Everyone was shocked that Penny was now on the offense against Ash. Ash just looked at Penny while slowly backing away.
"Penny! Stand down! I am ordering you to stand down!" Winter yelled while withdrawing her sword.
"I do not take orders from you Winter. I take orders from my commanding officer Arthur Watts. This man is wanted as he is a high level threat to us all." Penny said blankly.
"Have you gone mad!?" Ash yelled.
"What's going on!? Why is she doing that to Ash!?" Miette asked in a panic.
"She's an android. Arthur Watts, who was just recently made high chairman of the grand council of the four kingdoms, must've found a way to hack into her database and have her under his command." Blake said.
Suddenly, they all saw multiple transports flying towards them. They landed around them, preventing them from escaping. Many Atlas Soldiers along with several Paladins and Ak-200 emerged and ad their guns locked and loaded.
"ALL UNITS! STAND DOWN!" Winter shouted.
"We have our orders Specialist Schnee. If you are siding with him, then you are committing treason. Arrest him!" Hawk yelled at his men.
Several got to Ash and tackled him to the ground and cuffed him.
"HANDS IN THE AIR AND GET ON THE GROUND!" One of the soldiers shouted to Blake and Miette. They did just that and the soldiers continued to aim their guns at them.
"ALRIGHT STOP!" Ash shouted at the top of his lungs, gaining everyone's attention. "I'll come quietly if you let everyone else go and live." Ash said as tears were pouring out of his eyes.
"That's what I thought. Get moving!" Hawk yelled as he his Ash on his back with his gun and forced him to move.
"BLAKE! MIETTE! DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! GET BACK TO THE OTHERS AND GET HELP!" Ash shouted to them.
"We won't leave you Ash!" Miette yelled.
"QUIET!" Penny shouted as she fired a warning shot at Miette from one of her swords, causing Miette to yelp in fright.
They all just watched as Ash was taken away onto a prisoner transport that was gonna take him to the prison nearby Atlas. Blake and Miette cried that their loved one was taken, again.
Meanwhile, Winter contacted Pietro.
"Pietro! We have a big problem. Penny has been hacked into by Watts. Is there any way you can fight him off?" Winter asked.
"Already working on that. After Watts's supposed death, I was able to create a special failsafe in case if something happens. It will erase the memories that she had from this day, but it will take some time for her to come back to her senses as the protector of Mantle. The moment I saw Watts, I installed this into her. After all, she is my daughter rebuilt by me." Pietro explained.
"Thank you Pietro. I hope you don't mind having me and the others return for a while. Things…are getting complicated. Besides, I need to get in contact with General Ironwood and tell him the bad news." Winter said.
"Understood. The doors will always be open to those that are with Ash." Pietro said before hanging up.
Winter put her scroll away and went to Blake and Miette.
"Come on. We need to get out of here. Let's get back to the pharmacy. I need to get in contact with the General." Winter said as she helped Miette up onto her feet.
"Why would they do this?" Miette whimpered.
"I'm about to find out." Winter said with anger as she looked back at the capital itself.
With Ash, he was just looking down and refused to look at Penny. He knew that something was up with her when she attacked him and the fact that she was hacked into, but it still felt like a betrayal.
Suddenly, Penny grunted as she felt something strange happening inside her head.
"What is it?" Hawk asked her.
"I'm not sure what just happened. I must've had a technical error for a moment after I was given these orders to capture Ash." Penny said as she straightened herself up.
"Hmph. Keep an eye on him." Hawk said before turning to Ash. He then forced Ash to look at him. "You were wise to surrender to us. In fact, Watts is actually quite surprised that you surrendered. What do you hope to gain from him?" He asked.
"I seek an audience with him. And besides, it's not like I had a choice. Let me ask you this, why side with him when you knew that I saved everyone from Salem's power?" Ash asked.
"We looked into all of that. You may have stopped her, but you failed to save others from the Grimm. I trust by now you know the Grimm spread worldwide? If so, then who's to blame for causing it to happen?" Hawk asked.
"Max Maple. He organized the betrayal of me long ago, and with the Shadow Pokémon he and traitors used, he made it more certain. I'm not all powerful. I'm just like you and all the other beings on Remnant, Faunus, humans and Pokémon alike." Ash answered.
"We'll see about that." Hawk growled lightly to him. He gets up and heads up front.
Ash then glared at Penny. Deep down he couldn't blame her, but he didn't want to tempt anyone. Penny looked at him back, but she looked away very ashamed. Ash looked back down with the same feeling.
When they finally arrived at Atlas Disciplinary Prison, Ash was brought inside and was placed inside a cell. After he was placed inside, a barrier activated and he was trapped.
Meanwhile with the rest of the love group along with Derek, Teams JNPR and CFVY, they were at the training room at Beacon trying to get some practice in. They prepared themselves for the worst case scenario if Ash was indeed captured. Little did they realize at that point that he was indeed captured.
Just then, a portal opened up and Blake, Miette and Winter ran out of it.
"GUYS! WE GOT A PROBLEM!" Blake screamed.
"Blake! Miette! What's going on!?" Yang yelled.
"Ash has been captured! Atlesian Soldiers and robot, including Penny forced him an offer he couldn't refuse." Blake explained.
"PENNY!? Why would she do this?" Ruby whimpered as her ears drooped.
"She was hacked by Watts. In a way, it's my own fault that he was captured. Fortunately, General Ironwood has already sent in a few people to help back him up for whatever trial he has to go to. One of them is Robyn Hill, a Huntress and a politician. All but one of the Atlas Council representatives is siding with Ash, and Robyn has agreed to look more into Ash's true intentions." Winter explained.
Is she gonna be like a lawyer?" Weiss asked.
"More like someone that will act as a resort weapon for him. General Ironwood has also been alerted of the group of the military that attacked us and refused an order from me. I fear that you all might be in danger if you get involved with this crisis. Us high ranking officials with the General and the council will deal with this. Weiss, I'm leaving you in charge of making sure that no one here does anything rash." Winter said to her sister.
"It won't be that easy." Weiss said.
"Actually, we may still have an advantage that we can use that'll make things easier." Derek said. What he said gained their attentions. "Since I have Xedrek's memories, I think I know someone that can help us. Who's up for a little trip to meet Arceus himself?" Derek asked everyone.
"Arc-who?" Ruby asked.
"Basically God." Derek answered.
"No way!" Ruby yelled with excitement.
"Anyway, we will be heading off for the Hall of Origin where Arceus and other deities reside at. Remember speak only when spoken to, and don't argue with them." Derek warned them.
"Then we must give them our best behavior." Weiss said.
Derek then created a portal for them to go through. Once they entered, the portal closed. In the Hall of Origin, a portal opened up and they emerged. Everyone minus Derek was flat out amazed how beautiful it looked.
"Derek and those that are closest to Ash, welcome to the Hall of Origin. What brings you all here today?" Arceus asked while standing on his alter.
"My Lord Arceus, a terrible thing has happened on Remnant. Ash has been captured and we believe that he may be getting the worst treatment since his bounty wanted him dead or alive." Derek explained.
"What!? So that explains why the Jewel of Life is reacting." Arceus said while gazing into it. Everyone else started to look into it. "It seems that someone has just entered his cell for questioning?" Arceus asked.
"That's Robyn Hill. If she is there to speak to Ash, then perhaps she's gonna use her semblance." Winter said.
"Let's watch." Arceus suggested.
With Ash, the woman named Robyn was now sitting by him with a couple guards with her.
"Hello Ash. My name is Robyn Hill, a Huntress and a representative of the Atlas Council. I'm here to ask you a few questions before you go speak to Arthur Watts." Robyn said before sitting next to her and held a hand out.
Ash just looked at her hand for a moment until he slowly took it. Just then, her aura was now in linked with his.
"A semblance?" Ash asked.
"Indeed. Now then, do you have any intentions of causing any domination with your weapon and the moon size object in the sky above Remnant?" Robyn asked.
"Of course not." Ash answered. Just then, the aura link glowed green.
"Okay, that means that you are telling the truth. What are your intentions?" Robyn asked once again.
"I only seek to be at peace after the war that had happened in Vale almost two weeks ago. I have become Vale's first Pokémon League Champion and I just want to move on from my past." Ash answered. The link glowed green again.
"So, you don't seek any power?" Robyn asked.
"No! What I really seek now is to not only clear my name, but to continue on being Vale's Keyblade Guardian, and begin my time as Pokémon League Champion." Ash answered with a bit of anger. The link glowed once again green.
Robyn then let go of Ash and the link was broken.
"I have what I needed. With these truths that I required, we will provide you with all the help we can give. Watts will be available for you to speak to after a little while. Just stay here for a little while longer, and I'll make sure you get plenty of food and water to help keep up with your strength." Robyn explained.
"Right…" Ash said before looking down. Robyn felt bad for him that an innocent man was like this while she was leaving with her guards.
Back in the Hall of Origin, everyone breathed a sigh of relief that Ash was getting more help.
"Well I guess that's that. So now I guess we just wait?" Blake asked.
"Not yet. I know two other people that can help you. Perhaps it's better if you were to go and meet them yourself." Arceus said while creating a portal for them. "Beyond that portal will be the final instrument of Ash's life being saved. Tell them what is happening, and they'll more than likely do the rest." He continued.
"Very well, let's get going guys." Derek said while they made their way to the portal.
Just then Velvet turned back towards Arceus.
"Thank you so much my Lord." She said while bowing to him.
"Anyone that is kind to me and Ash gets the reward they deserve. Good luck now…Velvet Scarlatina." Arceus said to her. Velvet chuckled and blushed a bit before entering the portal and it closed.
A portal opened up in front of a castle that looked very modern than some of the other castles they've seen. They approached the front door and Derek slammed the door slammer hard, causing a loud echoing sound. Everyone stepped back from the door.
"If we're being honest, this is very unsettling." Fox whispered.
"Just try to be polite. If the people that live here are royalty, then we need to be at our best behavior." Coco said.
After a few more seconds, the door slowly opened and Ozma poked his head behind the door. He gasped at the sight of who was there.
"Teams RWBY, JNPR, CFVY, everyone?" Ozma said as he walked out with his staff.
"Ozpin? Is that you?" Glynda asked as she approached him.
"It's Ozma now, but yes it is me. What are you all doing here?" Ozma asked.
"It's Ash. He's in danger, and I think this time it's beyond him. Arceus sent us so we can potentially get some help." Blake explained.
"Ash!? Perhaps you all should come in." Ozma suggested as he showed them all inside. He took them to the main room where everyone got a place to sit. "Now, tell me everything that has happened." Ozma said.
"Ozma honey? Who is it?" Salem's voice called out. Everyone's heart froze from her voice, but they saw a completely different person when she came around the corner. "Oh! Ash's closest friends." Salem said as she sat next to Ozma.
"Everyone, this is Salem before her time as the Queen Salem that you are familiar with. Rest assured she isn't like that anymore." Ozma said.
"You look absolutely beautiful. What's your secret?" Weiss asked.
"It's just natural beauty Weiss. Now, what can we do for you all?" Salem asked.
"Ash has been captured by Atlas forces curtesy of Arthur Watts. Ash's life is very likely in danger and we are hoping to get all the help we can get. Arceus sent us here because he believes that you two in a way could help us." Ruby explained.
Salem just froze for a moment then looked down. It was true that she knew Watts personally as he was in her former inner circle, but to think that he was really doing this.
"Salem, what is it?" Ozma asked while holding her hands.
"He won't listen to anyone that is beneath him. But if there is one that will…it's me." Salem said feeling a bit unsure.
"What can we do?" Blake asked her.
Salem sighed and thought for a moment. She then stood up while still looking down and her eyes were closed.
"I…may have a way to get his attention. But I don't like this, especially since I fear the worst will happen." Salem said.
She tilted her head up and her eyes opened. Everyone gasped as her eyes were dark and her pupils were glowing red.
"You can turn back into your other self?" Ozma asked before Salem blinked and her eyes went back to normal.
"Yes. I discovered it the other day after we had a bit of a disagreement. I was horrified that I saw my eyes like that while I was calming down. I began to do a bit of experiments and I learned that I can maintain that form but only for a short time. Ten minutes tops until I got back to normal. However, I fear that I would lose myself like I did eons ago when you both died the first time, and when you betrayed me that fateful night if I had that form too long." Salem explained.
Ozma was saddened by that, until he had an idea.
"Salem, I know you don't like this but I think this will save Ash's life and prove to Watts of the fraud he is. All of you thank you for telling us this. Now let us take it from here. How long till his potential trial?" Ozma asked.
Winter pulled out her scroll and did a bit of research on any updates from Ash. She eventually found out that he is under interrogation and according to Robyn to the council reps; his trial will be tomorrow afternoon.
With Ash earlier, he was laying down on his bed starring at the ceiling. He was worried for everyone and didn't get a chance to say goodbye to everyone that he cared.
Just then, the barrier opened and a couple guards walked in.
"You, let's go. Chairman Watts is waiting." One of them said.
Ash got up and they escorted him to an interrogation room. Ash reached underneath his wrist of his arm and pressed a button that started a video and audio recording that Pietro specified earlier. He sat at desk where he was bound in inhibitor binders that prevented him from using his aura. Watts was by a corner waiting until they were alone.
"Greetings Mr. Ketchum. I've been waiting to see you for some time now." He said. Ash just looked at him with a blank stare. "And now to business. I was told you wanted to speak to me, well I also want to speak to you as well" He continued.
"I guess we have something in common. I want to know something, why are you doing this? You probably know that I have no intentions on causing any problems with the X-Blade or Kingdom Hearts to this world. I don't even know how to organize my own birthday party." Ash said as Watts sat across form him.
"Quite simple dear boy. We learned so much of what you, the X-Blade and that moon size heart thing in the sky you called Kingdom Hearts during the war in Vale that happened a little while back. I see you also got yourself a new arm. Impressive. But now I want you to answer my question: what do you hope to gain now that Queen Salem is gone?" Watts asked.
Ash immediately had some suspicions on Watts when he mentioned Salem.
"The only thing I want to gain is to just move on from the past, no longer want to deal with the traitors that caused my disappearance, recover from the war that happened and continue to protect those that are in need of it. How do you know of Salem?" Ash asked.
"I was quite influenced by her. Like you, I wanted to move on from my past. And like Queen Salem, I wanted to do it with political power." Watts said.
"So that's why you were on her side, for political power? I don't get it." Ash said with confusion.
"Ash, you're nothing more but a boy playing in the big leagues." Watts said while standing up and paced around a bit. "With the four kingdoms under my jurisdiction, I can do practically anything to enforce the laws. In fact, I can make Vacuo a safer haven if I wanted. But before I can do any of that, you are my top priority. You are still a threat that needs to be rid of from this world so we can guarantee our safety of the power you have. My time with Queen Salem has given me more power than you could possibly imagine." Watts explained.
'And there it is.' Ash thought to himself. "You're insane. You sold your life to Salem after you faked your death long ago. You have Weiss to thank for that when she saw you giving that speech the other day before you got the position. But why bring Jacques Schnee into this?" Ash asked.
"The only thing you need to know is that he also wanted power like I do. So I helped him become a member of the council to persuade the majority of the Atlas Council to give me the advantage. The rest of the kingdoms were easy pickings afterwards," Watts answered before snapping his fingers. The guards returned and grabbed Ash. "Take him away back to his cell. I have what I needed from him and his trial will be tomorrow with the Grand Council representatives." Watts ordered them.
"Yes sir!" They said before they took Ash away.
Along the way, Ash turned off the recording. He hoped that this will be enough for the trial tomorrow.
By the next morning, Ash was woken up by Robyn with a couple guards behind her.
"Ash, it's almost time. Now are you sure you think you can handle this, because if all else fails your life will be on the line." She asked him.
"I'm sure. I already made peace with the gods if it happens last night. Either way, I'm ready to go down fighting." Ash said before Robyn gave him a little bite to eat and they left.
They were on a transport that was taking them to a court house where his trial will be held. Ash couldn't sense anyone due to the fact that he was still in his inhibitor binders. Upon arrival, he already saw what appeared to be Winter, along with the love group including Glynda.
They entered a courtroom where it was massive, so big that it has over a hundred seats. Ash was placed in a restraining unit. It bound Ash's wrist and ankles like the aura inhibitor binders, and if he were to try to break out, it would electrocute him. Robyn was next to him to aide him.
When it finally happened, everyone took their seats.
"Please rise for the honorable Judge Lexis Cooler." One of the guards announced to everyone. Everyone did just that as a middle aged woman with chocolate color skin, and long jet black hair in a blue and gray court dress arrived at her seat.
"Please be seated." She said and everyone sat back down. "Hail and peace to all representatives of the four kingdoms. In the name of the great lawgiver Monty Oum, the trail of Ashton Ketchum is now officially called to order. Is the Prosecutor and head chairman Arthur Watts ready?" Lexis asked.
"I am ready Your Honor." Watts said.
"Is the Defense and Representative Robyn Hill ready?" She asked.
"We are indeed ready Your Honor." Robyn said.
"How do you plea?" Lexis asked Ash.
"Not guilty Your Honor. My ultimate goal was to end the crisis that had transpired from the war that happened nearly two weeks ago, and to be at peace." Ash answered.
"Very well. Mr. Watts, please give us your opening statement." Lexis said.
"Gladly your honor." Watts said as he stood up so everyone could watch him. "Nearly two weeks ago, the defendant Ash Ketchum used the power of what he calls the X-Blade and the moon size heart in the sky called Kingdom Hearts to destroy the army that the monster named Queen Salem has brought to the Kingdom of Vale. It was later stated six days later that his action can be seen as a high class threat of world domination with the weapons he possesses. He is charged with said threat of domination to the world. Here is evidence of the very power that he possess of how he destroyed Queen Salem." Watts explained as he handed a hard drive that contains the satellite footage of it happening that showed Kingdom Hearts destroying the darkness of the world and the massive light explosion afterwards.
"This is quite amazing of how it happened. The court accepts this as evidence. Ms. Hill, do you have an opening statement?" Lexis asked.
"I do Your Honor. My client Ash has been arrested by Atlas forces two days ago against his will by an act of betrayal by Penny Polendina as the android was hacked into by Arthur Watts himself. I have interrogated my client yesterday and with the use of my semblance, he has not spoken any lies whatsoever. As for how Penny backstabbed him against both their wills, along with the witness of Blake Belladonna, Miette Poffle and Winter Schnee, I present evidence to back up the claim of him hacking into Penny that was recorded by her father and creator Pietro Polendina himself." Robyn said as she handed a hard drive that contains the records of the actions to an officer and activated it at a monitor that presented how and when it happened.
"Hmm, this is very serious, and a cruel one at that as well. The court accepts this as evidence. Now that we got the opening statements out of the way, Mr. Watts please call your first witness to the stand." Lexis said.
"The prosecution calls Jacques Schnee to the stand." Watts said. Everyone watched as Jacques has entered the witness podium. "Please state your name and occupation to the court." Watts demanded.
"My name is Jacques Schnee, CEO of the Schnee Dust Company and councilman of the Atlas Council." Jacques said.
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" Lexis asked.
"I swear on my positions Your Honor." He answered.
"Very well. Mr. Watts proceed." Lexis said.
"Mr. Schnee, is it not true that Ash is seen as a threat to Remnant and you yourself have been in his presence?" Watts asked.
"Indeed. After learning more of what he is doing, I cannot believe that I agreed to have my daughter Weiss work with that monster, let alone make him her suitor." Jacques said with anger.
Ash grew angry when he said that about him. Robyn held his wrist and rubbed it to ease his nerves. He looked at her, who was smiling at him. Ash then just looked down and refused to look at Jacques.
"Witness, you may commence your testimony to the court." Lexis said.
"Okay. When I learned that Weiss has found a suitor that was Ash back then, the man that stopped Roman Torchwick and his band of criminals in Vale, I wanted to meet him as soon as possible. We met the day of Beacon Academy's annual dance and we all have come to an agreement that if Ash continues to train her, keeps her safe and make sure that she isn't distracted, then I'll let her have both the title of Heiress and a Huntress in training. Until recent actions have happened, he broke the contract that we made that day and Weiss's position has been stripped from her and my son Whitley now has the position. I have the proof of the case with me today." Jacques explained.
Ash and Weiss were horrified from the news that has been announced. Ash could here Weiss crying nearby. He looked over and she saw Crystal holding her and Weiss was crying into her neck. Ruby was trying to comfort her as well.
"Mr. Schnee, please present your evidence to the court." Lexis said. Jacque pulled out the contract from his suit and handed it to the same officer to give it to Lexis. Upon reviewing of it, she looked back at the court and showed the contract on the monitors. "This indeed shows that Ash has broken a piece of the contract. The court accepts this as evidence. Ms. Hill you may begin your cross-examination." Lexis said.
"Gladly. Schnee you do realize that your testimony is full of holes, right?" Robyn asked as she got up.
"You would dare rebel against me?" He asked.
"That's why I'm here. Now then, you said a moment ago that he help make the contract correct?" She asked.
"Yes." He said.
"Then tell me this, is that the original?" Robyn asked with a raised eyebrow.
A few mutters were heard from behind when she asked that. Lexis banged her grovel a few times.
"Order! I will have order in this court. Ms. Hill, what are you getting at?" Lexis asked.
"Very simple because that contract he has is not the original. You see that one is a fake. I have the real one right here curtesy of Crystal Schnee herself." Robyn answered.
"I beg your pardon!?" Jacques yelled.
"Please show me the original contract Ms. Hill." Lexis said.
"With pleasure Your Honor." Robyn said as she went to her file and she pulled out the contract that was made the day of the dance from it. When it was presented, she noticed some major changes.
"These are not the same! Mr. Schnee, what is the meaning of this?" Lexis asked.
"That's nothing more than a lie Your Honor." Jacques said.
"You want to put that to the test?" Robyn asked.
"Hold it! That question is irrelevant to the case Your Honor." Watts interrupted.
"Overruled!" Lexis yelled when she slammed the grovel down.
"Your Honor, with your kind permission I would like to use my semblance to determine whether he is lying about the contract." Robyn requested.
"This is a very serious case, sustained." Lexis agreed.
Robyn approached Jacques and held a hand out to him.
"Take it and don't let go." Robyn demanded. Jacques grunted in anger and took it. "Now then, is the contract you gave the real thing or a fake?" Robyn asked while her aura connected with his.
Jacques growled and attempted to try to pull away, but Robyn's grip on him was tight.
"Answer the question!" Lexis demanded.
"No! It's not a fake!" Jacques yelled.
The aura connected to the two of them glowed red.
"Liar! It is a fake!" Robyn yelled.
"OBJECTION! THIS IS IMPOCRACY!" Watts shouted while standing and pointed at Robyn.
The room began chattering loudly of the reality of what just happened. Lexis banged her grovel hard several times.
"ORDER! ORDER! ORDER IN THE COURT!" Lexis shouted bringing silence. "Mr. Schnee, this is an outrage! Why did you present false evidence to the court?" Lexis demanded.
Jacques growled as he looked at Robyn.
"He doesn't need to answer that Your Honor. The truth is right there on his face. He wanted Ash completely out of the equation because of his partnership with Watts. And what better way to get rid of the problem than to try to create fake evidence over the true evidence?" Robyn asked.
"Remove Mr. Schnee from the courtroom!" Lexis ordered.
Several guards cuffed Jacques and he was being forced out. He glared at his family, especially at Crystal.
"When I get out of this, I will make your life worst." Jacques growled.
"Funny, because I want a divorce and I want you to never return to my home and company again." Crystal retaliated. She watched as Jacques was now taken out the doors and was gone. "Weiss, I hereby reinstate your position as Heiress." Crystal said out loud. People applauded for Weiss that she got her position back for good.
After a little bit, the courtroom was now silence.
"Now that that's out of the way, I hereby remove the evidence that Jacques Schnee has presented and update it with the true evidence that was provided." Lexis stated.
Ash smiled that he now had the advantage, but for how long? How will Robyn and/or Watts comeback from that? Find out more as the trial and the story continues.
Okay, I bet you guys weren't expecting me to go this far. This was fully written a literal week after my last chapter was posted. I'm gonna have fun editing this one. Thank you so much for reading and the trial of Ash Ketchum will continue next time. TheD-Rock900 is signing off, see you next time.