Due to feeling just plain tired-and because of annoying PM's, I've decided to make this the final chapter. I will give my full reasons below later, but I'll say that the one who would have been next would have been Tai watching Emerald tricking Pyrrha kills Penny. But until then, enjoy.
It was the Vytal Festival, a day that only came around every year when the kingdoms got together for a week-long event of fun. Where the Kingdoms would gather together for a day of celebration in a day of unity for them all. The festival takes place in Vale this time of the year with the Amity Arena signifying it as it floated above the city of Vale for this moment.
A sign that everything was about to go well, even after the problems that have have occurred as of late. And yet despite that, the people have smiles on their faces and cheer going all around.
"This is so awesome!" With the leader of Team RWBY having the biggest smile of them all as she and her team walked on the sidewalk as they saw the festivity occurring. Giggling as they saw games being played, food being bought, and some people dancing or talking to one another.
"I have to say, this is certainly a blast." Yang agreed as she enjoyed the fresh breeze on her face. The wind makes her wonderful hair flow while cooling her body down from the hot sun. "Nice to see everything looks great."
"Not to mention all the culture." Weiss eagerly said while her eyes darted back and forth. Observing how the people from the other kingdoms revealed their clothing style to their heritage. Like a man from Mistral showing their pottery and one from Vacuo revealing a book of their kingdom's own history. What a great delight.
"I know, right!" Ruby cheered as she waved her hand. Her head then turning to the most stoic member of Team RWBY. "What do you think of it Blake?"
The cat faunus girl looked at Ruby. Then turned her head at the numerous sights before her, and even saw some humans and faunus getting along well together. The smallest of smiles then forming on her lips as she then turned to Ruby and nodded. "Yeah...It's alright."
"Then let's have fun Team RWBY!" Ruby then shouted with the girls obeying and following their orders. Having fun in this case. All of them going out to do whatever it is that would allow them to have a fun time together. From wandering the stalls to playing games and even meeting up with Team JNPR and talking with one another about their day. Through it all things were going great, with Blake herself showing her more positive emotions. Having a great time with her team.
"Oh." Something Yang noticed as she bumped her shoulder onto Blake's own. "I see someone is having a blast." Blake looked away with Yang smirking and nudging her further. "Well, are you?"
"..." Blake sighed before giving a slight chuckle. "Maybe I am. Is it a problem?"
"Not even." Yang grins. "Usually you're just moody-"
"Hey." Blake frowned.
"-but today, it seems like you're doing great." Yang continued while smiling at her partner. "Aren't you?"
"I...suppose I am." Blake admits. "I guess that what with Torchwick behind bars and everything, it feels like a burden has been relieved from myself."
"Good." Yang said as she placed a hand over Blake's shoulder. "Because before you were way to obsessed and stuff." Blake turned a bit red and couldn't deny that. Her obsession from before certainly damaged her health back then. "Just glad to see you're having fun."
"Yeah. I am." Blake agreed as she and her team continued on their day while not noticing a group of people coming behind them. One of them raised their cuffs.
While a certain general from Atlas sighed as he overlooked the city of Vale on his warship. His eyes gazing at the festivity below while his men overlooked security and the like. His current state of mind being...disordered.
Ironwood left the bridge then as he left for his office. While doing so, his mind then thought back to what he witnessed early. Of what the entity known as Mayden showed him.
'To think...they'd betray me.' From Winter to even Ozpin. While also now knowing about the countless traitors in Beacon. While a part of him wanted to outright arrest them, after that video caution has been the new action Ironwood has taken. Gulping as he realized a single mistake can doom everyone.
Sitting down on his desk, Ironwood sighed as he took out his scroll and checked some files. Particularly on that girl, Emerald. He was able to discreetly get them from Vale's registry by using the CCT, and while it was illegal to take information from the school files Ironwood felt it was important enough to do so. Especially as how he realized just how empty the files were.
'There isn't much on Emerald.' Ironwood thought. 'And,' His eyes looked at the other files. 'This includes them.' Ren, Nora, and of course Jaune Arc. Ironwood took their files as well, and saw how suspicious each and every single one of them were. Especially the Arc boy as he realized these were false.
'There's no doubt about it, something uncertain has allowed them to enter Beacon.' Though Ironwood could already figure out some of it himself. Aside from Arc, the files on the other three showed no address to their homes or origin. That was natural of course though, as it's common for those who want to be Huntsmen don't always have a home as it was destroyed. In fact, at least around ten percent or so of all students within the academies have individuals who don't have proper homes as they were destroyed by the Grimm.
Yet after what he saw in the theatre, Ironwood knew better. That those transcripts and lack of address were just the perfect excuse to hide who those four were really working four. Why, even better for Arc and his team members they were with Pyrrha Nikos, a famed Champion of Mistral and a good reputation. Using her reputation as a front while Emerald originally worked in Mistral and must have fooled Lionheart somehow to pretend to be a good person.
"It all adds up." Ironwood says while glaring at their photos. He'll have to be careful around these four, as he has no evidence to deal with them properly. Unless...he used that method. Ironwood tapped his desk. Letting out a breath, he then pushed a button on his scroll which sent a message to someone he trusted.
...someone he once trusted.
Minutes later, the door opened up.
"I came as soon as you contacted me sir." Ironwood had to do his best not to show the turbulent emotions in him as he looked at Winter, using Mettle to suppress the most chaotic ones as he put on a poker face.
"Thank you for coming here Winter." He said the words like he normally would. Speaking as if this was just another talk. "I need to tell you a few things that involve both Atlas matters and the security here in Vale."
"Of course sir." Winter stood attentive. "What is it you need?"
She suspected nothing. Good. Ironwood took out some papers. "I need you to hand this to the Vale police later. It's to procure a suspect-no-a terrorist in Vale and this report will allow us custody over Vale's system."
"I see." Winter grabbed the papers. "White Fang that have been spotted across Vale."
"Yes, they have been causing to much trouble and we found a member." Ironwood nodded.
"Understood sir. And the other matter?"
"I need you to contact Marrow and tell him he is being repositioned elsewhere." Ironwood said instantly. Mettle keeping his voice normal from spatting that traitors name out in a spiteful manner.
"Re...position?" Winter tilted her head. Seems she wanted an answer, and thankfully, Ironwood already had one.
"There are reports in Mistral of White Fang activity going up. I want Marrow to head there undercover." Where he'll then be taken care of once he sends more of his men with certain…'orders' of his. Orders to deal with the White Fang.
"I see. Understood." Winter saw the logic in that. While it was risky, not many knew Marrow was an Atlas Specialist and so long as he stayed low, he can infiltrate with ease. "Does he know of this?"
"Not yet." Ironwood took out some papers. "If possible, can you call him now? I need to check out some of these papers first."
"Yes sir." Winter then turned around and took out her scroll. Ready to call the department in Atlas to inform Marrow of his job making the call as she then began speaking to another person at the end of the line.
Click.
All while Ironwood aimed Due Process at the back of her head.
'You can end this right now.' The darker aspect of Ironwood told himself. As Mettle began to overtake him and suppress the chaotic emotions, and leave only the logical parts instead. 'She'll betray you later on.' The voice continued. 'End her and prepare the contingency to explain the aftermath.'
Minutes after Ironwood left the theatre, Ironwood began writing down contingencies on what to do with the betrayals he'll face. Already having excuses on how Winter will die and Marrow's 'accident' as he went undercover. Not to mention more plans for those traitors, Qrow, Robyn Hill, Penny herself and even...and even Ozpin himself. His finger on the trigger as Winter remained oblivious.
Ironwood ready to pull the trigger.
"Uh-hu. Yes. A mission for Marrow sir." Winter spoke when she then heard a slight noise behind her. Turning, she then saw it.
"Is something wrong?" Ironwood asked as he wrote down his forms.
"...Nothing sir." The person on the other end spoke. "Oh, apologies. I was speaking to someone else."
"It may be best if you...speak elsewhere." Ironwood said with Winter nodding as she then left. While doing so, Ironwood let out a single small tear. It seems even he couldn't kill his most trusted ally despite what he saw. Looking at Due Process and putting it away. He then leaned back and wondered what it was he should do.
As for Winter, she finished speaking and Marrow would be temporarily off the Ace-Ops.
...Two months later, a new faunus known as Ilia Amitola would be introduced to the team, after she defected from the White Fang.
"So you wish to add this Velvet girl in the list?" Cinder asked Mercury who nodded. "Hell yeah. Just saw her...training, and she was using the moves of everyone she's seen. She's a hell lot better than most of the idiots here."
Mercury couldn't exactly say how he knew that bunny was such a badass. He'll be seen as crazy. So instead he used another cover-up that'll help. One that made Cinder nod.
"I suppose there are reports of her doing quite...well." Mercury smirked. "Alright Mercury. I suppose I can put her on the list to take care of."
"Good." Mercury nodded. "Because while most of these guys are pathetic, I saw more than a few showing some decent moves here and there. Heck, like that Schnee who can summon stuff."
"Ah, the Schnee semblance at work no doubt." Cinder chuckled a bit as she read her file. Knowing of the Schnees and the SDC at work. "I suppose little Weiss can be a threat." Emphasis on can.
"Alright. Glad you agree." Mercury says. He then looks around a bit. "Hey, where's Emerald?"
"Oh, out and about." Cinder said as she recalled the girl leaving a bit early from the dorm room she and Mercury are in now. "She wished to view the festivities and maybe get a few snacks to eat." The girl was certainly one who liked eating the food given. Made sense though considering how for many years Emerald had to eat from the trash or leftovers. Something Cinder noticed as she saw her subordinate enjoying flavorful foods.
"I guess there are some sweet stalls selling nice goodies." Mercury saw a Mistral stall selling freshly home baked bread. Along with other good food out there that the people made. "Maybe I should get some food."
"Go ahead if you wish." Cinder said not minding. "So long as you get ready for the final stages of the Vytal Tournament to start, then have some fun I suppose. I know I am." While Cinder spent the bulk of her time planning and scheming, she also went out now and then to enjoy herself from strolls to playing a few games. Even a villainous like her wished to partake in some fun.
Something that Emerald herself loved as she once again won a game involving throwing darts on the board. The man congratulated her as he gave her the well-earned gift-card for a restaurant she liked. Well, 'hard earned' is a stretch as Emerald just used her semblance to trick the fool as she walked away with her stolen prize. The man will probably discover those darts didn't hit their target at all, but by then he'll have been too late to find her.
'And it's almost a shame to ruin this festival.' Emerald thought as she looked around and saw all the smiling faces. They'll all be wiped once Cinder's plan comes into motion. While Emerald felt a bit bad, at the end of the day what Cinder wanted will be earned as she continued to move along wondering where to go next.
"Excuse me miss." Emerald then turned and saw some dude with blonde hair and looking lost. His face turning around here and there and being confused. Obviously he was lost.
"Yeah." Emerald asked.
"Um, uh. Do you know where I can find a bar." He then asked her. "I'm looking for a friend, and I'm new to the city."
Emerald wanted to say no and tell this guy to screw off. However, she was feeling in a good mood. The man then said, "I can pay you." A very good mood as she then saw the man holding a wallet where she saw a lot of Lien in there. Hm. Guy had quite a bit of cash on him.
Maybe she'll take a little extra for helping him out.
"Alright then sir." She then smiled 'nicely'. "I'll help you out."
"Oh thank you ma'am." The man bowed. "Now, while I don't know this place well, I know enough that there's a bar past that alley I think." The man then said. "Think you can help an old timer out?"
"Of course." Emerald then walked alongside the man as they moved past the people. They then entered the alley where Emerald decided to make her move. She used her semblance to make a version of herself walking alongside the man while the real her snuck behind him where the wallet is. She'll take most of the Lien and when she finished guiding the idiot, he'll pay her more while she then used her illusions to make him think he still had a good amount of cash.
'Perfect.' Emerald thought as she then went and grabbed the wallet from the man's back pocket.
Ding.
Wee-Wee-Wee!
Where a small alarm went off and Emerald dropped the wallet. Where she then saw a small little device meant for wallets to be prevent from being stolen. Emerald shocked by this as she didn't know what to feel.
SLAM!
Until she then felt pain as a fist crashed into her face. Emerald then felt her body slam into the alley wall. While aura tanked the blow, it still hurt a lot.
"Wha-" Where it then hurt more as she felt fists punching her down more and more. She tried to scream, but her jaw suddenly broke while tears came out of her eyes. No matter how she cried or blubbered, the fists kept coming until her aura shattered, bruises formed, and her own bones slowly broke. Her only comfort was that she suddenly fell into unconsciousness.
"Good. Done." Where Tai Xiao Long then finished his job as he glared at Emerald. "You won't be causing any more trouble." Thanks to that bastard Mayden, Tai knew what had to be done and while he couldn't prove of the crimes this girl will do, like hell he was going to let her do her plan along with those other two brats. Granted, he couldn't get them at this moment but at least he got the girl that killed Ruby's friends.
Now then, time for him and Qrow to continue the next part of the plan they shared together. To put an end to what would be a tragedy. Thank goodness his excuse that he 'figured out' who ambushed Amber to Qrow helped him out when it came to explanation. Mayden might have been a bastard, but he was a useful bastard in this case.
As Tai dragged the broken down body of Emerald, his eyes became narrower. Like hell he'd allow the catastrophe to come to happen. Now, Ruby will be sure to smile once this is all over.
"You are under arrest for breaking-and-entering, thievery, terrorist action, destruction of property and so forth." The officer slammed Blake against the wall while ensuring the shock collar they threw on her did it's job as Blake struggled to even move as she felt electricity enter her system. "If you cannot contact a lawyer, then one will be provided for you and know any words you say now can and will be used against you in court."
A crowd of people were watching. All of them seeing the Atlas officers professionally and smoothly dealing with Blake Belladonna while the rest kept some people away.
"Move it you bastards!" Though they were having trouble with Yang who angrily tried to shove the officers away while Ruby and Weiss watched in shock at what they were witnessing. Yang seeing Blake struggling who then tried to move, only for the collar on her to shock her.
Vision was going red.
"I said MOVE IT!" Yang yelled as she made her way to her.
"Hold it." A female Atlas officer stepped in front of Yang. "We have business in dealing with the-" Before she could say more, Yang punched the woman in the face as the protective mask on the officer shattered while her nose broke.
"Shit!" One of the officers yelled as he and others pulled out their guns. "Raise your hands or we will fire!" They weren't joking. Guns aimed themselves at Yang who gave a frightening glare at them.
"Do it then!" She roared as her hair lit up. "Like hell your pea shooters can hurt me!" Like a bunch of pathetic guns can stop her. Yang then glaring at the man holding Blake who saw her and looked frightened. Oh he was going to be more than frightened when she got a hold of him.
Yang got ready to move even as Weiss began calling out on her and Ruby looked scared.
She felt a bit bad for them, but right now saving Blake is more important. Those idiots guns won't even hurt her and she can deal with them afterwards. But just as Yang was about to launch herself at that man holding Blake, suddenly she felt a force grip her.
"Huh?" She then saw herself floating and wondered what was going on.
"Honestly." A familiar voice is heard, and everyone saw none other than Glynda Goodwitch stepping up. Not looking amused, especially at Yang as she saw the poor woman being helped by her fellow allies and then at Blake being restrained. Her voice then getting everyone's attention. "What is going on here?"
A single flick of her crop then sent many people's phones up in the air and dumping them on a bench while turning them off. No need to make a scene.
"Y-yes ma'am." The officer in charge said as he stepped up. "We're here to...to make an arrest."
"Of one of my students." Glynda says coldly making the man step back.
"Yeah!" Ruby then also spoke up as she stepped forward. "They just came out of nowhere and grabbed Blake."
"An intrusion on public space." Weiss agreed, not caring if she was speaking to her own Atlas forces as she wished to protect her friend.
"That's right!" Yang yelled, even as she was in the air. "These bastards just grabbed her for no reason!"
"Quiet." Glynda then commands while giving a particular cold stare at Yang who flinched. "I will deal with this, and you Miss Long will be dealt with later for harming an officer. Though despite that," Glynda looked at the officer in charge. "Please explain why my student is being arrested."
Otherwise she'll have words with James on why his forces were doing this.
"Of course ma'am." The officer then took out a scroll. "Here. Just-Just take a look."
Glynda stepped forward and put Yang down. Though a quick look at the busty blonde told Yang that if she made any moves, she'll be punished further making Yang restrain herself. With that Glynda then looked at the scroll and saw the man play a video.
"..!" Where upon watching it, Glynda gasped.
As for Blake, she struggled against her captor. Unsure why this was even happening. Yet she hoped that Goodwitch will be able to help her out to figure out what was going on. A few minutes later, Glynda spoke up.
"I see." She then looked at Blake with a sad look. Blake didn't like it. Something was up. Her own teammates also looking worried now as Glynda then sighed sadly.
"Officers," Her next words then broke all of Team RWBY's hearts. "Take her away."
"WHAT!?" Yang attempted to move but was restrained by Glynda. Ruby and Weiss then stepped forward, horrified as they saw a now scared Blake being taken away inside an Atlas vehicle with bars. One meant for criminals.
"Miss Goodwitch, what's happening?" Weiss then asked.
"What's going on?" Ruby also asked as she saw Blake be taken away. "This-this isn't right. Why is Blake being taken away?"
"How can you do this?!" Yang also yelled.
Glynda just looked at them before giving a sorrowful look. "I'm sorry, but this must be done. As Miss Belladonna is to be taken with Atlas authorities due to...due to circumstances I must speak with to Ozpin."
She then moved past them while putting Yang down. All of them confused, angry, and scared on why Blake was being taken away. With only one person understanding what was happening. Grinning as he saw the animal be taken away.
"Justice prevails." Cardin laughs as he saw Blake being driven off to her fate.
"James!" With Ozpin not looking happy. Speaking to Ironwood on a connected video chat as he just heard the news. "I must ask you, what are you doing?"
"Ensuring justice is served." Ironwood says in a rather cold manner, as if he was talking business and not to a friend.
"Justice?" Ironwood narrowed his eyes, "By arresting one of my students."
"More like a terrorist." Ironwood then says catching Ozpin by surprise. "That's right Ozpin, I know all about Belladonna's past. An anonymous sender sent us a video of this."
A video is then played. Showing none other than Blake with the famed Adam Taurus destroying SDC property and battling machines. One that is clearly a crime no matter how one spun it.
"I knew you had loose standards when allowing students entry, but none to terrorists." Ironwood looked at Ozpin sternly. "And don't play dumb with me. I know you must have realized Belladonna was a White Fang member."
"Former member." Ozpin said. "She has come to change her ways."
"So then that gives her permission to be excused of all her former crimes then?" Ironwood said bluntly. "That just because she wants to be good, she gets off scott-free from all the things she's done while with the White Fang. Is that it?"
I understand she has done things that she undoubtedly isn't proud of." Ozpin spoke back against Ironwood. "But she's trying to change. She has even helped out against Roman. Surely you can't deny she's now trying to do good and is reforming? That at least she's helping and continuing to do crimes."
"Maybe so." Ironwood nods. "But in the end we have laws and rules for a reason. While I won't deny she has done good, that isn't enough and in the end you're just letting a criminal go free from all that she has done. That's as if saying you're letting a murder help the poor only after he killed many people."
"I am giving her a chance."
"And she can have her chance after her crimes are paid for." Ironwood said as she looked at Blake's file. Unlike with the other traitor students at Ozpin's school, he didn't actually have any personal feelings towards Blake and already had an idea for her. "After she does her time and a trial, I can personally ensure she can continue helping by being a penal conscript."
That was...certainly something. And yet, Ozpin still felt this could ruin the relationship Blake had with her friends. Though before Ozpin could say anymore Ironwood continued on.
"I'm sorry Ozpin, but this will and can be done." He then paused. "Besides. I don't know how but it seems video of the arrest is already being made along with your former students...history."
Ozpin's eyes blinked as he then checked the local news. Where there it showed none other than Blake on screen where Lisa Lavender is speaking about the White Fang infiltrator entering Beacon but how she was caught and...how Cardin Winchester found proof who is now seen talking to Lisa about his accomplishment. What the hell!?
Ironwood looked like he was about to say something when he heard a tone on his scroll. He checked it and he gasped. "Sorry Ozpin, I have to go. It seems I'm about to get another prisoner. Good-bye."
Then like so, Ozpin saw Ironwood's image be cut off. The elder hero then looking back at Blake being thrown in the vehicle before being driven off while feeling sorry for the girl. Ironwood was right, Ozpin knew of her relationship with the White Fang but wished to leave that out so Ms. Belladonna can start a new chance at life without the past holding her down.
It seems however, fate had other plans.
As Ozpin was considering what to do next, suddenly he received a text from Qrow. A message was in it and Ozpin read it. The message was, "I know her attackers. Caught one and sent her to Ironwood. Will deal with the rest later but can't explain their identities."
The her must have been Amber, and the rest were as Qrow explained, the attackers. This was excellent. More than excellent. Ozpin, while upset about Blake, was at least happy that it seems Qrow finally had a lead against Salem's forces. Things seemed to be looking up against the war with Salem.
More so than others such as a certain bunny faunus who found herself unable to do anything considering the got was...more than useless. If anything, things as of now were actually bittersweet at best as time continued to move on.
For while the information gained by five people was misinforming in some way, it was also useful. With the outcomes coming out in ways while beneficial, saddening for others.
With the one causing it all gleefully watching.
"Hahahahaha!" Mayden laughed as he saw poor Blake being on trial, unable to even defend herself at all while she will face imprisonment and will only be allowed to leave her cell under careful watch, an ankle bracelet, and unable to ever see her team members ever again until much later with the only good thing that aids her is that llia can see her after she joined the Ace Ops when Marrow 'accidentally' died in a 'tragedy' when he went undercover in the White Fang under Ironwoods orders.
On the bright side, at least Adam's rampage wasn't as violent with Blake gone. Though he did kill a bunch of Atlas officers when he saw the news of Blake being arrested. Oh his face! Hahahaha!
"What a great time I had!" Mayden laughed maniacally as he witnessed the chaos he brought forth. Observing how miserable Team RW_Y was as Blake was out of their lives and watched her trial. Yang's face especially!
Not to mention Emerald when she was thrown in a cell and never seen again as Mayden forward the timeline and watched as Emerald who at first thought Cinder would save her instead die with a broken heart that her 'savior' Cinder wasn't going to save her.
That wasn't even mentioning Penny's fate thanks to Iron-Ass.
Mayden was about to see poor Pietro's sorrow at what became of his daughter when suddenly, Mayden felt an intrusion.
"Hm?" Then felt a hand grab his usual and supposedly non-existent throat and lift him up in the air. Chocking a bit as his non-existent eyes then saw…"Oh." He spat out while grinning. "I see you're here."
His non-existent body was then thrown against his own theatre which crashed into it. Though it didn't actually hurt him and just amused Mayden as he then looked at who was here.
A woman that would be considered beautiful with long pinkish lavender hair, a tight fitting outfit that emphasized her curves and had striking yellow eyes that glared at him as if he were trash.
"Upset." He said as the woman then glared down at him and was soon in front of him. Then stomping on his chest in anger. "I'll take that as a yes." Mayden coughed.
"What have you been doing?" She then coldly asked.
"Neh. My job." Mayden said as he peeked back at the world he messed with. Chuckling as he saw Penny getting her upgrade to her new form since after Vale Pietro wanted to give her a new body. Only to scream as a mystery virus ravaged his precious daughter's data and ultimately destroyed her. Ironwood was certainly good at covering his tracks.
"You're job!" The woman gritted her teeth before once again manhandling him and lifting him up so his non-existent eyes met hers. "From what I'm seeing, this world isn't having improvements at all."
"Do you mean usual improvements...or your improvements?" Mayden laughed as he gazed at the bitch in front of him. "Come on now, just look at the good I have done here." He waved a hand at the screen and showed the good work he did.
"Thanks to me, Tai and Qrow managed to capture Emerald, preventing Penny's death, and drove Cinder and Mercury away. Ruining a good chunk of their plan."
"Yet the virus was still used and the White Fang still attacked." The woman pointed out as the screen then showed that due to Tai and Qrow attacking, Cinder and Mercury escaped but still had the White Fang attack and the virus caused all the androids to strike regardless causing death, destruction, and what not with the only good news was that Qrow got Ozpin to move Amber just in time.
"Hey, not like showing the future has ever helped anyone." Mayden then points out while shrugging. "Have you not seen any worlds (fanfics) of how the main character goes back in time and prevents the bad, only for said bad stuff to still happen."
Just check out Relic of the Future where despite Jaune doing so much good a lot of crap still occurred. Not to mention Fighting for the Future where Weiss herself also did good but Beacon was struck super early and junk. Overall, only trashy worlds (fanfictions) had the main character avert everything while real good worlds showed that no matter how well one saw the future, something bad will always occur and the most one can do is mitigate the damage.
"That is true." The woman spoke in a robotic like tone. "But," Her grip on his non-existent neck tightened. "I and some others who grew suspicious of you noticed how you showed certain scenes that can cause misunderstandings."
"Ah yes, good old Ironwood." The screen then showed Ironwood having sent Atlas secret forces attack Team JNPR...where they four drove them back but caused Pyrrha's and Nora's deaths. Both boys then going mad in grief and shattered the team and relationships they had. While at first they tried to stay strong, especially with RW_Y's help, ultimately when the attack on Vale happened later that day and certain words from Cinder, both boys made certain decisions.
For Jaune, he went on a rampage against Atlas and in the future would be killed by Ironwood, though not before ensuring the metal man lost another limb. As for Ren, he was unable to contain all his grief and sorrow and ended up joining Salem and took after Tyrian in a way while becoming an enemy of RW_Y and friends.
The woman was glaring darkly before she slammed Mayden onto the ground.
"You and all like you are supposed to aid the worlds we watch and gather, not cause chaos." She told Mayden slowly and deadly.
"Ah." Mayden then lifts his hands as if saying, 'My bad' and then gave a non-existent grin. "But in the end, I did give some aid."
"At the cost of causing countless problems."
It wasn't just Ironwood's actions that made this version of Remnant bad.
For with Jaune turning anti-hero and not joining Ruby alongside the fact that his team was gone, Ruby had to team-up with Qrow only and while the duo did good work some problems would have occurred eventually down the line. Particularly, Ruby had to face Ren as an enemy while without Jaune, Weiss herself died as during the battle of Haven Jaune healed her in the prime world. In this one, not so much making Ruby slowly slip into despair.
Not to mention as mentioned before, with Blake's arrest racism grew with the Belladonna family itself, while in their sadness, were killed by those conniving foxes no problem. Sure this caused llia to defect and and even gather the faunus in Blake's place to defend Haven, but Blake's family was dead here.
"You can't win them all." Mayden said with a lovely tone. "And besides, so what if I caused all this? At the end, I actually did something most of our kind (authors) didn't do. Send the RWBY back home."
I mean, the vast majority of theatres (reaction fics) ultimately ended up with the story not even being continued and trapping those versions of RWBY characters in a dead-end timeline as with the creator (author) no longer updating, the gang their were forever trapped where their worlds no longer advanced forward making them going to those theatres for nothing at all. Sure Mayden screwed his versions up, but at least he let their timeline as of now move forward.
"In the end, you and the others are just upset that I wasn't some happy-super helpful dude who gave the heroes their rewards and punished the baddies." Mayden yelled back.
The woman narrowed her eyes. "Yet in the end, you're not denying you purposefully caused these misunderstandings."
"I thought it'd be fun." Mayden didn't even deny it. Having watched with glee when Ironwood refused to aid Ozpin who lived on in this world, thus Oscar was irrelevant here, and sadly the general went mad with paranoia and still ended up killing Winter.
But hey, at least this caused the Ace-Ops to realize their general was mad and joined Ozpin and the others against the metal loser who by that point had been weakened by Jaune with oddly llia giving the final blow. Who then left him in a cell to die alone when Atlas crashed making him die in despair as he realized his mistakes and foolishness.
"In the end, everything I did was for sweet entertainment." Mayden admits. Then he chuckled. "And it's not like I'm the only one who does this. Take Katana of the Blade, who had the Ace-Ops beaten up. Or that one author who had the Brothers tortured and imprisoned with no powers while blaming them for all the problems including Summer's death. Not to mention those who cater Jaune like he's a god while they throw insult or hurt the villains like Cinder or characters they don't hate."
Mayden didn't hate those authors though. Heck, he liked Katana of the Blade's work just as much as any other guy. But in the end, the truth was they and other reaction fic authors throw abuse just as much to others without feeling any remorse at all.
"Ultimately," Mayden speaks with conviction in his voice. "You hypocritical bastards who dislike my methods and personality just don't like it that I'm giving a bittersweet ending to this version of RWBY at all."
"I see." The woman says. "Regardless, you will be punished. Maybe not greatly as while infuriating, you indeed haven't broken any rules. But you certainly will face the consequences of what you have done here. More so as these acts of yours have now caused this world to spawn new timelines creating disaster and chaos for them."
"Is that so?" Mayden gives a non-existent smile. "Then we may as well continue on."
A portal was then opened and the two went through it. Leaving this theatre alone while also leaving this world of Remnant to gain both hope and despair. As while some good did occur thanks to Mayden, as many will have noticed just as equally or greater bad happened leaving this world of Remnant's fate to be rather….Grimm.
And we are done. I'll be honest, for a while I've been losing my...passion for this story. In the beginning, it was fun. Great! Ideas of what to show rolling off my head. But now these days...it just feels tiring to do so. This story is meant for fun, and the fun has slowly been leaving me away. And I'd rather not continue forcing myself to continue writing this story and making mediocre chapters. Doesn't help either I get whiners PM'ing me to change Mayden's personality, keep on offering ideas I said I wouldn't do, and just annoying crap. So, I decided to make this the FINAL chapter.
A bit sad I admit, but ultimately, I feel this is the best for me. To those who enjoyed this story, then I'm glad you followed through and hope you really liked the story as it comes to an end. To those who I'm sure are about to complain and throw profanities while whining for giving a 'bad end', I just laugh at you.
Moving on, so yeah, Mayden was punished as many of you have begged for. But not by much as Mayden never broke any actual rules. Something that infuriates the woman and at best will get the equivalent of his check being cut down as punishment instead.
So I gave you what you guys wanted, but in the end it's not as if I could have punished Mayden much as ultimately while purposely creating misunderstandings, Mayden did his job like any other Keeper we see in reaction fics. With a list of the following after Volume 3 being this:
Tai's actions will allow him to join with Qrow in defeating an jailing Emerald while also attacking Cinder and Mercury. The two escaped and still caused destruction with the virus and stuff, but as mentioned Amber was taken elsewhere with her powers given to Pyrrha...who ended up dying regardless because of Ironwood making Cinder the full Fall Maiden but now down a team member. Not that she cares and leaves Emerald to die miserable. Roman himself actually lives as Ruby doesn't end up going to the ship, Ironwood handles that, but he and Neo aren't seen up until Argus but aid them before leaving again.
Cardin's actions have Blake arrested, forced to join Atlas, and unable to rejoin Team RWBY. Her arrest also caused escalating racism and as shown, her parents died by the Albain siblings as Sun wasn't there since Blake was gone. Llia though changed sides when that happened and helped Haven when Ruby came with Qrow and later joined Atlas mainly for Blake and became the new Ace-Op member where she eventually fit in with the Ace-Ops and became friends with them.
Mercury's actions won't have done much of anything at all. While he did put Velvet on their list, thanks to Tai and Qrow this didn't amount to much at all. However, with Emerald gone he started to slowly dislike what he was doing and would later on join the heroes side in place of Emerald. Where he would actually find Emerald in Volume 8 and give her one peace of mind that even though Cinder didn't care for her, he did and while Emerald still died miserable during her death-caused by Ironwood-she at least found a form of peace thanks to Mercury who was saddened he couldn't save her in time.
Ironwood's actions were the worst of them all. Due to Mayden's trickery and Ironwood's semblance, he didn't trust anybody but himself. Believing himself in the right, first he had Marrow killed in his undercover mission and only accepted llia because she was useful for information and told Blake he would kill her if Blake stepped out of line. While he spared Winter at first, he would later kill her when she began questioning him and framed her death on Mercury making the Ace-Ops at first mad at Mercury and by extension, Ruby's group. Not to mention having Penny destroyed as while she survived the Fall thanks to Tai's actions, used a virus and secretly utilized it making Pietro despair at this.
He also had his forces during the Vytal Festival attack Jaune, Nora, and Ren. Order to kill just them but they fought with Pyrrha joining in. Sadly, they lost as they were outnumbered and while Pyrrha should have held the advantage thanks to her semblance, she was to kind-hearted and got blasted in the face while Nora was shot down. No Team RNJR here, just anti-hero Jaune wandering to kill Atlas troops and other villains and Ren turning evil in his grief.
Thankfully, Jaune would during the Volume 7 and 8 events aid Ruby's group-consisting of herself, Qrow, and of course Mercury and aid them. He even discovered Ironwood's dirty secrets and revealed them such as how he framed Mercury, killed Winter and Penny, and what he did to his team. The Ace-Ops turning on Ironwood and thanks to Jaune having fought Ironwood in the later stages, he would cut off Ironwood's arm and while he died would be happy he helped his friends wishing Ruby luck on her journey and to save Ren who while evil, shows signs of the old him while the Ace-Ops struck and llia putting Ironwood in his own cell. With the final blow to Ironwood being Ozpin showcasing GREATER disappointment to his old friend than even Lionheart and leaves him as Ironwood goes mad unable to accept he was wrong until he's about to die like canon.
As for the changes with Ruby, without RNJY Qrow AND a still living Ozpin joined her instantly while Tai watched Yang who still lost her arm to Adam. With Qrow and Ozpin helping her out, Ruby's journey was a hell lot easier and they even captured Tyrian and got some good info off from him with. He escaped but they knew who Cinder was and her next target Mistral where they did better against the traitor Lionheart and the others like Adam and Hazel. Even reunite with Yang and Weiss...with the latter dying and by this point, Jaune ain't here thus she dies simple as that.
Still, Yang and Qrow help Ruby out during her grief and they later get Blake and during this journey, Ozpin slowly opens up and decides not to hold back secrets and even saves Lionheart. Ozpin also being the one to help Mercury adjust to the team and even aiding Pietro's grief.
On the villains side they are still good but Cinder is off worse as while things are the same with her after Volume 3, without Emerald she is mocked further. When Mercury leaves she becomes more angry and prone to make mistakes. More so when Mercury taunts her and eventually her mistakes make Salem take a more...harsher method to control Cinder. Even steps in with Raven and has her join her or suffer greatly, and Raven is now a (cowardly) member of Salem's forces who does not like it with Yang more upset at her.
Salem is also disappointed in Tyrian who in turn decides to make it up by making Ren convert further in villainy while Watts still lives past Volume 8 as Salem ensures Cinder can't kill him while Hazel still does his heroic sacrifice.
By Volume 8, the new team is Ruby leading with Qrow, Ozpin, Yang, Blake, the Ace-Ops (plus llia), Happy Huntresses, Pietro and Maria.
More changes occur, but let's leave it at this and while Remnant's future here is pretty sucky, at the least there IS hope. Anyway, see ya guys. Be careful during this pandemic, stay safe, and have fun.