Legal Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY, Red vs. Blue, or any of the shows' characters. They are the rightful properties of Rooster Teeth.

Chapter Thirty-Two:

There was a bustle of activity the following morning when Qrow went to check on Clover following his visit with Oscar. The boy had seemed mostly fine, albeit drained and more than a little shocked by the turn of events that had happened earlier, though he was attempting to put on a brave face in front of his mixed company of Jaune, Nora, Ren, Kai, Grif, and Simmons when Qrow had visited with him. The commotion in Clover's room was mostly due to the gaggle of young Huntresses and Huntsmen they found gathered there, a tray laden with food in Penny's hands.

Qrow raised an eyebrow over at a thoroughly amused-looking Clover who was sitting up on his bed then to greet his guests, "What's going on here?" The older Huntsman asked, his light red eyes lighting up bemusedly.

"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby exclaimed brightly as she helped to clear a spot on the sturdy side table for Penny to place the food down, "How's Oscar?"

He felt everyone's expectant eyes on him then, and he coughed slightly into his hand, "He's doing about as well as can be expected." Qrow answered his youngest niece, "Got a whole lot of you hanging around with him too."

"That's because we double-teamed it!" Tucker stated rather cheerily, the still recovering Washington merely rolling his gray eyes fondly at the dark-skinned young man's exuberance, the feline Faunus having insisted he was well enough to travel back with the group to Mantle when they'd left Atlas.

"I see." Qrow said, raising an eyebrow at the phrase, "What exactly are you double-teaming again?"

His eldest niece rolled her violet eyes at his question, indicating the tray with a shrug of her shoulders, "Meal time. Duh." Yang explained, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Clover merely shrugged over the heads of the assembled group, a slight smile twisting his tired features.

"That's right!" Penny stated proudly, "It's imperative that we stick to routines during stressful times."

"My mom always used to say that a bowl of warm soup would just fill your whole body to bursting!" Donut added with an energetically cheery flourish that matched his pink attire.

"... Toda tu familia es extraña, ¿no?" {"...Your entire family is strange, aren't they?"} Lopez asked with a defeated shrug of his shoulders, "Aunque debería hablar." {"Like I should talk though."}

Kimball gripped her elbow tightly with her other hand, "It was all we could think to do at the moment." She admitted quietly, dark eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Blake nodded nearby in agreement, the Faunus biting her lip rather nervously. Yang noticed the gesture and wrapped an arm over her shoulders, squeezing softly in reassurance.

"It's very thoughtful of you. Thank you." Clover told them earnestly, though his teal eyes landed on Ruby with concern in the next moment, "Though shouldn't you be resting as well, Ruby? You did manage to damage Cinder last night."

Ruby blushed at the sudden attention being thrown her way, rubbing the back of her head, "It's okay! I had a pretty large rest last night and ate a good meal, so I'm ready to go!" She said reassuringly.

"Not to worry, Captain Ebi!" Penny stated helpfully then, linking her arm with the surprised Ruby not a second later, "I'll make sure Ruby is sufficiently recovered!"

Clover blinked in surprise at her enthusiasm, "That's great, Penny." He said thoughtfully.

The redhead beamed, "It is what partners do, after all!" She exclaimed enthusiastically.

Teal eyes turned to light red ones then as the two older men regarded one another, a soft sort-of smile crossing over Clover's face then, "Yeah, I guess they do." Salem's Inheritor murmured just loud enough for Qrow to hear.

For some reason, Qrow felt his face heating up as he quickly looked away, his gaze landing on a certain feline tailed Faunus just then, "It's good to see you up and about, Wash." He said truthfully.

Washington smiled sheepishly, "I couldn't just stay in bed forever." The blond stated matter-of-factly.

There was still a roughness to Washington's injured voice then, but nowhere near as bad as it had been. Tucker beamed at the former Charon agent proudly and hit his back, "Pretty sure this guy is just a crazy workaholic." He joked.

"Tucker, I've been resting for weeks!" Washington responded, a contemplative look crossing over his features, "Besides, I don't think there's anything wrong with being productive."

Tucker smirked, "See?" He asked pointedly, as though Washington had just proven his point. The freckled blond rolled his eyes again, but remained leaning into Tucker's prolonged touch.

The door opened to the room just then, Weiss and Ilia putting their heads in together. Relief flooded the white-haired girl's expression as they entered the admittedly crowded space then too, "Good, you're here." She said gratefully.

"Something up, ice princess?" Qrow asked her curiously.

Ilia and Weiss both looked at one another, holding each other's hands tightly. It was the chameleon Faunus who spoke up, her freckled changing color agitatedly, "We just go word from Weiss' mother." She explained.

The group all looked at one another, trying to figure out what that meant, though a new voice entered into the space to elaborate not a moment later, "We're going to use Schnee Manor as a site to parlay with Ironwood, with help from our Charon friends." Robyn Hill said standing in the doorway, arms crossed over her chest and with Winter and Sarge standing behind her.

"When?" Blake asked quietly into the silence that followed the Mantle leader's declaration.

Pale blue eyes narrowed in determination as Winter spoke up then, "As soon as everyone who is going is ready to leave." She explained.

Washington was quick to raise his hand then, "Count me in then. I want to see my old team." He said, suddenly enthused.

Tucker nodded his head, jerking a thumb in his direction, "I'm going too then to keep him out of trouble." He replied not a second later.

"Tucker..." Washington began before trailing off, the blush on his face indicating he was definitely touched by the other man's words.

Blake and Yang both looked at one another then, Yang crossing her arms, "Count us in too." She said determinedly, Blake nodding in silent agreement.

Kimball looked positively eager at the idea no doubt due to possibly seeing Carolina again, but also because it would be a chance for her to witness diplomacy up close once more, and Donut squealed, "Oh, how exciting!" As he grasped the dark-skinned young woman's shoulders in an act of camaraderie.

Weiss rolled her eyes affectionately, "This isn't for fun, you know." She gently chided her pink-wearing friend.

Qrow sighed. He honestly wasn't looking forward to leaving either Oscar or Clover at the moment, but he'd promised Clover that he'd try to inform Ironwood of what was happening. He nodded over at the brown-haired soldier who seemed to relax at his affirmation that he'd go before he turned his attention to Ruby, "You should stay here, pipsqueak," he said, "You could still use some recovery time yourself."

The girl pouted, "But Uncle Qrow—!"

"He's right, Ruby." Her older sister added in, effectively cutting her protest off, "Can't you just sit this one out?"

"Not to worry, Ruby!" Penny stated brightly, "I'll stay to help watch over Mantle too! I'm certain we'll be able to do a sufficient job together!" Ruby brightened at that bit of news, and Qrow smiled gratefully at the automated girl.

Sarge puffed out his chest then, "I'll stay behind then too, since that crazy Grif girl said she'd be." He explained, "Not sure I don't trust her to somehow burn the place down while we're gone by starting a rave or something."

Lopez sighed, "... Yo también podría quedarme, porque estoy bastante seguro de que quemará el lugar." {"...I might as well stay too, because I am fairly certain he will burn the place down."}

With the groups decided, everyone filed out of the room to go and get ready for their assigned tasks for the day until it was only Qrow and Clover left. Clover smiled slightly and patted the bed next to him, inviting the elder Huntsman to sit down. Qrow did so, glancing over at the tray of food, "Better eat before it gets cold, shamrock." He said, nodding to the all-but-forgotten food Penny had brought in.

"I'm not exactly hungry at the moment." Clover admitted quietly, an almost shamed look on his face.

Qrow frowned and placed his hand over Clover's then, "Hey, we'll somehow get Jimmy to see reason and figure things out, Cloves." He said, hoping that the words at least sounded more comforting than Qrow currently felt at the moment.

Clover's smile was rather sad, "I'm not sure there's anything we can do if Salem comes back. I've..." he paused, furrowing his brow, "I've seen her, Qrow. She wants the world to burn."

"We just have to figure out a way to keep her from coming back then." The older Huntsman said adamantly. He knew that saying so and somehow doing that were two very different things, but he couldn't stand the despairing look on Clover's face just then. His grip around his fingers tightened, and before either of them could really process what was going on their faces were leaning closer and closer together and...

"Oh!" Ilia's surprised voice came from the doorway just then, the brunette looking rather sheepish and apologetic at what she'd nearly walked into, "Um, Robyn says we need to get going, Mr. Branwen."

Qrow couldn't help but smirk at the timing. Given his luck, it was pretty typical. He leaned his forehead over to press against Clover's gently, "I'll be back, lucky charm." He murmured assuredly.

Clover hummed in response, once more putting on his brave face, "I'll hold you to it, pretty bird." He said fondly, his teal eyes boring into Qrow's. Reluctantly, with a final squeeze of his hand, Qrow stood up and followed Ilia out the door, hoping that this meeting with Ironwood would go smoother than he somehow expected it would.


Clover wasn't sure how long he stared at the thoughtfully provided tray of soup and other food that the group had brought in, though he felt as if Qrow and the others must have left at least an hour or so ago. It wasn't as if he wasn't hungry, but the sight and smell of the food almost made him want to gag. The brown-haired man turned his head away, closing his eyes briefly.

Upon opening them, he started at finding himself back in that awful place he'd been in before, his stomach roiling with immense hunger pains. His eyes widened as the woman he now knew to be Salem appeared through the shadows. He tried taking a step back, only to panic when his feet moved him forward instead.

Floating nearby her was the Grimm "food" he'd been forced to eat practically every time he was summoned here, and he felt terror grip his chest at how the sight seemed to cause his mouth to water involuntarily. "This is the first time my trinket has sought me out. You've come so far, dear." Salem told him in a pleased tone of voice, beckoning him forward all the more, "You must be starving."

Clover fell to his knees before her then, his mouth opening of its own accord as he tilted his head back and the viscous liquid seeped down his throat. He felt tears of helplessness prick his eyes at the same time as he began to feel completely full for the first time in days. There was movement behind him then as the Nevermore dropped to the ground, its wings wrapping around Clover's frame and gently patting his back and stomach as if trying to soothe him after feeding.

...Almost as if Clover was its young, he realized with a start as he felt Salem's assessing gaze on him, his eyes going wide at the realization as he tried leaping up to his feet to get away. But then the humming started again and, despite himself, Clover felt his body relaxing.

Salem wiped some of the dribbling liquid from his face then, and suddenly in her hand was a bone mask reminiscent of a Grimm but perfectly sized for a human. She held it up for him to see through half-lidded eyes. "My pet is almost ready for this." She told him, the mask lightly touching the side of his face before it disappeared into purple-black miasma.

The Nevermore moved one of its wings, exposing Clover's side. His bare arm prickled with goose flesh at the unnatural chill in the air. How odd, when the weather of Solitas didn't even cause him to bat an eye.

"But first, your arms should match, shouldn't they?" She asked lightly, touching his bicep.

Pain lanced throughout his body then, and he shut his eyes to it. The goddess' laughter was the last thing he heard before he was back in his room at Robyn's hideout, the bowl of soup empty in his lap and his arm throbbing. He didn't even have to look to know that he'd find bone there. He shuddered, the bowl dropped to the floor as he brought his knees to his chest and hugged them.

Clover noticed movement in the doorway then, and he started at finding Sarge standing there awkwardly, a troubled expression clouding his weathered face as he took in Clover's sorry state. The older man stepped forward, resting his hand on Clover's shoulder as brown eyes registered the new bone growth on his bicep, "We'll figure out a way to help you, son." He stated reassuringly.

Clover felt more tears pinprick his eyes, his voice still having not yet returned to him, as heavy footsteps sounded in the hallway. "Golems are on their way here!" Oscar called out nervously as the teenager and Kai appeared in the doorway.

Sarge swore under his breath, "So much for the parlay going well, I take it." He muttered, "Dangnabit!"


"Please, believe us!" Simmons finished his recounting of events with a staunch plea, green eyes still wide and frightened due to reliving the earlier ordeal again.

Simmons, Qrow, Yang, Kimball, Tucker, Robyn, and Winter were in what used to be Jacques Schnee's office, along with Carolina and the rest of the Charon agents. Even Washington had insisted on coming along despite his injury and earlier defection, stating that their showing a united front would best help convince Ironwood that they were telling the truth.

The others were elsewhere within Schnee Manor in case they'd be needed later since Willow in particular wanted to chat with Ilia while given the opportunity. It was a solid plan since Doc suggested that a smaller group might help ease some of Ironwood's paranoia and distrust, a surprisingly astute observation from the purple-wearing young man.

Qrow hadn't been too keen on visiting Ironwood himself, but he sure as hell wasn't about to let some of the youngsters do it on their own after promising Clover he'd try to get through to his former friend, which is how he found himself standing beside the pale redhead and patting his shoulder for a job well done after Simmons had filled the General King in on the situation. Pyrrha placed a steadying hand on her brother's shoulder, her green eyes shining proudly.

For a long moment, Ironwood said nothing as he regarded Simmons in a scrutinizing fashion that caused the young man to nervously gulp and take a step back, nearly hitting into Caboose and Doc who both hastily gave him an encouraging thumbs up. Then the General King's steel blue gaze settled instead on the glaring Qrow, and he returned the gesture in kind, "You went outside of Atlas without orders to do so, bringing the Inheritors with you." He finally said at length.

So much for Qrow's attempt to throw him off the trail earlier, but he knew that the General King was smart. He supposed the fact that they had important information to give was the only reason they hadn't been arrested yet. Simmons flinched at the remark, looking sheepish, "We—well..." He trailed off, clearly flustered.

Qrow rolled his eyes and stepped in front of the freckled redhead, "That's beside the point, Jimmy." He said, light red eyes narrowing in anger.

"You would assume that, Qrow." Ironwood said, his glare intensifying momentarily before he pinched the bridge of his nose and stared down at the floor a moment later, "But you're right in this regard about Cinder Fall currently posing the larger threat."

Simmons breathed out a sigh of relief as Qrow crossed his arms over his chest, "If she's really thinking of figuring out a way to bring Salem back, we need to be careful," Qrow said, "Especially since they seem to be able to at least slightly manipulate the barrier."

"Yes, that is arguably the most concerning issue about this report." Ironwood replied as he frowned thoughtfully, "Especially in light of her ability to control Grimm and Golems alike."

"Who can say exactly what her plans are now that she's revealed herself?" Carolina muttered, "From the sound of things, she seemed pretty confident that she'd set something into motion."

Ironwood's frown deepened into a grimace, "If I hadn't simply overlooked her admission into Charon earlier..." he trailed off, sounding rather angry with himself then.

"You probably overlooked a lot of things you shouldn't have. Sir." Washington got out hoarsely, though he looked stricken as he added, "We all did." No doubt the Faunus was referring to his, Carolina's, Doc's, and Caboose's involvement with Charon despite their misgivings on how the guild handled certain matters. Tucker leaned forward then and grasped his hand while Kimball smiled slightly in encouragement at Carolina across the room.

Ironwood's blue eyes narrowed at the former Charon agent's remark as hands clenched into fists at his sides, "It won't happen again." He said determinedly.

The dark-haired shapeshifter couldn't help but worry as to what exactly that might mean for all of them and Atlas though, given Ironwood's recent actions. Qrow sighed, "So what exactly is the game plan then?" He asked his former friend.

"I'll talk to Chairman Hargrove about the situation and find out just how much he even knew." Ironwood stated evenly, "Naturally, precautions are going to have to be made to keep the Inheritors and Atlas safe."

Nervous looks were shared throughout the room then, and Qrow scoffed, red eyes narrowing, "Yeah, it's when you say stuff like that where we can't help but worry." He muttered angrily.

"I'll keep everyone safe, Qrow." Ironwood stated authoritatively as his back straightened, "No matter what you think of how that happens." Qrow opened his mouth to protest, but the General King merely cut him off with a wave of his hand, "I appreciate you coming to tell me this despite our difficulties." He stated impassively, "Thanks to Ruby Rose's earlier actions, we'll have the chance to prepare ourselves for when Cinder comes back. I assure you, we won't waste it."

Qrow frowned, glancing over at Robyn and Winter briefly and then stepping forward, "James, about what that means for the Inheritors..." he began, trailing off when he realized he probably already knew Ironwood's answer.

"Naturally, they need to be brought back to Atlas to be placed under protective custody again." Ironwood stated emphatically.

Robyn raised an eyebrow, "You're kidding, right?" She asked incredulously.

"Sir." Winter said as she fidgeted uncomfortably behind the tan-skinned blonde.

Ironwood met Robyn's bewildered gaze with one of his own, "Does it looked like I'm kidding, Miss Hill?" He asked her, all but ignoring his former subordinate.

Robyn took a step forward, "You better be," she said, "Considering just how safe they were in protective custody before!"

"I assure you, those mistakes won't be repeated again." Ironwood tersely replied, "You know as well as I do that Mantle is no safe haven."

"I seriously doubt Atlas is either with everything that's been happening." Yang muttered under her breath.

"There isn't any other choice! Atlas is the most secure city in all of Remnant despite its difficulties." Ironwood insisted.

"That's—!" Before Yang could protest further, there was the sound of running footsteps down the hallway. Neo opened the door to the office then, allowing a rather harried soldier to come barging in.

"Sir! We just detected a unique energy signature fitting Penny Polendina's characteristics within Mantle." The unnamed soldier saluted, "The Golems are standing by."

"Your Majesty?" Doc breathed out in shock.

Ironwood's lips pressed into a thin line, his arms grasped behind his back, "I had a feeling you'd have Penny guarding where the Inheritors were." He stated to the room at large.

"James!" Qrow exclaimed angrily, taking a threatening step forward.

"The Golems are to move in, but under no circumstances are Inheritors Pine and Ebi to be killed." Ironwood said, turning to address the soldier as the officer saluted in confirmation and ran off again, even more footsteps sounding in the corridor beyond as Neo pulled out her bladed parasol in response to the sudden onslaught of soldiers in the room.

"You are all under arrest." Ironwood stated coldly not a second later, right as all hell broke loose.


Author's Notes: Why so stubborn, Ironwood? Seriously. XD