Here we are at Chapter 45. Time to see how the gang will figure out how to get to Atlas, among other things. I do not own RWBY or Transformers. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 45. Enjoy.
Chapter 45: To be Alive
The gang are all at the gates of the military base, but so far, things aren't going so well.
"Why will you not allow us to pass?! Explain yourself," Predaking growls.
"By order of General Ironwood, the borders of Atlas are closed to all except military personnel," a guard says.
Qrow groans, "Look, I'm friends with Ironwood-,"
"General Ironwood!" the guards interrupt him.
"Whatever. Look, we need to speak with the General. It's important. Also, if you must know, we have Jacques Schnee's missing daughter, Weiss Schnee here with us and we're trying to get her back home safely," Qrow says, irking Weiss that he would use her as a means to get in.
Dreadwing glares at Qrow, but keeps his mouth shut and makes sure to keep his face out of their line of sight. If they notice him and figure out who he is, they may try and arrest him, thus separating him from Weiss. He can't allow that to happen. Weiss steps forth, and the guards stare at her.
"Very well. You may speak with our commander. We will retrieve her for you," the guards then leave, making a weird marching routine as they head into the base.
Megatron growls, "Am I the only one that found those two to be... quite irritating?", and the others nod.
Maria grows concerned, "I think I may know their commander of theirs. However, that may only make this more difficult,"
"How so?" Ruby asks.
"Well, we're basically... enemies. I brought cashews onto one airship for Atlas, and then I'm screened for the rest of my life with them. Their commander is a real nutcase," Maria explains.
"...Problem..." Soundwave's visor goes off.
Just then, the guards return, "With our greatest pleasure, please allow us to introduce to you the commander of the Argus military base. Introducing Special Operative Caroline Cordovin!"
Stepping in front of the guards is a rather short, older woman who stands at Maria's height, wearing a slightly different uniform than the guards. The woman steps up and glares at Maria.
"Witch," Cordovin says.
"She-devil," Maris shoots back.
Cordovin glances at the others, "I see you brought larger contraband with you this time. Trying something new?"
Megatron steps up, "Pardon my interruption, but we are short on time. If you are the commander of this base, then we must speak with you,"
Cordovin stares at him, "And you would be?"
"I am Megatron. We are here because we need to get to Atlas and speak with General James Ironwood. We also brought Weiss Schnee with us and wish to bring her home safely," Megatron plays the card that Qrow used.
"I have already heard what your little friends have to say, Mr. Megatron-What are you doing here?! I told you all to leave!" Cordovin yells at Team JNR, who stand behind the others.
"AND I TOLD YOU WE WOULDN'T REST UNTIL YOU LET US THROUGH!" Nora shouts back while Ren and Jaune hold her back.
Ren waves with a smile, "Nice to see you again as well,"
Cordovin composes herself, "It seems you civilians don't understand the situation here. So allow me to educate you. This relay tower, this base, and this city are all under my, and ergo Atlas', protection. They are important, which is why they sent me here to protect it,"
"This child is terribly misinformed," Predaking grumbles.
"Or to keep you out of Atlas," Maria jokes.
Cordovin grits her teeth, "This city wouldn't even exist without the aid of our ancestors. But now, the rest of the world wants to terminate us!"
Ruby tries to be the voice of reason, "Look, we're all from Beacon Academy. We were there at the Fall of Beacon, and we know that the machines there were hacked. We know it wasn't your fault,"
"No one is happy about the Dust embargo, or the closing of borders. The General is just worried, but if we could-," Weiss begins.
"The General is not scared! Atlas is strong, and will remain standing proudly no matter what enemies stand against us," Cordovin says.
"Can we get on with it?" Megatron gets annoyed.
"...If Miss Schnee has come to her senses and wishes to return to Atlas, then we will be more than willing to safely escort her back to her family. But the kingdom will not be responsible for her friends of... questionable character," Cordovin stares at Blake and Predaking, making Predaking growl.
"Why you little-," Predaking is about to kill her before Blake holds him back with an arm.
"And what would that mean?" Megatron asks.
"It means we're done here," Cordovin turns to leave, but then looks back at Dreadwing for a moment. "You... have we met before?" she asks.
Dreadwing barely looks at her, "I'm afraid not. I've never been to Argus before. I was originally from... Vale, after all. Before the Fall,"
Cordovin hums while narrowing her eyes at him. After a moment, she shrugs it off and leaves with her guards as the gates close on the group again.
Predaking releases a little fire from his mouth, only a little spark, "That woman would dare to question Blake or I purely because we are Faunus?! I should just rip through this base myself, burn her to a crisp, and take an airship for ourselves,"
"Predaking, do that, and we become wanted fugitives to the Atlas military. If that happens, then we'll never get to Ironwood," Blake calms him down with a hand on his chest, which does the trick.
Weiss holds an arm, looking worried, "I don't... I don't want to be separated from you guys. Not again,"
Ruby puts a hand on her shoulder, "It's okay, Weiss. We're not leaving you. We're all going, together,"
Dreadwing kneels before her, "And I will always stay be your side, Milady,"
"Dreadwing, but if we see the General again, then you could-," Weiss begins.
"It matters little to me. I swore that I would stay by your side, no matter what, and I will keep my oath to you. You will never be alone," Dreadwing holds her hand, making Weiss blush but smile all the same.
"If we are unable to secure a transport for us to Atlas, from their military, then how will we get there?" Predaking asks.
The group ponder his question, but then notice Qrow leaving, "Where are you going?" Ruby asks.
"Where do you think? The plan just got shut in our faces. I'm going for a drink," Qrow just walks off.
Yang sighs, "Well, that's nothing new. But, what DO we do now?"
Nora steps up, "I'm sure we'll be fine. I mean, we have Ozpin here after all. He always seems to know what to do,"
However, the others grow more concerned by this, which Team JNR notice, "What is it?" Jaune asks.
…
The group arrive back at the house, and then...
Jaune smashes his fist against a wall, "Everything we've been through has been for nothing!" his anger burns.
"Jaune, that is enough. Everything we've been through has not been for nothing," Megatron says.
Nora sits on the couch, "Yeah, well it sure sounds like it,"
"If Salem can't be killed, then how are we supposed to defeat her?" Ren asks.
"...Must continue... battle..." Soundwave's visor goes off.
"Soundwave is right. Look, you know about us. We were able to defeat and immortal being, a god, and imprison him forever, without killing him. If we could do that on Cybertron, then we can do that here on Remnant," Megatron says.
Megatron's words do little to calm him down.
Seeing this, Oscar tries to help, "Look, none of this is good, we know. But, we're all on the same side here. We aren't the bad guys,"
"Are we sure about that?" Jaune slowly turns to face him. "He's in your head, isn't he? Did you already know about this?" Jaune stalks toward Oscar, but Megatron stands in his way. "Out of my way. How do we know that's really Oscar and now Ozpin? What if we've been talking to that liar this whole time?!"
Megatron suddenly slaps Jaune, shutting him up and shocking everyone, "Calm yourself. Ozpin kept these secrets from Oscar just like he did the rest of us. Was it wrong? Yes, but Oscar is not the one to blame. You cannot take your anger out on him, nor will I allow you to do so,"
Jaune glares between him and a scared Oscar and takes a breath. Having calmed down, Jaune walks by everyone as he heads upstairs.
Blake watches him go, "Will he... be okay?"
"I don't know!" Nora yells and heads up to join him.
"Maybe we should have some time to ourselves," Ren goes and follows Nora upstairs.
Megatron sighs, "It would most likely be best to give them their space so they can think upon this. The information they just received was not the least bit pleasant after all. It may be wise for us all to have some time to ourselves. A lot has happened today, after all,"
Megatron heads out for some fresh air to clear his mind, and Yang is quick to join him. The others soon pair off themselves, with Ruby, Soundwave, and Laserbeak heading out back while the others take alternative routes for themselves. Blake and Predaking head in the opposite direction of Yang and Megatron, deciding to go out to get food for dinner later that evening.
"Well, this certainly hasn't been a good day," Blake laments.
"Do you think Team JNR will no longer fight with us in the battle against Salem?" Predaking asks.
Blake sighs, "I... I don't know. I hope they won't, honestly. If we're going to stop her, then we're going to need all of us to do it. But, I can't blame them for acting like that. We were the same way. This fight was difficult enough, but now it's just gotten a lot harder,"
"No battle worth fighting for is an easy one. The battle to protect and restore my kind, to ensure they will be able to live safely and free on Cybertron; that battle is no easy task for me. I knew it would be difficult when I accepted Optimus Prime's offer, but I accepted it nonetheless. I only hope the rest of our allies will do the same," Predaking says.
"Hey, where are you guys going?" they look behind them to see Saphron, with Adrian in her arms. "I thought you guys were still at home,"
"Oh, we were just out for some fresh air. We also thought about going to get food for tonight," Blake says.
"Oh, then maybe you could help me then. I was on my way to drop Adrian off at daycare, and then I was going to pick up a few things from the market anyway. Would you be willing to lend me a hand?" Saphron asks.
Blake nods, "Sure, I don't mind. How about you, Predaking?"
Predaking nods, "I see no issues with it. Besides, you're more familiar with Argus then we are. It would be best to adhere to your expertise of the area,"
Saphron smiles, "Then follow me," she leads the way ahead of them.
The pair follow Saphron and Adrian as they head to the market for food. During the walk, Adrian stares curiously at Predaking. Due to his lack of experience with those much younger than him, Predaking is unsure of how to respond. Adrian smiles and waves at him, making Predaking slightly out of place.
Predaking glances at Blake, "Um, Blake, perhaps you could shed some light on something for me," he leans close to her, making sure that Saphron doesn't hear them.
"What is it?" Blake asks.
"Back home, the way my kind were created, and I mean the Predacons that weren't created like how I was, and the other Cybertronians, was obviously different that the way humans and Faunus are created. I've been wondering: how does your kind create more of themselves? Like, how are the young ones born?"
His question immediately makes Blake blush a deep red. How can he ask such a question like it's as normal as asking how one makes their coffee? Of course, she can understand that he wouldn't know about that sort of thing; being an alien from another world and another race after all, but still... She doesn't know how to respond to that.
"W-W-W-W-Why would you ask about something like that?!" Blake stutters.
Predaking raises an eyebrow, "Are you alright, Blake? Your face has suddenly become redder. You could be falling ill?" he leans in close and places a hand on her forehead. "You do feel a little warm. Perhaps this weather isn't what you're used to. I don't believe that a conversation about how human children are birthed would upset you. I believe that someone as caring as you would make a wonderful mother."
However, this only has the opposite effect and makes her face even redder. She turns away from him, holding her blushing cheeks in her hands.
"How can he talk about something like that without any tact or hesitation? Me? A m-m-m-mother?! I mean... the thought had once crossed my mind, but... but... the only person I would consider for something like that is... is..." Steam is flowing off her head as her thoughts turn to a certain dragon.
"Blake, are you alright?" Predaking asks.
"I'M FINE!" Blake shrieks.
…
Meanwhile, Megatron and Yang are walking through another part of the city, with much on their minds.
"You think Jaune and the others will be okay?" Yang asks.
Megatron hums, "Hmmm, I certainly hope so. The war for Cybertron had not only spread to other worlds, but across many, many years of time. Some soldiers, on both sides, grew tired of the endless fighting, wondering if it would ever end. I can see that way of thinking here, knowing that Salem cannot be killed. But, we mustn't lose hope. Even in the darkest of times, Optimus Prime never lost hope. If there ever was a time that he did, his comrades gave him the encouragement to keep fighting. We must be the same. Or else everything that has happened here, even before I arrived, will be for nothing... I cannot allow that to happen. I refuse to watch another world be destroyed by one's lust for power. Just like I did," Megatron looks back, noticing a family with two little children walking hand-in-hand on the sidewalk. "This world is full of young life, and they must have a chance to live. Wouldn't you agree?"
Yang looks back at the family, "You're right. We can't quit. I'm sure Jaune and the others will be okay," she looks between Megatron and the family walking away, and a quick image of her and Megatron with a young child takes the place of the family for a moment before it vanishes. Yang shakes her head as she starts blushing.
Megatron notices her reaction, "Is everything alright, Yang?"
Yang's blush gets a little deeper, "Oh, um, I'm f-f-f-f-fine. I certainly wasn't thinking about kids and our future-I mean my future and such. Hahahahaha," Yang laughs nervously as she rubs her head.
"Your future?" Megatron glances back at the family with the children. "Are you perhaps thinking about having a child of your own? That does pique my curiosity for one thing: how do humans create more, younger versions of themselves?"
His questions make Yang blush even more as she glances at him, "Ae you serious? You don't just ask a girl about something like that! I mean, I'm sure he wouldn't know about something like that, considering he's basically an alien from another world who hasn't been here for too long, but... Oh, come on!" she starts to mentally freak out.
"Yang? Perhaps we should return to the house so you can rest. I surmise that the day has taken its toll on you. We have been on a long journey after all, and you haven't always had the chance to rest properly. Come, I'll escort you back to the house," Megatron offers.
"Oh, um, I guess that would be okay," Yang walks ahead with Megatron right beside her.
The way back is silent for a few minutes, with Megatron wondering if Yang is alright, and Yang wondering about how to get those previous thoughts about herself and Megatron out of her head.
"I don't have time to be thinking about something like that. Besides, there's no guarantee that Megatron will stay after we take down Salem and save Remnant. But... would it be so wrong... to have something like that with him... I mean I... well, I..." Yang's thoughts trail off as she shakes her head to get back into focus on the main objective.
However, she ends up intertwining her fingers with his, gaining his attention, "Yang..." he mutters.
"Um, this isn't a problem, is it?" Yang plays with a strand of her hair with her other hand.
"...No, it is no problem at all," Megatron holds her hand tighter as they make their way back to the house.
…
Back at the house, Ruby sits with Soundwave out in the back, while Laserbeak sits in the tree in the backyard. They had just finished a little talk with Maria about Ruby's Silver eyes, and Ruby was happy to learn more about her special power. Maria had already gone back inside, leaving just them. Soundwave looks at her.
"...Ruby Rose... unwell?" his visor goes off.
"Huh, no, I'm fine. I actually feel a little better now, now that I know more about how my eyes work. It was actually a little irritating not knowing a whole lot about it, despite it apparently being such a special power against the Grimm. It helped make me feel better... Are you doing okay, Soundwave?" Ruby asks. Soundwave simply nods. "You know, sometimes I wonder, why are you so keen on protecting me, Soundwave? Is it just because of my power?"
Soundwave remains silent for a moment, but then he takes Ruby's hand in his own, surprising her.
Soundwave shakes his head while looking ahead, "...Ruby Rose... Superior..." he uses his own voice this time.
His words make Ruby blush, but she soon smiles warmly and leans her head on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Soundwave. Just... thanks," Ruby closes her eyes.
However, the moment is halted when Maria comes out back, "Hey, lovebirds, we've got a problem," she goes back into the house.
They return inside, finding the rest of the group back as well, "What's going on?" Ruby asks.
Yang and Blake look worried, "It's Oscar... He's missing," Blake says, making Ruby worried, while Jaune feels like he may have caused him to leave.
And that's the chapter. A few embarrassing, and touching moments, between our heroes and heroines. However, now they have the issue of a missing farm boy. Will they be able to find Oscar? Will Jaune be able to atone for his mistake? Until then, please Read and Review.
