over Atlas, and the newcomers to this kingdom gasp in awe at the spectacle.
"It's gorgeous up here," Ruby notes as she and Team JNR look out the window.
"Don't let that fool you," Weiss mutters distastefully.
However, instead of taking them to a police station like they thought, the airship actually takes them to the tallest building at the center of the kingdom, with several smaller towers around it. Atlas Academy. The airship lands on one of the landing platforms, where two soldiers open up the backdoors for the group to step out of. They look at the school before seeing more soldiers waiting for them on the stairs.
"I guess we will be seeing the General, for better or worse," Ruby says.
"Most likely the latter," Porphyrius notes.
They are escorted by two soldiers into the school, and then enter a large elevator heading for whatever floor they're supposed to go to.
"So, what do we do?" Ren whispers to Ruby.
"I'm not sure yet, but we should be careful with what we say when we see him," Ruby whispers back, glancing at a soldier who glances back.
Khazhak rolls his eyes again, "Alright, I've had enough of this crap. Lloyd, Porphyrius," he orders them.
"Roger," both reply.
The soldiers look back, only for Lloyd to wrap his arms around his neck and pull him in for a steel head-butt, shattering his helmet, while Porphyrius uses his semblance to force the second soldier onto the ground, and then Khazhak slams his foot down on his head, knocking him out.
"Khazhak, what are you doing?!" Yang yells.
"If we're meeting Ironwood, I won't be doing it in handcuffs," Khazhak says, and then uses his semblance to electrocute his handcuffs, shorting them out and breaking them off.
Voshkie'ahk uses her semblance to make her handcuffs fragile and brittle, allowing her to easily break them off despite not having her brother's strength. The siblings then use their semblance to help everyone else out of their handcuffs just as the elevator stops on a floor with a ding. Khazhak covers his dragon arm with his cloak again before grabbing one unconscious soldier, while Lloyd grabs the second, and they drag their bodies across a hallway towards a circular room ahead of them. They then see Ironwood walk by, with Winter Schnee and Penny walking behind them, not noticing their approach. Khazhak nods to Lloyd and he throws his unconscious guard right by them, colliding into a nearby wall. The three are surprise and quickly turn around, only to see the group, with Khazhak dropping his guard and slamming a foot on his head.
Penny just smiles, "Yay, you're here!" she cheers, ignoring the sleeping guards.
"Been a while... Ironwood," Khazhak growls the name with hate.
"Khazhak..." Ironwood mutters in slight shock as he looks at all of them.
Weiss steps up, staring at her sister, "Winter," she mutters, making her older sister gasp at seeing her again.
Ironwood glances at his soldiers, which Khazhak picks up on.
"Don't worry, they're not dead. Just sleeping. I believe we have some things to discuss, General," Khazhak says.
Ironwood composes himself, "Yes, indeed. Please, come in," Ironwood says and leads them into his office while informing extra guards to carry the unconscious ones to the infirmary. The office is much like Ozpin's from beacon, except for the lack of moving gears in the ceiling and the academy symbol on the floor being the one for Atlas rather than Beacon. "It is so good to see all of you, even you Team KEPL," he says, sounding genuine.
"You'll have to forgive us if we don't exactly believe that, given how 'warm' our welcome was when we got here," Porphyrius replies as they walk inside.
Ironwood sighs, "I sincerely regret how you were all treated by my team," he apologizes.
"I sincerely doubt that, General," Khazhak replies.
"At least let me explain that, Khazhak. When a rogue airship entered our airspace, it raised some... red flags. We assumed it was stolen," Ironwood says as he sits at his desk, with Penny and Winter standing on opposite sides of the desk.
"Stolen? Heh-heh, uh well... yeah it was stolen," Ruby confesses.
"...You STOLE at Atlas airship?" Winter asks, stunned as she stares at her sister. "How utterly irresponsible! You could've been shot down! What were you-," Winter berates her as she steps forth, only to suddenly stop when Weiss hugs her.
"I'm sorry for worrying you, but we did... what we had to do," Weiss says.
"I... I suppose I understand," Winter relents as she hugs her sister, but then separates and glares at Qrow. "But I cannot believe that YOU allowed this to happen, Qrow," she turns her displeasure towards him.
"You try stopping these kids when they have their minds set on something. Speaking of which..." Qrow replies before turning to Ironwood. "We have some important information for you that's... confidential," he says.
Penny and Winter join Ironwood's side, "Oh, is it about the Relics?" Penny asks.
"Or the Winter Maiden?" Winter asks.
The group are stunned that they know about that, "You... told them?" Qrow asks, surprised.
Ironwood hums before reaching into his desk and pulling out the Relic of Knowledge.
"Did you really think you were the only one who worked out a plan after Beacon? With Ozpin gone, I needed my own team of people that I could trust. So yes, I told them. The Ace Ops as well. Which is why I'm so glad you're here... with the Relic of Knowledge. Until now, I believed it was impossible to truly turn the tide against Salem. Oz has pushed her back, has kept victory out of her clutches, but she will keep returning, stronger and stronger... unless we destroy her," Ironwood says, placing the lamp on the desk.
"Okay, well what about the Relic hear in Atlas?" Voshkie'ahk asks.
"You mean the Staff of Creation? It's safe inside the vault beneath the school," Ironwood replies.
"What about the Winter Maiden?" Edom asks.
"She's secured. And in stable condition," Winter says.
"Stable?" Yang asks.
"She's uh... not exactly a spring chicken. She's been alive for quite some time," Qrow tells her.
Everyone remains silent before Ironwood sighs again, "I know how this all might look. Recalling my forces, closing the borders, the Dust embargo. I probably don't seem the most trustworthy right now," Ironwood says.
"That's putting it mildly, Ironwood," Lloyd notes, narrowing his eyes at him.
"If you understand the situation, then why continue it?" Blake asks.
"The people of Mantle are hurting," Nora points out.
"News flash, they've always been that way, and Atlas has never done a thing about it. Do I have that right, 'General'?" Porphyrius defiantly asks.
"I'd watch your tone, Porphyrius," Winter warns him.
"It's alright, Winter. I needed to ensure that Salem couldn't betray Atlas. And I needed my forces here, protecting my people," Ironwood explains.
"But it's not protecting them. It's making everyone hate you," Yang points out.
"Have you even bothered since Beacon to walk the streets of Mantle, Ironwood? I don't think you have any real idea of all the negativity your actions are causing down there," Khazhak says.
Ironwood sighs, "It's the price I'm willing to pay," he says and then hits a button on his desk, darkening the windows behind him to conceal the room. "Just as you all have been entrusted with the knowledge of Salem's existence. I need you all to trust me. I have a plan," he says, and then the center of the floor lifts up, causing the group to step aside while Ironwood walks over to the newly formed table. "Ozpin believed that the best way to fight Salem was to do so in secret. Whether that was the right choice or not, isn't for me to say. But we find ourselves in the position of needing... a new approach," he explains.
"And that would be?" Khazhak asks.
Ironwood brings out a small remote and hits a switch, bringing up a hologram of Amnity Arena.
"That's... Amnity Arena," Jaune says.
"Where the Vytal Festival is held?' Oscar asks.
"Indeed. When Beacon fell, and everyone lost contact with one another, I knew that our current system was outdated. Amnity was built to bring the nations together. And it will serve that purpose once again," Ironwood explains, hits a switch, and then the image of a tower appears on top of the coliseum.
"That looks like-," Edom begins.
"Isn't it great. We're not just going to replace Beacon tower. Building a new tower on top of Amnity Arena will reestablish global communications," Penny interrupts him.
"By launching the tower high into the atmosphere, our scientists believe we can create a sort of... satellite. Out of reach of the Grimm and capable of maintaining global communications even if we were to lose another tower," Winter adds.
"That... is great," Ruby says.
"Heh, I can't believe I'm saying this, but that's actually a smart idea, especially coming from you, Ironwood," Khazhak notes.
Ironwood gives him a small smile, impressed with himself that he could actually agree with Khazhak on something for once.
"But, even so, that begs the question: do you really need your entire military for this operation? I don't think you would need all of them" Voshkie'ahk asks.
"I will for the next part of the plan... where I finally tell the people about Salem," Ironwood confesses, shocking them.
Qrow grunts in realization, "So that's why you withdrew your troops. To handle the panic that will break out in Atlas," he says.
"Ye. Panic is inevitable. And panic will bring the Grimm. But, I believe we are ready. Once Atlas has come to grips with the fight ahead, I will use Amnity tower to spread the message to ALL of Remnant," Ironwood says.
"But everything will fall apart. The Grimm will be everywhere," Weiss says.
"You're right, but Atlas is willing and ready to assist," Winter says.
"Hold up," Khazhak stops her. 'Let be the realist here and point out the flaw with THAT part of your plan. You can help Atlas, and MAYBE you'll help Mantle, assuming you start giving a damn about them, but no way in hell are you gonna be able to help the rest of the world. One: because the rest of the world hates you and will likely except no help from you. And two: because even your people and your resources aren't enough to help all of Remnant. Innocent blood will be spilled... and when it does, it will be on YOUR hands," Khazhak spitefully tells them.
"I understand that, and you're right. This isn't a pleasant situation we find ourselves in. As I said before, it is the price I'm willing to pay. But... trying to hide the truth from the world will eventually kill us all. We need to try something new," Ironwood says and hits a switch, turning off the hologram, lowering the floor, and removing the darkness from the room.
"Ozpin, his whole life, many lives, keeping this secret from the rest of the world," Qrow notes.
"I know... But since Beacon, things have changed. Without Ozpin here to guide us, the only thing I can do is rely on my best judgment," Ironwood says as he walks back to his desk.
"Funny, were you relying on your best judgment when you turned ME into machine? Into a monster?!" Lloyd almost yells.
Ironwood sighs, "I know that some of you don't trust me. I know I can't blame you either. I've made mistakes in the past, and for that I am sorry, but please know that we are on the same side. I'm just trying to do the best that I can since Ozpin is gone," he says, but then everyone goes quiet at the mentioning of Ozpin again, which Ironwood picks up on. "What is it?" he asks.
"Actually, Oz isn't completely... gone, so to speak," Oscar says.
"Oscar here is... he's the next Ozpin," Qrow finishes.
Ironwood is pleasantly surprised as he smiles, "Oz?" he asks and walks over, kneeling before Oscar. "I'm so glad you're here! I didn't think you-," he says.
"NOT quite. He's kind of, um, gone, right now," Oscar stops him.
And Ironwood loses his smile, "...That's not normal. How did he-," he begins to ask.
"We're not sure," Khazhak interrupts him. "We were in a train crash while making our way to Argus, and Oscar was injured in the accident. His injuries healed up soon enough, but somehow, the accident may have damaged his connection to Ozpin. He's tried to bring him, but nothing so far. We've been on our own ever since, until we came here," Khazhak lies convincingly.
Ironwood sighs again, 'That's the worst news yet," he says and stands. "Did you learn anything about the Relics before he left?" he asks.
"Not about the other Relics, just what he told us about the lamp. How it can only answer three questions every one hundred years, but those questions have already been used up this era," Khazhak lies again, making Yang and Blake glance at each other.
"I see," Ironwood replies and walks to the windows behind his desk. "Ozpin told us that too, once upon a time... At least we have you Oscar. Rest assured that you are safe here in Atlas. Maybe together, we can figure out a way to bring Ozpin back," he says as he turns to Oscar.
"Thank you, sir, uh General... Ironwood?" Oscar replies awkwardly.
Ironwood smiles a bit and then takes the lamp and brings it to Ruby, offering it to her.
"You're... giving it back to me?" Ruby asks.
"After what happened with the Ace Ops, I don't want you to think that I'm keeping anything from you, especially something as important as this. For the time being, I think it's safest with the people who brought it here," Ironwood says.
Ruby takes the Relic and places it on her belt, "Um, thank you," she replies.
Ironwood smiles, "We must work together if we are to fight back against Salem and win. Now, if you're all on board..." he says.
"I can't say I'm thrilled about working with you, Ironwood, but... you are right in that we have to work together to stop her. I still don't trust you... but I do trust Ruby, and if she's willing to work with you, then so am I," Khazhak says.
"Thank you, Khazhak," Ironwood replies.
"Okay, then what do you want us to do?" Ruby asks.
"Thank you. Getting the Amnity tower ready won't be easy. But first, I think it's time we get those weapons of yours up to Atlas standards," Ironwood says as he walks back to his desk while showing an image of Blake's damaged blade, making her feel embarrassed.
"Remember, this is Atlas. While assisting the military, we will provide you with the best equipment our scientists can devise," Winter says, much to the excitement of the group.
"Which reminds me, Khazhak, I have something for you. I know that you lost an arm at the Fall of Beacon, like Miss Xiao Long here, but while I was able to get her new arm to her, I couldn't find you to bring you yours. I already have a prosthetic arm developed for you, much like Miss Xiao Long's. I'll have the prosthetic arm brought to where you'll be staying immediately," Ironwood says.
"I won't be needing it, Ironwood," Khazhak replies.
"Khazhak, please, I know you and I haven't had the best-," Ironwood begins.
"I said I won't be needing it," Khazhak says and moves his cloak and raises his dragon arm to they can see it clearly, shocking the three of them.
"Khazhak... what... what happened to you?" Winter asks.
"Let's just say that a lot has happened since Beacon. If you like, I can explain in detail, but at another time. It has been a long day for my family and I," Khazhak says.
Ironwood composes himself, "I, um, look forward to it. But you are right, it has been a long day. I'll have Penny here show you to where you'll be staying," Ironwood says.
And with that, the meeting ends and the group leave the office, only to find the Ace Ops waiting for them in the room outside the office. The Ace Ops step forth.
"I'd like to sincerely apologize for the miscommunications down in Mantle. We didn't intend to-," the leader says as he steps, only for the larger female to push by him and step up.
"I feel SO bad! Honestly. If we had known who you were, we'd be laughing over a hot meal right now!" she says as she violently shakes Ruby's hand before dropping her onto the floor.
Ruby stumbles onto her feet, "It's okay. You were just following orders," she says, dizzy before Khazhak helps steady her.
"Well, that's in the past, and besides we're all on the same team now. Not that I'm particularly happy about it," the Faunus says, but his tail starts wagging for everyone to see, betraying his true feelings, and his allies snicker at him as he grabs it.
"We just wanted to say that we're sorry, and that we're all looking forward to working with you on our next mission. I'm the leader, Clover. This is Harriet, Elm, Vine, and Marrow. A pleasure to meet you all," Clover says.
"Where's my sword?" Khazhak asks.
"Look, there will be time for that-," Clover says.
"Where. Is. My. SWORD?" Khazhak demands.
"I'll... have Penny show you where it is, along with the rest of your weapons," Clover says.
"You said take it easy kid. Remember what happened last time we met?" Harriet says.
Khazhak steps right into her face, "Oh, I remember. I remember how you guys had ambush us with handcuffs rather face us straight up. Had that been the case, we wouldn't have been the ones lying on the ground. Let's get one thing straight, we may be working together, but that HARDLY makes us friends. My past experience Atlas military has proven as such. Penny, yo can show us where the weapons are now," Khazhak says as he steps back.
"Okay, they're this way. Come on," Penny happily escorts them away before things get really tense.
Qrow hangs back a bit, but then Ironwood approaches him, "Qrow... I meant what I said earlier. It really is good to see you again," he says.
Qrow scratches his head, "Um, yeah... you too," he replies, unsure of what to say. Ironwood then surprises him again by hugging him. However, Qrow gets over it and rolls his eyes as he hugs back with a genuine smile. They separate, but then that smile fades. "James, you should know... Khazhak and Voshkie'ahk know about Azraq. That their father was working with us," he says.
Ironwood widens his eyes a bit as he looks at the backs of the Ryu siblings for a moment.
"I remember Ozpin telling us not to tell her. She found out?" he asks.
"Yeah, in Mistral. Believe me, she wasn't happy about it being kept a secret from here, and neither was Khazhak. Just... be careful around them, okay. I do want us all to work together, but it's going to take a little more convincing for them and the rest of Khazhak's team," Qrow explains.
Ironwood sighs, "Azraq was... a friend, like you. I do miss him. I see quite a bit of him in Voshkie'ahk, and Khazhak. Hopefully, we can prevail in this operation, and make sure we lose no more of them," he says.
…
Penny leads the group to a weapons development center at the school where the students can create and modify their weapons. Bringing them up to a glass window, they see their weapons being held inside one of the rooms on the opposite wall.
"And there are your weapons. This is where you'll be able to upgrade them. My father will help out, too," Penny says.
Khazhak doesn't listen, however, and just breaks through the window with a single punch, setting off alarms and walking inside to rip his sword and sheathe off the wall. Just then, the Ace Ops show up after hearing the alarms.
"What's going on?" Clover asks.
Khazhak steps through the broken glass, placing his sheathe and sword on his back, "Problem solved. Now then, where are we staying?" Khazhak asks like he didn't just break more Atlas property, much to some of the group's ire.
And that's the chapter. Next chapter will have the new looks for them and the weapon upgrades, and I'll probably make it into a semi-filler chapter before they go on the mission to the mine. Anyway, the group meet up with Ironwood, and plan a new strategy for taking down Salem. Now all are happy about all of it, but are willing to work with him to stop Salem. What kind of upgrades will they get (I already have them planned out, along with the outfits)? Will they be able to work with Ironwood while keeping secrets from them? Until then, please Read and Review.
