Epilogue
Ruby
The Cross Continental Transmit Service started to show the same thing across the world, even in Atlas and Mantle, however there was nothing Jacques or his forces could do to stop it.
Everyone stared at their televisions, their scrolls, their computers, the large holographic screens in the streets…. Everywhere. Ruby nervously touched the back of her neck as she stood before them, closing her silver eye and blowing out a breath. She still had bandages and has her arm resting on a crutch, but despite her wounds… she was still delivering the message.
The warning to the world.
"Hello… I… My name is Ruby Rose. I'm not very good at this kind of thing, heh, public speaking. But… what I am about to tell you is very real, and very frightening. But you all deserve to know." She began.
Saphron and Terra watched from the Hospital in Vale, Terra still recovering from the Horridus Morbus disease, and now that it had been cured, little Adrien could be with his mothers again.
"There is a terrible danger coming, in two days time to be exact. An enemy we are all awfully familiar with. The Grimm – however this is not like anything we have ever known. In secret, I… my friends… my family and many other brave souls have fought and died in a conflict none of you have known the truth of. But you have been seeing the effects of our war for an exceptionally long time now. The Fall of Beacon? The Fall of Mistral? The destruction of the Volcanic Chain Isles? Vacuo being taken over by the Grimm? The Horridus Morbus Outbreak? The Deaths of the Council and Jacques Schnee taking over Atlas and Mantle? All the battles raging in different places across the globe? We have been fighting against the common enemy… his name – is Vir Nominis Umbra."
From the Hospital, Ida and Victor Watts watched the Live Feed of Ruby's Pre-Recorded Speech. Victor closed his eyes with grief, knowing his Nephew was one of the people who was part of this genocidal campaign an exceptionally long time ago. "We don't really know what he is, but we know he is not human, and evil to his very core. He has three Demonic Entities as well, and four others – the Knights of Grimm. We have seen all the footage on the internet of them, all the theories. It's all true, the Knights of Grimm are real. The Higher Demons are real. And right in the middle of this war."
"In two days time – Vir Nominis Umbra is going to unleash a terrible force on the entire world. Called the Oncoming Shadow, an army of unending hordes of Grimm. It… will be… extremely bad. Our Kingdoms, all our defences? I am not going to lie to you… a lot of people are going to die. Maybe over half our population, maybe more."
People started to become terrified, but Ruby's words started to instil some courage into their hearts. Even in Mantle, Robyn Hill watched the feed with wide eyes as she learned all of this information.
"But… despite all of this? I have hope – more than I have had in a very, very long time. Because we have a plan. We learned a lot in the past few weeks, and we believe we have found a way to kill Vir Nominis Umbra once and for all." Ruby explained as she smiled. "You see – there is more we have hidden from you. Our Academies? At Vale, Vacuo, Mistral and Atlas? They have Vaults, ones that are hiding these ancient Relics… these little pebbles… ones that keep the world… our universe… spinning. If Vir Nominis Umbra gets his hands on them, he will destroy them, and everything will cease to exist. But we have our hands on three, and Atlas has the fourth. There is a place we can take them, where he cannot touch them, and we can use that time to kill him. When Vir Nominis Umbra is dead, the Grimm will die with him." Ruby promised.
"Believe me… I remember when I first heard all of this. I thought old Professor Ozpin was talking crazy." Ruby laughed. "But this is no prank, I do not want you all to not know about the day that is coming. The Grimm will focus on the major Kingdoms when the Shivering Dominion begins. If you do not want to fight, and want to try your luck out there in the wild? Then you are more than welcome to go, nobody will judge you, nobody will stop you. But if you wish to help us? To help hold the Oncoming Shadow back for as long as you can so we can kill him? We will have a chance." Ruby explained.
"And, well, it may seem impossible. Believe me, I know… but we have beaten impossible odds before! Before we even knew about Vir Nominis Umbra, we believed the mastermind behind all of this was a powerful woman named Salem. For years we thought nothing could kill her… until yesterday. We killed Salem. The Dark Queen who had been haunting us for years after Beacon and Mistral! The Queen who was said to be unkillable, and we managed to bring her down! If we can defeat Salem, despite that fact – then imagine what we can accomplish together. And think about it, Vir Nominis Umbra has been tugging the strings for years and years, keeping us from finding the secret out there in the world. But we know where it is, and we can use that weakness against him. For the first time… we actually have a plan… and I really do believe we can do this. And… I won't lie to you… my faith had wavered over the past few years. I started to lose sight of who I was… but not anymore. I know who I am, and now more than ever… I know we can do this."
"And for those, who do not or cannot fight, but don't want to leave the Kingdom? Well… there is a third Option. The Vaults beneath the Academies? Where the Relics used to be held? Well they are exceptionally large, can hold a few thousand people inside to survive the conflict out here. Not everyone will be able to fit inside – and once the doors closed they will stay that way. But it is a choice, one you have the chance to make."
She then flinched, closing her eye and exhaling. "I… I hate asking anybody to do something like this. To make such life-or-death choices… I really do – but like I said. This is your choice… I simply wanted you to know about the threat that is coming. You have been lied to long enough. It's time for the truth. It is now up to you to decide what you want to do next."
"My name is Ruby Rose – good luck to you all."
The recording ended, and the people on the news looked shocked at this information, Ruby watched the feed come to a close from inside of a shop. She stood, leant against her crutch with her leg still healing from Raven driving the knife down it.
She turned to where the old store owner used to stand seven years ago. Weiss, Blake and Yang walked up beside Ruby as she stared at where he stood. "This was where all began… right here in this store. I saved the Old Shopkeep from Roman and his thugs…" Ruby explained, and she let out a short breath. "… and it was Vir Nominis Umbra the whole damn time."
"It's crazy… how far we've come. From such humble… snarky… beginnings." Weiss chuckled with a smile, making Ruby smirk.
"Tell me about it." Ruby agreed as the new Shopkeep emerged, much younger than the one that Vir Nominis Umbra used to pose as. Constantly watching Ruby every step of the way, making sure that things happened the way that he wanted them to happen.
"What did you do again? That Acolyte of Lien Thug, he tried to rob you?" Blake asked.
"Yeah, I had my headphones on. I didn't even know it was happening until he told me to put my hands in the air. So I threw him through the air." Ruby giggled, which made them laugh as they exited the store.
"Yep, that sounds about right." Yang agreed.
The four of them walked down the street, seeing the reactions to the news. And they looked at some of the people. The reactions were mixed…
A couple started to cry and held each other close, then one man just sat down and buried his head in his hands. But it was not all doom and gloom, a lot of people were already heading to the Academies, with any weapons they could find. Ready to fight the Oncoming Shadow. All the students were already returning there, to train as hard and as fast as they could.
"Do you really think it was a good idea to tell everyone, Ruby? I mean… people were already terrified after Horridus Morbus. You didn't see what they were like. All of them trying to break into the Hospital to see loved ones. Things were unstable here as they were." Yang explained to her.
"They deserved to know. At least they have two days to prepare… it's better than nothing." Ruby stated, they looked up as a Dreadnaught slowly drifted overhead, the roar from its thrusters rumbled through their bones. Alongside Military Naval Ships that were already starting to set up a perimeter at the Docks.
"Good to see Ortega getting everything in position." Blake said with faith in her voice.
"Everything seem like it's going to plan?" Yang asked.
"Seems like it. Setting up all the defences around the city. I just don't know how long they will last against the Oncoming Shadow…" Blake said.
"None of us do. We have no idea what to expect. Sure you guys saw the Fall of Arkhonex thanks to those Visionary Books but that was nothing compared to what's coming for us." Weiss stated.
"Arkhonex was unprepared. They were hit in the middle of the night, both from the inside and outside. We have two days… according to Oz and Kragen… we're lucky to have the amount of time we have." Ruby explained.
They continued to walk down the street, passing by people. Homeless People were being tended to by the many, helped to warm shelters to get food. Lots of Homeless were also joining the Acolytes of the Rose, taking up arms to help fight. But the scars of the Outbreak were still noticeable. The Hospital still had the fences around it and the military vehicles around it.
"It's strange… seeing everyone so united." Blake said, seeing both Faunus and Humans working together. Helping each other and uniting as they joined the Acolytes of the Rose.
"I don't like seeing it. It's like Conscripting people into service." Weiss stated.
"We're not forcing anyone, though. It's their choice, not ours." Ruby reminded.
"I guess. Either way… I still hate it. The fact it has come to this." Weiss said, but Ruby gently held her hand.
"Hey… we're not dead yet. We can still beat him." Ruby assured, and Weiss smiled.
"Y'know… when you say it? I can actually believe it." Weiss admitted.
"Is it that? Or because you know I won't stop repeating the same thing until you give up?" Ruby asked, which made Weiss chuckle.
"Okay, maybe a little bit of that." Weiss agreed.
But as they walked, they could already see people in Vale beginning to flee from the city, packing their belongings into their cars and leaving the city. They watched as they drove away, and Yang sighed. "How long do you think they will last out there? When the Shivering Dominion begins?" She inquired.
"I don't know – but maybe a little longer? Umbra will focus on the Kingdoms first, more people in the cities." Ruby explained. They saw the cars that were leaving immediately, things were happening fast. And there were some that were genuinely panicking in the streets, as expected. Telling the world the truth? It was a risky move… but truth or lie, neither would stop the arrival of the Oncoming Shadow.
As they walked through the streets, trucks and tanks were setting up barricades and defences in the roads, ready for when the Oncoming Shadow eventually breach through the first line. The question was not if their defences would fall, but merely when they would crumble. This was a fact; no amount of conventional warfare and firepower could hold against an infinite army of terrifying monsters.
They turned to see people starting to smash windows in the streets, stealing televisions. Team R.W.B.Y were about to stop them, until…
"Hey!" Hazel Rainart roared, the men all stopped as he approached, and to their surprise, Sun was walking alongside him. Sun still had issues with Hazel, but he knew the man was no longer the same one that killed his parents. And the fact they could actually work together now made that noticeably clear.
Hazel using his Blood Rage semblance really seemed to prove it to Sun, that he was willing to do things for them that he never would for Salem. "The hell do you think you're doing?" Hazel questioned.
"You saw what she said! What the hell does the law matter when this place is gonna be a ruin in a few days time?" The man questioned.
"And what's all that stuff gonna do for you? How is a Television gonna protect you from the Oncoming Shadow?" Sun questioned.
They looked at him and stammered. "I…"
"I get it. You want to have some kind of trading good, right? Something to sell if we survive this and are needing to rebuild?" Sun presumed as he approached the thieves. They looked at each other, Sun and Hazel both knew what was happening here. They were terrified and didn't know what to do and wanted to try and prepare to rebuild some kind of a living after this is over. "I do get it, I come from Vacuo. I've seen it all the time… but trust me. All that crap is just gonna slow you down. If you wanna leave, then leave. Or… stay and help fight. Or go to the Vault. The choice is yours."
The Thieves looked at each other and then at the two Huntsman. They put the products back where they found them and walked away, past the two heroes. "Thank you, so much." The Store Owner sighed with relief as she hugged Sun.
"Hey, it's okay ma'am." He assured.
"Do you… really believe we can win this?" She asked him fearfully, he turned and smiled as he saw Ruby walking over, still using her crutches. The lady gasped as she saw Ruby. "You're her…"
"Heh, still getting used to people talking to me like this." Ruby softly chuckled. "Please, I am no different than any of you. We're all in this together." Ruby assured.
"Are you kidding? I saw that whole thing you put up on the internet. The more in detail explanation of everything that you have done and been through? It's… so terrifying… I can't believe you can still have hope despite what we're up against." She stammered.
"That's the thing… yeah Umbra is powerful and so is his army. But… from what I have seen? He is just like us and is fallible." Ruby explained. "Which means he can be beaten."
"I wish I had your optimism…" The Shop Owner softly said as she scratched the back of her neck.
"What do you want to do?" Weiss inquired.
"I… I don't know. I have a family… two kids and a husband. We're thinking of leaving the city. To try our luck out there, somewhere more remote, keep moving." She honestly answered. Team R.W.B.Y, Sun and Hazel smiled.
"We wish you luck – and… I hope we get to see each other again when this is over." Ruby said with a smile, giving her a gentle and supportive hug. They then left the Store Owner to get packed up with her family to leave. Blake hugged Sun as she approached him, kissing him affectionately. Yang approached Hazel and gently punched his shoulder.
"What about you, big guy?" She asked him.
"Oh come on." Hazel chuckled. "I've got your backs to the end of the line."
"But what about after all this?" Ruby inquired.
"After? Well… I've seen lots of these Orphanages, ones that aren't well looked after. After this is over, there are going to be a lot of angry children who are going to want answers for why their parents died. I want to start up a bunch of Orphanages for them, to give them homes and help them." Hazel explained. "It's the least I can do."
"You're a good man, Hazel Rainart." Blake said with a smile, and Sun nodded his head.
"Yeah… he is." Sun agreed. Hazel lifted his fingers to the comm link in his ear.
"Hazel? We've got a small riot starting up in the square. Can you come by and help sort it out with me?" Glynda requested, and he groaned.
"Yep, on my way." He grumbled, rolling his eyes. "The other part of my job." Hazel said as he walked away from them. They watched as he walked away, seeing both White Fang and Acolytes of the Rose Forces working together on setting up the defences.
"It's a shame it takes the end of the world to get people to finally unite." Blake sighed.
"Not… everyone." Weiss said with frustration. "My father is still out there, my brother too. We still need to take him down and get the Relic of Destruction. It's still in the Atlesian Vault."
"We're still going to need more forces… and I fear… by the time that we do… we'll be out of time." Ruby explained since the sun was already beginning to set.
Jacques
The icy snow fell upon the window of his office in the Schnee Manor, and he held his hands behind his back, looking down upon the city from his office. He stood with his head still held high, despite the conflict happening down in the Southern Section of the Kingdom, the city of Mantle. Smoke pillars rose high into the sky where Robyn Hill was leading the resistance against the forces of tyranny and oppression.
The door opened behind him where he stood, and the mechanical body of Whitley Schnee emerged. With only two lives left, he was clearly being more resourceful and staying close to where he father was always located. "Father?" Whitley said.
"Yes, Whitley?" Jacques responded, looking upon the chaotic Kingdom he ruled.
"I… I saw her transmission. There was nothing we could do, they specifically locked off our end of the C.C.T Network, we could not stop their message from broadcasting here." Whitley explained.
"Yes… I saw it as well. It seems the end of the journey is soon approaching." Jacques stated however he did not sound the slightest bit concerned.
"Father? Why are you not more worried about this? Vir Nominis Umbra has not been in contact with us for a long time… do you really think he is still on our side?" Whitley asked, which made Jacques chuckle sinisterly as he turned to face him.
"Please… I am a man of business, son. I know how the game works. Tell me, how many people do you believe I trust with all my heart?" He asked curiously.
"I… I don't know." Whitley stammered.
"One – and that is you, my son. Because you have always supported me, and I you." He lied, still manipulating his son even now. "I never trusted Vir Nominis Umbra; the man may never lie but he is a master of using his words to get what he wants. He always made it noticeably clear that I could get what I want if I survive… there is an excessively big loophole there, am I wrong?" Jacques asked him.
"You think Umbra intends to betray us?" Whitley stammered, genuinely intimidated by the Entity.
"You can only be betrayed by someone you trusted in the first place; I never did. And at the end of the day, we are aiming to control him just like the Higher Demons and the Knights of Grimm. The Relic of Choice is that chance… but since it is no longer within our reach… we must simply survive long enough for Vir Nominis Umbra to slip up. Miss Rose and her little family of warriors… they are effective, yes… but too short-sighted and foolish to win this conflict." Jacques explained.
"But Uncle Donovan is dead. So is Kelham." Whitley explained.
"Disposable and replaceable. Donovan already got the work done that we needed and made it remarkably clear that the Relic of Choice is incredibly powerful. Combine that with dear old Merlot's research? Well… who knows what we can accomplish? If it can control the minds of people… and Grimm? Then we can use it on the Knights, the Higher Demons – and perhaps even Umbra." Jacques explained.
His foolish view was suicidal, there was no way to control something so powerful. "And Umbra will not be able to reach us, not for a long time… not with what I have had in place." Jacques explained. He brought up a holographic map of Atlas and Mantle, then he completely sectioned off Mantle like it was nothing. He showed Whitley what he had been up to for the past two weeks. "Our workers have accomplished a lot since you joined Kelham in Arkhonex, and all that Dust being shipped across the world in huge amounts? Well… behold." He explained.
Massive devices were marked red, revealing the largest and most powerful thrusters and stabilisers of Gravity Dust that Whitley had ever seen. Buried beneath the city of Atlas, and the city itself was completely sectioned off from Mantle, prepared to split away from it. "Upon activation?" He stated and revealed that the many towers that surrounded Atlas were also capable of forming a Hardlight Shield Dome across the whole thing. And then… the projection showed Atlas breaking away from the surface of Solitas, and rising high up into the atmosphere, too high for Grimm to reach.
And leaving Mantle for the Oncoming Shadow.
"If Umbra wants his Relic… he will have to reason with me, and my terms." Jacques explained as he held his hands together. "That sadistic monster may be intelligent… but now he will have to contend with my intellect." He stated with a smirk.
"Weiss will come for us; you know that right? Vir Nominis Umbra may struggle to get his forces up to us, but they can still use their airships." Whitley explained, then Jacques smirked again, bringing something else up.
"Well – that is where you come in. Are you ready for another round, son?" Jacques asked him. The Holographic Screen switched and revealed what Whitley had been working on ever since he and his father began scheming together five years ago. His eyes widened as he saw it.
"It's… finished?" Whitley gasped.
The Deimos Mech, the highly advanced mechanical machine, armed to the teeth with high tech and even Arkhoni Technology. It's design mocking the Arma Gigas, and even able to replicate the Glyphs that Whitley could never produce himself. Using Hardlight Dust and other Dust instead.
It was the pinnacle of Atlesian Military Technology, and at long last… it was ready.
"So when that brat decides to try and stop us and take the Relic. We will be ready for them." Jacques chuckled softly, leaning forward and clasping his hands together with a smirk. "Our long journey shall soon come to a victorious end my son. Once and for all."
Ozpin
The Professor stood in his Office; it had been an exceedingly long time since he was here. He looked at his desk and gently pressed his hand down upon it. He closed his eyes and he sighed, it was so familiar, yet… at the same time… it did not feel the same. Not anymore, not after everything that they had been through.
He turned as the Elevator opened and he saw Glynda emerging from within, alongside Qrow. The last two members of his Inner Circle who once served with him against Salem. "Glynda, Qrow… thank you for coming." He said to them.
Glynda softly chuckled as she looked around the Office, seeing him back in here. "Feels like old times." Glynda said as she looked around.
"Yes… and yet at the same time it doesn't." He admitted.
"I know exactly what you mean." Glynda agreed, she approached him, and she smiled. "I would like to apologise."
"For what?" Ozpin asked.
"I was angry at you, for lying to us. Not telling us who you really are, about Vir Nominis Umbra. I was for quite a long time… but… I understand now. And I am sorry, I was rash, and I shouldn't have just…" Glynda sighed, but Ozpin squeezed her shoulder supportively.
"Glynda, you have nothing to apologise for. I shouldn't have kept the truth from you, I should've told you about the real enemy we were up against from the very beginning. Perhaps if I had done… we could be more prepared." He said with regret in his voice.
"Oh enough of the dwelling over hindsight, Oz." Qrow said with his arms crossed, leant against the pillar. "We're here now… and the truth is out." Qrow stated.
"Yes… it is." Ozpin agreed.
"How do you feel about that? Knowing that the whole world knows the truth now?" Glynda asked. Ozpin chuckled.
"Utterly terrified." He confessed. "I mean… I can't imagine how everyone must feel. Knowing that our extinction event is only forty-eight hours away…" Ozpin explained. "Umbra, the Maidens, the Relics, Salem… the Oncoming Shadow… everything. Ruby filled in the important bits, but I am sure the document we also uploaded has… millions of people reading it right now. There will be consequences. For the lies."
He turned to them. "And I shall face the consequences when this is over, whatever punishment the people deem worthy. So long as Vir Nominis Umbra falls, and I know this world… and everyone living on it… are safe? Then it will be worth it." Ozpin assured.
"It won't come to that, Oz." Qrow assured.
"No, it's going to be a new world when all this is over. I feel it will be a good time to start fresh, a new beginning for us all." Glynda explained. They'd be lying if they said their hearts were not hammering at this terrifying reality right now.
"I can't even begin to fathom what it is going be like… I may have saw the future when I was reborn… but I never saw what happened after that moment. I just saw one final conflict… surrounded in ice and snow. Right here." Ozpin told them as he stared down at the Courtyard of Beacon Academy. "But… the actual conflict up until that point? That I do not know either… I just know… Ruby Rose must find the answer… the secret that Umbra does not want us to find."
"So in other words – we're all blind now? No more hints at all?" Qrow asked.
"That's exactly what I am saying. I'm afraid… the only knowledge I have left is that last image." Ozpin stated, he did look genuinely afraid. He had no idea how this was going to end.
Either with Umbra ending everything, or with them killing Umbra and ending the Oncoming Shadow once and for all.
He turned to hear the sound of his computer beeping, the thing he had been waiting for. "Ah… here we go." Ozpin said with a slight chuckle, turning to the two of them. "Are you ready?"
"For politics? Never." Qrow chuckled.
"Seven years ago? I would never have thought that I'd agree with you." Glynda said to Qrow, which made him chuckle.
"Hey, if I told myself seven years ago that I would be clean of alcohol I would have laughed myself out of the room." He admitted, the three of them stood together as Ozpin answered the call.
Ida was the first of the Local Valerian Council to appear, but they were not alone. The Councillors from Argus, Queen's Cove and Mistral appeared as well. "Well… that was quite the show Miss Rose put on there. Please tell me she was joking, and this is some sort of elaborate joke?" The Mistraalian Councilwoman requested.
"I'm afraid not. Everything that Ruby Rose said and that was shown in the document we put together is the full truth. It is a secret I have been harbouring for an exceptionally long time." Ozpin admitted.
"And you are one of those Knights of Grimm?" The Queen's Cove Councillor questioned with distrusting eyes.
"I was… but I am free from the curse that bound me to Umbra. Thanks to the efforts of Kragen Nox and the Architect." Ozpin explained.
"Yes… the Immortal Silver Eyed Warrior, the Immortal Spring Maiden and their Robot Companion from the ancient extinct civilisation of Arkhonex?" The Argus Councillor questioned.
"Believe me, I know how it sounds. But it is all true – I was once from Arkhonex as well, just as the other Knights of Grimm were once Arkhoni." Ozpin explained.
"And where are these individuals?" Ida asked.
"Kragen, Yenna and the Architect have returned to Dragonspire Keep in Anima, where we are holding the two Relics. Choice and Creation. The Architect has the information that Archer Merlot gave Kassius Locke before he died and is currently decrypting it as we speak. Once we have the precise location and way into the Fountain of Creation, we can hide the Relics there and find the secret that we believe is the key to killing Umbra. That way we kill two birds with one stone." Ozpin explained.
"And what happens to the rest of us while you do this?" One of the Valerian Councillors asked.
"You have to survive." Qrow coldly stated.
"Survive? How are we supposed to survive the threat that is coming?" He responded.
"By any means necessary." Qrow stated.
"I would apologise for my friend's lack of comfort… but he is right. At the end of the day, all the defences we are putting in place will not hold for long against the Oncoming Shadow. They are merely to slow them down long enough to save as many people as we can in the Vaults and for people to try and escape into the wilds. The truth is… this could be our extinction event. But it is in our hands to make sure that it is not. The world will be a vastly different place if we win… and we will have to rebuild a whole new society. One where we learn from our mistakes." Ozpin explained.
He paced back and forth. "The Faunus will no longer be looked down upon. And we will all work together. No more Hierarchies of riches and power, like Atlas over Mantle. We must make things better… or we will just end up destroying ourselves again." Ozpin explained with his hands held behind his back, staring at the councillors. They looked at one another and they sighed.
They were terrified, they could tell from their eyes. "I know it seems like the coming days will be our last… and… yes, there is the chance they will be. But as Miss Rose said… for the first time in a very long time. We actually have a plan, and I believe it can work." Ozpin stated. "So have faith… we can end this in a way where we are the ones on top. And Umbra is the one in the ashes."
Ida smiled and she stood up from her chair. "I believe in Ruby Rose… and if she believes we can do this? Then we all should as well. Just as you do – that girl has been through hell yet still can find the best in things. That is someone we should all aspire to be like." Ida said to them all, looking at the uncertain Councillors and Councilwomen. "And if she believes in Professor Ozpin – then – why shouldn't we?"
Ozpin smiled and bowed his head respectfully.
"Well then… I guess we have to use these two days to our advantage, shouldn't we?" The Mistraalian Councillor said.
And they did.
The Final Two Days…
As the final two days passed, many things happened. The Militaries established the heaviest and hardest lines of defence that they had ever seen, Dreadnaughts constantly hovering in the sky in a defensive pattern. The harbour had countless heavy Ships floating in the water as well. The same could be said for Mistral, Argus and Queen's Cove.
Some left, and many joined the Resistance against the Oncoming Shadow. The heroes all spent these two days as best as they could as well, helping people with the defences and keeping everyone calm and happy. Pyrrha also spent every day, every single hour of every day with Coco and Cinder who trained her as best as they could in the two days they had. Teaching her how to use her new Summer Maiden Powers. Summoning the storms, using the elements and even how to fly.
Pyrrha struggled but started to get the hang of the basics. Neo was also spending time with them, astounded at how accepting they were. But she still had friends who had started on the wrong side just as she did. Cinder, Hazel, Emerald, Mazen and Ortega helped her feel better about herself.
And as the two days passed, Ruby's aura quickly healed the wound in her leg, leaving behind a scar, and she no longer needed her crutch or cast anymore, able to walk and run with ease.
Ruby also approached a mirror with Oscar, and she turned to see him beside her and he smiled gently at her. She held the scissors in her hand and then touched her long locks of black and red hair. "This… this isn't me." She said, and she started to cut the long hair.
Weiss stood at Winter's Grave with a tear streaming down her eye, and next to where she was buried was the body of Neptune Vasillias. As she stood before her family… she didn't even know that Starla Schnee was watching over her, paying her respects. But also making sure that she was okay.
Yang also laid on a bed, getting a tattoo from Kassius. He copied the artwork that she wanted to have across her back – a beautiful Flaming Dragon which also formed into the same marking that Taiyang once had tattooed onto his arm. With golds and blacks in the colours, matching her colour scheme.
Blake also looked in the mirror, and she closed her eyes, exhaling calmly before she walked outside to speak to the White Fang as their new High Leader. Sun was beside her and so was Mazen Ursus and Kaa, who supported her new role as the leader of them. She felt a warm comfort of her neck, as the sun shined upon her. It felt like Kali and Ghira were smiling down upon them.
Jaune sat alone in his room, staring at Crocea Mors. He closed his eyes, and he pressed the sword down against the carpet as he sat there. The glyphs on the blade of his ancient sword glowed brighter, and he felt a message form in his mind. He saw before him…
… Claudia Arc.
One last message from Arkhonex, left behind for him. He saw her, and she looked so real as she looked at him with a kind smile. She blew out a calm and shaky breath. "Vyrryk… he showed me how to do this… I could even bestow my own memories into the sword, since he said I am also an Arc. So… hopefully this works." Claudia chuckled.
"My name is Claudia Arc… my husband… Vyrryk Arc. He gave his life to save us from Salem, and Ezekiel – his father. And if you are holding this sword and seeing this message, then you are the one that all this was for." Claudia explained as she looked directly at Jaune.
"Hello… I don't know you name or who you will be. But… I know that you will be good. That's what that woman – Jinn – told him. It was why he went to build the sword in the first place, he spoke to Jinn and she showed him the schematics of the sword. Practically burned it into his mind." Claudia explained. "But… of all the things… we never knew your name. So… I just wanted to leave this for you. I am so sorry – to lay a burden so heavy upon your shoulders. We all are, I cannot imagine how you must feel. To have that sword, knowing what it means. It's not a life I would ever wish upon a child… but I hope that you are not alone. That you have someone you love in your life… friends… a family who loves and supports you."
Jaune listened to her words, and it started to bring tears to his eyes.
"But I know – that you will be so good. You will do amazing things and… I know… in my heart… you will be everything I hope our future can be. What Vyrryk and I wanted so desperately to have back when we used to spend time together in those fields. What I would give to be with him in those fields of Arkhonex again…" Her voice cracked when she said that. It was clear that this was not long after Vyrryk gave her Crocea Mors and died fighting the Knights of Grimm and Salem with Constantine and Herakles.
"… I do not know how this story will end. But just know – that no matter what happens. The greatest thing that will ever grace our family – is you. And know… that I will always love you. Good Luck… and… if you get the chance. Kick that son of a bitch Vir Nominis Umbra right in the teeth for me, will you?" Claudia signed off with a smile.
Jaune chuckled, but he also cried, because she faded away before his eyes. And he knew, that would be the last of the memories of Claudia and Vyrryk he would ever be able to see.
And her last message, was to let him know that she loved him, despite never knowing him. He sat there and sobbed, holding the sword close.
Somehow… despite never meeting her in person… he became so connected to her and Vyrryk.
And now he felt like he had closure to their stories.
Ozpin
Ozpin stood in his Office, his hands behind his back.
Night had fallen on the Final Day.
This was it, the night before the Shivering Dominion would begin. His heart was hammering constantly, just watching the sky, waiting to see the Moon completely break apart before his eyes. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of his Elevator open behind him. And he smiled, knowing who it was – because he called them up here. He turned to see Team R.W.B.Y stood there, and Ruby with her new hair.
Ruby now rocked a beautiful side-swept pixie cut. No longer hiding her scars with her hair, and she felt like herself once again.
"My, my, Miss Rose." Ozpin said with a smile.
"Yeah, the girls like it. What do you think?" She asked.
"It looks good, reminds me of the old you." Ozpin said, crossing his arms. "But… a little new as well."
"Never took you for a fashionista." Yang commented, which made Ozpin chuckle.
"My word, Miss Xiao Long. I have lived for centuries; you think I haven't learned a couple things about fashion?" He joked, making them laugh.
"So… Professor… why did you call us up here?" She asked.
"Yes… I see we have done everything we can to prepare ourselves for the Oncoming Shadow. I hope it will buy us enough time." Ozpin said as he looked out the window again, watching the moon. "Which… is why I decided to reveal a little something to you."
"Oh gods… not more revelations." Blake groaned. "My head is hurting from all the ones we have already suffered."
"Oh… worry not. This is a fun one." Ozpin said. "Have you seen everyone down below in the Academy?"
"Yeah, seems a bit strange." Ruby agreed.
"Well – that's because I wanted to host a party. To let everyone have some fun… since all we can do now is wait. I felt a good way to keep everyone's spirits up… would be to have one hell of a party." Ozpin explained, their eyes widened with disbelief.
"A… party?" Weiss asked.
"I know, it seems frivolous doesn't it? But… considering what's coming? And all the hard work we have all been through? I think we all have earned a fun night." Ozpin explained, and Ruby held her arm.
"I… still kinda suck at dancing." She admitted.
"Well. I see some things really don't change, do they?" Ozpin chuckled. "But – I have something else for you. Come, follow me." He said. The team followed him towards one of the other rooms. "With what's coming, I wanted to provide you all with the necessary upgrades you need. I have already provided these to everyone else – but I wanted the four of you to see yours personally." He said.
He stepped aside and they gasped with awe.
They had brand new outfits to wear.
Ruby's was gorgeous, it was brighter than the one she was wearing at the moment. Where it was primarily black and the red was secondary, now it was the opposite, more red than black. Her clothes has some pieces of armour on them as well, especially down on her legs – perhaps to avoid her leg from being badly hurt again. The sleeves also had armoured vambraces as well. Her torso would be clad with a black shirt underneath, and a leather red and black jacket over it. But the area which made her heart flutter, was the white cape and hood that was with it – echoing her mother's.
Weiss' was beautiful as well. She noticed immediately the black and blue jacket – one that looked so similar to the one that Neptune used to wear. Which also had a Trident and the Schnee Snowflake merged together on the back, so then he would always be with her. Underneath was an ice blue shirt with beautiful icy snowflakes marked across it in places. She also no longer had the skirt, which was replaced with trousers which like Ruby had armour plating on them to keep her safe from the Grimm. And long slender heeled boots.
Blake's was gorgeous as well. Underneath she wore a black and purple body warmer. And over it, she had a brand-new cloak, one that was dark purple with an armoured shoulder pauldron on the right – just like her father's but one that fitted her better than his could since she was so small in comparison. She also had deep purple and golden tight trousers and long boots.
Yang looked at hers and she gasped, in love with the new look. She was given a dark orange crop top that showed her midriff. Over it she got to wear an awesome duster coat that had a fluffy collar. She also had thick trousers to wear as well, the same sort of colour as the beige duster, and had new biker gloves as well. Alongside Cowboy-Esq boots with spurs.
"Wow… these are amazing…" Ruby gasped, holding the white cloak and hood in her arms. Ozpin smiled as he looked at her. "Thank you."
"The honour was all mine, Miss Rose. Now go on, the party is waiting for all of you. Go have some fun." Ozpin said as they looked at each other. "You do have Party-Wear, right?"
"It's… probably got dust on it now." Ruby giggled.
"Well, we better go get changed." Weiss shrugged.
As the four of them ran to the Dorm Rooms, Ozpin walked outside and watched them leave with a smile.
Ruby
She arrived, wearing a gorgeous red dress, stumbling in her heels even now. "Ugh… stupid feet traps. How can Weiss and Blake wear these?" Ruby winced as she struggled. But as always – Yang was always here first. She heard her laughing, with Kassius stood beside her in a nice suit. "Why must you torture me this way?" Ruby pouted.
"I'm sorry, I just can't help but laugh. All these years, everything we've been through, and you still can't walk in Heels." Yang giggled.
"In my defence – they're crap." Ruby defended.
Kassius chuckled with his arm around Yang who leant against him. Yang wore a gorgeous golden dress, with the back open, showing off her beautiful new tattoo that Kassius did for her. He did a fantastic job with it too. Ruby's was a simple one, with the back zipped up and straps over her shoulders. But as they stood there, they turned to see Blake and Sun show up. Sun wore his Suit, though looked uncomfortable in it like always. But Blake wore a beautiful purple dress, where the sides were open, and it covered one of her legs. She walked elegantly in her heels.
Ruby's eyes widened. "HOW DO YOU DO IT?" She questioned, making Blake laugh immediately as she saw Ruby struggling in the heels. Pyrrha was here as well with Jaune, wearing her red dress and Jaune wearing his suit.
He was genuinely going to wear the dress again, but Pyrrha begged him not to.
Alongside Nora and Ren.
Hazel, Ozpin, Glynda, Qrow, Team C.F.V.Y, Cinder, Emerald, Penny and many more were here, dancing to the joyful music that played.
As they stood there, they turned, and their eyes widened. Because Weiss had just walked in. She looked so beautiful in her ice blue dress… but that was not what caught their eye. It was her new haircut, she had cut her hair down to only shoulder length, loosing the tail completely. One side of her hair was longer than the other, keeping her Asymmetrical Defiance… but her hair looked so gorgeous short.
However… all of them had the same mindset – and had to tease her.
"Whoa, what happened to your hair? Did a badger with a clipper get you?" Ruby teased.
"W-What?" Weiss stammered.
"What happened? By the gods?" Blake and Yang teased.
"What? No! Does it look bad?" Weiss worried, but then the three of them laughed.
"IT LOOKS AMAZING!" Ruby squeaked.
"Sorry, Ice Queen. We couldn't resist." Yang chuckled.
Weiss beamed a smile, blushing as she laughed. "You guys are the worst." She laughed. Then Ruby slid up beside Weiss and softly spoke.
"And besides – we'll be safe. The Grimm won't grab our long hair." She whispered, making Weiss giggle.
"I like you're thinking." Weiss agreed.
"Huh?" Blake and Yang looked at them.
"Oh nothing – we're just… vibing." Ruby said, smirking with Weiss. Then Ruby whispered. "Team best hair."
"Team best hair." Weiss replied, giving Ruby a High Five.
They all had fun together, enjoying the party whilst Hazel stood and watched them with a smile. Glynda then turned as Qrow slid past her and grabbed her hand.
"Whoa, what're you doing?" She yelped.
"Come on, loosen up a bit, Glynda! Let's have some fun for once!" Qrow said, which made Glynda laugh as they danced with the rhythm. Jaune held his hand to Pyrrha and she accepted him with a smile as they danced, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. She caressed his cheek where Salem's scars were left behind.
Nora and Ren danced together as well, as did Blake and Sun. Kassius and Yang as well, Kassius spun her around with a smile and leant her down. But Ruby and Weiss stood together, and Weiss looked down at the floor. She turned and walked away from her friend. "Weiss? You okay?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, just want some air." Weiss said with a smile as she walked outside. She left the room, and she pushed a streak of a tear aside with her wrist as she stood there. She sat down and sighed, looking down at the floor. She then heard footsteps approach.
"How are you feeling?" Oscar asked her with a concerned voice. She looked up at him as he kindly smiled. She sniffled.
"Y-Yeah… just…"
"I know…" Oscar assured; he didn't want her to actually have to say it. He knew the look, seen it more than enough times. "I'm sorry, Weiss. I truly am." He said to her and Weiss nodded her head.
"I'll go back in it's just… seeing everyone… with their boyfriends and girlfriends… I just." Weiss sighed as she touched her new short hair.
"I get it. And I'm sorry… I wish I could say it gets easier but… I don't know. I'm not you… but know that we're all here for you. No matter what happens." Oscar assured. Weiss nodded her head, and Oscar gently put his arm around her. He turned as the door opened, seeing Ozpin leave. He stopped and saw them sat there and he smiled and kept on walking.
Ruby was sat down inside as she saw everyone having a good time on the dance floor. She turned as the door opened and gasped. Weiss came back in, looking fresh and happy again. Then she saw Oscar, wearing his black suit with a green shirt inside. He looked right at her with an adoring smile. They both walked over to each other and Oscar stammered. "W-Wow… you look… so b-beautiful."
Ruby blushed, then she lifted her head. "Wanna dance?" He asked her.
"I… dunno. I'm not really a dancy kinda girl." Ruby softly said.
"Eh, I'm hardly a dancy dude either. But… wanna embarrass ourselves out there?" He asked curiously, holding his hand out with a smile. Ruby giggled.
"Oh screw it, why not?" She laughed, taking his hand and walking with him onto the dance floor. Weiss sat and watched them, turning when Penny approached her. And she held out her hand.
"Penny?" Weiss gasped.
"I… never have really danced before. I mean… I used to just copy animations I found on the internet. But… I wanna try for real. Wanna join me?" Penny asked. Weiss knew exactly what Penny meant there; she knew that Penny could still download a dance routine thanks to her Human-Android Body… she wanted Weiss to be happy. Weiss smiled and accepted her hand and they both walked out onto the dance floor together.
Everyone had partners and danced together. Jaune and Pyrrha held each other close as they danced, and Kassius pulled Yang in for a kiss. Yang looped her arms around him as she melted into his embrace, smiling lovingly at him. Ren spun Nora around and he laughed as she stumbled and giggled. Blake and Sun also rocked it on the dance floor, and to their surprise, so did Glynda and Qrow.
Team C.F.V.Y were also rocking it together as well, whilst Cinder and Emerald stayed back. Simply because neither could dance and didn't really wanna risk making fools of themselves. Hazel too watched with a smile as they all enjoyed themselves. Neo was here as well, in a really pretty dress she borrowed from Weiss, watching everyone having fun together. But also, she started making people really good cocktails too.
As they danced, Oscar and Ruby drew closer together, and shared a long passionate kiss. Gazing into each other's eyes, pressing their heads together.
After everything they had been through?
This party was the best thing they could have asked for.
Ozpin
Outside, he could hear the music booming through the walls.
He stared up at the Fractured Moon… any second now… it would be completely broken apart. But as he watched the moon, he saw a Nevermore soar across the ground, and descend nearby. He watched as he approached, and it was the Knight of Death. His eyes glowed bright red from within his helmet as he approached. Ozpin stared at him and he exhaled through his nose and tapped his fingers on the top of his cane.
"The end is near…" Death told him as he stood in the darkness.
"It is… one way or another… this long journey will come to an end in the coming days." Ozpin answered.
"And despite all of this… you throw a party for them all? Even though you know… that most of the people in there… will die?" Death asked him and Ozpin sighed.
"Yes." Ozpin said.
"Why? What is the point?" Death questioned and he continued to watch the moon, waiting.
"Because tonight may be the last bit of happiness they have left. I want them to have that… before the end." Ozpin admitted. Death stared at him and then up at the Moon.
"Then I pray… for all our sakes… that you win." Death stated, walking away and transforming back into his Nevermore form, flying off.
Ozpin did not even watch him leave, he just continued to watch the moon. His eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat, feeling a lump of fear in his throat.
He watched… as the final chunks of the moon started to break away from each other. And the entire Moon, at long last, was completely shattered.
All the stars had vanished away well, all bar their own. The sky was just pitch black.
He knew… that tomorrow morning…
… it would start.
Vir Nominis Umbra
In flash of fire, the Charred Forest echoed Beacon Academy, showing a burning, decimated version of their universe. The ground was rippling with Grimm, and the howls of the tormented souls echoed, screeching in endless agony.
The clouds darkened with an unnatural smoke, red lightning crackled, and thunder clapped violently above Beacon Tower.
Stood beneath it were the Knights of Grimm and the Higher Demons.
And in the smoke… the lightning revealed him.
Vir Nominis Umbra, in his true form – the False God. The lightning flashed faster and harder, lightning the sky up in a blood red glow. And Vir Nominis Umbra's eyes and teeth glowed bright red as well as a sadistically cruel and evil grin formed across his face.
The Oncoming Shadow roared monstrously, endless roars and howls from more Grimm than could ever be imagined.
This is it.
… the Shivering Dominion has begun…
To be Continued…
In Act 5: The Oncoming Shadow
Author Note - At long last, Act 4 is completed. Damn this was a long one XD But... Act is now in sight... and I am so excited, I have been waiting for this Act for so bloody long. It's such an amazing and epic act. I cannot wait to show you guys what is gonna happen in this story.
But, there shall be a bit of a wait. I am going to wait until Volume 8 is finished to start it, this way it gives me time to plot it out, do some commissions and get the cover done. Alongside getting my Professional Author Career started! If you guys are interested in my writing and wanna see my more original pieces then definitely join my Discord. I will be showing stuff about them there when the time comes. Can use the link on my Profile Page :)
This was one hell of an Act, loved it. All the Worldbuilding, the twists and turns, the sad deaths, the Villains and Heroes, character development. And the constant building fear of the Shivering Dominion being only two weeks away, and the story being set in those weeks. And now... they are out of time.
I love the new designs for Team R.W.B.Y, and I have some for the others too! Ruby's new hair is really nice, I wanted her to go back to Short. Felt it would be kinda nice to have her go full circle in a sense, back to who she used to be. And Weiss having short hair! I have always loved the fan art of short hair Weiss, she is so pretty.
Really liked having the little party at the end, and that final part? Umbra in the sky? God I find it so terrifying, knowing he is about to unleash Judgement Day upon Remnant.
It is about to be insane, I can promise you that.
Only two Acts left... and these are... basically Knights of Grimm's equivelant to Infinity War and Endgame, originally were one Act but I wanted to split them.
So stoked to show you all the Final Arc of Knights of Grimm.
How is it gonna end? I guess we shall see!
Thank you to everyone who followed this story to this point! What have you thought of this Act? What are your Overall Opinions of Act 4, and what do you think of the story so far? Please let me know in the reviews!
Stay tuned for Act 5 - The Oncoming Shadow
- Matt
