Here we are at Chapter 58. Let's see how the gang moves along as a few more actors join this little play. I do not own RWBY or Transformers. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 58. Enjoy.

Chapter 58: Clues and Cues

The mission for the Amity tower project continues at a steady rate. While progress in that theatre has been good, progress into finding the one responsible for the murders going on in Mantle has been less than adequate. While the murder rates have dropped, it still has done enough to make Mantle's opinion of Ironwood and Atlas less than positive. Because of that, Ironwood has called a few of Megatron's allies to his office.

"You want us to try and track down the one responsible for the killings?" Blake asks as she and Predaking stand in front of his desk.

Ironwood sits behind it, while Megatron, Ruby, Soundwave, Qrow, and Dreadwing stand off to the side.

Ironwood nods, "Yes. I'm not looking for you to apprehend the killer if you do find them, though you have my permission to do so should an opportunity arise. I do have my soldiers looking into the matter, but they have yet to produce results, and my forces are stretched thin enough as it is. That's why I'd like you two to see if you can lend a hand. I can't send in a large group, or else our adversary may catch wind of it, and your friends will be on other assignments. We can't allow the Amity Project to get stalled, not when we're almost complete and ready to launch. Whatever you can find would be a big help. Can I ask you to do this?"

Blake eventually nods, "Of course, we'll see what we can do. Though, the people down there may not be so willing to cooperate with us, even if we aren't Atlas soldiers,"

"We met a few humans down there that didn't have a high opinion of Faunus, and I'm sure there are others just like them," Predaking crosses his arms.

Ironwood sighs, "Yes, I'm sure you'll encounter some obstacles. Still, try and learn whatever you can. Anything that can at least help us narrow down a suspect,"

"We'll try, General," and with that said, Blake and Predaking go to leave with the others.

"Dreadwing," Ironwood stops them. "If you would please, I'd like a moment to speak with you,"

Dreadwing looks at Megatron, who nods before leaving with the others. Dreadwing sighs and walks up to his desk.

"Is there something else you wish to discuss?" Dreadwing notes.

"I know that our history together has been a... difficult one," Ironwood begins.

"You lied to me and were manipulating me so you could gain access to my home's technology for your own purposes. Then you put out a warrant for my arrest after I refused to continue to go along with your plans and after you basically told me to stop doing what was right when it came to the Schnees," Dreadwing retorts.

"Look, I know you were upset with them. Honestly, I didn't like any of it either. Weiss made an excellent point at the party; you were right to defend her when she needed it. But you must be more tactful with these king of things... Some of those people at the party have at times provided financial support to the military, and resources when we needed them for the Amity tower. I needed to get as many allies and resources on my side as possible in order to prepare for what's to come," Ironwood explains.

"Then why couldn't you have been more honest with me to begin with? I know, I showed up out of nowhere, but... I was already betrayed once before by someone I thought I could trust. Yes, we're working together now, and yes, I'm starting to move on, but... the scars of that betrayal will always remain," Dreadwing places his hands on the desk, looking at his chest.

"And, just as you said, you are working with that same man again. Not in the same capacity as before, but still. Maybe there's a chance that you can do the same for me; that we can do the same for each other," Ironwood says and then stands up out of his chair to look out his windows. "If it's any consolation, I did at least take some small sense of satisfaction when you defended Weiss Schnee and punched Whitley in the face and spoke out against Jacques. While Jacques and I were once good friends, that friendship has become rather cold. Jacques is only is only interested in getting that seat on the council to further his own ends. It doesn't take a genius to know that the Dust embargo has been costing him a lot of money, and he loves making money more than anyone else on the planet. He's never cared about anyone other than himself. No wonder Weiss escaped when she did, with you by her side," he looks back at Dreadwing.

Dreadwing holds a hand to his chest, "I was doing what I felt was right. And it was with that same reasoning that I pledged my loyalty to Lady Weiss. In the world she's lived in... the life she's had to live; I wanted to be someone that she knew she could always trust. I won't betray her, not like her family did. I couldn't be there for my brother when he needed me most, and I will live with that regret until the day I become one with the Allspark. I have a chance to make sure my brother gets the peace he deserves, and it was Lady Weiss that gave me that chance. I failed someone important to me once, But, I won't make that mistake again,"

"Then let me help you with that. We both want to help Weiss, and everyone else. Only together, can we stop Salem. If we can help each other, then I'm sure we can achieve both of our goals," Ironwood offers.

Dreadwing looks between him and the city outside his windows, "I can't say what the future will hold for us. But, what I can say is that as long as Lady Weiss wishes to fight with you, then so shall I. But remember, it is through her grace that we are working together again. And my primary goal is keeping her safe. Nothing comes before her,"

Ironwood smiles, "That's fine by me. I'd be worried if you said otherwise, actually. Given how much affection you seem to have for her,"

"I do not understand you meaning. If that is all, then I will be on my way," Dreadwing quickly speaks before turning to leave the office, leaving a smirking Ironwood behind.

…

Down in Mantle, Blake and Predaking left their airship and are moving to one of the murder scenes to see what they can find. Though, an investigative crew had already processed the scene, a second look with a different set of eyes might turn up something the first set didn't.

"Are you sure we'll find something that the military missed?" Predaking wonders as they walk down one alley to the crime scene.

"No, but we don't exactly have anywhere else to start aside from the crime scene. General Ironwood sent us a map showing the locations of where the bodies were found, but so far, I'm not seeing anything that could link them together. The location itself probably has no meaning. We know that the victims were people speaking out against General Ironwood and the military, but there's not much else linking them together aside from the fact that they're citizens of Mantle. Maybe we'll figure something out at the crime scene. I have the documents as well," Blake looks over her scroll.

"Why do I feel somewhat like what people call a 'bloodhound', sniffing out what they're looking for?" Predaking grunts.

"Let's not worry about that for right now, Predaking. A different look on things isn't always a bad thing. Come on, the crime scene is around the corner here," Blake walks ahead and Predaking follows.

They come around the corner to find the spot where one of the victim's was found. As they thought, the scene was already processed and cleanup, but there is still caution tape left out, and the tape used to mark where the body was found and its exact position. Blake takes a look around while Predaking crouches down and starts sniffing the body mark.

"Noticing anything off?" Blake asks.

Predaking sniffs a few more times, "No Dust, no powder. The report said he had marks consistent with a blade-type weapon, correct?"

Blake pulls up the reports, "Yeah, that's what it said,"

Predaking stands next to her, "Allow me a moment, please," she hands him the scroll and he looks it over. "Hmmm, the exact locations of the slash marks indicates that whoever did this had experience. But..."

"But what?" Blake gets worried.

"I remember reading over a few books in your parent's assorted collection of books back in Menagerie. One of them on human and Faunus biology. The positions of the slash marks wouldn't have killed the victim immediately, making him bleed slowly while feeling everything that's going on. Whoever did this... enjoyed making their victims suffer before joining the Allspark. And it also means that they've likely done this before,"

Now, Blake is getting really worried, "But, there haven't been any other murders besides these few here, right?"

"That doesn't mean that they haven't happened somewhere else... Like another kingdom. We may have a serial killer that travels between the kingdoms in order to cover their tracks," Predaking theorizes.

"But, General Ironwood closed the borders. No one should be able to get in without his approval," Blake says.

Predaking looks her in the eye, "That did not hinder us, now did it?" he reminds her of how they snuck in under the radar.

"Okay, but that still doesn't give us any idea as to who is behind all of this. If there is some kind of serial killer out there, then maybe General Ironwood can look at records of any serial killers who have passed through the borders before they closed, and check for any suspicious flights that entered the kingdom in the past few months," Blake suggests.

"It appears that is all we can do for the moment. Did you find anything else?" Predaking asks.

"No, no hairs, fibers, or anything that might give us a clue. The crime scene was cleaned out of any leftover evidence. Hopefully, what we did figure out will be something," Blake sighs.

Predaking places a hand on her shoulder, "Do not fret, Blake. When we find out who's responsible for this, I will burn him to ashes,"

"While I appreciate the sentiment, Predaking, it may be best to take him in alive to get some answers. A pile of ash won't tell us anything," Blake replies and the pair head off to the next crime scene.

"Very well, but after we get our answers, may I reduce them to ashes then?" Predaking asks.

Blake sighs again, "Predaking, it appears we still have a few things we need to work on with you,"

…

Meanwhile, up in Atlas, Megatron is in the training room, training with Harriet. Harriet zooms around the training room around him with her semblance, while Megatron watches her movements as best as he can. He creates a bladed whip with his semblance and swings it around, hoping to trip Harriet off of her feet. Harriet manages to jump and evade his swings, and then goes in for a punch at his rear. However, Megatron throws a back kick that hits her in the chest and sends her back. Harriet slides across the ground and looks up, only to roll to the side when Megatron fires off his arm cannon at her. Harriet runs at him and throws a punch, but he catches it in his left hand, and then her right hand in his. Megatron smirks before rolling back and kicking Harriet over him. She lands on her back but gets back up quickly enough.

"And time," Yang calls out, holding a stopwatch on her scroll.

The two ease up, "Man, and here I thought I could trip you up considering you can't match my speed," Harriet notes.

"While my physical speed may not match yours, my reaction speed more than makes up for it. You'll have to do more than that if you want to find an opening on me," Megatron replies.

"Almost sounds like you've gone up against other people with speed semblances like mine. I mean, her semblance is a little different, but I suppose Ruby's semblance could count," Harriet notes.

Megatron walks back over to Yang, "Yes, but she doesn't have your experience. Besides, I do remember one back from me home that had a speed semblance very similar to yours," he cups his chin in thought.

This piques her interest, "Oh, a speed semblance like mine, huh. What was this guy's name?"

"I believe his name was Blurr," Megatron ponders, and Harriet gives him a look that basically says 'seriously?'. "That is in fact his name. He wasn't just fast in terms of his running speed or in his movements in combat. He also spoke very quickly as well. It was rather annoying at times,"

"Okay, that's a little weird. So, where's this Blurr guy right now?" Harriet asks.

"If I recollect correctly, he died back in my home and is now one with the Allspark. Another casualty of the conflict that ravaged my home," Megatron replies.

Harriet seems a little saddened by that, but not by much, "Oh, well, I guess these things happen. Well, I think that's enough training for today. I need to link up with the others for our next mission. Be ready for when the General calls on you, or for your next assignment," Harriet leaves the training room.

Megatron is left alone in the training room. He takes a moment to listen to the quiet around him.

"Megatron..." he hears and looks behind him, seeing Optimus Prime appear on one of the pillars in the training room. "It appears that you are making progress with your mission on Remnant,"

Megatron walks up to him, "Prime. We've made it to Atlas and have been working with General Ironwood on his Amity Project. The relic of knowledge is safe, as is the Staff of Creation, and the Winter Maiden from what Ironwood has told us. If we can get the tower up and running, we can get communications between the other kingdoms working again. That may give us a coordinated effort against Salem,"

"That is good that you made it to Atlas, and that you've found more allies. But, you must remember not to become complacent. Just as you are making your moves, your enemies are making theirs," Optimus says.

"Hmmm, I figured they may already be here. Someone has been murdering people down in Mantle that have spoken out against Ironwood. This is causing negativity levels in Mantle to rise. And with the city's walls heavily damaged, it is all too easy for the Grimm to enter Mantle and attack the people there. It feels too coordinated to be random acts that the Grimm are taking advantage of. That... and among other things that concern me," Megatron explains.

"...You are worried about General Ironwood," Optimus replies.

Megatron grunts, "You know me all too well, Optimus. I am concerned that the General may become like me... back during the war for Cybertron. I do not wish for him to make the same mistakes that I made. The Dust embargo, the closing of borders. Performing actions without ever speaking with the council. Now, I'm not a fan of such entities, considering how the council that once ruled Cybertron before the war acted. But, Ironwood is asking too much from Mantle, making them bear more of the burden than Atlas, and the military... It was my foolishness that led to Cybertron's fall. I do not wish to see those mistakes happen here... No to Yang's world. Yang's home," he laments.

"Megatron, there will always be those that make decisions born out of fear. Professor Lionheart at Haven Academy is one such example. Only, his fear caused him to betray the people he was supposed to protect. Ironwood is afraid of Salem, even if he won't admit it. He wants to protect Remnant, but he may require someone to remind him what is the best way to do so. You've been down this road before, and you learned from your mistakes. Wisdom is not found, Megatron. It is earned. Use the wisdom you've earned to help Ironwood make the right decisions. To prevent him from going down the wrong path," Optimus implores him.

Megatron sighs, "And... if he won't heed my advice?"

"I have faith in you, old friend. I know you will not fail. And remember, you are not alone in this. You have allies that are greater than any army," Optimus says.

"Well, I can always come to you for aid, I suppose," Megatron notes.

"I am always here to aid you, Megatron. But, I was not referring to myself. I was referring more to the young woman waiting outside the room for you. Take care, Megatron," Optimus then disappears.

Megatron raises an eyebrow at his words before walking outside the training room. He finds Yang, leaning against the opposite wall, waiting for him.

"I was wondering when you would come out. I didn't want to interrupt your training, but you should know, it's rude to keep a lady waiting," Yang leans off the wall.

"I do not recollect having any objective of meeting with you at a certain time. Nor, was I expecting you out here to begin with. I believed you were out on other matters," Megatron replies.

Yang sighs, "We still need to work on your sense of humor, you know that. Maybe spending less time in the training room, and more time getting some fresh air will help out with that,"

"...I admit that it is... difficult, to adjust who I am to how humans normally act. I have grasped greater control over these new feelings and emotions of mine, and I have learned much about how humans act, but there are still somethings that are ore peculiar than others," Megatron notes.

Yang puts her hands on her hips, "Well, then we'll just have to fix that, won't we. Come on," she grabs his hand and starts walking off with him in tow.

"And just where are we going?" Megatron asks.

"To relax a little bit. Come on, I have a few ideas. Let me show you some more of that human pop culture that you know so little about," Yang smiles.

Megatron lets himself get pulled along by Yang, unconsciously intertwining his fingers with hers.

"Yang..." he gets her attention. "I will do whatever I can to protect you and your world. And... thank you,"

His words make Yang smile. She gives him a quick peck on the cheek before pulling him faster to whatever fun activities she has in store to get his mind off the mission for a little while.

Yang winks, "You can thank me by listening to some good music first,"

And that's the chapter. Blake and Predaking look into the killings in Mantle. Meanwhile, Dreadwing and Ironwood has a little talk while Megatron speaks with Optimus Prime before having another moment with Yang. Also, so we're on the same page, NO, Blurr will not be in the story, and I don't really plan on adding any new transformers right now, so hold off on any requests like that. Who knows what will happen next? Until then, please Read and Review.