Time to get back in the game with volume 8 of The Daemon Eater's Rose. Let's see how Velvet and her friends can handle Salem at their doorstep, and her Grimm army at her back. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 115. Enjoy.
Chapter 115: A Dark Storm
Within the Whale Grimm that floats in the skies beyond Atlas and Mantle, amidst the dark clouds and the swarms of Grimm that fly with it, Salem sits upon her throne. Soon enough, she has some guests; those guests being Emerald, Neo, and Innominat. Emerald bows to the Grimm queen, if for no other reason than to ensure that Salem doesn't kill her right then and there.
"Emerald Sustrai. I find it curious that you did not return with Hazel and Mercury after Cinder disobeyed my orders... and paid the ultimate price for it. Because of her selfishness, we lost the Relic of knowledge, and the power of the Fall Maiden. So tell me why I shouldn't kill you right here and now for disobeying me?" Salem stands and faces them.
Emerald presents the lamp, "The Relic of Knowledge is yours... my queen. Thanks to Neopolitan here, we were able to sneak into Atlas and steal it from Ironwood. I also know that the power of the Winter Maiden has been passed on to the robot from the Vytal Festival, Penny Polendina. She was rebuilt and made stronger now,"
Salem is pleasantly surprised to see that Emerald succeeded where Cinder failed. She takes the relic from Emerald.
She then looks at Neo, "This Neopolitan has proven useful then?"
"Yes. She has abilities that will be quite useful to you, mam," Emerald remains kneeling.
Salem smirks as she looks at the lamp, "Then it seems you have earned yourself some mercy, Emerald. Because of this, I'm not going to kill you. However, I do notice something... different about you. The energy you emit is different from before," Salem turns to Innominat. "Can I assume you had a hand in this, Innominat?"
Innominat nods, "I gave Emerald here a little... power boost, so to speak. A fragment of my power, so she doesn't die as easily as Cinder did. The current Fall Maiden, Velvet Crowe, has grown stronger with her powers. We must grow stronger as well if we are to succeed,"
"If it please you, mam, allow me to go back to Atlas and finish what I started. If I can take down the Maiden, they won't be able to use their powers-," Emerald stops when Salem raises a hand.
"I gave no such order. Do not be so quick to make the same mistake that Cinder did by putting her own desires ahead of my own," Salem moves and places her hand on her thrown, communicating with the Whale Grimm as it conjures up an image of Atlas before them. "This isn't your game to win, Emerald. It's mine. You only need to act when I tell you to. Now then, leave me. Innominat, I wish to speak with you a while longer,"Emerald begrudgingly leaves with Neo, while Innominat stays when Salem stares back him. "Now then, I believe we have a few things to discuss."
...
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Mantle beneath Atlas, another lone airship flies close to the ground. Inside, Velvet, Ruby, and Weiss, with Maria Calavera piloting it, look through the windows, hoping to spot what they're looking for.
"You sure he's around here somewhere? I still don't see how he could've ened up all the way down here," Velvet asks.
"He's here. We just have to find-wait, there he is. Down there!" Ruby points out the window to below them in the slums.
The airship pulls around and then comes to a stop. They open the side door, finding none other than Oscar Pine amongst the slums, alive. He is seen holding his cane, believing them to be Atlas soldiers, but is put at ease to find his friends instead.
Ruby waves to him, "Need a lift? We've got an all expense paid trip back to Mantle for you!"
Oscar sighs with relief that it was his friends that found him. Boarding the airship, the group return to Mantle. As they fly over the city, they see Sabres moving through the large opening in the wall, with a swarm of flying Grimm seen not too far from the city. However, they also notice how the Grimm, like the army behind them, have not yet attacked the city. It's only stragglers from the battle before that are still entering the city.
"I was stupid to think that I could convince the General to change his course. Every choice I've made was the wrong one," Oscar grips his hands in frustration.
"Hey, you did what you thought was right. There's nothing wrong with that in itself. Plus, it's not your fault that Ironwood has completely lost his mind. It was his choice to abandon Mantle, his choice to try and have us arrested. This is all on him, not you," Velvet says.
"But... Now things are... like this," Oscar looks solemnly out the window, seeing civilians still trapped in Mantle, either trying to stay warm or trying to stay safe from the Grimm stalking the streets.
Popping out from one of the alleyways below is Joana, one of Robyn's happy huntresses, who waves her arms to get their attention
Maria notices her, "Yeah, yeah, I see you," she controls the airship and brings it down for a landing near Joana's spot.
Once they're on the ground, the group quickly move to get off the streets before they're spotted by Atlas drones.
"Inside, hurry," Joana ushers them in one building.
They race inside, and Joana takes out her staff, firing off a shot to take out a nearby Atlas drone before it spots them and then joins the others inside. Joana leads them inside, and they walk into a room where they find another huntress, May, communicating with someone.
"...I know. Sector 3 is going to need the most help. I'm sending backup your way there right now. Fionna, do you copy. We need reinforcements sent to Sector 3 in the crater," May talks as they walk by.
They enter another room, finding the rest of the group watching the news on the Grimm army outside the kingdom, and seeing all their faces shown as wanted fugitives. They turn when they notice the group coming in, and Nora smiles as she approaches Oscar. Instead of a tackle, like Oscar was afraid would happen, Nora gives him a gentle embrace, happy that he's okay.
"When we heard that you'd gone off to face Ironwood by yourself, we..." Blake trails off as the others look despondent.
Weiss steps up as Nora releases Oscar, "How did you end up all the way down in the slums? Last we heard, you were still in the academy,"
"That's... a long story. I have a feeling I'm not the only one with one of those tonight," Oscar replies as they all look at Penny, who appears beyond conflicted now that she's the new Winter Maiden.
"You're not going to tell them?" Ozpin asks Oscar.
Oscar glances away, "You and I still have a lot to talk about," Oscar then looks around and notices they're one man short. "Where's... Qrow?"
Everyone looks sad at the mentioning of Qrow, "We don't know. The last we heard, he was with Robyn... and Clover, after they had captured Tyrian. Clover is the leader of the Ace Ops. I'm not saying he could've beaten Qrow, but you add Tyrian into that mix, and it doesn't look good," Velvet explains.
"We just have to hope that Qrow and Robyn are okay. They're strong, remember," Blake tries to ease their worries.
Just then, Joana walks into the room, "Alright, now that your friend is back, you guys ready to put your own weight into this operation?" the group doesn't appear to be, so Joana sighs, "The largest Grimm horde in history is right outside those walls. We have a city full of people with no heat, and from what you told us, no more military protection. While we're willing to give you guys a place to lie low for a while, those people need help now."
"But... how will we do that? We have no more military support, and Salem's forces won't just let us take them out of the city without giving us any trouble," Ren asks.
"The crater beneath Atlas. The crater isn't exactly safe, but it'll keep them warm. And if everyone is in one place, then we'll have a better job of protecting them. There are also some old Dust mines there that we can use for shelter. The airborne Grimm won't get to them as easily there. May will send you where you'll be the most useful. If we can get everyone into the slums in the crater by night fall, we might have a chance," Joana explains and then goes to leave.
Weiss sighs, "We're never going to sleep again. I just know it,"
"Either you're helping, or you're baggage," Joana leaves the room.
Yang hops off a table and stands in front of everyone, "We need to do what we can for Mantle,"
"We need to do what we can for everyone. What about Amity? Telling the world about Salem? We can't do this alone. We need help," Ruby asks.
"We can't stop the Grimm horde by ourselves, especially since Salem is leading them personally this time. We need to try and get some backup here. It's still worth a shot," Velvet adds.
Yang shakes her head, "But, you heard the General. The tower was never finished. How could we even get a signal out?"
Ruby turns to Pietro," Dr. Pietro, what would you need to launch Amity now?"
"Well, thanks to all of you when you showed up, we've made steady progress on construction and fuel collection. All within manageable levels. However, the tower was designed so that it would only launch after receiving clearance from General Ironwood's security terminal. It won't work any other way," Pietro explains.
"Ruby, Ironwood will never help us. You saw what he's like now," Yang argues.
"We all know that Yang, but from what Pietro just said, we don't actually need him to help. We just need to gain access to his terminal," Velvet says.
"You want to go back to Atlas Academy? No way will we be able to get anywhere near there without being spotted," Yang says.
"Actually, we don't need to go to the academy. There are two terminals that Ironwood uses: one in his office and one in the main Atlas military compound; located at the base of the city. There are still military personnel there, but I suspect they won't be expecting anyone to sneak in there, which means they're guard will be down. We just need to get inside the compound and then get into the operations room, and then... woo-boy, I may need to think about this a bit more," Pietro scratches his head.
"So, let me just clarify; this is the easy option?" Oscar asks.
"Basically, it can't be done. It's pointless. And even if you did get the message out, we don't know if help will even come," Yang argues.
However, Weiss has a different opinion, "I actually agree with Ruby. I don't believe it's pointless. Besides, Atlas is still my home, Yang. I can't just... give it up without trying," her words shock Yang that she would agree with the idea. Weiss glances away, "Beacon was like the home I never had that I always wanted. It's where I met Ruby, Blake... and you. But Beacon was lost, to all of us. We never had a chance, and I refuse to not at least try to make sure the rest of the world has that chance. So they can prepare. And even if the chances are slim to none, I have to believe that help will come,"
"Weiss, you can't be serious. That is a bad idea, and you know it," Yang argues.
Ruby steps in between them, "Guys, please, that's enough,"
Ren steps forth, "Look, right now, there are people here in Mantle who need our help. That's something we can actually do,"
"But this isn't just about Atlas or Mantle. Ruby and Weiss is right, this is about all of Remnant. They need to know what's coming. You think Salem's going to stop with Atlas? No, Atlas is just what she's focusing on right now. But after Atlas, she'll move on to the rest of the world. If we can get the word out while she's still focused here, they'll have time to get ready for the fight, maybe even finally work together like they're supposed to. It may not be realistic, but it's a chance we have to take. I refuse to have come all this way, from another world need I remind you, to simply sit by and let this one be destroyed," Velvet adds.
"Okay, then let's go for both," Jaune gets between all of them. "We can get the tower up, and save Mantle together."
"But, that's what Salem wants. To divide us. We have to stick together," Ruby pleads.
"No," Oscar gets their attention. "Salem's true goal has always been to turn us against each other. Just like this. The moment we start fighting amongst ourselves is the moment we give Salem exactly what she wants. Jaune's got the right idea. We can work separately and still be united,"
"Or maybe..." Penny speaks up. "I'll take the relic to Salem, and maybe she'll call off her attack on the kingdom,"
"I'm sorry, Penny, but I highly doubt we can trust Salem to do that. She wants to watch humanity crumble at her feet. Besides, the staff is the only thing keeping Atlas afloat, and it can only be used for one purpose at a time. The moment she uses the staff for anything else is the moment she drops Atlas right on top of Mantle and kills everyone in both cities. We can't allow that to happen," Velvet says.
"Velvet's right. We're not turning you over to her or to anybody else. I think we can at least agree on that point.," Yang agrees.
"Okay, then we'll split off. While you guys help with Mantle, we'll go to Atlas. Dr. Pietro, can you get us to that terminal?" Ruby asks Pietro.
"Well, I suppose... you'll need someone to help you bypass security-," Pietro begins.
"I'll go," but Penny stops her father.
"Penny, we can't risk-," Pietro begins.
Penny turns around, "I'll go," her powers flare, stopping him.
The group are spooked by her flaring her new powers, but she calms down and they dissipate. Velvet walks uo to her and takes her hand in hers.
"Well, we're with you all the way. Just remember, you are not alone in this," Velvet says.
Yang looks at Weiss, "Weiss?"
"I'm going with Ruby and Velvet," Weiss decides.
"But, you can't be serious! You're one of the smartest people I know. Do you really think this is a good idea?" Yang argues.
"Yes, because I believe in Ruby and Velvet. Besides, I know Atlas better than the rest of you. I know how we can get in without being detected. It's the 'smart' choice for me to go to make sure things go more smoothly. I know you're worried about me, Yang, and I'm grateful, but this is about more than just the people in this room or in this city," Weiss retorts against her girlfriend.
Yang glances away, slightly angry that her girlfriend would want to do something that she believes is useless.
"Fine, you do whatever you want. I'm going to do what I know I actually can do," Yang spitefully leaves, leaving Weiss looking disheartened by her response.
"Yang," Pietro gets her attention, and tosses her a pair of keys. "Stop by the pharmacy. I was developing some new tools for you all before... this all happened. They should give you an edge,"
"Nora?" Ren asks.
"I'm going with Ruby and the others," Nora says.
"But... what about Mantle?" Ren asks.
"Oh, I'm saving Mantle, because I still believe we can actually do this," Nora retorts.
Velvet sighs but nods, "Then we'd better get going then. The sooner we get this done, the better,"
…
Down in Mantle, Yang's group sneak down one alleyway as they make their way towards the pharmacy. However, they notice some Atlas robots patrolling the area, and stay hidden behind a building. During this time, Ren is worried about Nora's choice to go to Atlas rather than helping down in Mantle. Meanwhile, Ruby and Velvet's group are on one rooftop as they eye Atlas. They take cover as one Atlas airship flies by before refocusing on their goal. Blake notices the conflicted look on Ruby's face and tries to comfort her friend.
"Hey, it's going to be okay. We're still united," Blake says.
"I hope so," Ruby replies.
Just then, Maria calls on their comms, "I can get Pietro out to Amity to prepare, but that doesn't answer how we're going to get all of you to Atlas,"
"As I said before, I have an idea on how to get-," Weiss begins until they hear some beeping nearby.
They look around until they eye Penny as she takes out her scroll. She cautiously looks at it, showing that General Ironwood is on the other line. Penny is hesitant at first, but she eventually answers the call.
"...Hello Penny. I'm worried for your safety. Tell me where you are and I'll have you picked up right away," Ironwood asks, but his voice doesn't sound like someone who's worried for her safety. "Atlas needs you Penny. Salem is here,"
Penny is worried, but Ruby gives her a supportive hand on the shoulder and takes her scroll.
"She's not going anywhere until you change your mind about Mantle. There's still a chance for Remnant to-," Ruby begins.
"-Mantle? You're still worried about Mantle? Remnant is doomed, Ruby. Unless we leave, Salem's forces will destroy Remnant, and with it, any hope Remnant has left! If her forces break through our defenses, then everything that follows will be on you," Ironwood's words scare Penny.
Velvet's had enough of his crap and takes the scroll, "Of course you would blame others for your own flaws,"
"Velvet. What flaws are you talking about?" Ironwood demands.
"I'm talking about how you let your paranoia get in the way of doing what's right. You say you want to protect the people, but your only protecting Atlas, and in reality, yourself. Because you're afraid. How can you just abandon the people you swore an oath to protect? Because things got too hard for you? It is precisely in times like these that the people look to us for hope. You talked about bringing that hope back to Remnant, but your not giving the people hope. You're just taking it away from them," Velvet reprimands him.
"You think you can talk about my choices? What gives you the right? You're not even from Remnant, Velvet. What makes you think you can decide? What's more, you're the Fall Maiden. You should be helping me to protect Atlas, but instead you're wasting your time on a lost cause. Why can't you see that I'm doing what's best for everyone?" Ironwood argues.
"What's best for everyone? Or what's best for you?" Velvet retorts and hangs up the call.
Penny is scared by Ironwood's words, but Ruby tries to comfort her with a warm embrace.
"Do you... do think the General is right about what he said?" Penny asks them.
Velvet takes Penny's hands in her own, "No, the General is scared, just like we are. But, unlike us, he's incapable of admitting it, or admitting when he's wrong. Listen Penny, you ARE the Winter Maiden now. That power comes with a great responsibility. But... it doesn't change the fact that you're still Penny. You're still our friend. And you always wanted to help people, even before you got this power. Ironwood would only use that power, and mine, to protect Atlas, and ultimately, himself. But, these powers were made to protect everyone, not just a few. And that includes Mantle. Just remember, you define this power, not the other way around. And no matter what, you're not alone in this. You are never alone," Velvet comforts her, making Penny smile a little. Velvet looks back at Atlas. "Now, let's go save everyone."
And that's the chapter. Velvet and the gang become divided on what to do, with even Yang and Weiss having a disagreement. Meanwhile, Salem and Innominat plan their next move, and Velvet helps Penny come to grips with being a Maiden. Will Velvet and her friends save both Atlas and Mantle? Will they stop both Ironwood and Salem? Until then, please Read and Review.
