Ironwood
The day had been as normal as it could get.
The Vytal Festival was coming up, and citizens from the four kingdoms were all gathering together in order to celebrate. It was peaceful with the current times. Peace that Ironwood will enforce.
'Sorry Ozpin, but you should have done more than just rely on kids.' Ironwood thought as he remembered what he had done some time ago. How he informed the Council in Vale of Ozpin's actions and his failings in defending Vale. Ozpin had all this power, and has his own group. Yet instead he relies on teenage girls to do the job for him? Why not professionals? People who would actually know what to do?
Ozpin may have good intentions, but instead of sending actual Huntsmen to Vale he sent four girls which would later lead to the Breach. Grimm assaulted Vale and had it not been for the many students and his army being there, many would have died. But with him in charge, things will change for the better. As he wrote down some forms to get approval to allow his androids to patrol Vale, suddenly Ironwood felt strange.
For a moment, the world itself changed and blurred. He closed his eyes, thinking he was just seeing things and just a headache.
"Well hello there James. Nice to see you." Then opened them wide and went to grab his weapons as he saw that he was no longer in his office. Instead, he appeared to be in a theatre. A regular sized one with a screen up front, where he saw nobody.
At least it looked like it.
"Who's there?" He asks with a cold edge in his tone and lifts Due Process, the white-half. "Where are you?!" Was this Salem's doing? It had to be. Who else could it be? Suddenly, to his shock, his weapon disappeared. Looking down, he saw the black-half of Due Process was also gone. Though before he could continue on, suddenly the voice he heard spoke again.
"Yeah, not going through this again, even if it is with another version of you." Suddenly he felt it. Ironwood's mind being assaulted by something! An attack on his mind-no, not that-this was another matter. "Let's just give you the relevant basic information."
It was then Ironwood understood.
A theatre, meant to show other realms, other realities. Some good, some bad, others outright horrible. Full of wonders and joy, despair and evil, and sometimes, those of Remnant took the places of others. Ironwood then fell back, mind overloaded yet slowly understanding. He then looked up, where the voice known as Mayden might be at.
"You...you're going to show me another world?"
"Nope." Mayden says as he speaks, now ready to give the news. "Here's the thing, normally my kind does show your people stuff like other realms. But I got tired of that."
"Tired...then what exactly will you show me? Also, where are the others?" The information he received stated that numerous people are usually together to see these other worlds. Yet it was just him by himself.
"I'm, hehehe, changing things up a little." Mayden tells Ironwood. "See, I decided to show you something other than another world like most of my kind does. Instead, I've decided to show you, General James Ironwood, the future."
"Puh-f-future!" Thanks to the information Mayden transplanted into him, Ironwood knew what Mayden could do. He could show different realities, but it was also possible to see one's home reality. Granted, it was usually to see alternative worlds, but while rare, it was possible to see the future. Yet such implications also meant something else."So then," Ironwood regained his composure. "You'll be showing me...Remnant's future."
"I will." Mayden tells him. "And it is a future only I can show you. For only you may be capable of seeing this future."
Just what was it that would make Mayden say that? In a way, it sounded as if, as if...something bad was going to happen. Like that the future would be full of undesirable things. Granted, Ironwood could be wrong. I mean, he hasn't even seen the future yet. Yet still…
"So tell me General," Mayden then says to Ironwood. "Do you think you'll be ready to see this future? I won't lie, it may upset you."
It was definitely a bad future. And yet as a general, Ironwood knew he must face it head on. To protect the people of Remnant, he must sacrifice things even if it meant himself. So with that, Ironwood nodded.
"Alright then." Mayden gives a non-existent grin. "Then prepare yourself. Because I will show you a future where things have ended badly for you. But by seeing this, you may be able to change the outcome. If of course, you're prepared for sacrifice."
"I will." Ironwood says with determination.
The screen turns out and a chuckle escapes from Mayden. "Then get ready."
At once the theatre got dark, and from there the screen lit up. Where Ironwood sat back and tried to relax that it was easy as Mayden told him the future was apparently bleak. However he will persevere and felt that once he saw it, he would know what to do. The screen then showed the date. One year from now.
At once the screen showed Ironwood. He wore a slightly modified outfit that wasn't too different from his time at Vale. However now he had a beard, the look in his eyes being much colder, and within his hands was a large weapon that combined Due Process into a powerful weapon.
'Why am I holding that?' Ironwood immediately thought as he saw his future self. That weapon was powerful, but also very dangerous. It was capable of a powerful destructive blast, but at the cost of a being less maneuverable and also capable of vaporizing a human body if accidentally misfired.
Ironwood walked up closer. Where behind him are some of his most loyal allies, the Ace Ops. Bree, Elm, and Vine being behind him and looked ready for a fight. Ironwood then lifted his weapon being ready to fire.
In another area of Atlas, his machines were busy getting ready to transport what appeared to be a bomb. Slowly heading toward a Bullhead for liftoff and delivering the package. Though unknown to them, someone was there and instantly one of the machines aiding was shot down.
'Salem.' Ironwood thought instantly. This must be her doing. Ironwood got ready to see just what bad things will happen here and now.
Back with Ironwood and the others, Ironwood spoke to his Ace-Ops. "Be ready for anything. We don't know what state Penny is in."
Suddenly Ironwood got a message from his scroll. Looking at it, it revealed Qrow and Robyn Hill on it, with a warning. Noticing his demeanor, Harriet then asked, "What is it sir?"
"Qrow and Robyn." He turns to them to reveal what he knew. "They're in the Academy Hangar."
"I've been waiting to take my shot at those two." Harriet says as she crosses her arms. Where her Knuckle Dusters then activate and cover her limbs. "Let's go Ace-Ops."
"Wait, huh?" Ironwood looks confused. "What's...what's happening?"
"Can't you see?" Mayden asks playfully, making Ironwood scowl.
"All you're showing me is the future with context I don't understand."
"Fair enough." Mayden relents. "Very well then, listen up. Here in this time, Atlas is under attack by Salem."
"I knew it." Ironwood growls. "So Salem was making her move then. That wasn't good. However, confusion entered his mind. "Then, hold on, why are Qrow and Robyn destroying my robots?" He knew his relationship between those two wasn't the best. But to attack his side when Salem was at Atlas is foolhardy. So why?
"Ah yes, that. Well, let's just say you made a plan that you believe will save Atlas." Mayden tells Ironwood. "Sadly, Qrow, Rubyn, and certain others don't want you to succeed and are hampering your goals."
"What?!" Ironwood, he couldn't believe it. Qrow and the others, were were they seriously trying to stop him from saving Atlas just because they didn't agree with his plans? Those fools! Ironwood continued to pay attention.
Then Winter comes in as she speaks to them. Saying, "We lose the payload, we lost the leverage." She then stands beside Ironwood.
"She's right." Ironwood agrees. "Contain it. Now."
The Ace-Ops agreed to it and moved out. While doing so, Winter then spoke up. "Sir. This...course of action-"
Before she could even finish, Ironwood interrupted, "I hope you not going to talk me out of it."
Winter stays silent, then looks at him and says, "No, sir. I don't think that's possible."
Suddenly from behind them, a green blur comes down. Penny, who rockets down in front of them.
"She's...different." Ironwood softly says, as he sees Penny's new design. Granted, he knew this was possible, with Pietro, Penny's dad, once telling him he was making a new body for Penny one day. But in order for that to happen something must have occurred. Also, Ironwood couldn't help but be a bit unsettled by Winter for some reason.
Must be his imagination. She's his most trusted ally. If anything, best to worry about Qrow and Robyn who were in his way. 'And if they are...then maybe I should talk to Ozpin about Qrow's loyalty to the circle.'
No need to have a loose cannon with them.
"I didn't think you'd actually come alone." Ironwood then tells the girl, raising his weapon which glowed a light green at her. Threatening her.
"Yep." Mayden chuckles as Ironwood is shocked he's pointing a weapon at Penny. An ally of Atlas. "She's also against you."
Just how many were against him?
Winter does the same, and while still catiouse, Ironwood hands Winter some cuffs which Winter grabbed after putting her weapon away. Once handed to her, Ironwood refocused his gaze at Penny. "I expected at least some resistance from your friends."
"I don't want anybody else to die." Penny just replies as Winter puts the cuffs on her. "I must open the Vault."
"Then why aren't you working with me?" Ironwood growls slightly. Uncertain why Penny is against him in the future from protecting Atlas. Just why?
The cuffs were placed properly on. Winter back on her guard as she raised her weapon. As for Ironwood, he gave a sigh of relief. Shutting his weapon down. He then walks up to Penny, and places a hand on her shoulder and said with slight gratitude, "You've...done the right thing."
Penny then smirks. Then speaks in a voice that wasn't hers. "I have."
Ironwood feels a chill.
"Feels weird." 'Penny' says as suddenly Penny changes into a dark skinned girl where suddenly from apparently nowhere four teenagers with weapons raised a ship came out. All ready for one thing.
To fight starting with the mystery girl kicking him in the chin as the shocked Ironwood is thrown off guard and losing his weapon with the mystery girl catching it and then seemingly vanishes.
"What-what is this?" Ironwood says as he is baffled by what he's seeing. "Who is-Penny-those kids!" Hold on a second...he knew those kids! He saw them defending Vale during the Breach. But that mystery girl, who the hell is she?!
As if sensing his questions, Mayden spoke with glee. "That girl is called Emerald. And she worked with a woman who by extension works for Salem. Having caused a lot of damage and death in the future up until that point."
"Then that means…" Ironwood gritted his teeth. Traitors! Those kids, excluding the young boy he didn't know, the other three were supposed to be in Beacon. Yet they're working with this Emerald girl who works for Salem! Meaning Ozpin had traitors in his school, undercover agents!
Which means this future is…!
As the battle began, it also happened elsewhere as well.
The Ace-Ops came to the hangar where they saw none other than Qrow and Robyn, destroying the robots that should be delivering the bomb to stop initiate Ironwood's plan.
Back outside the boy Jaune tried slicing Ironwood who avoided such attacks. Ironwood grabbed his raised arm holding the sword and instantly tried to punch him. Jaune blocked it though with his shield which then sent a minor gravity blast sending Ironwood backwards where the strange young boy came in with...Ozpin's cane!
"No…" Ironwood says as recognized that cane. "It can't be…"
"I'm afraid so." Mayden held back a laugh. "Despite having intentions to save Atlas, the boy known as Oscar, the next incarnation of Ozpin is also against you. Against your plan of saving the kingdom."
The armhold of the theatre chair Ironwood is on is being crushed. A look of dawning horror in Ironwood's eye is being shown. Ozpin...the man he worked with for so many years. The one who recruited him. The one who told him once how he was needed to defend Remnant...is now turning his back and betraying him?
As Ironwood's thoughts are being mashed with betrayal, confusion, shock, anger, and fear, his eyes looked up at the screen. Showing the rest of what is occurring.
The boy Oscar sends his attacks on Ironwood, wacking him on his chesthead until Ironwoodn lifted him up a bit and punched him away on the chest. When suddenly some kind of cord is tied on his leg and drags him down.
One of Ozpin's students of Beacon, Ren who has him being dragged towards him as he fires at the general with intent to defeat him. Ironwood wasn't down yet though, and escaped easily, blocking the bullets and then attacked Ren. the boy was good, but Ironwood soon punched him away when suddenly the girl with the hammer, Nora comes...with a Glyph.
"...no." Ironwood whispers, as he felt a stab in his heart as he recognized it. "It...it can't be." For a moment he tried to look away, to hope it was just a trick of the mind. Then, suddenly he felt a force make his head stare.
"Nah-uh." Mayden giggles. "This is getting to the good part."
The Glyph seemed to assault Nora with electricity, yet instead of pain, it empowered her. Seeing that Glyph, Ironwood looked down and saw Winter conjuring the Glyph herself. Seeing this, Ironwood grew angered. Then his face was slammed by the hammer, yet managed to retain consciousness and even get proper form of landing.
Back with the Ace-Ops, instantly all of them rushed at the two.
"Stay!" Where they were then incapable of moving, with Harriet's eyes looking at none other than Marrow who held them in place.
"Uh-hu." Mayden chuckles as he views Ironwood's face which is growing more and more upset at these betrayals. "Him too."
Back in front of the Academy, Winter and Oscar were riding on one of the formers conjured creations, a Manticore. Ironwood just glared and instantly grabbed the conjured beast and stopped it dead on it's tracks. This abrupt stop caused the two riding it to jump off. Not that it stopped either of them from fighting. As once Winter was in midair, she shot icicles at Ironwood's back who buckled a bit but withstood.
Winter landed and then made a Glyph for Oscar, who used it to launch himself at Ironwood. The new incarnation of Ozpin slamming the end of his cane on Ironwood's chest many times until the general's aura flickered and sent him back.
Frustrated, once Oscar tried to attack Ironwood once more, the general grabbed the cane and prevented him from harming him. With Oscar gasping as Ironwood got ready to beat down his former friend.
Then, with shock, Winter came in. Where in one move that felt like slow-motion and bright, she landed a hit and with that move, all of Ironwood's aura was gone. With him falling to his knees tired as he then fell over as he could do nothing anymore.
The same being said for the rest of the Ace Ops and machines. Qrow himself saying, "Sorry guys, but we don't want to fight."
Robyn came and grabbed one of her arrows from a robot's head where back at top, Winter re-sheathed her blade. Ignoring the general while Emerald came back and gave her Ironwood's weapon and uncuffing her. Where she then looked at all her new allies and said, "Go. Move to phase two."
Everybody moved out.
The screen turned off.
"So," Mayden looks at ironwood, who is silent. "What do you think?"
Ironwood said nothing. So, Mayden prodded a bit more.
"Come on buddy, surely you have something to say?" Mayden continued on. "You just saw a bunch of teenagers kick your butt, old allies turn on you, and your plans to protect Remnant slowly falling apa-"
"Shut! Up!" Ironwood then spoke in the coldest voice he could muster. Mayden gave a non-existent grin. As for Ironwood, he just sat in cold silence, as his mind was barely able to comprehend what he saw. What he witnessed.
'They all...turn on me…' Winter. Marrow. Qrow….Ozpin. Not to mention many Beacon traitors, who were working with Salem. Mayden said Emerald was working with Salem, and those students were with Emerald, meaning they must be with her. But wait, then why would Ozpin work with Emerald and by extension, Salem. He couldn't be. Salem is the enemy...Right?
Ironwood gripped his head. Full of turmoil and horror. At what the future held for him. One of betrayal that would lead to Atlas's doom. Unless…
"Mayden," Ironwood looked up. A small hope in his eyes. "Is the kingdom...the people...is the kingdom alright?" He had to know. Know if maybe in the end, he would prevail. He had to!
"Ogh, sorry bud." Mayden giggles. "But I'm only allowed to show you this and nothing more. But fear not. By seeing this future, well….Maybe you can change a few things now. Correct?"
"Change...a few things…" That's right. Ironwood just saw the future, which means...he can change his fate. Change this horrible end for him. Ensure that he can give himself time and figure out how to deal with the traitors. Winter, Marrow, he would...he would…
What should he do with them?
"Oh. About time to end this soon. Next guest needs to come here quickly." Mayden says as suddenly, a light appears and Ironwood then sees a door. "This will lead you right out back to your world. And don't worry, time was stopped when I brought you here."
Wordlessly, Ironwood got up. Heading toward the door. Stepping toward it as thoughts came to his mind. Where then, Mayden called out to him one last time. "You know what to do, right general?"
Then, Ironwood felt it. In his hand, Due Process. A clicking sound is heard, and with a cold voice, Ironwood said two words. "I do."
Then, he was gone.
And done.
And boy is Mayden an asshole. Most of the time we see RWBY and co see good worlds or bad, and Jaune being awesome. Here, Mayden has changed the rules and is brining one person at a time, showing them a horrific clip, then letting their minds think and 'solve' what they believe happens and let's them go from there. With Ironwood being the first victim.
Personally, I did like Ironwood once. Even had sympathy for him during Volume 7, and he did make some decent points in the series. Like Ozpin sending four girls in Mount Glenn instead of, I don't know, professionals. Ozpin has all these men and women under him, yet let's four girls apparently do all the work he could have done.
But Volume 8 version Ironwood, not at all. While there's no denying RWBY and their allies played a role in his downward spiral of insanity, ultimately he himself caused his failures by refusing to compromise and even shot down carriers that could have saved Mantle. In the end, becoming a shadow of his former self and being general failure that got his karma. What a disappointment.
And now Volume 3 Ironwood is about to do something...I'm sure you can figure out what it is. We'll find out after a few more characters and then enter the Interlude to see what occurs. Chapters will be short.