A montage began showing several scenes over the next few days.
It began with Yang at the Xiao-Long family home, with the former fighter sitting on the couch, flipping through various news channels. Soon Taiyang entered the living room.
"Hey dad."
Taiyang appeared "Hey Yang. Something arrived for you."
He held out a long white box, setting it on the coffee table in front of Yang, revealing the Kingdom of Atlas symbol on it. She looked at it and didn't move at first. Yang lifted the lid off the box to reveal a robotic right arm. She examined it, somewhat wide-eyed while her father gushed. She blinked as her eyes drooped a bit, revealing she was more distressed.
"So this is really... for me?"
"Brand new, state of the art Atlas tech." Taiyang explained. "Thanks to Mrs. Khloris dropping in and taking your measurements, they successfully created a new arm. Honestly, I'm surprised Mrs. Khloris came before I could send in a request. But General Ironwood already had one of his top scientists working on this for you. He wanted me to tell you that you fought admirably. You should be proud of yourself."
Yang glanced up at her father but said nothing.
I'm not worthy. I'm no war veteran. No huntress. she thought. I'm just a former huntress trainee who was reckless...
"Are you... going to try it on?"
"I don't believe I'm worthy of it." Yang said.
Taiyang deflated a bit, putting his hand to the back of his neck as he sighs and pondered how to respond. "Well, okay. Just know that it is here for you when you are ready."
Yang left the room, the sounds of glasses hitting the floor heard from afar.
If she'll ever be ready... Taiyang thought.
The second scene showed the faunus quartet in the hotel room. In the second part of the room, Kali was at the kitchenette stovetop, making lunch for everyone. Ghira was carefully examining a newspaper, looking for something. In the main bedroom, Sun was reloading his weapon with dust as Blake sat on the bed, reading a book.
The catgirl no longer wore the White Fang uniform that she had stolen. Instead Blake wore a short black jacket with two tails and a gold zipper, buckle and buttons. The jacket had a white interior paired with a purple tank top and black jean pants. On her feet were black sneakers with matching socks. Most notably, she was wearing a purple ribbon in a bow to hide her cat ears. She winced in sorrow, bookmarked her place and set the book down on her bed, dejected.
Her mother, who was taking a break from cooking, asked, "Is everything okay?"
Blake sighed. "I've been trying to read a book, but due to a certain plot point occurring, it's hurting more than helping."
"What happened?" Sun asked with a concerned expression, putting his staff aside.
"The village of Toki has been captured by the bad guys, which puts their allies from afar in major trouble."
Kali hesitantly asked, "What's the book called?"
"It's a book called Slave to the Sword." Blake began her answer. "Set in a fictional world, it follows the story of Kagami Ishimaya, who runs away from her home to escape an arranged marriage to Oruko Arima, a highly skilled samurai and tyrannous warlord. In the process of fleeing him, she finds a place called Hidden Garden Academy, a secret school for ninjas in training. However, outsiders are not welcome and are usually killed. In order to prevent this from happening, Akiko Yamada lies to the staff, forges some papers, and claims Kagami as her long-lost half sister who already has a year's worth of training from another ninja academy under her belt. With the fabrication in place and working under a false surname, Kagami must quickly learn what it means to be a ninja and fast, because there's a lot more at stake than her life and livelihood.
"The ninjas are losing the war against the samurai. By the beginning of the novel, they have control over nearly every village in the kingdom of Saki, save for three settlements in the west. During the course of the book, two of these settlements are conquered by the samurai. If the ninjas lose Ōtake, all of Saki will fall under the control of the samurai, who use their powers to claim whatever and whomever they want. Ashai Yomoto, as well as every other teacher in the academy, knows this to be true. But as they try to contain the situation, more of the teachers fall in battle without the students knowing why. As Kagami takes lessons from Sensei Yomoto to refine her skills, she discovers this truth and vows to stop them. As the two become friends over the course of the novel, they soon realize they have feelings for each other and eventually act on them. Don't worry, they're both legal age."
Kali smiled and looked at her daughter curiously. "I see. And what made you interested in this novel?"
"It's in a similar vein to Ninjas of Love, one of my all time favorite books."
Ghira raised an eyebrow. "Isn't there content that is... unsuitable for work?"
"So I've heard, but so far the closest I've gotten is them holding hands. And that was Ashai trying to reassure Kagami in her skills." Blake explained. "I only got to chapter nine before... everything turned to darkness... I'm trying to read chapter ten now, but it isn't going well..."
Meanwhile, Cinder was shown riding that book, looking at the 16th chapter of it. Her eyes were near the bottom of the page.
"It seems I'm not the only one guilty of harboring secrets." Yomoto stated.
"Unfortunately not." Kagami looked down in shame. "I... I know you're angry with me, and you have every right to be. I... I just didn't want to marry someone I don't love. Not that I'm worthy of..."
Without warning, he took his lips and pressed them to hers. The student had her eyes open at first. Her heart thumped as she returned the gesture...
Cinder rolled her right eye as her left Grimm eye remained still.
Ugh, gross. she thought. How long does this continue?
The Fallen Maiden turned a few pages and read ahead, seeing the lines;
The kunoichi took a few steps back, her eyes darting to the candle. "So you really don't care about my lies?"
"It doesn't matter to me." He gave her a quick kiss before cupping her face. "I know you're a good person. You're noble, brave, and... although you want happiness and freedom, you're willing to give those things up to try and save this kingdom from tyrannical rule."
"There's a reason I wanted to join the front-lines as soon as I'm able." she reminded him. "People are losing their freedoms, their jobs, their livelihoods. All for the rule of one man who thinks he can take whatever he wants."
He looked at her sincerely. "Are you sure you want to do this? You could get hurt. Or worse."
"I know." Her face was sorrowful, but her conviction never wavered. "But a life without freedom... is no real life at all."
A moment of silence passed before Ashai spoke. "Well... If that is the path you seek to take, you'll need even more training than you're already going through. You must prepare yourself not merely for a battle, but for war."
She looked at the chapter title for the next chapter.
Ch. 17- Where Duty and Desire Meet
Cinder scoffed.
What a fool. Kagami doesn't stand a chance. she thought about the female protagonist. She put the book down on her nightstand. Alright, I have completed my daily chore... Now for training the dark magic. She suddenly had a very loud coughing fit out of nowhere. As soon as I turn on the humidifier...
The former servant girl turned on the humidifier.
Unfortunately, this skill of negative emotion empathy and clairvoyance is limited. The only source that comes up is Emerald. And occasionally Mercury. Unfortunately, this dark palace is so far away from everything. From what I can tell, Salem has the ability to sense negative beacons from nearly everywhere except Menagerie. And maybe certain parts of Anima. Targets from Vacuo and Atlas are the easiest to sense, with Vale being slightly more difficult, and Mistral being harder to find negative beacons. Salem has refined these skills over centuries. Maybe even longer... Even if I spend decades with these powers, I'd never be as good as her at taking negative emotions and using them for strength.
The Fall Maiden sat down in lotus position and meditating, with a black glow surrounding her. After doing this for a while, the glow disappeared and a few thoughts came to her.
Hmm... Salem is part Grimm, but she is also part human. She said that her victims have no idea she can draw on their emotions and use it as strength, nor can they feel her leeching off them. What if I used whatever negative emotions Salem felt to strengthen myself? But she hasn't appeared on my negative emotion radar. With her plans succeeding, she wouldn't have too many emotions for me to take from. Or whatever negative emotions she has I may not be able to sense them from afar. No matter. Just continue meditation, strengthen your Grimm magic and Maiden powers, and wait for the right opportunity.
She resumed her darkness meditation, the black glow returning.
The montage ended as the day of the funeral had arrived.
Ilia, Douglas and Hector roamed the ground floor of Athena's hotel fortress. Instead of their usual attire, all were dressed in black. Ilia's dress was knee-length and she wore a faux pearl bracelet on her right wrist. The chameleon had chosen to put her mask away for the funeral. However, Douglas still kept his. For the men, they were both in suits. Hector wore a blue tie while Douglas didn't wear one at all. The three still had their weapons, as they had to be ready for anything at anytime.
"Am I the only one who feels out of place?" Hector asked. "I mean, I feel like I should be sad because someone died, and while I am sad that Sienna did die, I feel more sad because I never even got to know her. Is that bad?"
"No, and I guess that's understandable. Like you said, you never knew her." Ilia told her subordinate. "But I did."
"What was she like?"
"She was a brave woman. Always fought for what she believed in. Sienna joined the White Fang when it first formed nearly twenty years ago, and had been loyal to them ever since. Ghira and Kali Belladonna, when they were part of the Fang, told me that Sienna was once very optimistic and cheerful, believing that there was goodness in the hearts of humans. But as she grew older, she came to realize that Ghira's peaceful ways weren't working and that her ways of thinking were flawed. She believed violence was necessary when she had to kill a human supremacist to save herself. When Adam did the same to protect Ghira, it confirmed her beliefs. I only joined the Fang after the transition of High Leadership from Ghira to Sienna, so I didn't see this supposed soft side, but she was always a fighter, I can tell you that much. A fighter to the very end."
Hector glanced at his boss with concern as she looked away. "Are you okay?"
"No, but there will be plenty of time to mourn. Let's get going."
The three continued walking and soon found a large door. Douglas opened the door and all of them entered the room.
The reception room was about the size of a tennis court and had a few tables on the lower part of the room. There were a good number of Revolutionists in attendance sitting at said tables. Further ahead was a slightly elevated podium to the mid-right. In the lower left corner was a long rectangular glass box that was currently empty. Overhead the box was a small plaque, which was too far away for them to read. Nearby the box was a table for small funeral booklets and papers and writing utensils to write messages.
Ilia looked somber as she took it all in. She knew Sienna was dead, but now... this was a Grimm reminder of reality sinking in.
"I can't believe it..." she said.
Sienna... she's really gone.
Douglas did not seem to be extremely upset, but with his mask, no one could tell. Hector looked visibly upset, but was not crying.
The chameleon faunus made her way to the glass box, which had a small slit, likely to insert papers with personal messages. Cola, one of the specialists she previously fought, took a folded paper square and dropped it into the box before walking away.
I don't understand. I know that we're all allies now, but why are the Revolutionists mourning for Sienna? I thought they hated... her...
Behind her, Marrok and Daphne were shown walking behind her coming in from her right. Tawny was shown speaking with a faunus Ilia didn't recognize. The pony-tailed specialist looked around the room before her eyes laid upon a plaque above the glass box, engraved with Sienna's emblem. She read the words written:
Sienna Khan (aged 28)
Born: March 5th, 51 AGW
Died: February 28th, 80 AGW (r. 74-80)
Cause of Death: Killed by a human huntsman, body eaten by Grimm
Day of Remembrance: March 7th, 80 AGW
Last words; "You will never stop us!"
The chameleon sniffed, a tear falling from her left eye.
"Sienna... Why did you have to die at the hands of a human supremacist? You never did anything wrong..."
She sniffed.
"Ms. Amitola?" Mr. Hamilton called out. "You are alright?"
She turned to her hired aide. "I'll be fine. And there's no need for formality Hector."
"Force of habit, Ms." He looked at the glass box. "I'm guessing that the box is supposed to represent the coffin where her body would be, had it not been eaten by Grimm?"
Ilia blinked sadly. "That's my best guess."
"I see. Perhaps I should say some words to Sienna. Well... Madame Khan, from what little time we spent together, you seemed to be a nice lass. Farewell Sienna. I hardly knew ye." Hector stated.
The two took a moment of silence for their fallen leader. For Ilia, she was a fallen friend. Douglas, although his face was obscured by his mask, his slouched back and hung head indicated some level of sadness.
"So they are here after all." a familiar voice spoke.
The three looked around as Athena added, "Come on Zhu. She was their friend. Why would they not be here?"
"I told you not to address me by that name!" Wungeng ordered.
The three turned around and saw Adam, Athena, Ares and Wungeng were all standing before them. Save for Adam, all had changed their attire for the funeral.
Athena wore a long black flowing dress with a small ruby pendant on a silver chain. Around her waist was a larger chain that looked strangely familiar to Ilia. It was worn like a belt, likely to be used as a makeshift weapon.
Ares wore a rather simple outfit- a formal suit and red bowtie. Like Adam and everyone else, he had his weapon at the ready.
Wungeng seemed a lot more polished than normal. His hair was brushed into a pressed down curl on the back of his head. The stained bandana was gone while his mask remained. The Vacuan leader wore a dress suit, all the buttons done and the cuff sleeves rolled to his wrists. His rake was collapsed into a smaller form on his back. Many of his other accessories, such as his red silk purse and pearl anklet, were still present. He was currently mangling with his red necktie.
"Stupid dumb necktraps... Why am I wearing this again?"
"Because you're one of the leaders, and you're supposed to look presentable." Athena reminded him.
Ilia looked around and asked, "Where are Aoi and Gilford?"
"Aoi declined to attend, believing Sienna was a traitor to faunuskind." Athena answered firstly. "As for Gilford, he is not feeling well today. He caught a nasty stomach flu and has decided to rest for the time being."
Ha! What fools. Little do they realize where he really is...
Athena recalled the events that happened shortly after the meeting between her and the other leaders.
She and Ares walked down the hall and went to the staircase. "I'll take it from here."
"I'm sure you will." He kissed her on the lips, which she returned for a few seconds. "For luck."
She smirked and flew above the staircase to the second floor, landing and roaming the halls until she found the right room. On the left side of the hall was the number 197 on a black painted door. She knocked on the door and was greeted by Gilford Carran.
"Greetings my lady. What brings you here?"
She looked at her bat-fanged faunus specialist with a smirk as she entered the room, shutting the door. "I have a special assignment for you Gilford. A top secret mission to be more precise."
He pursued his lips into a wide 'O' as he began his response. "Oh? And what might that be?"
"I need you to head to Zephyros and assassinate this target." She handed him an image of a woman with shoulder length black hair, pale skin and blue eyes. Her eyebrows were thick and bushy and she was noted to have bags under her eyes. "Brianna Braith, one of the Mistralian council members, will be heading there for the city's annual flower festival, a springtime celebration starting on the vernal equinox- aka March 21st. Can I count on you?"
"Certainly, Lady Athena."
"Excellent. If you leave tomorrow morning and travel on foot, you should be able to make it just as she arrives."
"I'll leave at dawn."
"Perfect. I shall get you one of my supply kits."
He grinned. "You plan to eliminate the other specialists as well?"
"Oh yes. Ms. Braith is not the only council member that I'm sending my agents out to assassinate. However, I do not wish to send out all my agents at once, nor do I want the public to get suspicious of my motives. To remain under the radar and fulfill my grand plan, they will need to be taken out overtime, and one target shall meet his end when he least expects it."
Gilford nodded. "I see. I shall start preparation immediately."
Athena left Gilford's chambers, closing the door behind her.
This is going along perfectly. Slowly but surely, everything will fall into place. Athena smirked. And once that occurs, humanity will soon fall thereafter!
She returned to the present when she heard her name being called.
"Athena?" She blinked and saw Tawny standing there. "The messengers have arrived."
"Ah, yes. Addie and Negra. Send them over here."
Tawny nodded and left to escort the guests. A moment later, Addie and Negra showed up, wearing their casual wear.
"Greetings Lady Bruna." Addie said.
"Unfortunately, we did have time or money to procure formal clothes due to us spending time to prepare our respective journeys." Negra told her. "We are ready to go and will depart once the funeral service is over."
"Excellent. For your point on your casual attire, I suppose that is permissible. After all, Sienna was your enemy while she was alive. And don't worry, once you and Addie get back from Menagerie and Atlas respectively, you'll be rewarded handsomely."
Addie smirked. "I like the sound of that!"
Ilia looked closely at Athena's waistline, squinting her eyes.
Adam turned to her, noticing her expression. "Is something the matter, Sister Ilia?"
"Is it just me, or does Athena's chain whip belt look a lot like Sienna's weapon Cerberus Head?"
Athena simply laughed in response to try and dissuade the Menagerian specialist. "Oh Ilia, I'm afraid it is just a coincidence."
The chameleon blinked to make sure her eyes weren't deceiving her. "Really? It looks so similar."
"Such things would be impossible. Sienna's corpse and her whip were devoured by the Nevermore, and so was the huntsman who killed her." Athena reasoned.
"True. I guess it's just hard to believe that the enemies I faced a week ago are now my allies."
"Don't worry, Miss Amitola. I have realized that there are consequences of war. That's why I gave Adam High Leadership and didn't challenge him for it." she lied. The camera briefly focused on Adam wearing the Badge of Leadership. "Hopefully with this realization, and new leadership, we'll never have another faunus war on our hands."
"Well... okay."
Why does something still feel wrong? Ilia thought. Maybe I'm just seeing things that aren't there.
Adam turned to Douglas. "Speaking of enemies, did you and Hector determine where Blake and her allies ran off to?"
"Well... we searched every district except for one."
The High Leader's voice bordered on shouting. "You're telling me that you forgot one?"
"It's not the matter that we forgot, Sir! It's that they went to a place that we can not follow." Hector stated.
"They went to the forbidden zone; the Lower Highlands." Douglas clarified.
Adam grimaced. "Oh. That would explain a lot."
Wungeng looked confused. "The Lower Highlands?"
"It's a highly secured district in the heart of the city. Not only do they have the most police officers, they also have eliminated police brutality. Much to my surprise, this has held true for the last two years. They also claim to be the safest city district. Unfortunately, it's a bad place for White Fang members to be. Any agent who goes there is immediately arrested on the spot by either a civilian or law enforcement officer and is taken in for further questioning."
The former Sanzang tribe member mused to himself for a moment. "Hmm... That is problematic."
"True, but I think there's a way around it." Athena turned to Hector and Ilia. "If Ilia were to ditch her White Fang apparel and don casual clothing, no one would be the wiser as she appears mostly human. Not to mention that her associate Hector is not technically White Fang yet, so no one would pay him much attention either."
Adam smiled. "Now that is a smart idea. Tomorrow, Ilia and Hector will take on disguises and search for Blake and her allies." He turned his attention to the brown scaled faunus. "Although... I've been told by Ilia that you were originally hired help and I would have thought you would have left or asked to leave. Why did you stay this long?"
"The only reason I didn't leave is because of my loyalty to Ilia." Hector answered. "Not to mention she and the rest of her friends, which would be you, your lieutenant Douglas, and Daphne, who later joined the Revolutionists, needed help against Athena and her Revolutionists prior to your rise to power and forging an alliance with your former enemy."
"Have you considered formally joining the White Fang?"
The hired help hummed to himself briefly. "Hmm... I haven't really thought too much of it. Never had many long term plans."
"Well think it over. You don't have to make a decision right away."
Hector gave a smile and nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate that."
A small soft alarm went off on Adam's scroll. He saw the time; 5:00pm, before shutting it off and putting it away. "You think it over. In the meantime, I have a speech to give to our audience."
He walked away as Ilia thought to herself, Something still feels wrong... I feel... broken... empty. Can I be lifted up from this feeling?
Meanwhile, a brown-cloaked figure was shown walking into the lower levels of Mistral's city. Above him was Haven Academy, but he paid no heed to the school. The school stood at the very top of the mountains, but it was mostly deserted.
Not like it matters at this point... a male voice thought silently to themselves.
Under the hood, Lionheart sighed.
I can't believe I'm doing this... Stepping into the spider's web. But if Salem couldn't find Rosa Vernal, why would Miss Malachite be able to succeed where she had failed? Still, it may be my only hope of appeasing the Grimm Goddess if everything else fails...
The cloaked lion entered the bar and made his way to a woman in a purple dress. "Halt!" she commanded. "State your name and business."
"I'm... uh.. I'm Eric." Lionheart lied, disguising his voice to be more high pitched. "Are you... Lil' Miss Malachite?"
"That would be me." She took out her hand fan in a small attempt to hide her displeasure.
His voice sounds creaking... the woman noted.
"What do you want?" she asked aloud.
"I... I have some money for you. In exchange for your tracking and locating services."
He gingerly placed a sack of Lien onto the counter. Miss Malachite picked it up and let it rest in her left before setting it back down. "Seems like a decent amount. Now, what information do you seek?"
"I need you to find info for and the location of Rosa Vernal." Lionheart spoke.
"Rosa Vernal. An interesting name. You have an image of the target?"
"I do." He took out a worn out image on two women in a flowery field. To the left was an older woman and to the right was a younger Rosa Vernal, the latter highlighted with a red circle. "It's from ten years ago, and she was but a child back then. By now she would have to be at least 24 years old."
Malachite scanned over the image. "Looks like an old image, but it's better than nothing. Anything else you'd like to share that might help us?"
"She was originally from the city of Olympia, in the kingdom of Vale. But she ran away from home ten years ago. No one has seen her since."
She looked at him skeptically. "And why are you seeking her out?"
"I... I'm seeking her because she was supposedly heiress to a vast fortune. And I seek that said fortune."
"Hmm..."
Please take my request... Leonardo silently prayed.
"A difficult task, but it'll be done." Malachite answered. "Give us three weeks and come back."
The cloaked headmaster bowed to her. "Thank you, Lady Malachite."
Without another word left the building.
"He's probably lying about his name." the henchwoman told her boss.
The crime boss smirked. "Oh I know he's lying about that and possibly other statements. But the question is why. And why would he go to such lengths to hide himself?"
"Do you think he's a threat?" a henchman asked.
"He might be. But on the other hand, he may be simply trying to protect himself and/or his image. He's a strange one..." A moment later, she added, "Keep an eye on him if/when he comes back."
Yang was shown again, this time sitting on her bed. The door was open but she made no effort to try and close it. She held a glass of water within her hands as the midafternoon sun poured in.
I will admit, these therapy sessions have been helping, but I still find it hard to find joy in life. Can I turn everything around? Is it possible to be lifted up from this? The flames and ashes? All that is broken and empty. Would it be possible to just... fly away from everything?
The blonde woman looked at the box on her nightstand. It's been a week or so since the mechanical arm arrived. I have no reason to put it on... do I? I mean, Beacon Academy has crumbled, Ruby's gone off with team JNPR to Mistral... And my mother is still missing. She sighed. I'm overthinking... Why is it that my body is tired but my brain is restless?
Yang threw herself back first onto the bed. Turning her head to the side, she looked at the box for a few moments. She laid still before sitting up.
Should I? Could I?
She gingerly opened the box, looking at the mechanical arm. She stared for a few moments before taking it and putting it on. The slot went right into place and she looked at her metal limb.
It feels... surreal. It's no replacement for the real thing, but it'll have to do. The former fighter curled her mechanical fingers. Maybe... maybe I do have a chance. To be lifted up from my depression. The flames and ashes of war. But first things first. I have an arm to learn how to use.
Author's Notes;
-Hello guys. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Now that the last episode of RWBY's v8 has been released (and been out to everyone for quite a while), I'm going to give you a little treat. A full-fledged omake! Usually I don't do author's notes or omakes at the end of a chapter, but considering that volume 8 was a complete mess, and the finale in general was washed down, I figure an omake involving those that are dead (or in one person's case almost certainly dead) would be appropriate.
Spoiler alert; This Omake involves spoilers for volume 8 and the finale. Those of you who have not finished volume 8, read at your own risk. I hold no responsibility for the affects this has on your enjoyment (or lack thereof) for the RWBY franchise. You have been warned.
To those of you who have seen all of v8 (or simply don't care about spoilers), I hope you enjoy!
Omake
[Somewhere beyond space and time- an ethereal waiting room with a few chairs in two different rows, Vine is shown on the left side]
Vine spoke to no one in particular, "Well it appears I've reached the end of my time. That could have been better. On the other hand, it could have been worse."
Penny sat in a chair next to him. "Don't feel too bad. You went down saving Mantle. You got to live a full life! I wasn't even human for an hour before Cinder Fall tried to kill me."
She silently pouted.
Jacques, on the right side, was shown with his hands handcuffed together. "Can anyone explain to me why we're in handcuffs?"
Watts- next to him, and also wearing handcuffs, elaborated, "I believe that is because we're the designated villains, Jacques. We got the short end of the stick, both in life and in death."
The businessman scoffed. "How did you get the short end of the stick? You got to escape prison! You got development! You roasted the most hated villain of all time!"
"I did." he began calmly. "But then the writers just threw me aside like an insignificant rag-doll! Rrgh! I can't believe this. I end up causing the fall of Atlas and Mantle both, and this is how they repay me?! Ugh! I can't see anyone that has it worse!"
"Ahem." Everyone turned to see Ironwood in the upper right corner- strapped to a wooden throne with a belt, in a straight-jacket, and wearing a dunce cone.
Watts gave a glare and sarcastically remarked, "Oh, you're here too. Great."
Ironwood sighed heavily. "How could this have happened? I used to be a great general. Always willing to do the right thing, to protect the people of Atlas and Mantle. I lost myself... in a semblance that was shoe-horned into my character by those so called writers, worked with Watts of all people, and sentenced to uncertain death. They didn't even explain whether or not I survived the Fall of Atlas. But even if I did, it's not like there's anything I could do now. Atlas is now a watery grave, I have no friends or allies left, and whatever remains of team RWBY and their friends have likely made it to Vacuo by now with their creation staff plan. It... it's over. All I can do now is ask, 'What have I done?'"
Vine glared at him as Penny looked downcast.
"You should be ashamed of yourself, James!" Jacques scolded. "I knew you were trouble the moment you put that embargo on the SDC and I was right!"
The general looked down, not wanting to admit the corrupt businessman was right about him.
Watts rolled his eyes. "So how long are we going to be waiting here?"
"I believe until the new author decides what to do with us." Vine answered.
Penny looked up in curiosity. "New author? Who is he or she? Or it is a group of writers?"
"Just one. Someone who calls themselves... 'Witchinmoonlight'. Also known as the 'Not-So-Wicked Witch' and the 'Author of Second Chance'."
Jacques looked around. "I thought there were more deaths here. Are we missing anyone?"
"Well I believe Hazel Rainart is currently being consulted by the witch now." Watts told his fellow patients. "But quite frankly, I don't see the point of trying to help that treacherous rat..."
A door opened as a breeze drifted in. A woman in a white dress with long silvery-white hair appeared before them. Her eyes were grey and around her neck was a triple moon necklace pendant. With her was Hazel Rainart.
"And that covers everything." Witch spoke. "Any final questions?"
Hazel raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure this 'new plan' is going to work?"
"Trust me, Hazel. I'm sure this new plan will work out for everyone involved." Witch smiled. "Perhaps you won't feel morally conflicted."
Hazel left the area. The Witch examined the dead characters. "Oh boy... so many dead characters. So many bad writing decisions..." The Witch mused to herself. "Well first things first. I must tackle the biggest problem- the general." She grimaced. "Boy oh boy, how I hate you for what you've become, but strangely feel bad, knowing this could have easily have been avoided." She smiled. "Fortunately, I believe I can do better."
The general looked at the witch with a tired, worn-out look. "Please... anything would be better than this. Tell me that you can write me better and put me in a better place than the hell I just went through!"
She smiled and gave him a giggle or two. "I can't tell you everything, but what I can tell you is that you are going to 'gain a heart' if you know what I mean. Do you know the name Merla Valery?"
The general looked slightly puzzled. "I can not say that I know her. The name sounds pleasing though. But how does she help me from descending to hell?"
"You'll see. You'll see in due time." She undid the belt keeping him secure to the throne. "Now come, there is work to be done." Ironwood went through the door. The witch looked at the businessman next. "You're next, Jacques!"
Witchinmoonlight closed the door, leaving the remaining dead characters to wait for judgement and evaluation.
"Should I be worried?" Jacques asked.
"I wouldn't be." Penny answered. "I trust her."
"You're too trusting for your own good." Watts told her.
"Must you be so cruel?" Vine asked.
"It's called honesty. Blunt, brutal honesty." the scientist answered. "And honestly, it's how I'm coping with how poorly the members of team CRWBY butchered my demise. So get comfortable lady and gentlemen- we are going to be here a while. A long while."
[End of Omake]
That's all folks! Until next time, stay safe, stay alert, and wash your hands!