Previously, The Black Ruby Squadron traveled through the Gate and into the Kingdom of Brumel to speak with the Grand Council of Remnant. However, while Pina Co Lada talked to the Royal Senate of Brumel, they felt that they were being tailed by an illegal PMC that Jacques Schnee set up. Seeking asylum, the Black Ruby Squad has found their asylum through their old friends Hermes, Oscar, and Ozpin. However, as they planned their next steps, a sudden explosion came from the basement. Hermes and Blade discover a war robot but… not from their time. All the while, Jacques plans his next move against our heroes.

Setting the robot on the table, everyone looked at it with awe left on their face, just looking at the machine. "Hermes, just where did this thing even come from anyway?!" Yang said, trying to understand the robot as best as she could. "Allow me," Ozpin said, taking over Oscar's body and placing his hand out with a light green aura emitted from it as he closed his eyes. "W-What is that green aura emitting from Ozpin's hand?!" Pina asked.

"That is magic from the old world; Ozpin here is well versed in the uses of time magic, as I had noticed this machine had Time Dust emitting from it. I had assumed that it was not from our own time." Hermes answered.

"So in this world, you're able to become a mage?" Bozes inquired, with Hermes shaking his head. "That would be impossible, since back in Ancient Remnant, the God of Darkness wiped out all life, making way to this Remnant. Even finding manuals of it would be near impossible." Hermes answered.

Bozes and Pina nodded at Hermes, turning their attention to Ozpin finishing and opening his eyes. "Herme's assumption was correct. This machine is from another point in time." He said, leaving everyone with shocked gasps and confusion filling the air.

A-Another point in time, but who would send a war robot back here?!" Blade said, rubbing the back of his head, trying to think about where and when the hell this robot came from. "If so, shouldn't we activate it?" Blake asked. "Right, but I don't know if this thing is going to a full bloody killer robot or go. "Come with me if you want to live." on us," Eros said, looking over to Kazura, awaiting his orders from him.

"I say we activate it; we may need to know about when it came from, or how did it end up here of all things. Yet, if Eros is correct and goes killer robot, we scrap the thing." Kazura said, looking at Ryze, who nodded, getting her repair drones out. "If you do not mind everyone, I would like some space to work in peace…." Ryze said once more, with everyone leaving the dining room and heading to another part in Hermes' house. His library was filled with many books, ranging from philosophy, history, and more. The sight left Pina in awe, her eyes scanning through every bookshelf.

"Sir Hermes, this is incredible! How many books do you have here?!" Pina asked Hermes, who used was hanging upside down as he was reading about the origins of Atelier technology. "Over two hundred thousand books. I try to at least read a thousand a day, but it seems I'm beginning to slow down." Hermes answered, taking his time with the book he was currently reading as everyone else tried passing the time through reading or falling asleep.

"Yet, Hermes has been good company as of late for both Oscar and me. I never thought that I would be meeting someone from Old Remnant again, no less him and many more who managed to survive the God of Darknesses' world-ending wrath." Ozpin explained through Oscar as the boy took back over. "I have to agree with Ozpin. When he was crazy, he was just unbearable. This mellowed-out Hermes' is much better to deal with. "He said, causing Hermes to fall from the place where he was hanging with a blush on his face looking at the young boy.

"You could have just told me you did not enjoy my company," Hermes said in a very sheepish voice. As some chuckled. "Yet, Hermes, didn't you find immortality to be a blessing to you?" Rory asked, watching Hermes stand up and look at her. "I sadly did not find immortality to be a good thing. To me, it is a living hell. Having to be immortal and watching those closest to you just age while having to watch helplessly as they move on to the next life." He answered, watching Rory stand up and approach him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I can tell you went through a lot, didn't you, Hermes?" She said, with Hermes nodding.

"No need to worry; I won't pry for any details. If you feel like you are ready to tell everyone, then stand strong and tell them all about what had happened." Rory said, giving Hermes some sage advice, leaving the immortal man silent for just a moment which he gave her a soft smile. He had been in the company of Ozpin, and both had philosophical conversations about immortality. This was the first time Hermes ever felt the comfort of another immortal, reassuring that it was okay if he was not ready to tell everyone.

"So, is Ryze done, or do we have to keep waiting for her?" Blade asked, flipping the page of his Captain Remnant comic, looking at Eros. Reading a book about battle tactics, Eros looked over at Blade, sighing softly. "She's just like the Engineering Corps, never to tell us about how long it will take. Once it's complete, they'll tell us." The commander replied, sighing softly, hearing the beeping sound on his wrist communicator.

"Boss, I've finished with the war robot, and I'm ready to activate it. If you'd like, bring everyone down here." Ryze said over the communicator. "Copy that on our way down." He replied.

Hearing the reply, everyone went downstairs, looking at the robot, waiting for Kazura's order to activate it. Everyone had their weapons at the ready in case it attacked them. Then, taking a deep breath in and out, he looked at Ryze. "Turn it on," Kazura ordered, with a nod from Ryze as she pressed a few buttons on her wrist pad, watching the machine convulse a bit. Then, the light on its "face" turned on as it jolted upwards into a sitting position.

"WAIT! DON'T DO IT I CAN-" The machine said, with the light flashing a bright blue and back to a typical hue. "Wait, is this… the past?" It said once more, looking at The Black Ruby Squadron and the Special Region Team. "Wait a minute, you're Team BLCKOUT, and RWBY aren't you!?" The machine said, leaving everyone a bit surprised at the machine's response.

"Y-Yeah, and who the hell are you?" Blade asked, with the machine getting off the table and stretching a bit, checking its systems to see if everything was in working order. "Names Cronus" The robot introduced itself. "A g-golem?!" Pina asked, looking at Cronus as the machine looked at the strange traveler. "Well, that's not the case there. As I am an upgraded AK-487 unit with the fusion of both Brumelian and Atlesian technology." He said, leaving Kazura and Weiss surprised. "Huh?! A fusion of Atlesian and Brumelian tech?!" Kazura and Weiss said in unison.

"That's right where I'm from. Both Brumelian and Atlesian scientists threw away their petty rivalry to create me." Cronus said. "That reminds me, I have some questions for you since you did come from another point in time," Kazura asked. With Cronus grabbing a chair and sitting down. "And I have many answers to those questions as well." He said, watching everyone else taking a seat.

"First things first, how did you come here? Also, just what point in time caused such an event that prompted you to come here?" Kazura asked. "To begin, it started when Salem had succeeded in finding all four relics," Cronus said, causing the mood to shift to pure shock.

"What?! All four relics?!" Oscar and Ozpin's said, their voices overlapping with shock and rage filling it while watching the machine nod.

"Yeah, but instead of summoning the gods to judge mankind, she saw them all as powerful weapons, thus did she begin to destroy everything she could. First, subjugating any and all kingdoms she could find. Team BLCKOUT and RWBY were her victims, then a reformed JNPR, FNKI, CRDL, and all other teams that attempted to rise up against her were killed. As for the maidens of the seasons, she had a better plan for them. She would use their blessings to create the Maidens of the Apocalypse to destroy Remnant, and only Brumel would be the final bastion for mankind. Watts would make me a way to stop the Maidens and Salem. However, someone had the idea to send me back in time when Salem was at her weakest to kill her and her scions there. " Cronus explained as pained looks emerged on everyone's faces.

"Who is Salem?" Lelei asked.

"Salem is the accursed enemy of Remnant; after she was chosen to be a Champion of Remnant, her father condemned her to the tower. Causing the Gods to bestow the role of champion to Ozpin. Even after being freed, she demanded the Gods to make her a champion for the future, only to be denied as she took matters into her own hands. Using the God of Lights' purifying waters to make herself immortal, she rallied most of Ancient Remnant to stand against the gods. Creating an illusive lie that the gods cursed her for her father's actions, and I guess you know how that song and dance ends. Left to wander in a barren and dead Remnant, she tried to end her life through a grimm pit only to be reborn as a monster. Seeing this, the gods brought Ozma back to find the next champion of Remnant and slay Salem once and for all." Cronus explained.

"Wait, who told you about me in the timeline you hail from?" Ozpin asked.

"Cashmere Charlemagne, I still cannot believe the bastard managed to live that long to see me go back in time. Not to mention, tell me about Salem." Cronus answered, with everyone simply chuckling a bit. "He really was the hero of our time and managed to play an integral part in sending you back in time here. Eh, Cronus?" Kazura said smiling, remembering the kindness of Cashmere being an emissary to a Grimm Titan and being able to foresee future events before they even happen. "Heh, he really was something," Cronus replied.

"Hmm, still judging by how you explained everything in detail, it seems that you also have combat experience?" Blake asked. "Yup, plenty of combat experience. Not to mention my old man himself set up entire training simulations for me when I am "asleep." " Cronus answered Blake. "Right, I didn't get your names, by the way." The robot said, looking over at Pina, Bozes, Rory, and Tuka.

"I am Pina Co Lada, Third Princess of the Saderan Empire and the Rose Knight Order leader." Pina introduced herself

"Bozes Co Palesti, Captain of the Rose Knight Order," Bozes spoke, introducing herself.

"Lelei La Lelena, a mage at your service," Lelei said.

"Rory Mercury, priestess to the God of War Emloy." Rory would say leaving the robot a twinge bit uncomfortable

"Tuka Luna Marceau, I'm an elf of the Lodo Clan and daughter of Hondolew Marceau; nice to meet you, Cronus!" Tuka said, putting her hand to shake it, as the robot reached his hand out, gently taking it and shaking it. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Tuka," Cronus said before he heard a soft yawn coming from Weiss.

"I know everyone wants to question the robot, but shouldn't we at least get some rest…." Weiss said in a sleepy causing everyone to chuckle at her adorable yawn. "That's right, I know while I can't sleep, you organics need the rest, plus I'm sure you all have plans tomorrow," Cronus said, watching everyone find a place to sleep; as for Cronus, he too had to find a spot to sleep as well. In the living room, Yang was holding onto Louvel as they snored. Weiss and Blade slept next to each other on a couch while Raptor Squadron sat on the floor, resting together. Upstairs, Lelei, Tuka, Rory, Ruby, and Blake all slept on some beds that Hermes had set up for them. Finally, Kazura, Oscar, Pina, Hermes, and Outsider slept in the library with Cronus keeping guard. A sound from Kazura's scroll immediately snapped the knight out of his blissful rest, checking the phone seeing a text from General Ironwood, smiling softly as he read it.

"Meet me at the Market Province when you have the chance. You remember the spot." So the text read as Kazura closed his eyes, remembering the fountain that connected through the different areas of the Market Province. Kazura was just a kid, wide-eyed and filled with joy until he bumped into Ironwood by accident. His father and Ironwood talked like they were like old friends. That was his first experience with the General.

"Hmm, until tomorrow General." He said, closing his eyes returning to sleep. The following day, Rory was the first to be awake, kneeling and quietly praying to Emloy, thanking him for allowing her to see another day. Hermes is also awake early and making breakfast with the aroma, snapping everyone awake. Except for Cronus, who was reading a book in the living room. Watching Blade wake up with Weiss at his side. "Mmm… morning, ." He said in a voice, sitting up and yawning lightly with the smell catching his attention.

After a couple of minutes, everyone else came down in their bedclothes, yawning and eating breakfast. "This is delicious, Sir Hermes! Why were you never given a position to be a Royal Cook?" Bozes asked the immortal man, which Hermes looked at her with a sheepish smile on his face. "Well, about that, I'm also an Atelier Agent. So I have to fight for not just Remnant but here as well," Hermes answered with Boze's nodding at his answer.

"So what's the plan today, Kazura? I mean, we have plenty of time before we go to the mountainside resort. Still, we also have to be careful of Jacques illegal PMC hunting us down as well." Blade said, with the rest of everyone remaining quiet. "Well, we do have plenty of time, do we not! We should at least have fun, not to mention we should have safety in the crowds!" Kazura answered. "That's right, the larger the crowd, the better our safety shall be! " Louvel said, smiling. "That leaves only another thing. Just what is everyone else doing?" Cronus asked.

"Well, Weiss and I might be doing a double date with Yang and Louvel to see a movie together. " Blade answered.

"As much as I'd like to have fun with you lot, I need to go check up on the Military Base and see if I left anything behind, along with the rest of the squadron as well. Not to mention, make sure if the new recruits are ready to go into the Special Region." Eros said, with Kazura nodding. "No rest for the righteous, eh?" He said, turning his attention to Ruby.

"Well, Blake, Corona, and I might be taking Rory and the others shopping! It's a new day, right? So we need to at least get some fresh air and enjoy ourselves!" Ruby said excitedly. "Aye, Aye, Captain!" Tuka said excitedly, with Lelei nodding agreement. "So what will Pina and Bozes will be doing, especially with Cronus?" Blake asked, looking at the two who pulled out a yaoi comic, causing the cat faunus' face to turn red. With Hermes turning away and whistling innocently to himself…..

"Finding Art!" They both said in unison, answering Blake's question.

"Well…. I didn't think they were both into yaoi comics, but to each their own. Since this is Brumel before shit hit the fan. I will try to study as much as possible and catch myself up. That now only leaves you, Kazura; what will you be doing?" Cronus answered and then asked Kazura, who took a moment to think. "Well, I shall be going to the Market Province to meet with an old friend of mine." He said, smiling softly.

"Aye, good to meet old friends again, right?" Reaver said with a smile, feeling a gentle smack on his back with Yang smirking and letting the soldier chuckle a bit. "Well then, everyone has their things to be doing. So let's meet up at six o'clock to head to the resort, yeah?" Eros said, with everyone releasing a cheer except for Rory.

"Huh, Rory, aren't you excited?" Weiss said, looking over at the apostle, who looked bored. "I'm uninterested, just wasting my time looking at clothes when I'm absolutely okay in being in my clothes." Rory would say…. But that would change pretty quickly.

Locations for each Group: Market Province (Ruby, Blake, Tuka, Lelei, Rory, Hermes, Oscar, Kazura, and Corona.)
Science Province (Cronus, Bozes, and Pina)

Military Province (Raptor Squadron and Outsider)
Center of Actus (Yang, Louvel, Blade, and Weiss)
Time: 11:00 AM (RTZ)

"Uwaaaaa~!" Rory said excitedly, looking at the dress placed out in the display case of Stellina. "Such a beautiful dress!" She said, immediately entering in as Tuka, Lelei, and Rory all tried on some new clothes. "Oooh, you all look good! Outdid yourself again, Giacomo." Ruby said to the fashion designer, who smiled at the other. "Es ist kein problem, fraulein Ruby! (It's not a problem, Miss Ruby!)." He would say, smiling at the three and making sure that everything fits them well, and waiting for them to switch back to their regular clothes as he packed them up. "The clothes here feel so comfortable; I would really hope that a Stellina opens up back home," Lelei said, happy at the fact the clothes fit so well. "I would love to wear more gorgeous dresses like that, even as I slay my enemies," Rory replied, with Tuka nodding in agreement.

Later at a movie theater, Blade, Weiss, Yang, and Louvel decided on watching a scary movie together. Unfortunately, as they were watching, a jumpscare came out of nowhere, causing Weiss and Louvel to yelp out in fear and hold onto the arms of their dates. Yang and Blade looked at each other and chuckled a bit at the sudden reaction but found it adorable. The four remained calm and watched the rest of the movie together, walking out after the credits. "I really wish they didn't have to put so many jumpscares in the film," Louvel said, with his wolf ears drooping a bit as Weiss nodded in agreement. "I'm okay with one jumpscare, but one too many just really makes it too intense for me to watch." She said. "Aww, but that ruins the suspense, Weissy!" Blade said before receiving a playful slug to his shoulder from Weiss. To which Yang held her date carefully, smiling softly.

In the Science Province, Cronus read through many books, getting caught up with this time's events. At the same time, Pina and Bozes gushed over the Yaoi comics the machine picked out. "I still cannot fathom the fact that a surprise attack left Brumel of all places, forcing them onto the defensive. But, Pina, you did speak with the Royal Senate about the attack, didn't you?" Cronus asked her who was too busy reading and gushing about the yaoi they were both reading, which a sigh came from the robot. "Never mind." He said, returning to his book.

At the Military Province, Eros looked at the fresh batch of recruits that had just completed training. Looking at each of them and making sure they are prepared and ready to go to the Special Region. "Look at you batch of bloody shinies, all you lot think you have what it takes to shoot?!" The commander shouted, waiting for a response. "Aye, Sir!" They all replied. "Bullshite, I can't hear you!" Eros shouted. "AYE, SIR!" The recruits shouted louder.

"Gods, Eros really does take his commander position seriously," Twilight said, looking at him talking to a recruit that came up short in the salute.

"Well, he's only second to the drill sergeant from hell, Captain Albion," Zek replied, crossing his arms and closing his eyes.

"Hey, at least he isn't like my sister, Elm. God, she would be teasing the ever-loving shit out of me if she found out I was here." Reaver said, with Ryze smiling at the tall soldier.

Finally, back at the Market Province, Kazura stood patiently in the middle of the province, waiting for Ironwood. "There you are; when you were just a child, you thought I was a family member. And so you called me Uncle Ironwood." General Ironwood said, walking up to the knight, smiling softly. "I couldn't help it back when I was a kid. Yet, you and him always did have your chess games here before it attracted a huge crowd." Kazura said, looking at the other smiling. "Good to see that little boy, all grown up and now a General," Ironwood said, putting his hand out to shake as Kazura took his hand, shaking it. "And look at the grey on your hair Ironwood." He said as the two laughed together.

"It's good to see you again, Kazura," Ironwood said, with Kazura nodding in reply. "So I suppose we should be talking somewhere private. Too many prying eyes here." He said, looking around as the two generals moved the park with fewer prying eyes around. "I wish I was here to speak with your father and play a few rounds of chess with him, but we have a massive problem," Ironwood said, turning around holding a folder in his hand. "Hmm? What seems to be the issue, Ironwood?" Kazura asked.

"Earlier this morning, I have been in contact with Willow Schnee, Weiss' mother, who had informed me of Jacque's illegal actions around Remnant. But also creating a PMC without my knowledge." Ironwood said, giving Kazura the folder as he opened it up, revealing Jacques' illegal actions. "Money laundering, embezzlement, organizing entire hits on competition, and even creating the illegal PMC! Ironwood, this is enough dirt to get Jacques off of the council seat and even arrest him." Kazura said, looking at Ironwood.

"However, in Atlas, I cannot arrest him," Ironwood leaving the knight shocked. "If word were to come out about Jacques having an illegal PMC, he would do everything that he can to prevent it from getting to the council. This may include my inevitable death as well. Atlas has sadly fallen to the rich and the greedy and has corrupted it all. I'm just one of the many few that still want to create a better future for not just Atlas, but Mantle as well." Ironwood spoke, explaining the consequences of releasing the information in Atlas.

"I see, but Ironwood, you were one of the many soldiers that remained behind to help with the evacuations at the Battle of Beacon. I can definitely see you being appointed as Grand Council Leader of Atlas soon, but why would you…." Kazura said, looking down, feeling the world's weight on his shoulders and no less the future of Atlas. "I understand how you feel. Yet, my plan is simple to expose Jacques at all costs and set up an operation between the agents and the specialists to arrest Jacques." Ironwood said.

"I see, General. Thank you for this information. I promise that we will do everything that we can to arrest Ironwood once and end this once and for all." Kazura said. "Now then, time to make sure that I perform my duties as General." The knight would say, changing from a friendly and calm tone to a military standing. "Thank you for giving me this information General Ironwood! I shall personally make sure that it is delivered to the correct people to deal with the target." Kazura said, saluting him as Ironwood saluted him back.

Location: Airship Port, Central Actus.
Kingdom: Brumel
Time: 6:00 PM

After a while of everyone being out, they all met up at the designated location of the airship port with just one person missing. One Kazura Rojas Verde. "Oi, just wheres Kaz? He wouldn't be late like this. " Blade said, leaning against the airship sighing softly. "Well, maybe he could have been talking with his friend and lost track of time," Corona said, chuckling a bit, aware of how much Kazura can talk. "Apologies everyone, I lost track of time when talking to my friend and a surprise meeting with my father." Kazura said, aware he had to deliver the news to his father. "So how was everyone's little expedition into Brumel for the day?" He asked once more.

"The books here were enough to help me learn about this time. A shame that Atlas has to omit history from their books just to heal their wounds from a war they initially started." Cronus said, crossing his arms tightly.

"The art of this world is magnificent! I hope that one day we can have something as revolutionary in our world." Pina said, blushing heavily, holding onto many of the yaoi books she bought. But, much to Cronus' dismay, it was he who had to purchase them.

"I was able to get myself some new clothes," Rory said happily.

"I got myself a new Bow to use! The scientists here told me that it was ready for a test run and gave it to me as a gift." Tuka said happily.

"The books here are incredible and are important here as well," Lelei said, holding onto the books she had.

"Well, then next stop the Nevara Mountainside Resort!" Kazura said, with everyone releasing a loud cheer ready to head to the resort.

Location: Nevara Mountainside Resort, West of Actus.
Time: 7:00 PM

Bio: Created by Rodrigues as a resort for not just himself, but for guests of the King. Treating them to feasts, skiing, and sightseeing. Rodrigues would later realize that soldiers like the Atelier Paladins and Atlesian Military seek respite as well, whether it was after a hard-fought battle or a way to celebrate a promotion. The resort itself is the perfect way for anyone seeking a respite.

Arriving at the resort, the Black Ruby Squadron all looked around with just awe at the place, not to mention this was Kazura's first time seeing the resort as well. "I cannot believe it… this is the resort my father made?!" He said with awe in his voice. "So Kaz, what are we gonna be doing here? I think there are a few hot tubs well separate ones for both boys and girls." Louvel said. "Well, I did say it's time we have some fun, so let us have fun!" Kazura said, with everyone heading to the communal bathrooms taking off their clothes and such, except Cronus watching TV in the living room.

After a couple of minutes had passed, everyone went to the proper baths, looking at it for a moment then jumping right in, same with girls. Who all felt warmed up by the water. "It's so warm! I never thought something revolutionary would exist in our world," Pina said. "Princess, this is another world," Bozes reminded Pina. "T-That's right! I forgot we're in another world," Pina said, blushing lightly.

"Well, I suppose we should start talking about something…. I think Bozes has an interest in dating Hermes," Weiss said with a sly smile on her face as Bozes blushed lightly."A-Ah, it's forbidden for me as a knight to be interested in a relationship, and I have my relationship with my family to think about as well." She said shyly, sinking to the water to hide her blush. Pina took this as an opportunity to tease her friend by coming from behind hugging her. "A-Ahh! P-Pina!" Bozes whined lightly. "Come now, Bozes, I am dying to know what kind of a man you like…." She said in a sultry tone teasing her friend even more.

"Wait a minute, I do recall that Pina has been looking at Kazura a lot," Ruby said, with Pina releasing a shocked gasp at Ruby calling her out. This caused a sudden cheer of Ooohs coming from everyone except Lelei. "So, what is it that you like about Kazura, Pina?" Rory said, smirking at the other, awaiting her answer, allowing Pina to recompose herself for a moment. "Kazura, he's noble, kind, and understanding. When he told me everything about how much of a fool he was when he was in Beacon Academy, that was when I realized I fell in love with him. Just how open he was to me, and how he raises me up on a pedestal even though I don't deserve it." Pina explained, with many aawws coming from Bozes, Rory, and Weiss.

"But what about you, Lady Weiss? It seemed that you and Blade had been talking a lot. Have you become smitten with him?" Pina asked, looking at Weiss, who blinked for a moment as her face turned red. "W-Well, Blade, despite himself being an idiot. I remember the day he and I fought side by side; he kept me safe while I did the same in return. He's strong and kind to a fault. Somehow, I feel like this past month, I grew closer to him…. I'm sure the same thing happened with you and Louvel, Yang." Weiss answered as she looked at Yang, who blushed slightly.

"Alright, might as well come out with it when I lost my arm Louvel stayed behind and looked after me. At first, I found it stupid just to be taken care of him, then when I realized he was worried about me, I began to appreciate him more. Then when we started training, together he and I grew closer, and on the day I went to Mistral, I wanted to confess to him right then and there. Yet, some asshole on the boat had to cockblock me before I could confess." Yang explained, with the last part causing everyone to giggle a bit at Yang's dismay for her interrupted confession.

"So Blake, what about you?" Yang asked, which Blake blushed, looking at Corona. "Well, I do have my sights on Corona… just like Louvel. She, too, stuck around when I was at my lowest. Sometimes I wanted to confess to her, but I could not bring myself to do it because of the situation with Adam and the White Fang. So…Corona… I love you." She said, blushing lightly, feeling the sniper hold the cat faunus tightly. "Same here, Blake." She said, leaning in as her lips met with the others. As everyone remained silent to allow both to take in their first kiss. Corona separated from the kiss with a smile as Blake nuzzled up against her.

"So, Tuka, what about yourself? Interested in anyone yet?" Blake asked.

"W-Well, I'm still trying to decide, really," Tuka said, blushing lightly at the question.

"Take as long as you need; everyone needs their time to decide on who they like, men, women, or nonbinary!" Ruby said, smiling happily, looking at Tuka.

"Still, I wonder what the boys are doing?" Lelei wondered as on the other side it was Blade leading a choir. "Okay, guys again, but this time lads, we need to sound just a bit louder, yeah? I want the girls to hear us as we do this vocalization right!" He said again. "okay again, a-one and a-two, and a-three!" As the girls heard it, he would say as Blade led his motley choir to vocalize singing something from a video game.

"Wait….are they doing the theme from VALO?!" Yang said with shock, recognizing the theme. As Weiss and Blake listened carefully and realized it, "Holy shit, it is the theme! And they are doing it pretty damn well!" Blake said. After another hour of soaking conversation and eavesdropping on what other songs the boys were doing, everyone was back in the living room talking their days away. "Well, why not a game of Truth or Dare to pass the time?" Eros said, smiling even though it was a childish game to be playing; it was something that everyone could enjoy. "Aight, I'm game." Blade said, with Hermes, Louvel, Rory, Bozes, and Cronus joining in.

"Alright, boys and girls. Rules are simple if the bottle lands on you, ya either choose truth, which means ya gotta tell the truth about something. Ya choose dare; you gotta do a random dare that person before you did." Eros explained, putting an empty soda bottle down as he spun it as it landed on Blade. "Alright, Blade, Truth or Dare?" Eros asked.

"I choose, Truth, tonight is not the night to do anything stupid since we gotta head back tomorrow morning." Blade said, putting his chin on his hand looking at the soldier who smirked. "Alright, did you eat my sandwich when we were still in Italica?" Eros said, with Blade gulping lightly.

"Yeah, I had to cause it looked like you weren't gonna be eatin' it anytime soon. Can't let good food go to waste!" Blade said, with Eros sighing. "Next time, I have to put my name on something so that way people won't be eating my food." The commander said. Blade took the bottle and spun it as it landed on Bozes. "Okay, Bozes, Truth or Dare?" He asked, looking at her. "I choose, Dare!" Bozes said in a determined tone.

"Bozes, I dare you… to wear Eros' Helmet for five minutes." Blade said, tossing over Eros' helmet, which Bozes caught and put it on, obscuring her face. "Huh, it's not bad, but I can barely see in this thing." She said, looking down and spinning the bottle as it landed on Rory.

"Your Holiness, Truth or Dare?" Bozes asked Rory, with her eyes focusing on her, and awaited her answer. "I choose Truth." She said, awaiting the question. "Well… was it true that you killed one million soldiers?!" Bozes asked nervously. " To be honest, I wish it was a lie, but it's true as that army had raped, killed, and murdered innocent people." Leaving Eros and the rest silent.

"Gods, I'm glad you're on our side," Eros said.

"Yeah, same here…. I would not even think about going up against you, even in a sparring match!" Blade piped up, with Bozes nodding in agreement. Rory immediately took the bottle and spun it as it landed on Hermes. "Hermes, truth or dare?" she asked. "Hm, Truth," He said, watching the demigod smirk to herself. "Did anything happen to you when you were immortal?" Rory asked, with everyone in the entire room releasing a soft gasp as Hermes simply placed a hand up. "It's okay, she's curious plus…. I think it's time I told everything….." He said, closing his eyes and reopening them.

"Well, when I said I played at being God, I really meant it. When I lost my beloved due to war, I begged the God of Light to bring her back as I felt her life was cut too soon. The God of Light refused to revive her, and I had considered going to the God of Darkness, but I decided against it. Yet, through my intellect, I decided to revive someone myself. So I did everything I could; each attempt, every failure led me to one point, and after my four-hundredth attempt, I had thought I had lost all hope. However, one question remained in my head, can dark and light magic be balanced to create a life force to bring back one's soul from the dead?

Of course. So I did that and performed on a body then I had done it…. I brought someone back from the dead. Yet, when I tried it on my wife, the Gods stopped me…and the God of Light made me immortal, and the God of Darkness took away all of the light magic within me. Out of shame for my actions and my beloved, I went to the mountains and remained there. I sadly was unaware of Old Remnant's fate, nor what had happened to many of my friends. It was only until I went out after another thousand years or somewhat that I had witnessed Atlas for the first time. Oh, how I wish I avoided that with my heart…." Hermes said.

"Then that's when you started getting experimented on, right?" Cronus piped up, with Hermes nodding.

"Aye, to make "immortal soldiers," I was vivisected, poisoned, and even used as a lab rat for their R&D testing. All the while, my grip on reality slowly began to fade away. I couldn't even tell what was real and what was not anymore. As the experiments continued, my mind began to slip away more and more. Until one day, that dreaded experiment finally broke me." Hermes explained with Cronus recognizing it. "The Semblance Limiter, created by the Atlesians, limits an individual's semblance. Not to mention, its use was for extreme threats against Remnant or Atlas as a whole. To think that the now deceased Grand Councilman Nero approved of your torture." Cronus said sadly.

"Yes, but I lost my mind, and then everything became blank to me. However, I remember the iron taste of blood in my mouth, the feeling of my tendrils piercing through someone, and the screams of pain from scientists. After that, I traveled around rambling insane things to myself for the next few months. Still, if it was not for Merlinda finding me, I would have harmed many innocent people, but it's thanks to people like her to reach out and help me."Hermes said, with a tear coming out of his eye as he wiped it away only for Bozes to take off her helmet, also crying as she approached Hermes and hugged him.

"E-Eh….Miss Bozes…." Hermes said, unsure of what to do or how to respond.

"Well… in our world, when someone explains something tragic happening to them, they need to be comforted whether by a village chief or even a knight in arms. So…Hermes, I must comfort you and let you know that things will be okay." Bozes said, holding the immortal man firmly in her arms. After a moment of shock, Hermes smiled and returned the hug holding onto her for just a moment before he let go of her and smiled as she did the same. Everyone who saw the kind gesture could only help but smile for Hermes, especially with his bravery to tell what had happened to him.

"Well then, shall we continue the game?" Hermes said happily, taking the bottle and spinning. The Truth and Dare Game gathered everybody with laughter filling the room with ridiculous dares, embarrassing truths, and just everyone having a good time overall. Not to mention, it was the most Hermes had ever laughed in all of the years of being immortal. For him, this entire moment made him feel more loved than ever and with everyone else.

Later That Night.

Time: 11:00 PM (RTZ)

After many laughs and games, everyone fell asleep in the living room together. Almost like an entire family if one were to walk into the room. Except for Rory, who sat in the sunroom looking out at the night sky, seemingly sipping on some alcohol. Cronus was the first person to wake up, his 'face' lighting up a bright red as he looked around quickly, attempting to locate the threat, but no threats. "Damn it, did my training simulation kick in while I was sleeping?" He said to himself, catching Rory's attention smirking at him as the robot rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Come Cronus, I would like to have a word with you," Rory asked with the machine standing up and walking over, taking a seat across from her.

"So, what did you want to talk about, Rory?" Cronus asked, keeping his eye on Rory, awaiting her question. "I'm aware you are from the future, but what will you do once your mission is complete?" Rory asked, making the robot recoil for a minute, trying to think about his future and what he wants to do once Salem is gone. "I really do not know what to do, maybe remain in this timeline to prevent another person like Salem from trying to destroy Remnant." He answered, but he noticed Rory's facial expression somewhat become a little concerned. "Oh really, because to me, that sounds like a lie," She said, taking a sip from her glass. "You are true to your mission like any regular soldier. Kill all of Salem Scions and save the future. Yet, they did not program for what you wanted to do after. Now don't take this as me berating you.

On the contrary, I think it's noble of the people from your future to send you back in time here to make a better future for not just this time but back home as well. So I will ask again, and this time think hard. What is it that you want to do when your mission is completed?" Rory said; Cronus thought hard to himself even though his programming stood in the way he digested those feelings and finally, an answer. "My answer to your question is that when Salem and her scions have been brought to justice, I will try and find a way back to my time. All while I defend this one." He answered, with a smile emerging from the apostle.

"Good answer there, Cronus." She said, looking out at the night sky with Cronus. "I can tell you have never seen the night sky before by the way you are looking at it," Rory said, with the machine nodding. "Yeah, I never got the chance to see the stars before. But, in the dark future, Salem's own presence could blot out the sky with grimm storms. So, this is a first for me," Cronus replied scanning, the night sky until hearing the roar of engines.

"What the-," Rory said, hearing the engines. Immediately standing up, Cronus scanned the surrounding area before detecting two Bullheads in the area. "What the hell? I know that those Bullheads and they are of an atlesian model, but the logo… is definitely not from the Atlesian Military." Cronus said, with Outsider perking up. The velociraptor would start to growl at the unknown scent he picked up. "Looks like Outsider has caught wind of our opponents…." Rory said, with her lip color changing to a dark purple.

"Cronus, wake everyone up, please, Outsider… let's cause some rampage." She said once more, grabbing her halberd quickly with the velociraptor following closely behind. Then, the bullhead's doors opened. Jacques' illegal soldiers came out weapons at the ready. "Boss, we've landed, and we're moving in to secure the three Special Region natives, also; as a side objective, we are going to get Weiss as well." The leader of the Jacques' private army said over the communicator.

"Of course, the operation is a go. Get those four back to me as soon as possible. I wish to have a word with my daughter once all of this is over." Jacques replied. "Aye, Sir." The captain replied, making a hand gesture towards the other soldiers to begin converging on the lodge. Moving together like a pack of wolves ready to hunt their prey, the SDC soldier had their weapons at the ready, hiding behind cover. The squad leader made a gesture to one of his men to head to the door and open it up as they nodded silently, approaching the door with all haste reaching for the doorknob….

SCHWING!

In just an instant, the soldier who reached for the doorknob froze. "Oi, Jerrel?! Are you okay?" One of the SDC soldiers asked, waiting for a reply. However, the only answer they received was silence watching Jerrel's frozen body split apart in two, revealing muscle, bones, and organs. In just an instant, the mood changed, with the soldiers being left horrified at what they witnessed. Rory immediately kicked the bisected door open as she flew out into the air, with the moon to her back, landing on a rock with her halberd in hand. "Gentlemen, I thank you for coming to visit me tonight!" She said with a smile licking her lips.

"OPEN FIRE!" The SDC soldier shouted with him firing his gun at Rory. Immediately the demigod jumped off the stone, charging headfirst to the nearest soldier striking them as they were cleaved. Outsider rushed out from the destroyed door and launched himself onto an unsuspecting soldier biting down on their shoulder before going for their neck. Which caught their attention but out came blaster fire from Raptor Squadron. "Bloody fucking Schnee's! Can't even stay away from a good respite!" Eros shouted, throwing a grenade before taking cover as it exploded.

"Well, I was enjoying the quiet as well, but this is a nice change indeed!" Zek replied, taking his shots against the SDC soldiers. "For fucks sakes! Just one day can we have a break from fighting, Just one!" Blade said, loading up Inferno and Voltage with shotgun shells peeking out of his cover. Back outside, two more Bullheads began to join the fight dropping more soldiers onto the field while Rory cleaved through them like they were nothing. "Damn, we're running out of options here, and we're getting pinned down!" Kazura said with a growl.

"Perhaps I can clear them out! Then we can help Rory!" Tuka said, with her new bow out as she pulled back on the bow's nock listening to the energy charging within it. Finally, a blue light indicated that the arrow was fully charged. Coming out of cover launching an energized arrow into the air, changing to a ball of energy as it exploded, striking any nearby SDC soldiers. Not only that, but it cleared a path for them all.

"Nice work Tuka!" Blade said, getting out of the cover and rushing into the fray. "Raptor Squadron, let's back up, Rory! Keep Pina, Bozes, and Lelei Safe!" Eros commanded, with a nod coming from the Raptor Squadron members as they got out their cover and joined the fight with everyone else following. As the battle raged on, more and more bullheads surrounded the resort. Sending more SDC soldiers onto the field.

"Well shit! I was not expecting an entire damn army!" Yang said, smirking, punching an SDC soldier away from her. Then, turning around using her grenade launcher attachment on her prosthetic to kill a group of SDC soldiers. Weiss summoned a borbatusk to chase the SDC soldiers away from the two squadrons. Rory ripped and tore through the soldiers, body parts flying across the field and covering the snow with blood. Ruby utilized her semblance taking down down incoming bullheads with Crescent Rose in its lance form. Blake and Louvel double-teamed any soldiers with their skill and teamwork. Zek and Corona remained back to back, sniping any soldiers they spotted both long and close.

"Until they have us bloody pinned! Which is now a possibility!" Eros said, with another Bullhead coming around and remaining stationary with a sound coming from it. "This Commander Erik Sjeros of the Schnee Dust Company Force! As requested by Jacques Schnee, the three people of the Special Region are to surrender immediately! Tuka Luna Marceau, Lelei La Lelena, and Rory Mercury! We will spare you as well if you surrender Weiss Schnee!" The Commander shouted over the bullhead's comms.

"Over my dead fucking body! You can tell Jacques that he can eat grimm shit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" Blade said, looking at Rory, watching her chuck her halberd at the bullhead….and slicing through the VTOL, watching it spin out of control and crashing into a bunch of SDC soldiers. Leaving behind charred flesh and screaming soldiers on fire.

"Everyone who has a semblance, get clear of me now!" Cronus said, slamming his fists together as his chest opened up, revealing a core as it whirred, releasing a surge of energy as everyone's aura flashed a bit. "Huh?! Hey, Weiss, can you summon anything?" Ruby asked, with Weiss attempting to summon her Arma Gigas, but nothing came through. "Wait, do you think… Cronus' special ability is to-" Ryze said, coming to a realization.

"That's right, to suppress semblances! Courtesy of Professor Watts!" Cronus said, loading up one of the guns the SDC soldiers were using and locking onto any incoming opponents and shooting at them. Until feeling Blakes's hand on his shoulder. "I know you want to show off, but we need our semblances as well, Cronus!" She said, with Cronus nodding and deactivating his Semblance Suppressor.

"Keep going, lads, we got this!" Eros shouted, with Rory and Outsider continuing their carnage. Finally, no more soldiers were left after an hour, save for one who managed to survive the crash. "S-Shit…. B-Boss. I-I-I….The mission is a failure." He said, holding onto his wound adding pressure to it. "Rory… the Black Ruby Squadron…. and Raptor Squadron… killed them all…. Even our reinforcements….mission…..failed…." The Commander said once more before taking his last breaths, then dying.

In Jacque's office, he was away from his desk, his breath shaky from the slaughter he heard. What was it that made Rory a terrifying force of nature? Why was he this scared? "I need… to, I need to… get everything ready and run. Yes, run away! Runaway to somewhere safe." He said in a shaky voice. Until he realized that head that breakfast conference he had. Sighing softly as he sat back on his office chair, trembling in total fear. The screams of his own men ringing clearly in the canals of his mind. This was something that the Schnee patriarch never felt before. This was fear. It was already grasping Jacques mind tightly as he looked up, seeing a shadowy figure in the shape of Rory."So… you wanna die, do you, Jacques! I can tear you apart so easily without even trying!" The Shadow-Rory said as Jacques rolled back in his chair, paralyzed with fear. Shaking his head a bit, and in that instant, she was gone. Breathing heavily and trying to calm himself down, he looked back at his computer and only returned to his work… which always kept him calm.

Back at the Resort, an Atelier Gunship came around after Ryze got in contact with them, as the security forces came out and along with them. Konrad and Rodrigues. "Dear Gods…" Rodrigues said, looking at the carnage. "This was how I envisioned it would end, Herr Rodrigues. With a slaughter." Konrad said, approaching Kazura. "I'm glad to see you all are unharmed, but how did they even get past the defenses…..because it would be impossible, especially with the right codes for entrance?" The living dead commander said once more, thinking to himself.

"By going around Konrad. While we focused on having Brumel fight against whatever is in front of us. We never look back to see if the enemy will strike. Or that your presumption about old Atelier codes is correct. For now, this may be a topic I should bring to the council." Rodrigues replied to the other, sighing.

"About bloody time you showed up, sorry we couldn't save some for you all," Eros said, smiling.

"Either way, glad we did show up. This did take us all by surprise….and revealing a massive weakness fro Brumel." Konrad replied.

"Aye, that it did. For now, all of you shall be resting at my castle, and tomorrow you will all immediately go back to the Special Region to avoi-" Rodrigues spoke.

"Nay Father, this attack on us was but a direct warning from Jacques. In other words, It's time we arrested Jacques Schnee, not only for threatening us but for almost getting two peace emissaries killed!" Kazura said, looking at his father with pride and seriousness. "But if I send you, then we're giving what Jacques wants!" Rodrigues said until it hit him. "Wait, you don't mean that you plan on giving him what he wants, right?" He said again, with Kazura nodding in response. "Yes, but it requires a few more components since, during the attack, he was only looking for Tuka, Lelei, and Rory," Kazura said.

"Correct, Send in the cleaning crews now and get Ironwood. It's time we put the damn bastard in a cell once and for all!" Rodrigues said to his soldiers, nodding softly as everyone boarded the gunship going back to the Royal Province.

Location: Royal Province, Verde Castle.
Time: 2:00 AM

Kingdom: Brumel

Within the castle walls of the Castle, The Black Ruby Squadron, Raptor Squadron, and Rodrigues all waited in a conference room, just waiting for the door to open. And lo and behold, it did. With Ironwood and Rodrigues walking through. "Apologies about the wait. I know how much I need my beauty sleep, but this is now more important than getting some well-earned rest." Ironwood said, taking a seat. "Once again, my old friend, I must thank you for the information you have given me through my son," Rodrigues said.

"Huh?! So that's what took you so long, Kaz?" Corona said, leaning against the chair shooting a glare at him. "I'm sorry, my friends. I had to as I once thought it was for a conversation turned out, it was information on our pursuers and who they work for. Zek's confirmation has been confirmed. It was the Schnee Dust Company." Kazura said with sighs escaping everyone.

"I'm so sorry that this has had to happen to you all. I should've added security forces there at the resort to prevent them from getting to you all." Rodrigues said, lowering his head. "If I had only acted faster…." He said, ready to punch the table out of regret.

"It's what we do after our mistakes, right, father?" Kazura said, reminding his father as Rodrigues looked up and smiled, realizing something. His son was growing up and showing more responsibility. "Aye! What matters now is that we have dirt on Jacques; what now matters is how we can get to the bastard." Rodrigues said.

"However, I want to hear Kazura's idea first," Ironwood said.

"Mm, my idea is a little mundane, maybe even a bit cliché. Send in a few agents with Tuka, Lelei, and Pina. Get rid of any resistance along the way and provide the evidence to the Atlesian Council." Kazura said, laying out his plan.

"Hmm, you have a good plan. Giving Jacques what he wants as a front, now getting the information to the Council is another problem." Ironwood said, closing his eyes for a moment. Before remembering something. "I think I recalled in an interview after Jacques returned, he was to have an early morning breakfast with the Atlesian Council," Ironwood said.

"Wow, this dickhead really is letting his position get to him, isn't he?" Blade said, leaning forward in his chair, a bit smiling.

"He is, but I think the breakfast with the council is today! So we need to hit this quickly. So let's go over this once again." Rodrigues said.

"First, we'll have a few Atelier Agents go into Atlas and to the Schnee Manor; if there are any guards, they must take them out non-lethally. If anything, they should collaborate with Willow Schnee as she has been waiting for this moment to take back what is rightfully hers. Upon hitting phase two, The Agents will escort our Special Region guests to the dining hall where our quarry is. Thus we lure him into a false sense of security, then reveal everything to them." Ironwood said.

"Sounds good, also. As a bonus…. We should be giving them some of the SDC outfits they were wearing so they can get better access and lure Jacques into that sense of false security." Kazura said.

"Perfect! Be wary that this mission requires speed. We need to get Jacques in a cell here and now. For years he has gotten away with faunus rights violations, money laundering, and more while Atlas turned a blind eye. This mission will send Jacques to the light as he will face the consequences he has run from for too long. After this, it's back to the Special Region. Set it up." Rodrigues said, giving off the objectives.

"I'm willing to go. I just gave Jacques' cronies a taste of what I'm capable of." Cronus said, standing up and slamming his fists together.

"Well, that might be a bit hard due to you being a robot. But, yet, now that I think about it, you could go as an intermediary from Brumel, of course." Kazura said, having another good idea.

"I'll go as well," Weiss said, standing up. "For years, I had to sit in fear of my father and play as his pawn. No longer am I that scared little girl anymore. It's time the Schnee name was in the right hands. This time in the hands of my mother and rightfully so!" Weiss said. "Well, that makes two," Ironwood said.

"I'm all fucking in for this shit. Been meaning to give that asshole a proper Vacuan beatdown for all the times he had to set up shop in our home! Now that makes three!" Blade said.

"Well then, we have our task force at the ready, father. I know I wish to send more or maybe all of us. It's to have a task force like this than going in guns blazing." Kazura said.

"Very well, get dressed in your disguise Sir Stryker. Tuka, Lelei, and Rory with me. I shall lead you three to the landing zone. "It's time for Jacques Schnee to fall." Rodrigues said.

GATE: Thus, The Atelier Paladins Fought There!

Chapter 11
END.

Author Notes

Once again, I have to say this every time now! Thats another Chapter done and dusted! Next chapter the Small Task force will be headed into Atlas to deal with Jacques Schnee, once and for all. As beforehand.. I wanted to add Jacques developing PTSD from hearing all of his men getting slaughtered by Rory causing him to develop a fear of the battle-crazy yandere (Well shes mostly a Tsundere? I dont know). However, I may play around with Jacques' fear of Rory even more in the next chapter... especially now with the demigod going to see him again.

Now, as before, I will say again that my version of Ironwood is a lot more different than canon Ironwood. Which was kicked around like a ragdoll in the street. Oh, speaking of Salem, I do have a little idea of how I shall bring her in…hehehehe, you wanna know how? Ya, really wanna know?! Sadly, you, the reader, will have to keep reading this to find out!

But, Cronus giving a good idea of how Salem will appear can provide you with a visualization of how she will be appearing. Just not now….but SOOOOOOOOOOOON.

Soon, but man. To think this came from a plot bunny that popped into my head into ELEVEN entire chapters of me just writing these characters. Until the next chapter, friends!