Graduation Day ( part 3 )
I blinked several times to be absolutely sure I wasn't seeing things. My room was completely bare, everything I owned was disinterested right before my eyes.
Carlos: ( This can't be happening, it took me years to build up my manga and comic book collection and I just got the platinum trophy on my new game last week! )
I looked back at the chess piece in my hand as it continued to glow. I didn't understand, why would the brother of light give me this if it just destroyed my belongings?
Jonathan: Hey Carlos, I think I figured out why they gave us these chess pieces.
I turned to my door to see Jonathan wearing his armor, but that can't be possible, he left his nanotech back on Remnant.
Carlos: How are you in your armor, didn't you leave that behind when we came back?
Jonathan: I did, when I got to my room I tried focusing my aura on the chess piece to see what would happen and I felt my tech enter my bloodstream and my armor began to reform.
If that was true than what would happen if I tried it? I did as he instructed and I felt this cold sensation flow into me, the feeling grew more intense around my left wrist as I saw a familiar silver watch reform.
Jonathan: Isn't that the armor I made for you?
I activated the device and suddenly I felt my brothers technology encase me in my Iron Spider armor once again.
Carlos: Feels good to be back, KAREN you there?
KAREN: I am, it's good to see you again Carlos, and you as well Mr. Stark.
JARVIS: Agreed, it has been quite some time since we've been together again.
Jonathan: It's good to see you two as well. JARVIS I need you to run a quick scan on the artifacts we received.
We held up our chess pieces as Jonathan ran a quick scan on both of them.
JARVIS: Sir it would seem that there is an infinite space within the crystals, all of the items are safely stored within and can be called out by focusing your aura into the piece.
I tested it out and all my stuff reappeared safely where they were before.
Carlos: Awesome.
KAREN: Not only that but further analysis also shows a large amount of energy stored within as well. However I am unable to identify what kind of energy it is as well as what its purpose is.
That's odd, well whatever it was as long as it wasn't putting us in danger I guess I could ignore it for now. We then retracted our armors as Jonathan went back to his room, I looked at the clock to see we had about two hours left before we had to go so I decided to watch some videos online for a bit to pass the time. As I did I thought back to everything I had experienced both here on Earth and during my time on Remnant. For most people the things I have experienced may seem like an impossible dream and yet there was no denying that those event's happened.
Carlos: Can't believe that in a few hours I have to say goodbye to all of this.
I looked at the family photo on my desk, I knew this was a difficult choice to make but I also couldn't leave the friends I made during my time as a Huntsman. Even now I felt incomplete without my friends beside me, maybe I wanted to go back because not only did I miss them but also because I felt it was time for me to leave the nest. To finally make out on my own and do my own thing.
After a while I saw that we only had a few minutes left so I decided to change into some new clothes as I used the artifact to pack all my belongings. I took one last look at my now empty room as memories flooded my mind. All the years I spent here growing up into the man I am now. Jonathan had just showed up at my door as he said he was ready to go. Before we left the house we stopped by our mom's room to say goodbye to her, she was a heavy sleeper so we didn't have to worry about her waking up. We told her that we were going to miss her and we thanked her for all that she has done for us and that we would work hard to make her proud.
We then made our way to the back door as we carefully locked the door behind us, the two of us reformed our armors as we started to slowly hover into the sky as we began flying towards downtown to find a spot to make our leave.
Jonathan: Are you doing okay?
Carlos: Kind of, it just hurts ya know.
Jonathan: Yeah. Really wished we didn't have to say goodbye like this but she's a heavy sleeper.
Carlos: Me too. But I made a promise that I intend to keep.
Jonathan: I know, let's hurry. We have 15 minutes until midnight.
The rest of our flight was completely silent as we found the tallest building in the area to land on. As we did we retracted our armors as Jonathan stood on the edge of the building while I stuck to the side. We gazed into the cityscape as the lights and sounds surrounded us one last time.
Jonathan: So this is it, this is how our story ends here.
Carlos: Yeah. Are you regretting it?
Jonathan: No. I think a small part of me was ready to go and make my own journey. Like that time I had to travel on my own after Beacon fell, only this time we'll be stuck together for a while longer.
Carlos: True. I guess I feel the same, you know I've always felt like I didn't belong here. I used to talk to you about wanting to go somewhere else and have awesome adventures.
Jonathan: I remember, even back then we wanted to be heroes. Who would have thought that in just a couple of years we would make that happen.
After a few minutes we heard the sound of someone approaching us and we turned to see the brothers of light and darkness standing behind us.
( Quick note: I will be referring to each of the brothers as Light and Dark respectively to make writing easier. )
Dark: It's been a while hasn't it champions.
Jonathan: It has, I guess you're here to bring us back to Remnant?
Light: Correct.
They came closer to us as they stared out into the city alongside us.
Dark: So this is your world, I can sense an overflowing darkness emanating from the humans that inhabit it. I could have some fun here if I wished.
Light: Brother you are fully aware that our influence over this world is non existent, the only reason why we are here to begin with is to escort our companions back to our world.
Dark: Yes yes I know, honestly even after all these centuries you still don't know how to take a joke.
Jonathan: I know how you feel. My brother can't take a joke either.
It still scares me how similar those two are sometimes, they don't take things seriously and when they say something like that I can't help but think they're actually being serious for once.
Light: ( sigh ) I suppose you see the trouble I have to deal with correct?
Carlos: Believe me I'm fully aware of what you have to deal with.
We spent the next few seconds looking out at the city, we got the feeling that the two brothers were surprised to see a world such as hours after leaving humanity behind back on Remnant.
Light: It's quite impressive seeing what humanity is capable of accomplishing on their own.
Dark: True, and at the same time it's also disappointing seeing how far they are from accomplishing even greater feats. Then again I suppose I should give you the benefit of the doubt seeing as how you're civilization isn't as advanced as those of our world.
Jonathan: Maybe, then again at least we accomplished things without the help of any outside forces.
Light: I agree. It's been so long since we've witnessed the fruits of humanity's labor.
I looked back at the city, when you really think about it it's actually quite impressive how far we have come as a species and one can only wonder what we could make in the future.
Light: Tell me, do you think the people of your world would ever be ready to receive the gift of magic someday?
The both of us just looked at them in complete shock, mostly because of how ridiculous the idea sounded.
Carlos: Where did you get an idea like that?
Dark: Come now it's a simple question, do you think that your world will ever be ready to receive such a gift?
My brother and I looked at each other as a silent agreement passed between us.
Carlos/Jonathan: No, they're not ready and they might never be ready.
Light: And what makes you say that?
Jonathan: Easy, humans are selfish creatures that only care about themselves. We already try to take every advantage we can get over everyone else just to preserve our own lives. Add magic into the mix and things will just descend into chaos.
Dark: I honestly don't see the problem, it's been too long since I have seen such wonderful chaos.
Carlos: ( Of course he would see that as a good thing. ) Look all we're saying is that the world we live in isn't ready for that kind of thing.
I got up from my spot as I stood on the edge looking at the deities in front of us.
Carlos: The world we live in is cruel, one moment you are just like everyone else and the next someone has decided to make you their personal punching bag.
Light: It sounds like you speak from experience.
I clenched my fist as I thought back to all the times I was beaten up and no one bothered to help me. Before I got my powers I always wished I had the power to stop them and make them feel how I did. But as the years went by I learned that powers like that were meant to be used to help others, that having that kind of strength and only using it to hurt others makes me no better than the people who hurt me.
Carlos: If the people of our world were to suddenly find that they can cast magic we have no doubt that a lot of people would use it for themselves. They might even resort to hurting others if it benefits them in one way or another.
Dark: So this world is a lost cause, is that what you're implying?
Jonathan: Not exactly. Sure this world has a lot of bad people in it, but that doesn't mean you should put all of us in the same category. There are a lot of good people here that might use it to help others.
We couldn't really see the expression on their faces, but if we had to make a guess we would say they were a bit confused.
Carlos: While it is true that many would misuse magical power you will find those who will treat it with the upmost respect. We never said that they will never be ready, only that they might not ever be.
Jonathan: If there's one thing you can tell about humanity it's that we're a stubborn bunch. For all the good and bad that we possess we don't go down easily.
Dark: If that's true than that only means that you are capable of greater feats of evil as well as good.
Carlos: True, but we also have the potential to turn thing around. Just when all seems lost we can find the strength to fight back until we achieve victory. I'm sure you two remember what we were able to accomplish all those months ago.
Again it was hard to tell what they were thinking, but I think they look pleased with our answers. I guess they wanted to see if we would be completely honest with them with our thoughts on the idea of giving our world magic, or if we would just say yes immediately just because this was our world.
Light: I am glad we had this talk, it's only reaffirmed our beliefs that maybe one day the people of Remnant will be worthy of wielding magic once again just like the humans of old did before them.
Dark: Now then, I believe the time has come. Please bring out the artifacts that you have been given and hold them high.
We did as they instructed and the artifacts began to glow as a steady beam of light opened a portal on the rooftop we were on, a blue portal with a haze surrounding it as we saw a large tunnel inside it that seemed to lead back to Remnant.
Dark: It is time we departed. I will warn you once more, once you enter the portal there is no going back. When it closes there is only one way you can go and once you reach the other side you will remain in that world indefinitely.
Light: Once you do this world will rid itself of any and all memories of your existence. People you have interacted with will continue their lives as if you never met them, that unfortunately includes any friends and family that you have. Are you sure you still wish to go?
Jonathan and I took one last glance at the city below us. For him it meant saying goodbye to his friends that he's spent time with as well as our mom. For me it mostly meant that mom would forget me, I didn't make that many friends and even then they were busy with other things now, they had their own lives to live and I was sure that they would be far too busy for much else.
Jonathan: ( I don't want to say goodbye, but at the same time I feel like it's my time to move on. I want to see Penny and Neo again, I promised them I would return to them. I know Carlos is thinking the same thing too. )
Carlos: ( Blake. Yang. I told you that you would see me again someday, but I also knew what I would have to give up if did. )
My thoughts went back to my mom, aside from Jonathan she was the only family I had. I didn't want to leave her alone, I would want her to come with us so we could stay together but I knew it was impossible. When we first came back to Earth we were told that only the two of us would come to Remnant if we chose to go back after a year had passed since we were the only ones that the Maidens brought in the first place.
Carlos: I have to know one thing, is what the Maidens told us true. If we go will our mother's future be secured? Tell us the truth.
Light: I will not lie to you, we are uncertain whether or not what the Maidens told you both will come to pass.
Dark: However they were right about the vision they received about the two of you. Because of your actions you helped your fellow Huntsman defeat an impossible threat. If they said that her future is secured than I see little reason to doubt them now.
It wasn't much comfort but we were thankful that they told us the truth rather than a complete lie. We took one last deep breath before we began walking to the portal. Every step we took felt heavier than the last yet despite that we kept pressing forward. Once we took our first steps into the portal we felt this intense sensation wash over us as we felt our bodies transition from one world to the next. The portal closed behind us as the tunnel began to show us various images from our past. Different visions both good and bad surrounded us as we continued the journey to our new home.
Along the walls we saw moments that made us happy as well as sad. That one time that I stood up to someone only for me to get beaten up a few minutes afterwards. A memory of Jonathan when he started high school played next to a memory of the two of us reading comic books together as little kids.
Before we went further in we saw a memory that wasn't from either of us, it showed our mom with two little kids holding her hand.
Carlos: What is that?
Light: Interesting. It would seem that the universe has a way of correcting itself.
Jonathan: What do you mean?
Dark: It looks as if this is a new memory, one created by the disappearance of the two of you. A new timeline has been made in place of the original, one where the both of you were born much later than before.
Light: In this new reality the two of you will most likely go through different experiences, and yet your counterparts still retain similar personalities as the originals.
We looked at it as we saw our mom reading a bedtime story to our younger selves. The two of them were even hugging plush toys of Iron Man and Spider-Man respectively as they were both falling asleep.
Jonathan: So our mom won't be alone?
Light: It would seem so. You may rest well knowing that the two of you will remain a part of her for all your days.
We couldn't help but cry a bit hearing that, all we wanted was for her to be safe and happy, and now we knew that a new version of us would be there to keep her from being alone.
Carlos: Take care of her you two, make sure to keep our mom happy.
Jonathan: And make sure to make your big brother's life as hectic as possible.
I gave him a punch to the shoulder as we started to walk again. The other side of the tunnel grew closer as we could see the night sky on the other side. Suddenly we could see smoke rising into the sky as several explosions went off shortly afterwards.
Carlos: What's happening?!
Light: It seems as though some old enemies of yours have returned.
Without another word the two of us started running to reach the end faster, once we were within arms reach we jumped through without a second thought as we returned to Remnant. As the tunnel closed both brothers returned to where they have been for the last several centuries as they were happy to see the chosen champions continue to fight for a worthy cause.
Light/Dark: Thank you once again champions, may your future be one of great pleasure and victory.
From the end of the tunnel we fell into the open sky, Jonathan ignited his thrusters as he activated his armor and began to fly at high speed. Before his helmet was fully assembled you could see the neon blue in his eyes return as it looked like he had circuitry embedded into them.
I free fell for a bit until I got close enough to a building to begin web swinging as my suit formed over me. My eyes returned to being red with slitted pupils and some of my teeth turned into fangs once again.
Carlos: Have you figured out the situation yet?
Jonathan: Yeah, I'm sending you the info right now.
My heads up display showed two oversized guys causing trouble in downtown Vale, one look at their respective armors was enough for me to recognize who we were going to be dealing with.
Carlos: Rhino and Iron Monger?! I thought those guys were in jail?
Jonathan: I guess they got out early, although I doubt it was because of good behavior.
Carlos: Well let's not keep them waiting.
Before long we finally arrived on the scene and we saw some familiar faces fighting back against them.
Jonathan: Looks like everyone arrived just in time to party.
Carlos: Well better late than never, let's go!
I pulled myself using a slingshot maneuver to propel myself faster towards our destination, as soon as I was above the fight I figured it was time to get their attention the best way I knew how.
Carlos: Hey ugly!
Rhino: What?!
I dropped down and once I was in range I shot a web line towards Rhino's head as I pulled myself in for a web strike as I kicked Rhino hard enough to send him tumbling across the street as I landed perfectly next to the others.
Carlos: ( I knew that would work. ) Hey there Rhino, I knew there wasn't a prison wide enough to hold you!
He got up as he shook his head before looking back at me with a mixture of shock and anger.
Rhino: Impossible! They said you were gone, how could you still be here!
Carlos: Yeah, like I'm about to tell you that horn head. What I can tell you is what's going to happen to you if you don't surrender now!
I took my stance as Iron Monger landed next to Rhino. Jonathan landed right next to me as Neo, Penny and team RWBY stood beside us.
Carlos: Wanna do the honors little bro?
Jonathan: Let's say it together.
We looked at the girls standing next to us as they nodded at us before getting their weapons ready for another round. We then turned our attention in front of us as both Rhino and Iron Monger got ready themselves with Rhino prepared to charge while his partner hovered in the air.
Carlos/Jonathan: Avengers Assemble!
( Yang's pov )
( Several minutes earlier )
I can't believe I spent the last several hours doing training, at least that shows how much I've improved over the last six months. Once I finished up I returned to the dorm room as I took a quick shower before climbing into bed and listening to some music, more specifically I was listening to some of the music that Carlos listened to back on Earth. It was really sweet of him to copy his music over to my scroll during our first year at Beacon since I haven't heard of most of these songs before and it was nice to listen to something different for a change.
As I listened to some new songs I took a look at the room to see Ruby napping, Weiss was doing some studying and Blake was busy reading as usual. I then noticed the time and saw that it was still a couple of hours until midnight, I was actually very nervous even though I knew Carlos said he would be coming back to us.
Yang: ( I know you said you were coming back, but I can't help but be anxious until I see you again. Please come back. )
For a while things were really peaceful, my nerves eventually settled down as I remained hopeful that we would see the guys again soon enough. Just as I thought I could relax a little I got a notification on my scroll later that night, not thinking much about it I pressed the button and saw news footage of an emergency happening downtown. The reports were about two members of the White Fang that had escaped from jail and where causing havoc in the city.
Yang: Hey I think you might want to take a look at this you three!
Ruby: ( Yawn ) What's up?
Blake: What's wrong Yang?
Yang: This!!
I showed them my scroll as their attention was on the video being shown.
Weiss: I thought those two were still in prison?! How did they manage to get out!
Yang: Who cares, right now they're trashing the city! I say we go out there and take care of them ourselves!
I was expecting some resistance to my idea but surprisingly they all agreed, we needed to be careful since we didn't want any of the teachers catching us sneaking away. We changed into our combat gear and as we were about to head out the door we heard a knock from the other side.
Ruby: I'll get it.
When Ruby opened the door we saw Penny and Neo all geared up as well, that and a very angry Ms. Goodwitch standing behind them.
Ms. Goodwitch: I suppose the four of you had the same idea as these two correct?
At this point it was too late to try and convince her we weren't planning the same thing.
Ms. Goodwitch: Well it's a good thing I have no intention of stopping the six of you.
We weren't expecting her to say that, we figured that since she was the new headmaster of Beacon that she would be strict with us, well even more strict than usual.
Weiss: You're not upset?
Ms. Goodwitch: No, now go and do your job as Huntresses and protect the innocent. There's a bullhead waiting for you in the courtyard.
Without another word we all left as quick as we could to catch the bullhead. A few minutes later and we could see civilians running to safety as the the two idiots in heavy armor were either throwing cars around or blasting things with rockets.
Penny: Reports say that all the civilians have made it to safety.
Ruby: Good, that just leaves us to deal with these two.
Blake: I can't believe that Rhino guy is back.
Yang: Yeah, and Iron Monger doesn't seem too happy about getting thrown into the slammer.
Down below us the city was becoming a war zone, we then got spotted by Rhino as he threw a car that was on fire straight at us. We held on as tightly as possible while the pilot did his best to get out of the way. After dodging the first car we decided to jump out and let the pilot get to safety while we handled the guys on the street. Once we landed we got our weapons ready as the other two faced us.
Iron Monger: Well well if it isn't my old friend Neo. I see that you've decided to fight for the enemy now, if Roman were still around I'm sure he would be very disappointed in you.
Neo could only glare as she gripped her weapons extra tightly, despite being our former enemy she has proven herself to be a capable ally.
Penny: That's enough, you two better explain how you both were able to escape a maximum security prison!
Rhino: It was easy, one of our comrades managed to help us in our escape. It was during the time that high leader Adam attacked Haven Academy.
Iron Monger: Since then we have been biding our time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Now that the White Fang is no more, reduced to that pitiful state of peaceful relations with humans, the time has finally come for us to return to our true glory!
Blake: This is wrong and you know it! The White Fang was created as a symbol for peace for our kind, what you are doing won't help anyone!
Iron Monger: Ahh Blake Belladonna, the daughter of the man who created the fang in the first place. I will take great pleasure in destroying you personally, think of this as a way to atone for your father's foolish ideals of existing alongside these worthless humans.
Rhino: Not so fast, I wish to destroy her! She cares deeply for the spider who put me behind bars. I want to have my revenge on him by ending the life of his little kitten.
Weiss: If you want our friend, you'll have to go through us first!
With that we charged at each other, we split into two groups to try and keep them apart. Ruby lead Weiss and Penny to deal with Iron Monger while Blake, Neo and I went after Rhino.
The battle lasted for several minutes as the three of us did our best to avoid getting trampled by Rhino, Neo and Blake were able to avoid him rather easily using their semblances while I was able to hold my own against his strength.
Rhino: You are strong little girl, but Rhino is stronger!
Yang: Keep telling yourself that, just don't come crying to me when I knock you down a peg or two!
Rhino then tried slamming both of his arms over my head but was distracted by a shot to the face courtesy of our former criminal turned teammate. He look to the side as Neo waved him over, he took the bait and rushed her all while shattering her illusion once he made contact only to see her standing a few feet behind him.
Rhino: Enough games!
He slammed the next illusion only for a new one to appear each time. Finally having enough he was about to kick her when a surge of energy hit him in the back, it was revealed to be Blake using Carlos' swords with their aura function.
Rhino: You dare attack me?!
Blake: Of course, after all my boyfriend wouldn't allow you to continue to destroy the city and neither will I!
She then used her semblance to attack him multiple times as Rhino was having difficulty pinning her down.
Blake: ( It's just like last time, his armor is too strong against our weapons. We have to tire him out if we want to have a chance at beating him. )
Rhino: Hold still!
Blake: What's wrong, are you tired of our little game?
Rhino: I don't play games!
At the last second Blake blasted him with aura bullets that only served to bother him as the shots couldn't get past his helmet so the three of us regrouped. Rhino was starting to get even more mad as Neo looked at me as if saying " Any bright ideas? "
Yang: I'm open to any suggestions right now. Blake?
Blake: Working on it, until then maybe we should just see if we can tire him out.
Yang: I guess that's better than nothing, at least it should keep his attention on us. Hey big guy how about a wild goose chase, come and get us!
Rhino: I HATE CHASE OF GOOSE!!!!!
Blake/Yang/Neo: ( Uh oh. )
( Ruby's pov )
Ruby: Watch out!
The three of us scattered as the missiles being shot at us blew up around us leaving several craters where they hit. So far we were on the defensive as Iron Monger did his best to keep us from getting too close to deal any kind of damage. Our long range attacks mostly seemed to bother him as we learned all too quickly that our weapons weren't that effective on his armor.
Weiss: I don't think we can keep this up much longer, we need a new strategy and fast!
Penny: Let me try something, Ruby I need you and Weiss to distract him for a few seconds while I charge up!
Ruby: On it. Weiss!
Weiss: No problem!
I then used my semblance to rush past his bullets and once I was in range I used my weapons recoil function to attack him as well as move fast enough to avoid his attacks.
Iron Monger: When will you children learn, my armor is far too advanced to be damaged by the likes of you! Give up and surrender to your new masters!
Weiss: Wow talk about cliche, let's see if this will shut you up.
Using her glyphs Weiss was able to summon a Nevermore and rode it so she could assist me by providing cover fire while I continued to fight at close range.
Weiss: Penny are you almost done?
Penny: Yes, just about finished. Let me get into position and when I give the word move out of the way.
So far it looked like our plan was working until Iron Monger grabbed me by my cape and tossed me over the side, luckily my semblance allowed me to land back on the ground safely. Weiss soon followed after as her summon was destroyed by Iron Monger using the repulsers on his hands to blast it away, Weiss was able to get back down using her glyphs and landed right next to me.
Iron Monger: You're finished!
Iron Monger then slammed into the ground as he prepared his arc reactor to blast the both of us, but he was unaware of Penny flying above him with her swords ready to blast him.
Iron Monger: Any last words?
Ruby: Yeah. See ya!
I took Weiss away in a rush of petals as Penny blasted him with all her might that she left a large crater where he once stood. She landed right beside us as we looked at the crater still smoking from her attack.
Weiss: Looks like it's finally over.
Penny: It would seem so.
Yang: Look out!
We turned to see Yang, Neo and Blake being chased by an angry looking Rhino as he slammed cars out of the way. Having enough he slammed the ground hard enough to cause a shockwave that caused the three of them to be sent flying as the concrete shattered like rubble. We then heard sounds coming from the crater as Iron Monger was slowly getting back up. He was able to protect himself from the blast by using his aura at the last second.
Ruby: It's still not over, get ready for round two everyone!
We then continued to fight back but it looked like these guys weren't keen on going down without a fight. As long as we couldn't penetrate their armor it was only a matter of time before we ran out of aura and ammunition, after that things were going to get a lot harder to deal with.
Ruby: ( Really wished we had some superhero back up right about now. )
Carlos: Hey ugly!
I turned to see Rhino getting kicked so hard he was sent flying across the street as an all too familiar voice rang out once again.
Carlos: Hey there Rhino, I knew there wasn't a prison wide enough to hold you!
Ruby: ( He's back! They really came back! )
( Normal pov )
Carlos: Okay big guy it's just you and me, let's go!
Rhino then tried attacking me with a rush of blows hoping to simply overpower me, but with my enhanced abilities dodging him was just too easy. As he tried to slam his arms down on me I grabbed hold of them before backflipping and delivering a swift kick to his face.
Rhino: Hold still!
Carlos: Now why would I do that? You know I have a severe allergy to being killed.
After dodging another attack I used my talons to attack back by utilizing my speed to avoid him and striking against his armor. Fortunately it looked like my talons did the trick as I was able to leave various gashes around him as I blitzed past him in just a few seconds.
Rhino: Impossible, how are you doing this?!
Carlos: Easy, my talons are a lot stronger than they look. Only a matter of time before I open you up like a tin can.
Rhino: Not unless I squash you first!
Carlos: Well then come and get me!
As the two of us traded blows the girls focused on shooting him from a distance hoping to divide his attention long enough to give me an opening. After one last shot Rhino grabbed me and threw me away as he then grabbed a nearby car to throw at the girls.
Carlos: Heads up!
I was able to stop myself by web slinging fast enough to attach a web line to the car before throwing it back at Rhino. The car broke once it made contact but it was good enough to give Blake and Yang the time necessary to charge up their aura into my swords for a combined attack.
Blake/Yang: Getsuga Tenshou!
The blast sent him a few feet back as they threw the swords back at me so I could use them myself.
Carlos: Good to have these back.
I then landed as I rushed at Rhino with my enhanced speed, switching them into gun mode I combined both hard light and lightning dust all while shooting him from different sides.
Rhino: You irritating little bug, you can't win! Nothing can beat my armor!
Carlos: I wouldn't be so sure about that. Also I'm not a bug, I'm an arachnid!
Before long I saw Blake running towards us with her gun in hand as she activated her semblance to try and distract him while I avoided another swing from Rhino's arms, I even managed to pull her away from him trying to impale her with his horn.
Blake: Thanks babe.
Carlos: Anytime. Ready to go again?
Blake: Always. Neo!
Neo nodded at us as she knew what our plan was. The two of us rushed at Rhino as Blake used her semblance to appear as if she was in multiple places while I used my speed and accelerated decoys to do the same, while Rhino attacked us the clones shattered thanks to Neo using her semblance to confuse him even further as well as Blake using lightning dust to shock him a little every time he hit a shadow clone of hers. I also webbed up his face just for good measure to both make him waste time ripping it off and to simply annoy him.
Rhino: What is this?!
Carlos: Our combo move, I like to call this one " Clone Barrage Version 2".
After destroying another fake the two of us backed away as Yang came rushing in with her weapons as she started punching Rhino with all her might, a few times he hit her back as her semblance started absorbing the damage. One last hit and her hair began to glow while her eyes turned red, I then jumped as high as I could and using my webs I pulled her high into the air before I threw her back down as hard as I could right at the overgrown zoo animal.
Yang: And we call this one " Ultimate Dragon Throw "!
The moment she made contact it was enough to not only crater the street but also to knock Rhino out for the most part, while he struggled to get back up it was easy to see that he wouldn't be able to continue fighting.
Rhino: Y-You can't win, t-the White Fang will be v-victorious!
Carlos: It's over Rhino, just stop.
Rhino: No! Not until the humans pay for their crimes!
Carlos: ( sigh ) I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this.
I walked up to him as my mask came off, I bent down and bit him on the back of the neck since there was no armor protecting him there. Once I backed up Rhino completely collapsed on the ground as he struggled to make his limbs move.
Rhino: What have you done to me?!
Carlos: I injected you with a very potent paralysis toxin, it's strong enough to stop a rampaging Hulk. You won't be going anywhere for a while, long enough for the authorities to get you out of that armor and into a proper cell.
KAREN: I'm afraid that won't be possible. Scans have identified that his armor is permanently grafted into his body.
I bent down to take a closer look at his armor, just as KAREN said both Rhino and his armor are one now. I stepped back thinking about how he was basically trapped in it forever now, but I guess it was his choice to do so.
Carlos: ( Hopefully Jonathan and I can come up with a way to remove his armor from him someday. I can do that much at the very least. )
Now that the fight was done I turned to see the girls looking at me. Neo gave me a two finger salute as her way of saying " welcome back " while Yang and Blake simply decided to rush toward me while holding me very tightly.
Yang: ( crying ) You're back, you actually came back.
Carlos: Of course I did, it's like I told Blake earlier, I want to be with you both. You can't get rid of me that easily.
Blake: ( crying ) We'll hold you to it.
This is where I belonged and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Carlos: ( I wonder how Jonathan is doing? )
( Jonathan's pov )
Iron Monger: You're dead, do you hear me!!!!
Jonathan: Oh I heard you, I just don't care.
The two of us spent the last several minutes constantly clashing against one another, his armor has been improved since the last time we fought since he upgraded not only the alloy that he used but also its defensive capabilities as well. While I kept him more or less occupied I had Weiss and Ruby support me from a distance while Penny did her best to recharge before joining us.
Iron Monger: You shouldn't have come back boy, now you will experience true suffering for what you put me through!
Jonathan: And how is that my fault, you're the idiot that stole tech that didn't belong to you.
We both charged up our respective arc reactors and blasted each other with a unibeam in a head to head beam struggle.
Iron Monger: My armor is more powerful than ever before! Just give up!
Jonathan: Sorry to disappoint but Starks are too stubborn to just give up so easily!
Utilizing the dust that was stored in my armor I was able to enhance my energy output and I overwhelmed Iron Monger. His armor was able to survive due to it enhancing his aura, in fact my scans showed that the armor was upgraded compared to last time so I needed to find a new way to beat him.
Iron Monger: Enough of these games!!! I won't let you make a fool out of me a second time boy!!!
He then flew off into the distance as I chose to follow him.
Jonathan: Guys, Iron Monger is making a break for it. I'm going to see what he's planning.
Carlos: Okay, Weiss I want you and Penny to go with him as back up while the rest of us stay here in case he has something planned for the city.
After a few minutes I found Iron Monger at a power plant near the city limits as he stood in between to generators absorbing the energy into himself. Weiss and Penny had finally caught up to me as we approached Iron Monger. The generators had been drained as he let out a surge of energy that pushed us back.
Carlos: Guys what's happening over there, the city has gone completely dark!
I quickly explained what was going on as we started avoiding Iron Monger's energy blasts as he fired recklessly. Penny did her best to fire back as Weiss summoned a Queen Lancer to back her up while she tried using hard light dust to assist.
Jonathan: Looks like Iron Monger decided to recharge himself using the city's power grid. Scans show that he's got enough energy to blow the whole city apart!
Carlos: Any ideas on how to stop him?
Jonathan: Actually yeah, but I'm gonna need your armor if we want this to work.
Carlos: Alright, KAREN uploaded her main programming into my scroll so I'll activate the remote piloting and send it to you. Just hold out for a little while until it arrives. The girls and I will make sure any civilians are away from danger.
As we kept Iron Monger busy he started using all his weaponry in an attempt to finish us off as quickly as he could. The building was suffering heavy damage as he let loose an array of bullets and rockets all around him.
Penny: Everyone something isn't right! My scans are showing dangerous amounts of energy building up in his arc reactor!
JARVIS: I concur, it seems like his reactor is reaching critical levels. I estimate about 15 minutes until it self destructs with a blast radius of several miles.
Weiss: So what should we do? Can we get him to waste his energy to avoid him blowing us all up?
Penny: It might be possible, but we'll need him to expend a massive amount of energy all at once if we want a chance at succeeding.
Jonathan: Way ahead of you, luckily I have just the thing in mind.
I then began to attack Iron Monger relentlessly in close quarters, the only problem with that however was the energy output coming from his armor. His aura had become strengthened beyond its limits as it nullified any damage that I caused, after a few hits I decided to try using long range weapons to see if they could do better but Iron Monger's aura had expanded into a small barrier around him.
JARVIS: Sir, the barrier surrounding Iron Monger is completely comprised of both his aura and the ever increasing energy created by his reactor. It's unbreachable.
Jonathan: Yeah I figured as much. Time for plan B.
I activated my semblance to see if I could compromise his armors systems in the hopes of taking it over but something went wrong.
Jonathan: What's going on? Why can't I hack his armor?
Iron Monger: Surprised? My men discovered your capabilities long ago so we took steps in ensuring that you wouldn't be able to take over my armor.
He then pointed to the back of his neck while staring at me as he began to activate the rockets to meet me in the air.
Iron Monger: After careful research we implanted a microchip at the base of my brain stem which connects my suit to my very thoughts. This suit can only be controlled by me and I will use it to destroy you and the rest of humanity once and for all!
The two of us began charging at each other again, as I lead the chase into the skies above I did another scan on his armor. From the readings I got it did seem that he and his suit worked as one, not only that but after doing a little digging I found something interesting as well. As I continued to fire back Iron Monger was able to focus his energy blasts into small beams with so much concentrated power that it easily tore through bits of my armor that I needed to play this carefully if I wanted to beat him.
Penny: Jonathan do you need any assistance?
Jonathan: No I'm good, just help Weiss restore power to the city. For now I need to keep Iron Monger busy for my plan to work.
JARVIS: Sir I estimate about 9 minutes until the reactor has reached critical mass.
Jonathan: Thanks, keep me posted.
A small timer displayed on my systems, not only that but I got a signal showing the Iron Spider armor was closing in on our location. As I did my best to retaliate I had to watch out since my armor could easily be blown to bits thanks to Iron Monger's energy blasts.
Iron Monger: This game has gone long enough, time for you to pay along with the rest of humanity!
Jonathan: Then let's end this!
I charged straight for him, as he blasted me I did my best to dodge him. Bits of my armor were destroyed but I was able to repair them in no time thanks to the spare nanotech I had. Once I got in range I reconfigured my internal systems as I prepared to do something pretty stupid, I attacked up close once again and after two hits I was caught in a crushing grip by Iron Monger as he held me right in his arms.
Iron Monger: How foolish of you, now bear witness to your demise!
JARVIS: Warning! Armor systems reaching critical! I recommend utilizing nanotech to further increase defenses at once sir.
Jonathan: Not yet JARVIS, just hold out for a few more seconds.
He charged up his reactor as he unleashed a full powered unibeam on me, I screamed in pain from the initial impact but that only lasted for a few seconds as I took control of the Iron Spider armor that hovered above us. I command it to assimilate itself into my armor as I dug my hands into Iron Monger's mid section. The excess nanotech began to spread as it began to absorb more energy into myself thus making him let go before he lost too much power.
Iron Monger: What's happening, why are my energy levels depleting?!
Jonathan: Easy, I repurposed some of my internal systems into absorbing your energy. Although I needed a lot more nanotechnology to help store it since my armor alone wouldn't be enough.
Raising my right arm I used my semblance to transform the extra nanotech into an oversized drill ready to take out Iron Monger once and for all.
Jonathan: It's over Iron Monger!
Iron Monger: NEVER!!!
He blasted me with all the energy he had left, while I charged at full speed the drill was doing its job of absorbing as much energy as possible which allowed it to increase its power output constantly. Before I made contact with his reactor a small barrier was put into place over his armor as my drill continued to try and penetrate it.
Iron Monger: I have come to far to fail now! The era of Faunus supremacy is at hand! A worthless human like you has no right to stand in our way!
Jonathan: Who are you to decide I'm worthless, no matter what or who stands in my way I will stop you here and now!
The barrier began to crack little by little as more energy was put into the blast. Sooner or later my armor would reach its limit so I rerouted some of my energy into my thrusters for an extra boost as well as my free repulser to blast the barrier.
JARVIS: Sir power is at 600% and reaching critical. Abort the mission or risk severe injuries.
Jonathan: I can't, not until I beat him!
Iron Monger tried to forcefully stop the drill by gripping it as hard as he could but I continued to hold my place refusing to let go. Sparks flew as his armor did its best to stop me before being ripped to shreds.
Iron Monger: Are you insane!? You'll kill us both of you continue!
Jonathan: I'm prepared to risk it, if it means stopping you then so be it!
As soon as the drill made contact with the reactor sparks began to fly as I pushed my armor further while facing against continued resistance. Iron Monger began to panic seeing someone so close to defeating him after he believed that his righteous cause was about to be destroyed.
Iron Monger: Who are you!?
Jonathan: My name is Jonathan, and this is the drill that pierces the heavens! GIGA DRILL BREAK!!!
Iron Monger: NNNNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
With one last bit of effort I pushed through with all my strength as I heard the final parts of the reactor get destroyed before a large explosion brightened the night sky. The blast was strong enough to destroy most of my armor as I fell with only half my helmet and armor along my right arm as I looked to the side to see the general falling as well while unconscious.
Weiss: Hang on I'm coming!
Soon I was being carried off by Weiss using her summon to carry us back to the city as Penny did the same with the general. It took a few minutes but once we landed in Vale the lights started coming back on as we regrouped with the others who kept an eye on Rhino who was still paralyzed from the looks of it.
Jonathan: How's everyone holding up?
Ruby: Pretty well actually. So what happened back there?
Yang: And what was with that explosion earlier?
We explained the situation to them as well as what I found out during my fight with Iron Monger. As it turned out the surgery he had to implant the chip that assisted him with his suit had some consequences. Without the suit he would no longer be able to move around freely, it was basically his support system since he sacrificed the use of his limbs to enhance his connection to the armor.
It was at this point that citizens had begun surrounding us as well as some police officers, we believed they were here to take both the general and Rhino back to prison but they had their guns trained on my brother as well.
( Normal pov )
Cop: Spider-Man by order of General Ironwood and the kingdom of Atlas you are under arrest! Put your weapons down and hands up now!
You know that whole incident from before had completely slipped my mind. I guess Ironwood wasn't happy about what happened back at Atlas. The girls were the first to defend me saying that I just helped stop two criminals from causing havoc in the city, not only that but a few citizens stood up for me as well.
Ms. Goodwitch: That's enough officers! Step away from my students at once!
We turned to see Ms. Goodwitch walking towards us as she gave the cops a stern glare that was enough to send chills up our spines. She turned to face us as her gaze softened a little.
Ms. Goodwitch: Mr. Stark, Mr. Ortiz. It's good to see you two again.
Carlos: Y-Yeah, it's nice to see you too Ms. Goodwitch.
Ms. Goodwitch: That's Headmaster Goodwitch, but I will let that slide for now.
Headmaster? Wow. I gotta say I'm impressed she's moved on to such a high position in Beacon. She then turned to the cops who were still pointing their guns at me in case I tried to make a break for it. In all honesty I was actually considering it.
Ms. Goodwitch: I believe I asked that you officers stand down.
Cop: I'm sorry but before he retired General Ironwood declared Spider-Man an enemy of Atlas and that he should be arrested on sight.
Ms. Goodwitch: If you recall, that order was made when he wasn't in the right state of mind. Besides General Schnee is in charge now and she has given him a full pardon due to Ironwood's actions as well as his involvement in stopping a global threat.
Carlos: Wait, really?
Weiss: She did, I actually wanted to ask her to do that personally but she surprised me when she came to talk to Ms. Goodwitch herself saying that you shouldn't be punished for Ironwood behaving out of character.
As Ms. Goodwitch continued to talk with the police I felt relieved when I heard them saying to get Iron Monger and Rhino ready to be transported, they thanked us for our work and looked forward to working with us again in the future.
Ms. Goodwitch: Now then let's return to Beacon. And gentlemen please see me in my office early on Monday.
Carlos/Jonathan: Why?
( Timeskip to Monday )
We met with her in her office only for us to follow her to the auditorium, we then stood on stage in front of all the students of Beacon Academy. Ms. Goodwitch had called for an early assembly for some important news she wanted to share with everyone today.
Ms. Goodwitch: Today is a great day for Beacon Academy, today we celebrate the return of two of our students. Carlos Ortiz and Jonathan Stark of team AVGR ( Avenger ).
We walked up to the stage to be met with the applause of everyone in attendance.
Ms. Goodwitch: Not only that but during the last six months we have admitted two new students into our school who will now fill the last two open spots in their team.
Both Penny and Neo walked towards us as they stood beside us proudly.
Ms. Goodwitch: Carlos Ortiz, Jonathan Stark, Neo, and Penny Polendina. It is my privilege to welcome you as the completed team AVGR, led by... Mr. Ortiz.
Carlos: Say what now?!
As everyone cheered I only stood there frozen. I expected Jonathan to fight me for the position of leader, especially since he has a habit of not listening to me and does whatever he wants. Instead he only patted my back and smiled at me.
Jonathan: Trust me, I think you'll be a good leader. Unless you don't want the job...
Carlos: N-No I'll do it!
Jonathan: Good. Just don't screw it up.
So yeah, our lives would now continue here on Remnant. We may not know exactly what kinds of adventures this world has in store for us or how our lives will turn out in the future, but as long as we continue to strive for a better tomorrow than I know we made the right choice.
As a wise man once said " With great power comes great responsibility. " That doesn't just apply to people like us. We all have the power to change lives for the better, it's all a matter of how we do it. We can make a difference, we just have to believe.
How does our story end?
Only one way to find out.
( Afterwards)
Carlos: It's been a few days but things have gone back to normal. Classes have been easy and I'm getting used to the routine of being Spider-Man here on Remnant. Looks like things are finally going well for our hero.
Blake: Carlos... are you narrating?
I looked behind me to see Blake struggling not to laugh as I was on the tallest building in Vale in my spider suit overlooking the city.
Carlos: Uhh that depends, how long have you been standing there and how much did you hear?
Blake: Long enough, Ruby once told me that superheroes often narrate but I never thought that you would too.
Carlos: Oh.
Blake: So are we going to do this or what?
I got up as I wrapped my arm around her waist as she held on tightly.
Carlos: If it gets you to forget that you caught me narrating, yeah. Let's do this!
I jumped off the building as I took her swinging through the city as she screamed in excitement.
My name is Carlos and I am Spider-Man, and I know that I'm not the only one.