Chapter 50

The roar of the crowd welcomed James as he took his place beside Ozpin.

"We congratulate Penny Polendina for her success in this year's Vytal Festival Tournament." Ozpin's voice rang out through the stadium. His speech was something he had done before. All headmasters had.

"The Vytal Festival and its Tournament are a celebration of the peace and prosperity we have all been granted thanks to the hard work of those who came… came… Vytal..." Ozpin's voice hitched and began to slur. James looked to his old friend with concern.

The crowd shouted in surprise and horror. That was when Ozpin turned to look at him. James jumped in fright as his blood went cold. Ozpin's eyes and skin had changed, becoming a sheet of pure white with a pair of crimson orbs set on a field of black. Distantly James recognised the symptoms.

A Chill had taken Ozpin. Before James could stop to consider how it had occurred Ozpin lunged at him. The grey-haired man's hands hard warped into claws. James' body acted instinctively. Due Process was drawn within a second and the trigger pulled. Ozpin's head snapped back as the bullet pierced his skull.

And then the illusion disappeared. He was left standing there, gun in hand as Ozpin fell to the floor. The man hadn't moved at all. He had been normal. Someone had manipulated James into killing his own friend.

His mind crashed to a halt as it tried to process what had happened.

And then the shooting started.

James Ironwood snapped awake. He rubbed his eyes and sighed. He was seated in a truck, slowly trundling through the wastes. Another nightmare of that day…

The day he had been manipulated. The day he allowed himself to be controlled. The day he killed Ozpin. And then Beacon fell. It had all been his fault.

Checking the time he sighed once more. Forty minutes. That's all I got huh? He stretched himself out and then settled in. They should be arriving soon.

Let's see how good these kids are.

Ruby landed in the soft snow. Standing up and surveying the area around her she saw old mining equipment as well as Ilia, Harriet and Marrow landing. She wasn't sure what landing strategy the latter two had, but Ilia had used the nearby pipes to swing off of. Ruby could vaguely remember a comic about someone swinging around, though she was pretty sure they didn't use a whip.

Harriet raised a hand to her ear. "This is Beta, we've landed without issue."

"Copy that Beta." Clover's voice came over their earpieces. "Alpha has landed as well. Delta how's it going?"

"We have landed as well." Vine answered.

"Good. All teams head into the mine and find that Geist."

"You heard the man." Harriet said with a grin and marched off ahead of them. Ruby rolled her eyes but followed, Ilia at her side.

"Oh…" Ilia whispered to herself as she glanced around.

"Ilia? What's up?" Ruby asked.

"Huh? Oh um. It's just… I know this mine…" the girl seemed sad as she spoke. Ruby glanced around. It looked like any old mine. SDC gear was strewn about, forgotten in the people's rush to escape the collapsing tunnel.

"You do? You okay?"

"I… I will be." She closed her eyes, quietly counted to ten. When she opened her eyes she seemed resolute once again.

"Got it."

"Hey, you two!" Marrow called out from ahead. "We'll need to bust down this blockage but we need somebody to check the other side for Dust. I'm too big and we need somebody who can see in the dark…"

Ilia nodded and pulled her new mask on. "I got it. I'll handle it." She rushed forward, her skin and suit shifting in colour to blend in with the stone. Ruby lost track of the girl almost immediately.

She's good. Ruby admired. It was completely different from how Blake had been when she was stealthy. Blake needed to leave your line of sight but Ilia could do it while you blinked. Such was the power of a chameleon Faunus with the right training. I'm glad she's on our side now.

"The other side is clear. No Dust or Grimm." Ilia reported.

"Copy that." Harriet grinned. "Might want to get back!" A few moments later Harriet deployed her exo-arms and smashed the rubble apart. Ilia was nowhere to be seen, at least at first. She appeared next to a wall a moment after the rubble wall came down, unleashing sunlight into the first chamber.

The sun seemed to rouse their target, however, as the Geist they were hunting flew up from some of the discarded rocks and flew down a tunnel. They immediately gave chase.

"This is Beta! We have located the target! Pursuing now!" Marrow called into his mic.

They rounded a corner into a tighter tunnel. The Geist flew up into and through the ceiling above them. A moment later a dozen or so Centinels burst from the walls and floor.

"Tch." Ruby clicked her tongue in annoyance before she jumped to the front of the group. Ember Emortus clicked as it deployed the Dust Thrower with Burn locked in. She took a deep breath and then pulled on her Semblance. Ruby's form shifted as she partially transformed into a cloud of petals.

The others watched on as she flung herself into a spin and flew through the tunnel, unleashing flames as she went. She was like a flaming tornado, incinerating many of the Centinels. Ruby hit the ground on the other side and looked back. The majority of the Grimm had been killed, with only a few left.

Those few didn't stand a chance.

Ilia lashed out with her whip, killing two more Centinels as they flailed about on fire. Two more twisted together and rushed for the Faunus girl, only for Marrow to shout "Stay!", causing them to freeze in midair. Harriet rushed forward, grabbed the pair and brought them down the ground before crushing their heads with her fists.

All in all, it took them barely any time at all to slay the Grimm.

"Good job kids." Harriet sent Ruby a smug grin. "Though remember that Dust is expensive. Try not to be conservative." The woman marched ahead, reporting the Geists escape to Clover.

Ruby rolled her eyes and followed the Ace-Op further into the mine.

"Copy that Beta. Keep looking." Clover replied into his mic.

Qrow looked around the tunnel they'd briefly stopped in. Ice. Stone. Ice. Ice. Stone. More ice. He thought with a bored tone. Tai gave him a knowing look but didn't say anything. The trio had been assigned together. Qrow wasn't fully sure why, but Clover had said something about testing the kids away from the adults.

It didn't fully sit right with him though. I already failed at the farm and in Argus. I need to do better. But there wasn't much he could do. He'd have to trust them.

They set off again with barely a word spoken. It was growing a little awkward so Qrow decided to break the silence. "You know I don't usually team up with people anymore."

"Oh?" Clover replied. "You had a team before right? Both of you together?"

"Yeah." Tai answered. "But I settled down and the team broke up. Qrow's the only one that stayed a fully active Huntsman."

"It's better that way." Qrow said. "Better for everyone if I work alone. I just cause misfortune."

Clover let out a low laugh. "Really? A little bad luck does that huh?"

"It is my Semblance." Qrow shrugged. "Can't help but bring misfortune onto anyone around me."

Clover hummed and made to say something, however before he could speak a ghostly Grimm flew from a wall into a pile of ice and rubble. The trio deployed their weapons immediately as an ice and stone Gigas formed in front of them.

Clover jumped right into action, flinging his fishing hook forward to try and snare the Grimm's mask. It battered the item away with ease, causing it to catch on a nearby pipe. When Clover ripped it free the wall itself began to weaken and-

"Look out!" Qrow yelled. Clover glanced up and jumped back as the wall collapsed, breaking open the floor and sending the Gigas down to another tunnel.

The leader of the Ace-Ops looked back with a smirk. "Thanks."

"Like I said. Misfortune."

Clover hummed again. "I guess so. Luckily you got me." When Qrow sent him a confused look he just laughed. "My Semblance is good fortune." He said before jumping down the hole.

"Well well well." Tai said, catching up with his own smirk on display. "Looks like we finally found you the perfect partner. Your Semblances can cancel each other out. Or at least counter each other. Looks like you do get lucky sometimes."

"Shut it, Tai." Qrow groaned and jumped down, trying to escape his old friend's laughter. Although he had to admit that working alongside Clover would be a good idea.

No more bad luck causing people to get hurt or missions to go wrong.

They quickly came upon a large open space, full of old mining equipment and tons of Dust. Pyrrha looked around, a little awe filling her body. She'd never seen a Dust mine before and despite this one's age, it was quite the sight.

It didn't take long for the three groups to congregate here. Nobody seemed to have had any trouble at all. Of course, that was against Centinels. They weren't the strongest Grimm around, not even that high on the list really.

As they arrived and greeted each other the room shook and from above dropped the Gigas. A mass of stone, ice and now Dust. It was a monster that could kill them all if they weren't careful. Before she could react the Ace-Ops flew into action.

It didn't take them long to deal with the Grimm. Their teamwork was impeccable and Clover's leadership was perfect. Or so it seemed. Pyrrha had a feeling something was off about it though. Scanning the five specialists as they worked she came to a conclusion.

The Ace-Ops relied on their leader. He was the glue that held their team together. Nothing wrong with that I guess. I just can't help but feel like this team is patched together.

She sighed and got to work channelling her magic to assist them. Wind whipped up around the room, catching any of the Dust crystals that flew off of the Grimm's body and gently guided them back to rest behind her.

Soon enough Clover pulled the Geist from its shell and Harriet crushed its head with a powerful fist and the battle was over.

Everyone gathered together to secure the Dust.

Clover smiled at them all. "Nice work kids. Especially you, Nikos. That wind was a good call. Keep working like that and you'll all do well." He then waved them all on towards the exit.

Ruby raised a hand to block the sunlight as they exited the mine. Already trucks were driving in and unloading gear while Amity Colosseum itself floated overhead. Clover went off ahead to talk to Ironwood, who was talking with a few officers.

The cold air was refreshing after the battle that had taken place. Of course, it hadn't been a tough one, what with the Ace-Ops dealing with the big threat of the Geist and the end. Really they hadn't needed any help.

They must have been testing us. See how good we are. But then why do the Gigas themselves? Why not get us to do it? Probably too important. Which meant they may not be as trusting as they acted.

JNPR and the remaining Ace-Ops traded jokes but Ruby left them to it and moved ahead of them. She was most of the way to the general when he called out for the team leaders.

Jaune hurried to catch up. Qrow and Tai followed soon after.

"You all did well today." Ironwood started another strained smile on his face. He still looked exhausted. "You've blown all of my expectations out of the water. However, while we were out here…" He sighed and produced his scroll. A projection of his screen appeared in front of them. A report on a murder it looked like.

"That's… the guy who was with us when we were arrested." Jaune said, his eyes displayed sorrow.

"I'm sending the Ace-Ops to investigate a series of murders in Mantle. The only common thread we've found so far is that they all… disagree with me. Many actively protest against me."

"Which makes you look like the perpetrator." Qrow finished for him.

"Exactly." Ironwood said, returning his scroll to his pocket.

"Well if you treated Mantle better then maybe they'd believe you when you say you didn't do it." Jaune said, his tone harsh. Harsher than expected judging by his guilty look.

Ironwood sighed. "No, you're right. However, I have to do whatever I can to protect this kingdom, even if people don't like me. No matter. We'll get to the bottom of this and stop it."

Ruby folded her arms. "Well, I-" She was cut off by an incoming call.

"What?" Ironwood asked, picking it up on his scroll. "Ugh. Okay. Fine. Let him land." He sighed and rubbed his face. "Things just got… annoying." He grumbled.

A ship came in moments later, flying the flag of the SDC, and landed at a nearby pad.

Jacques Schnee himself exited, immediately jumping into a rant. "What the hell are you thinking James! Taking over one of my mines! When the Council hears about this-"

"Actually," Ironwood interrupted. "The Council already knows and as this is a military operation they don't need to approve it."

Jacques fumed. "For now maybe." He growled.

"Well if you manage to get onto the Council we can talk about it more. But until then this is no place for a civilian. I let you land here as a courtesy but that won't be given a second time."

"Fine. But mark my words, James. This will come back to bite you." Jacques sneered at them all before hurrying back onto his ship and leaving.

Ironwood sighed. "As irritating as ever." He mumbled to himself. A truck soon pulled up with Winter hopping out.

"You missed the fun." Ruby said with a shrug. Winter made to respond but was almost knocked over as Penny landed with force.

"Congratulations!" She shouted with a large grin. "Huh? Oh had we not started yet?"

"Not quite." Winter said through gritted teeth.

Ironwood chuckled. "Teams. We're heading up to Amity. There's a… surprise waiting."

Huntsman License

Name: Ruby Rose

School: Atlas Academy

Team: RWBY(?)

Ruby couldn't quite believe her eyes. In her hands was what she had wanted for most of her life. A license that would allow her to act as a Huntress. It was everything she wanted.

But it felt… hallow. Probably because of the question mark next to her team. She looked to Winter for an explanation.

"Well, we weren't sure what you would want. You can keep team RWBY or form a new team."

"A new team?" Ruby muttered to herself. Winter must have heard because she nodded and continued.

"Yes. With Qrow, Taiyang, Oscar or Ilia. We have some students who lost members at Beacon that may also be able to form into a team if you wanted."

"Ilia and Oscar? But they didn't get licenses right?"

"Not full ones. They were given Provisional Licenses. That means they are allowed to operate as a Huntsman alongside certified ones like you all. It's a step up from a Student License like you had before."

"Right…" Ruby looked down once more at the team name. "For now I'll leave it."

"Understood. Well then let us bring out the cake."

The General had already left to continue organising everything. Ruby forwent the cake and sat down. Amity was a lot like she remembered. Just with less blood, bodies and the roof was covered now.

There was a time I wished to fight in this place. To battle other students and rise to the top. To show dad and mom and Yang that I could handle myself. That feels so long ago…

She sighed and watched on as the others enjoyed plenty of cake. Ruby wasn't really feeling it. Jaune, Tai and Ilia all looked over sometimes to see how she was doing. She'd just wave them off. Qrow eventually came to sit beside her.

"How you doing kid?"

"I'm trying to decide if I made the right choice. Working with Ironwood. Not trusting him with the truth."

He hummed and went quiet for a minute or two. When he finally spoke it was measured and consoling. "Well, I can't fault you for either. Ironwood's definitely acting off. He's making it easy for people to hate him. I don't exactly recall seeing any police down in Mantle. The military was doing everything. That said, he's still our ally. Telling the world about Salem will help everyone prepare."

"But it'll make it easier for her to recruit allies. It'll make it harder to inspire others to become Huntsmen." Ruby countered.

"True. But how many will take up arms knowing that there is something out there that, if defeated, will basically save the world? You think Vacuo will sit on their asses, scared? Hell no. They'll rise to the occasion as will plenty everywhere. Maybe Salem will grow stronger, but we will too. Plus there are plenty who might have ideas we never could. They say that two heads are better than one, so why not a thousand?"

"Because it's hard to get enough to agree so that something happens?"

"Ha! Probably. But they'll have a common enemy. I'm sure we can wrangle them into working together."

He sounded confident about that. Ruby sighed again. "Even with all of Humanity at our back would we be able to win? What would be 'winning' anyway? How do we win? Did mom know? She did go after Salem…"

"Maybe she did. Maybe she didn't. She didn't tell anyone else, that was for sure."

"Was her mission an Ozpin secret too?"

"There were a lot of those back in the day, but no. This was a Summer secret. Whether she went after Salem or just ran into her on her secret mission is hard to tell though."

"Yeah… do you… do you know why she went alone?"

Qrow thought for a moment. "I don't know if she did go alone, to be honest. She could have found some friends to help out. Plenty have gone missing over the years. But I know why she did it."

"You do?"

"It's not hard to figure out. She did it so you wouldn't have to. Summer was never the kind of girl to let others fight her battles. She'd never have left something to you or Yang. To be honest I suspect she wouldn't have wanted you to be a Huntress. Not that she wouldn't have supported you of course."

"R-right…" Ruby bit her lower lip. It's not exactly an easy career. Would I want any of my kids to become Huntsmen? Would I leave all of this to them? The answer was easy. Of course not. They could easily make the world better as a doctor or policeman.

"But Huntsmen and Huntresses are just so much more romantic and exciting and cool and really, gosh, you know!?" Her own words came to mind. She'd said those to Ozpin when she first met him.

"We should do the best we can." Ruby whispered with a sigh. She stood and hopped down to the ground floor. They should get to training as soon as possible. But then Marrow, Elm and Vine came and introduced them to the new mission boards.

Training or missions? Missions obviously. We're Huntsmen now. We have a duty to help others. She flicked through the available missions and decided on one that, while simple, felt ordained. Her first mission as a Huntress would be the same thing that got her into Beacon.

A criminal was robbing Dust stores, for money this time thankfully, and it was her job to stop them.

This'll be easy.

A/N: Apologies for the delay. Chapter 50. Wowza. So, as I did in my other fic, I'm going to do a little look into the past and future of this fic. But first: The Present! Get to see what happened back in chapter 9 from Ironwood's perspective. Emerald showed him Oz turning into a Chill, a kind of Grimm that possesses corpses and uses them to attack. Was revealed in the Fairy Tales of Remnant book. The most terrifying Grimm, right up with the Apathy. Good times. Poor Ironwood. Meanwhile, the mine op goes pretty darn well with Maiden powers around and everyone but Oscar and Ilia become full pro Huntsmen.

Doing a little retrospective I can see some things I'd probably wanna do better. The Kiku arc for one but also probably shoulda added some more JNPR pov's during the V4-6 territory. Had some good ones I think but could have done with some more. Oh well. Future wise... well we are in V7. Only have so much released canon to go. I do know what I'm going to do once that happens. We're also about to get something I've been looking forward to for about... oh most of the fic. Can't wait.

Anyways I hope you all enjoyed! I'll see you next time!