I don't know what makes me cry more, the ending of Hachi a Dog's Tale, Yuuki's death in SAO or the deaths of John Marston and Arthur Morgan. I say this because some reason, when I watched a music video of a song I used to like when I was interested in Thomas, I thought about my grandma, and it made me cry. It's almost the month of my birthday and it's going to be the first one where my grandma won't be calling to wish me a happy birthday.
I guess, I just felt like crying because I miss her. I couldn't stay the whole time for her funeral like I did for my grandpa two years ago, but even then, I still kept crying and hating myself for not spending more time with both of them. They never lived that far away, but I was always so busy with work and other things.
I write a lot of action scenes, but I do have feelings like everyone else in the world. If anyone starts calling me a baby because I cry about these things, then you can just leave.
Anyway, I know I'm still way off from that part, I'm trying to figure out if I should have Galen, Ruby and their teams fall into the void to wherever they ended up or end being sent to Mortis. Anyone have any thoughts?
Well, until then, let's get back to the story. Heads up, the RWBY Canon is going to take a major detour, since Ozpin trusted everyone with the truth. But first, let's get to the reviews.
Monster King: Thanks
BlindFaunusGirl: Thank you and although you didn't ask about it, I sort of envisioned the kingdom of Atlas having citizens living off-grid or in remote towns and settlements, away from the current situation of the Kingdom. I got the idea from Railroad Alaska, a show that followed the journeys of the people working hard to maintain the Alaska Railroad and the people who depend on it for survival, it will come into play when I reach a certain part of the story.
SunPhoenix90: What would you like Ruby to do to Jacque? You didn't say. And about that story you mention, it was Whitley who got punched in the face by Dreadwing. But I think I might have a certain individual punch Jacque in face. An individual who in Jacques words 'is muscular buffoon who only knows how to fight and doesn't know the reality of the world.' At least I think that's what he'd say.
Spartan-626: Trust me, Ironwood will learn the truth much sooner, but does he have something he's hiding from his so-called allies? Don't go jumping the gun on it, you'll have to wait and see.
54godamora: I agree that Volumes 7 and 8 left a lot to be desired, but I think you can blame the writers for the direction it's going it. I strongly suggest you keep reading the story, there might be somethings that you like about the story. I won't be sticking to canon completely.
Luffy L Deathwalker: I think a curved hilt lightsaber would work well for the Fox, but where would he get it from?
To the guest: Yeah, Archie does like a good code name and sorry to disappoint you about the lack of Star Wars characters.
Alright, onto the chapter.
Disclaimers are the same as always, please enjoy and here's the intro.
(Start Rise, Tv version by Madkid)
(The camera moves fast over the frozen tundra of Solitas before it shots up to the floating city of Atlas and the city of Mantle below it. As fighter jets fly past, the title card is revealed with two lightsaber blades surrounding it.)
Remnant Unleashed
In this empty void, I found the way to light. Can't find my way in this lingering world. Searching fo the answer- the one that I can trust in. I'm just wandering around.
(The title card vanishes as a shot of Ironwood addressing his followers is shown, standing in full military gear. Among them is Galen and his team, Jaune, Nora, Ren, Lop, Faye, Kara and Zett, the students wearing new combat clothing. Behind them in the corner with their helmets off are Rex and his brothers who eye the general with suspicion.)
Yeah, still stuck in the shadow ey, But I never follow that. This pain at last soon will pass. Turn into my own unbeatable strength. This guy or that guy -dead or alive by hiding alone, can't survive. I don't want to lie to myself.
(Behind Ironwood are his Ace Ops and Winter who then dissipate into mist before being replaced by Jacque who has a devious grin on his face, while Whitley and Serra stand behind him looking at each other with worry. The scene then changes to Mantle where Boba, Robyn, Ahsoka, the Fox, Maria, Grogu, Pietro, Penny, Artoria and the Happy Huntresses look up towards Atlas, Robyn crossing her arms before looking at a picture of her, Ray, Neo and Amber.)
Keep on the fight, get right I'll never lose and cry. Keep run up day and night. Time to rewrite. No matter what anyone say's I find my way. Never go away.
(The Grimm charge towards from the tundra as Galen, Ruby, Jaune and their teams ready for their weapons for battle only for Ruby, Jaune and their teammates to vanish into mist while soldiers appear behind Galen and his team aiming their weapons at them. Galen's eyes are shown and then narrow as he ignites his lightsabers.)
Now, nobody can stop me no way. I will make sure not to forget those precious things. Yeah, I'll take a stand, get back all that I've lost. Rise suddenly in this word. (I don't look back yeah.)
(Galen and his team then charge in, now fighting a top a speeding train in the tundra against the Ace Ops while droids attack both groups. Galen slashes a droid and counters an attack from Harriet, Rose dodges Elm's massive hammer, Arthur clashes blades with his cousin, March trades fists with Marrow who looks unsure of his choices as Vine's giant hands try to swat away two human shaped machines flying alongside the train, with Clover trading blows Rex at the front of the train.)
This repetition will repeat 'till the end. And the regret that's still lingering in my head. Time to get it all back, now turn over. Rise suddenly in this world.
(The scene changes once again as Teams RWBY, JNR, Domino Squad, the Bad Batch, Fordo, Alpha, Cody, Waxer, Boil, Kara, Faye and Able fight against the Grimm which then change into Imperial troopers as the shadows of Vader, Palpatine, Barriss, Jacque, Watts, Maul, Salem, Emerald, Mercury and a mysterious robotic figure loom over them. Ruby's face turns to fear before her eyes shine and a silver light engulfs the screen before the title card returns.)
(Song ends)
Chapter 99: A Different Approach
Gazing out the window of the police airship, Ruby gazed as Mantle was left far behind with the only sound being Nora as she tried to chew through the bolas restraining her wrists while the muffled chatter of the guards was also heard. "Where do you think they're taking us?" Ruby asked.
"I'm gonna go to jail." Qrow muttered.
"I still can't believe that fishing pole guy took us out like it was nothing. Well, everyone except for Galen, Ahsoka, Faye and Zett." Jaune said, still surprised by what happened.
"Welcome to Atlas. Those were Ironwoods Ace Operatives." Weiss explained.
"Hmm?" an unfamiliar man sitting with the group finally said. "You guys had a run-in with the Ace Ops? Ironwood must really have a bone to pick with you."
"They're not that big a deal." Weiss said with a roll of her eyes.
"Not that big a deal!? The Ace-Ops are the elite-of-elite military Huntsmen and Ironwoods personal attack dogs." The man spat.
"So, what did they get you in for?" Rose asked.
"I'm here because I've been speaking out against Atlas' exploitation of Mantle, and General Ironwood is trying to silence me. That and I threw a brick at his ship, but it was worth it if it gets people talking about our cause." The man admitted proudly.
"Your cause wouldn't happen to involve Robyn Hill and her Happy Huntresses fighting for better living conditions in Mantle now, would it?" Galen asked, closing his eyes and using the force to remove his bindings. "I may not have met with her face-to-face, but I know a bit about her from her nephew, Trigger. She and her group were all top graduates from Atlas Academy, who could have signed up for the military but chose to stay in Mantle and she's currently working to acquire a seat on the Kingdoms council with hopes of improving the conditions of Mantle. Should I also mention she and her huntresses where at Vale flying F20's?"
"Wait? You know her? You know Three Strikes? Then that means… You're the Demon Lord!" the man exclaimed in surprise, not even noticing that Galen had undid his restraints and the ones of his friends. "I've been following your exploits ever since the Round Table! Your skills are equal to the Galm Team! Can I have your autograph?"
"Looks like someone's got a fan." March teased.
"Lucky guy." Nora added, finally stopping her chewing of her restraints. "Let's get our weapons and take this ship!"
"No."
"What?" Everyone asked Galen.
"We're not here to make enemies of Atlas. I want to hear what Ironwood has to say for himself. There's a reason he had us arrested and I want to hear why. Remember, we're here to help him against the one responsible for the Fall of Beacon." Galen answered.
"Wait! You're here to help Ironwood? I thought…" the man started.
"Listen. Once you get out of prison, I want you to pass a message onto Robyn Hill. I want to set up a meeting with her." Galen told the man as the airship broke through the clouds and headed for Atlas Academy instead of the police station, much to everyone's surprise. "Seems Ironwood arrested us for other reasons." Galen mused.
The airship landed at the dock in front of the academy where Rex and Fordo were waiting for them. "Looks like you guys had a rough time getting into Atlas. We were able to get in thanks to Tech scrambling the Marauders signature." Rex said.
"It could have been better if we weren't arrested." Lop fumed as the Ace Ops approached them.
"You'll have to forgive our approach. Like Miss Penwolf said, one of us is rather impulsive and quick to react without thinking." The man with the fishing pole said, handing the Jedi their lightsabers back. "If I'm right, these weapons are the life of a Jedi."
"Let me guess, Ironwood told you about the Jedi?" Ahsoka guessed.
"All your questions will be answered shortly, Commander Tano. For now, follow us and we'll explain everything. Oh and before I forget, my name's Clover. That's Harriet, Vine, Marrow and Elm, my team. You already seem to know Artoria, but that's not unexpected considering her cousin is one of the Demon Lords teammates." The leader of the Ace Ops introduced before he noticed something behind them. "Uh, where did that little guy come from?" he asked.
Everyone looked behind and were surprised to see that Grogu had somehow managed to sneak aboard the airship and leapt straight into Ruby's hands. "Oh great! Grogu managed to sneak aboard a transport again! He's always doing this when it comes to the people he likes." Lop groaned.
"I thought I recognized my sister's voice." A new voice said aloud. Looking towards the academy, a human woman the same age as Winter, with dark hair, light skin, and dark grey-blue eyes with a red marking near her eye while her expression carried a serious and stern look. Along with her Atlesian military uniform, she wore a white cape. "After all these years, you finally decided to journey to Atlas, little sister." The woman said with a smile.
"Ocho?" Lop asked.
"So you remember me, I thought you'd forgotten all about me after father's death. To hear that you haven't forgotten me, I'm actually touched." Ocho said with a smile.
"Mind introducing us?" March asked, completely confused.
"That's Ocho Yasaburo. My older sister and captain in the Atlas army. She's known for her sympathy for the Faunus, seeing as she is called on a lot of the time to respond to collapsed Schnee Dust Company mines." Lop explained.
"Introductions can wait for a later date, right now the General is waiting for you. Try not to cause any trouble." Ocho said with a tease in her voice before she turned on her heel and walked back to the academy.
"Sir, shouldn't we place their bindings back on?" Harriet asked.
"No need for that, Harriet. They aren't here to fight." Artoria told the short girl who's expression didn't change at all, like she took her duty seriously and only devoted her time to the military. Artoria led the group inside the academy with Rex and Fordo while the other troopers stood by the Marauder.
They boarded an elevator that took them up into the academy before it came to a stop, and they were escorted out into a hallway and down a flight of stairs before entering a room where they then joined by Ironwood, Winter and Penny. "I swear if I have to sit through one more of those council meetings like that…" they heard Ironwood say to Winter
"Yay, you're here!" Penny exclaimed, her greeting catching Ironwood and Winter's attention
"Winter." Weiss said, stepping out from behind Ruby and approaching the two while Winter gasped lightly in surprise. Had the group still been secured by bolas, Winter would have demanded the guards remove them with the threat of bodily harm.
Ironwood smiled before he led the group into Ironwoods office. "It's good to see all of you." The general greeted.
"Our reception here didn't really convey that." Yang said. "All we did fight the Grimm when your AK-200's got scrapped. Not sure how that warrant's for an arrest when we were just doing what we were training to do."
"I sincerely regret how you were treated by my team." Ironwood said with a sigh, taking a seat behind his desk while Penny and Winter stood on either side of the desk, while Qrow rolled his eyes with a small huff. "But when a rogue airship entered our airspace and then suddenly disappeared from our radar, it raised some… red flags. We assumed the airship was stolen."
"Did you all steal an Atlas airship?" Winter demanded. "What were you thinking!? You might have been shot down! How unbelievably irresponsible of you all." She fumed, then turning to Qrow. "But I cannot believe that you allowed this to happen, Qrow."
"Stolen? We didn't steal an airship! Commander Cordovin gave it to us after we stopped a White Fang attack on Argus!" Ruby countered.
"White Fang attack?" Ironwood repeated.
"Had things gone differently, we would have had to resort in stealing an airship, since the old lady wasn't to keen on listing to us in the first place after we made it to Argus, but after we helped her with a few problems, she allowed us entrance into Atlas." Rex explained.
"What problems?" Artoria asked.
"Let's see, first there was an unauthorized and illegal Dust Mining operation just outside of ordered by Weiss's old man so he could make a profit even with the Dust Embargo, which was then taken over by the droids and threatened to cut off all routes to Argus. It was also where we found Able, a clone long thought to be dead and in stasis. Found a Super Tactical Droid general who's been keeping tabs on several parties plotting who knows what. Stopped a massive people, weapon and Dust trafficking operation coming out of New Argus and eliminated another Manti based Grimm and took out the last of a submarine prototype that could launch cruise missiles which rain molten steel down and helped Commander Cordovin's son and squadron become the new Ghosts of Razgriz. And yet, despite all that, you refused to let us into Atlas, which then led to us being caught in a White Fang attack on Argus led by Adam Taurus, but when we had a chance to sneak into Atlas, we stayed and gave Adam the biggest black eye he ever got with the help of the Rebellion and MSDF." Rose recounted.
"You did all that just to steal an airship?" Winter asked.
"Didn't you hear what Ruby said. Caroline gave us the airship after we explained the situation to her and as a way of thanking us for the help we gave her." Galen corrected.
"And let this happen, Qrow?" Winter snarled at the veteran huntsmen.
"When these kids have their minds set on something, they do it. Besides, I was wasted because of… my failure to not be ready. By the way, we have some important information for you that's… confidential." Qrow answered, looking towards Ironwood.
"Oh, it is about the relics?" Penny asked.
"Or perhaps the Winter Maiden?" Winter added.
"You told them." Qrow asked in surprise.
"Did you really think you were the only people who got to work on a new plan after Beacon?" Ironwood asked, standing up from his desk and retrieving the Relic of Knowledge from a drawer which grew to it's normal size as he held it up. "With Ozpin gone, I needed my own team of people I could trust. So yes, I told them. The Ace-Ops too. Which is why I'm so glad you're here… with this. Until now, I believed that it was impossible to truly turn the tide against Salem. Oz has pushed her back, has kept victory out of her claws, but she will keep returning stronger and stronger… unless we destroy her." Ironwood said.
"But… What about the Atlas Relic?" Ruby asked.
"You mean the Staff of Creation?" Ironwood asked.
"It's safe inside the Vault!" Penny said firmly.
"And the Winter Maiden?" Qrow asked.
"She is secure and in stable condition." Winter answered.
"Stable condition? What does that—" Yang started to ask.
"I think it means that she's not exactly in peak physical health." Faye answered.
"I know how this all looks. Recalling my military? The embargo? I probably don't seem like the most trustworthy person right now." Ironwood told them.
"You haven't exactly painted yourself in a good picture for us." Arthur said. "We've seen what the situation with Mantle is. You might think you're trying to ensure that Salem couldn't infiltrate Atlas and needing your military here to protect your people, you're only tying a noose around the neck of both cities even tighter than it already is. You're not protecting anyone, it's make everyone hate you."
"It's a price I'm willing to pay." Ironwood said firmly.
"You didn't get Qrow's letter, did you?" Galen spoke up, walking to Ironwoods desk and placing the holocron on his desk. "Recalling your military to Atlas, it won't change a thing. Salem was able to infiltrate Haven and the Mistral council because of Lionheart. He gave Cinder, Emerald and Mercury everything they needed to infiltrate the Vytal festival and cause all that destruction and death and because of him, Amber is dead along with so many Huntsmen and Huntresses. If it weren't for Tech and the other troopers, your tin-cans would have been used against the people of Vale and a lot more people would have died. Salem has her ways of getting into even the most secured places and she has her ways."
"You think I didn't hear about Lionheart!? I don't know what happened to him to cause him to betray us, but I am not like Leo was. I will never betray my allies, especially one who happens to be the daughter of a close friend who was murdered after Beacon." Ironwood said firmly, turning his attention to Kara. "Just as all of you have been entrusted with the knowledge of Salem's existence, I need you all to trust me. I have a plan."
He reached over to a glowing panel of buttons on his desk and tapped a button that resembles a holo-table. The shutters came down from outside the windows, darkening the room as a circle in the center of the floor bearing the symbol of Atlas began to rise up, prompting Ruby and Oscar to step off it. "Ozpin believed the best way to fight Salem was to do it in secret. Whether that was the right choice or not isn't for me to say. But we find ourselves in a position of needing, well, a new approach." Ironwood said as he walked over to the circle.
"What do you suggest?" Qrow asked. He got his answer when Ironwood brought out a tiny remote, pressed a button and activated a hologram of Amity Colosseum which hovered over the table.
"When Beacon fell and everyone on Remnant lost contact with one another, I knew our current system was outdated. Amity was built to bring nations together, and it will serve that purpose once again." Ironwood explained, pressing a button and the hologram of the colosseum now gained an antenna atop it.
"It's it great? We're not just going to replace Beacon Tower. Building a new tower on top of Amity Colosseum will re-establish global communications." Penny exclaimed.
"By launching the tower high into the atmosphere, our scientists believe we can create a sort of… satellite out of reach of the Grimm and capable of maintaining global communications even if we were to lose another tower." Winter added.
"Ok, then why recall the military back? This seems more like a project for the eggheads than a bunch of men and women whose job is to protect the people." Hunter said as he and his squad walked in, having listen to everything explained so far.
"I need my military for the next part, where I finally tell the people about Salem." Ironwood said, ignoring the Bad Batches entrance into his office.
"Now I get it. You withdrew your troops to handle the panic that would break out in Atlas. Panic is inevitable and brings the Grimm. You believe you are ready and once Atlas comes to grips with the fight ahead, you'll use the tower to spread the message to all of Remnant and you'll be right there ready to lend Atlas support to the rest of the world. Support that wasn't given to Vale with the war factory that Colonel Bishop, Trigger, and I took out months ago." Ahsoka said with her arms crossed.
"Trying to hide the truth from the world will eventually kill us all." Ironwood said firmly before he pressed a button on his remote and the hologram disappeared while the table transformed and receded into the floor as the shutters pull away from the window. "But since Beacon, things have changed. Without Ozpin to guide us, all I can do is trust my best judgement."
"Yeah, hate to break it to you, but you're wrong about Ozpin. He's not far away as you think." March said.
"What do you mean?" Ironwood asked.
"Yeah, Oscar is the next Ozpin." Qrow said bluntly.
"Oz?" Ironwood said skeptically.
Oscar closed his eyes and allowed Ozpin to take control of his body. "Hello, James." Ozpin said.
"I'm so glad you're here. I didn't think you—" the General said with a smile, eagerly approaching Ozpins newest host before Ozpin put his hand up. "Oz?"
"James, I'm afraid I haven't been entirely honest with you about my history with Salem. I have lived many lives keeping many secrets from you, Glynda, Qrow and so many others. But after some words from Mr. Marek, it's time I come clean with something I have hidden from you and wasn't to keen on sharing." Ozpin told the General.
"I don't understand. What are you saying?" Ironwood asked.
"You know how the relic can answer three questions every one hundred years? We used the second one at Ozpins request to learn about Salem and we discovered somethings that Ozpin didn't want anyone to know about, until now." Galen answered.
"What things?" Winter asked.
Ruby took a deep breath and explained to Ironwood about Salem and Ozma's history, how they were once lovers, how Salem damned the gods for taking her beloved away, the gods making her immortal and wiping out humanity, the gods sending Ozma to defeat Salem when they themselves would not do it, their family and Salem's knowledge of the Dark Side.
"All this time, we were fighting a loosing battle and Salem knows about the relics! Oz what were you thinking! This is all…" Ironwood began to rant.
"Before you go blaming Ozpin, there's something else you should know. Salem does have a weakness." Fordo spoke up, getting in between the General who looked like he was about to throttle Ozpins current host.
"Weakness?" Ironwood questioned with a raise of his eyebrows.
"Yeah, it's Ruby's eyes!" Nora exclaimed.
"Her eyes?" Artoria questioned.
"You know about the legend of the Silver Eyed warriors, haven't you, Jimmy? It's said that they are destined to lead the lives of warriors and were the one thing the Grimm fear the most. It's ridiculous, but the crazy thing is, it's true, all of it. Hell, we even met the Grimm Reaper herself after the train crash, we got caught in trying to bring the lamp to Atlas." Qrow explained.
"So, Salem's weakness is Ruby's eyes?" Penny asked again.
"More like the power they give off. That's why Salem had her people strike down anyone with silver eyes, because she's already aware of her weakness because the God of Light had silver eyes." Rex answered.
"So, Salem has a weakness and she's hunting down those who have silver eyes, trying to ensure that they can't master their powers?" Ironwood asked again.
"And here's something else you missed while you closed the borders! Salem's made new Grimm based on the Arachnid's, another species that was wiped out long before we were ever created and some of them even spit fire and acid like the actual bugs did." Wrecker boomed. "Also, Cinder's dead and Kara's the new Fall Maiden."
"Cinder's dead and Salem has created new Grimm?" Ironwood said in alarm. He then let out a sigh. "This is disturbing news. Salem has created new Grimm and based on a creature that no one has seen in a long time. At least there is some silver lining to all this. Cinder Fall's stolen powers have gone to someone who has no allegiance to Salem. Who killed Cinder?"
"It was Ray. Ray Autumn. He and Neo returned to Remnant when Mistral came under attack by Salem's newest creations, even wore some new armor based on those Combat Evolved games that are popular with gamers. Hell, they even returned to Argus with some mean looking mechs that would give your Paladins a run for their circuits. He even saved my life at Haven. Did I also mention that he and his sister are Mandalorian's?" Kara answered.
"I see. So, Amber can rest in peace now." Ironwood said, happy that Trigger had finally avenged his sister, remembering how much he cursed Ironwood for not telling him about Amber. "But that's not all you have to tell me, is there?"
"No. There's more." Tech said as he stepped forward. "Cinder's master was the former Sith Lord, Darth Maul who taught her the ways of the force and lightsaber combat, which would explain her skills in combat. Maul is also the one who is in command of Salem's droid army and is most likely the one who provided her with the information about the Manti, Arachnids and possibly the one who gave her the blueprints of the Malevolence. However, there is some good news."
"Hazel, one Salem's lackeys turned against her after he learned that his master was responsible for his sisters death. He helped us save Haven and saved my life. He was going to turn himself over to the Mistral authorities, but we convinced him to help reclaim Vale from the Grimm, even went with Sienna Khan and the Gelb team." Kara added.
"What does the former High Leader of the White Fang have to do with any of this?" Penny asked.
Crosshair flicked his toothpick to the floor before he spoke. "Because Sienna Khan is Fulcrum and the Gelb Team were on our side ever since Trigger's dad was murdered, even before we woke up. Also, Raven is the current Spring Maiden."
"I see." Ironwood said, somewhat confused as to why Sienna Khan, a woman who had her parents murdered and her mother raped by humans, would help humans. "At least we now have a clearer picture of what we are up against. I will admit, learning that Salem is immortal threw me for a loop, but now that we know she has a weakness and we have the new Fall Maiden with us, I believe we stand a better chance of defeating Salem. It seems we'll have to track down Raven at a later date, but knowing her, she won't be easy to find." He then handed the lamp back to Ruby who was surprised. "After what happened with the Ace-Ops, I don't want you to think I'm keeping anything from you, especially something as important as this. I think it's safest with the people who brought it here" he explained.
Ruby took the lamp back and clipped it to her belt before she asked Ironwood a question. "Tell us how we can help?"
"We must work together if we're to fight Salem and win. We had plenty of time to develop new weapons and aircraft for us to use against Salem. But the first step, is getting Amity tower ready to launch. It won't be easy, but first I think we need to get those weapons of yours up to our standards." Ironwood said, playing a recording of the fight in Mantle, showing footage of Blake drawing her broken Katana.
"Remember, this is Atlas. While assisting the military, we will provide you with the best equipment our scientists can devise. We will also assist Kara and Ruby in their training with the maiden powers and her silver eyes." Winter said. That caused Nora and Yang to become excited before everyone left the Generals office, except for Galen.
"I want to see these new aircraft you mentioned. If the Empire returns to Remnant, I want to make sure they can stand up to imperial fighters." Galen told the general.
"I assure you, you'll see them." Ironwood assured.
"You spoke of trust, but you don't plan on telling the council about Salem or everything else we told you, don't you? The council probably already thinks you're abusing your position on the council and they'll want answers about the tower. I get you can't trust them because you don't know who Salem has for allies, but one of them must be the one who created that virus we pulled from the CCT. If you keep this a secret, then someone will derail your plans before they are completed. Telling someone like Robyn, would be a good start. She and her group did save a few of your pilots at Vale." Galen reminded the general before he turned and left the office.
Exiting Ironwoods office, Galen looked at the hologram displaying the Atlas Academy News. Various bulletins were placed on it explaining that the administration bathroom was closed due to flooding, an upcoming 'monthly-all hands meeting' was to be held to honor Penny as employee of the month, another bulletin said that Ironwood would hold open office hours once a month and to reach out to someone named Stephanie Santiago to schedule a meeting. The third bulletin was for the debate team about the mysterious Fox character while the fourth and final bulletin was about the upcoming election for students to watch the results of Robyn Hill's efforts to join the council with the promise of free food and drink. 'If Ironwood doesn't agree to tell Robyn about Salem, then I'll have to do it myself otherwise she might take matters into her own hands if she loses the election, Boba needs to know about Ironwoods plans and I need to find this Fox character. He could be a useful ally for what comes next.' He thought to himself.
"Hey, you said you were the Demon Lord, right?" Marrow asked Galen.
"That's right, what about it?" Galen asked.
"Just wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened down in Mantle. We could have asked questions, but you know what happened." Marrow said, holding his hand out to Galen while Elm dropped a dizzy Ruby to the floor. "Yeah, Elm doesn't know her own strength."
"Wreckers stronger." Galen boasted.
"Stronger or not. I just wanted to say that we're sorry. And that we're looking forward with you on our next mission. You might be students, but you've been fighting just as hard as we have, if not harder." Clover said, joining the conversation.
"Exactly why I'm looking forward to seeing what you kids can do." Harriet said bluntly.
"Not everything's a competition, Hare." Vine pointed out.
"Hey, if you want. We can see who gets the most kills in the next mission. Crosshair topped me last time, but I'm going to top all of you, just you wait and see what the Wrecking Ball can do, especially with this baby!" Wrecker boasted, hefting his shotgun.
"Please don't encourage Harriet." Artoria groaned. "She's competitive enough already."
Penny entered the room and quickly slid in front of Ruby with her hands thrown up in excitement, telling Ruby something about a tour of the campus which they found to be a good idea since they would be staying on campus for the foreseeable future. As they walked, Galen stepped back to Artoria and spoke with her. "Things in Atlas and Mantle aren't like what we saw, are they?" Galen asked.
"It's gotten worse." Artoria replied silently. "I trust Ironwood, but his actions lately have been causing much concern, not just with me but the council as well. I can understand the Dust Embargo, I heard the people at Beacon blaming Atlas after the invasion, but I don't agree with closing the borders and cutting us off from the rest of the world. Atlas maybe a kingdom of innovation, but our people will suffer without the necessary supplies, both up here and down in Mantle."
"I'm guessing a lot of people in Atlas have been throwing lavish parties and wasting what resources could be sent to Mantle? I saw a lot of starving people down in Mantle, isn't there anyone who cares about them?" Galen asked.
"No. Ninety-percent of the population in Atlas cares only for themselves more than the people of Mantle. Weiss's younger brother is the only one sending supplies down to the city, but their father caught wind of his actions and prevented him from sending anymore supplies down to Mantle. The only handling the situation now is Robyn and her Huntresses." Artoria replied.
"Tell me she's not stealing from anyone? Trigger wouldn't like that." Galen groaned.
"Actually, Robyn's worked out a deal with a couple of engineers on the railroad. One of them is a man named Whitman and the other is named Wally Phister. They're families have worked on the railroad ever since the first spike was driven and have maintained a spotless record. They are the only ones who venture to the farthest port city to bring supplies to Mantle. Supplies, that Robyn pays for with her own money that she earns from her job as a huntress." Artoria explained.
"I guessing they have problems as well?" Galen guessed.
"They do. The SDC has just released a new diesel locomotive for the railroad, built with the latest and most advanced technology available, rendering the use of a crew obsolete and that isn't siting well with the workers, especially those who are being forced to retire early. Whitman and Wally haven't gotten a notice yet, but they don't like the idea of a computer controlling a train especially when that computer can be hacked." Artoria continued.
"Let's just hope that whoever created that virus that was pulled from the CCT doesn't get into the Atlas security systems. I have a feeling that whoever made that virus has a grudge against Ironwood." Galen surmised.
"There are a plenty of people who do." Artoria said in agreement as they caught up with the rest of the group.
"…cafeteria, and that way is the training rooms. Oh, and over there are the classrooms." Penny told the group who were becoming very tired as the tour continued.
"This all looks great, Penny. But where are we staying?" Ruby asked, stretching, and yawning loudly as the group came to a stop, completely exhausted from the tour and everything else they went through.
"Remember, you're in Atlas now. As the most well-funded school on Remnant, every team at Atlas Academy gets their own room! And if that wasn't enough—" Penny exclaimed, adding it would be just like Beacon.
No one knew that down in Mantle, as the rain began to fall, Watts and his accomplice had just infiltrated the city and while his accomplice was going on a long-awaited killing spree inside a building while the good doctor used a new set of rings on his fingers to hack a traffic light and make a set of blockade posts rise up from the road, causing a few car crashes while assuring his accomplice that he had everything under control since he helped write the code for the cybersecurity systems in Atlas and Mantle, the latter of which hadn't been updated for a long time.
The doctor disabled a set of security cameras as he walked towards a building, listening to the muffled screams coming from inside as a cloaked figure stepped out of the building with a happy sigh, saying that everyone had their talents as blood flowed out from under the door and into the view of the security camera. Though the cameras were disabled, they were seen by the eyes of Boba Fett and the mysterious Fox who were watching them from the roof tops.
"They may have been Ironwoods pawns, but even they deserve justice." The Fox said, leaping down from the roof and peaking inside the building where he saw the sight of the dead Atlas soldiers, all of them cut to pieces. "That man will pay for his crimes." He vowed before taking his whip from his belt and with a crack pulled himself up to the roof and away from the scene.
Watts and his accomplice weren't the only ones who had arrived in Mantle, Barriss Offee was now in the kingdom and was about to conduct her own mission.
And done.
Ruby, Galen and their allies have met with Ironwood, told the General, Winter, Penny and Artoria what they have learned about Salem, her weakness, Kara becoming the new Fall Maiden and have agreed to help Ironwood with his project, with Galen giving Ironwood some advice on trust.
Lop has also reunited with her sister, Ocho. Still trying to figure out what I should do for Ocho, seeing as in Visions she sided with the Empire.
But of course, Arthur and his ally have arrived in the Kingdom and have already begun their mission, as has Barriss, but it appears that Boba and the mysterious Fox have spotted Watts and his accomplice and are going to be tracking them.
Now, I need weapon upgrades for March, Rose, and Arthur's weapons. Kara's to if anyone can spare an idea or two. Same goes for new clothing for Kara and Rose. Please, help me out with that part, I really need the help.
Until next time, please read and review.