Remnant Unleashed

by CT7567Rules

Instead of dying on the Death Star, Galen Marek is sent to the world of Remnant. Here he will encounter new dangers, deadly threats, dangerous enemies and a few war heroes. Will he be able to help the people of the world defeat the evil that is coming both from and beyond this new world? Will he be able to find his redemption and what does a Silver Eyed girl have to do with it?

105. Magical Night Or Not

Alright, time for our heroes to get a little r and r after what they've been through, but for those of you joining us for the first time, let me recap on what happened last chapter.

Galen and Ironwood had an argument about Ironwood's actions regarding the construction of the new drone fighters and keeping Ruby from taking any missions because the good general fears that Salem will track down and either kill or capture Ruby.

Galen knocked Harriet down a few pegs, you can bet that will have a major impact on the story later on.

Galen met Artoria's sister and Arthurs other cousin Mordred and both of them fought off against some prototype Atlesian Knights.

Ruby flew both the Azure Angel and an F14 in a dogfight alongside Galen and assisted in retaking Stonehenge from Salem's droids.

Watts was able to hack and take control of Ironwoods new drone fighters, something the General wasn't expecting and will further increase his paranoia.

Clover is revealed to have been saved by a Mandalorian when he was a child and has kept the armor his adoptive father gave to him, trust me when I say he will be wearing that armor in the future.

And we saw the return of Mara, Luke, the Galm and Garuda Teams, plus Dante has been given the task of restoring Mobius Squadron to its rightful title as the best of the best in the Atlas military.

Now, this chapter will contain some magic, dancing, romance, and a bit of action, from a group that has gone underground since their defeat at Argus. But before we begin, let us get to the reviews.

First off, we have Monster King: Thank you.

Jack Smith1: True, the V-19 is an impressive fighter, but without a hyperdrive and any kind of shielding, I don't think it's possible I'll bring them in. Remember, that Fordo, Rex, Fives and their brothers were gathering everything they could get their hands on towards the end of the war and according to the Star Wars wiki sight, said fighter was being replaced by the ARC-170 and V-Wing. But you never know what might happen and I think I have an idea why you love the V-19. Yeah, it would be nice if Ponds was still alive, but I'll let you and everyone else in on a little secret, his fate will be different in Star Wars: Hyper Lethal Vector.

Luffy L Deathwalker: A Fox hunt you say? I think I can arrange that for after Galen makes his escape from the 'Greatest Kingdom'.

BlindFaunusGirl: I'm glad you liked the previous chapter, and I told you I would take consideration to that dream you told me you had. The part with the drones getting hacked was inspired by a part in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. For those of you who played the game, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Darth Cody: Rex confronting Ironwood directly? That wouldn't happen to be when Ironwood tries to abandon Mantle, would it? If it is, then I'm sorry to say I have something else planned for our favorite Clone Trooper from the 501st. I am considering doing a story focused on Captain Rex, Legends based of course, but I'm trying to figure out if I want it to be a crossover or something else entirely.

The guest: Yeah, Legends Luke Skywalker is better than the canon Luke Skywalker, especially considering that the Legends Luke wasn't trying to bring back the 'old' Jedi order with all that crap about attachments being a sign of the dark side.

Just a Reader now a Writer: I have plans for Ironwood, trust me. I'm not so sure if the brothers can be trusted either, considering they abandoned Remnant and have not even done anything to stop Salem.

Silverfox3456: The Remake of Battlefront 2, huh? Well, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. I agree, I hate Buzz Droids myself and yes, Ironwood is letting his paranoia get the better of him. Makes him more likely to make the wrong decisions. Yeah, Atlas won't stand a chance against all those forces that Salem, Maul, and her imperial allies have. Thanks for saying I'm awesome, though I bet you wouldn't be saying that if I did a large crossover harem with lemons or some crap like that. I do not do harems or lemons.

Aklike95: A bomb with a combination of fire, lighting and gravity dust plus plasma, electricity, and gravity? Named either 'Manhattan', 'Uranium Club' or 'Red Dawn' for the sense of dread when the bomb is discovered? I like those ideas. Thank you.

Spartan-626: Yeah, I wouldn't expect Galen to do any of those things you said to Ironwood. Don't get me wrong, everything that Ironwood is doing is only playing into Salem's hands and some of those actions sound like something the old Galen would do, the one who was a servant of the Dark Side. True, Harriet was being a pain in the ass, and she will still be one for the foreseeable future. I'm glad you liked my last chapter.

Song this chapter are 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' by Elton John. I like that one the best.

Alright reviews done, let's get on with 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)

Disclaimers are the same as always.

Chapter 105: Magical Night… Or Not

Standing in the center of a large stage in the basement of her home, wearing long white opera gloves, a black domino style mask, black cape, black knee-high socks, black stiletto heeled boots, leather leotard that covered her white dress shirt covered by a black jacket and red hair ribbon, the woman known as Lady Bella concentrated hard and used her semblance to create various stage props used in her performances.

The first was a target board, then came several trick boxes with question marks on them that looked like they could be moved in various ways. Following them was a large coffin, a water filled tank, a pair of linking rings and finally pair of large magician hats. "One must never neglect their training, especially when one's training is to keep the crowd entertained." She said to herself as she removed her mask, revealing her blue eyes while her silver hair was tied in a ponytail.

Her real name was Bella Jones. A twenty-three-year-old female from the Kingdom of Atlas and world renown magician, all largely in part to her semblance and her love of the preforming arts. Her family original hailed from Vale, coming to the continent to help with the construction of the Railroad that linked the main kingdom to the port cities, various settlements, and military instillations. Her father was an engineer while her mother was a huntress and after a mission where her mother helped defend the cargo her father was transporting by train, the two fell in love, got married and had Bella.

When she was three years old, her parents hired a magician for her birthday party, and it was at that moment that Bella wanted to become a magician after seeing the smiles on the faces of the people. When she was old enough, she began her studies to become a magician which many thought was a foolish idea when she could become a huntress.

Sadly, the time she spent with her parents was cut short when they were both killed in a train wreck caused by poorly maintained equipment owned by the SDC. Her parents dead, Bella was placed in an orphanage for several months before she was adopted by the same magician who came to her party. Taken in by someone she admired, the man taught her everything they knew about magic which led to her unlocking her semblance which she called 'Pure Imagination' allowing her to create any sort of prop or magic tool she would need.

Once she was seventeen, she applied to Atlas Academy to better hone her skills with her rapier/revolver rifle that belonged to her mother and became of the academies top students before she graduated and devoted herself to both entertaining the people of Remnant and defending them from the Grimm, which earned her the respect of both the Fox and Robyn Hill. In fact, during her vacations, she and her adoptive father would preform across the kingdoms, entertaining crowds by the thousands and it was like her dream had finally come true.

But once again, tragedy struck when her mentor and second father was killed in a White Fang attack shortly before the Breach and the Fall of Beacon. Though she had nothing but the utmost respect for the Faunus and understood what the White Fang were fighting for, she found their methods to be appalling and atrocious, considering she saw many Faunus students being bullied during her time at the academy.

Her props soon vanished into mist before she heard the sound of clapping behind her. Turning around, she saw Mordred and Artoria standing on the stairs with Mordred clapping with a case by her feet. "Once again, I find your semblance to be pretty cool. Being able to create anything with your mind and use them in your shows is impressive. You haven't changed a bit, have you Bella?" Mordred praised, picking up the case.

"Mordred! Artoria!" Bella shouted and ran off stage to give them both a hug, having been close friends with them during her time at Atlas Academy. "It's so great to see you both again! I know you're busy with the military and all Artoria, but I was worried sick about you Mordred. I haven't heard from you in ages."

"Yeah, sorry about that. My old scroll got knocked into some quicksand when I was traveling in Vacuo, so I really couldn't even call you if I wanted to." Mordred answered, rubbing the back of her head once the hug was broken. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Your weapon's been modified like you asked. Now you've got nine shots before you got to reload this baby and you don't have to reload them all one at a time."

Mordred handed Bella the case she was carrying which she opened and picked up her new rapier/revolver rifle. "I may not be a huntress, but I go anywhere without a weapon, especially with that killer on the loose." Bella said, inspecting her modified weapon. "So, I've been hearing a lot of talk from the people of Mantle, and I have to know. Is the Demon Lord of the Round Table really in Atlas and is he one of those Jedi I've read about in books?" she asked.

"That is correct. His name is Galen Marek, and he is the leader of Team GARM. A team from Beacon Academy and one of the most promising first year teams I ever saw when I was at Beacon before it fell to the Grimm." Artoria confirmed, not telling her friend about Salem. "He has also become quite close with the leader of another promising team, Team RWBY, led by Ruby Rose. The two of them are actually a couple." She added.

"A couple, huh? So, it's not your cousin and Weiss Schnee? That's interesting." Bella said. "That's what I wanted to talk to you both about. I've got a show coming up in a week, being hosted by hopeful councilmen Jacque Schnee. Seems he's planning on holding a 'pre-victory' party like he thinks he's going to be elected to the council and for some odd reason, he chose me of all people to entertain the guests before they all go dancing." Bella explained, taking a drink of water.

"Yeah, sounds like the head of the SDC is counting his chickens before they hatch. I sure as hell won't vote for him. I'd rather vote for Robyn instead of some idiot who doesn't care about the people he loses in those mines of his." Mordred stated.

"What does that have to do with us?" Artoria asked.

"Well, as it just happens, I have a few invitations he sent for his daughters and for their boyfriends/girlfriends. Not sure why he would want to invite people like that to this event, but I figured since they were working with the General, I'd have Artoria deliver them personally." Bella began. "As for you two, I could use a couple of assistants for my acts, and I think you two would look perfect in those white dresses I recently purchased for my assistants. Plus, I can think of a few ladies amongst the audience that might make good volunteers." She smirked.

"I would normally never wear a dress, not even if it was for another prom. But in this case, I'll make an exception, as long as I don't wear anything revealing." Mordred pointed out.

"Don't worry, it's not revealing." Bella assured before she gestured for Artoria and Mordred to follow her upstairs to her house which was a few miles away from Atlas and close to a settlement and its station.

At the same time, in a rundown warehouse in another section of Mantle, members of the White Fang gathered around a small table in the office of the warehouse while below them, new recruits talked amongst each other while the senior members were discussing a plan that had been suggested by one of their 'supporter's' had provided them about an upcoming event in Atlas. "Then we're all in agreement. We target the Schnee's party and show them the White Fang is still as powerful as ever. Begin with the preparations at once, our 'supporter' has been very generous with these weapons, robots, and equipment. All we need is a way to get inside the festivities without drawing attention." One of the White Fang soldiers said.

Neither they nor the other members of the White Fang knew that the Fox was watching them through the window of a nearby building and was concerned about their evil plans.

Meanwhile, back in Atlas, Ironwood was furious for the lack of better words. Someone had done the impossible and taken control of his new machines and used them to attack two of the best pilots in all of Remnant and almost lost Ruby. As such, Ruby was once again banned from taking part in any missions, again making Galen mad that Ruby was being treated like a weapon.

Luckily for him, Winter and Clover told Ironwood that keeping Ruby from taking part in any missions would only result in her not being strong enough should she face Salem one day and it would be the general who would have to explain to her father that it was because of his actions that his youngest daughter was dead. Again, Ironwood relented by insisted that Ruby only go on missions with the Ace Ops or Penny.

With that matter settled, Ironwood turned his attention to Luke and the pilots of Rogue Squadron who he thanked for their assistance before they headed back to Argus with the Galm Team, while the Garuda Team decided to stay for a few extra days, especially when Robyn told her nephew and Neo, she wanted to talk with them.

As for Tech, he continued to examine the robot that Galen and Mordred had recovered. For a while, the intelligent member of the Bad Batch had been performing a scan of the robots' memory banks and had found multiple firewalls protecting encrypted data which was more challenging than the firewalls he had encountered before. Though he enjoyed a good challenge, he found it odd that a single robot would have this much protection to its memories like it was hiding something.

"Got anything, Tech?" Hunter asked as he walked into the lab that he was given access to in the academy.

"I've made some progress. But not much, the firewalls on this machine's memory banks are far more advanced than anything I've seen so far on Remnant; however, I have discovered that these machines are indeed prototype versions of the AK-130. These machines were Atlas's first attempt at creating an autonomous army without the need of human or faunus soldiers. Various models were created and the contractor for this product was the Schnee Dust Company. This was around the time that Nicholas Schnee's health was starting to decline." Tech explained.

"What do you mean?" Hunter asked.

"Well, the cost and production of these machines was far superior to anything produced thus far by the SDC and for the most brilliant minds on the planet, it was a privilege for them to work on. However, working conditions weren't ideal and the founder of the Schnee Dust Company promised to give the workers a proper facility, but when his health declined, Jacque took control and shifted focus on saving money rather than using the funds to provide for his workers. That ultimately led to these machines being forgotten when the factory that produced these machines was destroyed by the Grimm. Every single scientist was killed, and the project was then abandoned and completely forgotten." Tech continued.

"Well, it's not forgotten now." Wrecker said as he walked into the lab with Crosshair, Rex, Fordo, Thire, Howzer, Ray, Neo, and Cody.

"Obviously, someone found the factory, cracked it up and started to produce these machines. My theory is that it was one of Salem's followers. Hazel is out of the question since he defected and is working with Sienna Khan and the Gelb Team to retake Vale and Beacon before she can acquire the relic underneath Beacon and Tyrian doesn't seem like the type to activate such a facility given his lack of technological skills. That doesn't exactly help us, but it does prove that Salem has found and reactivated them." Tech finished.

Ray looked at the robot for moment. "Something tells me these things aren't just your standard infantry units. I bet they built fighters, tanks, recon units, transports and who knows whatever else they built." He surmised.

"If the Seppies had these things during the war, we would have lost more brothers than the war took. The question is, who brought the factory back online?" Howzer asked.

"I think I know who." Neo said, getting everyone to look at her. "At least, I think I know who might have turned the factory back on. It's all a blur to me, being controlled by Cinder and Roman, but I'm starting to remember something. Cinder met with someone, to get the virus she was planning on using to control the matches for the Vytal Festival. I didn't meet him face to face, but I heard Cinder say his name. It was Watts."

"Wait, back up. Watts? As in Arthur Watts? The scientist and doctor from Atlas who died during the Paladin accident years ago. Are you saying that the doctor is actually alive and working with Salem and Tyrian?" Ray asked.

"I think so. Like I said, I never met him face-to-face, but I heard he has a bit of an ego and wasn't too pleased that Ironwood passed over him for some other doctor. I think he was the one who came up with the idea of those submarine carriers and that air cruiser, but I can't be a hundred percent certain." Neo admitted.

"A hundred percent certain or not, we can't go looking for the factory. Things in Mantle have taken a turn for the worse again. The people are rioting, and the riots are bringing in the Grimm to the city. My men have already reported Grimm amassing out in the tundra. Robyn and her Huntresses, The Fox, even Boba are going to have their hands full and what's worse, we've gotten reports of that White Fang group being spotted in Mantle. I haven't fought them, but I think they're planning something big and if what you've all told me is true, there's going to be hell." Howzer pointed out.

"Well, whatever we do, we better figure it out fast. If the White Fang is planning something, we need to be ready for it. The question is though, what are they planning?" Rex said. The others agreed and left the lab while Tech continued to do some more digging about these new machines.

At the same time, in Team RWBY's room, Ruby and Galen were looking over the current aircraft that were available across the globe, trying to figure out which one would work best for Ruby. Already, their choices consisted of the F4, F5, F15 and F20 were possible choices along with the F14, it was still a tough choice for Ruby to make. "Ugh, I can't decide which plane to choose. I mean, it's not like flying a starfighter. Each of these planes has pros and cons, but I just can't pick one. I mean, I like the F5 and F20 because they were originally built with two cannons, but they have a limit to the firepower they can carry and have a limited range. The F4, F14 and the F15 models have greater firepower, speed and are all round dogfighters, but it's still hard to figure out which one to pick." Ruby groaned, falling back onto her bunk back first.

"Well, as a girl who loves weapons, you should probably go with the Strike Dagger or Wasp. Both can carry bombs and missiles and are extremely fast, though the F4 can also carry rocket pods, gun pods and which the Strike Dagger can't, but their backseats can easily be modified into an astromech slot and once they're given hyperdrives, shields and the hybrid cannon you'll be ready for missions of Remnant." Galen suggested.

"After hearing you say all that, I think I'll have to figure out which of those two to fly." Ruby said, quickly getting back up from her bunk. "Speed, firepower, and flexibility are important for a pilot. It's better I don't choose something that doesn't have a gun, because it wouldn't do me any good if I didn't have something for close in dogfighting. But it's good to have options incase one of them is sabotaged or is undergoing repairs." Ruby added.

"Just remember, there are three types of aces. Those who seek strength, those live for pride and those who can read the tide of battle. Which ever ace you decide to become, remember I have your back." Galen said with a smile, getting Ruby to smile. Just then, Artoria walked into the room. "Artoria, what brings you here?" Galen asked.

"I assure you; I am not here with orders from the General. I'm here for another reason." Artoria assured the two of them. "Have either of you two heard of Lady Bella?"

"DID YOU SAY LADY BELLA!? THE GREATEST MAGICIAN IN ALL OF REMNANT!? I'M LIKE ONE OF HER BIGGEST FANS!" Ruby yelled with excitement. "Sorry, it's just that I've been to a few of her shows when she came to Vale, and I always wanted to be a part of her acts when she called for a member of the audience to come up on stage but was never chosen. Uh, why do you ask?"

"Because, she has been hired by Jacque Schnee to entertain his guests at his upcoming 'pre-election' party. No doubt he is trying to persuade some of the more influential people in Atlas to contribute to his campaign and get them to forgot about the businesses he shut down." Artoria answered. "Anyway, she has extended invitations to you two, Weiss, Arthur, and Winter. I can't tell you what her reasons are, but she is a good friend, and she lives to entertain her audiences. Anyway, it's a very formal event and I'm sure that Weiss and Winter will be looking for dresses, so I suggest that two of you go looking for new clothing."

"What about the rest of our teams?" Galen asked.

"They weren't sent an invitation. Originally, they were going to be tasked with running security for the party, but Mister Schnee has insisted that two platoons of his private security force would be more than adequate for guarding the party." Artoria answered, handing Galen and Ruby their invitations. "After everything that you two have been through, you both look like you could use some rest."

With that, Artoria left the two alone before Galen left Team RWBY's room, leaving Ruby alone for a few moments before Weiss walked in with an invitation of her own. "Ruby, I want you to meet me and Winter in ballroom tomorrow morning. We need to talk about the party my father is planning." The former Schnee-Heiress told her leader.

At the same time, Blake was just coming back from the latest supply run to Amity and was about to go for a shower when her scroll buzzed in her pocket. Grabbing her mobile device, she saw that she had an unread message. 'There is a matter of great importance we must discuss. It refers to a certain group of individuals who have lost their way. Meet me at the eastern gate, where the Demon Lords vehicle is parked in two hours, unless you have started to believe that the general is doing the right thing for the people of the kingdom. 'F'.'

Blake knew who 'F' was. During her time with the White Fang, she heard about the Fox and how he fought against the injustices suffered by the people of Mantle, whether they were Faunus or Human. She remembered a mission she and Adam partook in Atlas when one of the mines had collapsed and she witnessed the Fox saving many of the miners despite the fact they were Faunus. To her, he was the kind of hero she wanted Adam to become instead of the hate filled man he had become, but Adam didn't care about a human hero.

"I better see what he wants." Blake said to herself, heading back to the landing pads where she smuggled herself into a Bullhead heading down into Mantle and then silently exited the craft once it was over the roofs of several house and ran across the rooftops towards the eastern gate.

Leaping from rooftop to rooftop reminded Blake of her time in the White Fang, more specifically the missions she undertook to try and uncover the Schnee Dust Companies illegal activities, business dealings and side ventures. Those were the missions she liked the most, when she knew no one would get hurt if she was discovered, but all that changed when the violence began.

Leaping off the roof of an apartment complex, she landed in alley by the gate and looked around before she saw the Fox leaning on the wall. "So, you got my message. I wondered if the daughter of the founder of the White Fang would trust me." The Fox smirked.

"I got your message, now what is this matter of great importance you wanted to discuss with me?" Blake demanded.

The night sky had fallen over the Kingdom of Atlas and the lower city of Mantle as Ray and Neo sat down with Robyn, Onyx and Grogu who was nibbling on a slice of deep-dish pizza that Robyn had made. "So, you two had your armor modified to look like the armor worn by the main characters from the Combat Evolved Games?" Robyn asked.

"Yeah. We kind of thought it would be a bit of improvement to the basic design. The armorer liked the challenge and considered it to be a challenge. We even got them modified with shield generators now after Yavin, makes it more durable than before." Neo answered. "We even got some custom weapons from Kara Lah, using the DC rifle series as the basis. We've got the long-range DC-15A, the DC-15x sniper rifle and we combined the DC-15c with the DP-23 shotgun for close quarters."

"Sounds like I've got another pipsqueak with me." Robyn joked. "But it sounds pretty cool."

"Yeah, we still have our other weapons, but seeing as Dust doesn't work off planet, we haven't found a use for them yet." Neo added. She then noticed Ray was being very quiet. "Hey, you still with us, bro?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. I just zoned out for a moment." Ray admitted. "I've just got a lot on my mind."

"About Ironwood?" Robyn asked.

"Yeah. I mean, I'm grateful that he gave me the S35 to test pilot and everything, but I don't like what he's doing. Leaving Mantle to fend for themselves, using the supplies you purchased legally to build his damn tower, trying to arrest the Fox who's done more for Mantle than he has ever done. Salem's the biggest threat to planet and all he's done is making things worse for the rest of the people, while he's becoming more paranoid than he's ever been. And don't get me started when he didn't know I was in jail for a week after I 'operated without a license.'" He answered.

"Wait, you were arrested?" Neo asked in surprise.

"Yeah, I got arrested." Ray said, putting down his slice of pizza. "It was around the time I went looking for Amber. I was just minding my own business when some bigwig from Atlas saw me and ordered the police to arrest me because I looked 'suspicious' for carrying a weapon out in public. The officers didn't even tell me to drop my weapons and just started to beat me like I was a Faunus. I was battered and bruised for a week before the general heard I was arrested and paid my bail. I was almost skin and bones before I left Atlas."

"Why didn't Ironwood tell me this?" Robyn questioned.

"I got no damn clue. All I know is, that after everything he's done now, I'm not so sure I can trust him now." Ray said, reaching for his slice of pizza only to find it gone. The culprit was none other than Grogu, who finished chewing the last of the slice, burped and then smiled. "I think we got to keep an eye on our food with him around." He laughed.

"Just don't tell the little guy that story I told you when you were a kid. You know, the one about the little engine and the old iron bridge." Robyn said with a laugh.

"Don't remind me of that story. I used to get nightmares about that story every time you told me about it." Ray told his aunt, not laughing about those memories.

The next morning, the sun shined over Atlas and Mantle as the students, clones and Jedi went about their business or took on the missions they were assigned. All except for Ruby, who walked into the ballroom where Weiss and Winter were waiting for her. "So, what is that is about?" Ruby asked.

"You need to learn how to dance." Weiss said bluntly.

"Me? Dance? Why would I need to learn to…" Ruby began before Winter cut her off.

"There is to be a dance at out fathers party and even if you won't admit it, Weiss told me about that dream you had at Beacon. The one where you and Galen danced at the prom." Winter explained. "You can deny it all you want, Ruby. But every girl wants to dance with the man they love in one form or another."

"You sound like you're speaking from experience." Ruby pointed out.

"I-I've only danced at the school dances. I-it's not like I've danced with someone I hold dear." Winter stuttered, her face blushing a bit at the thought of a certain someone.

"Ruby." Weiss began. "I know you want to dance with Galen, and you've said it yourself, you're not the type of girl who has worn many fancy clothes or been to many dances. But I think deep down you want to dance with Galen and well before your wedding. Besides, after what you've been through you could use a bit of relaxation."

Ruby thought about what Weiss said and she had to admit, her partner had hit the nail right on the head. She did have a dream where she and Galen did dance at the prom, like how the heroine and hero did in the stories her mom read to her as a kid. Even when Galen was off planet, those dreams still often came to her, seeing them as very romantic. "Well, Weiss you make a good point. So, you two are going to be teaching me how to dance." She asked.

"Yes. The party our father is throwing is at the end of the week, so we have plenty of time to teach you a few of the basic steps when it comes to ballroom dancing. Just remember, try not to step on your partners feet." Weiss said as she walked towards Ruby and took her hands, placing them in the correct positions on her body. "Now, follow my lead." Weiss instructed.

Winter took that as a que to play some music played during such dances. The elder Schnee watched as Ruby and Weiss started their practice dance. It was difficult for Ruby to follow Weiss's lead, seeing as this was the first time, she even practiced any form of dance and of course, she did step on Weiss's feet from time to time. "This might take a while." Winter said to herself.

At the same time, Galen and Arthur were checking on the Sharks machine guns/laser cannons. The barrels of the guns were completely frozen and with the shortage of available Dust, the barrels had to be replaced. Wrench in hand, Arthur unscrewed the bolts that held the guns to the vehicles frame allowing Galen to remove the barrels and replace them with newer ones. "And here I thought I've seen just about everything in this frozen wasteland." Galen groaned as he removed one of the barrels from the vehicle, only to find it frozen in place.

"You got to be gentle with this girl." A voice said from the gate entry. The source was a pair of men, one with brown hair and green eyes while the other had white hair and brown eyes. Both of the men were dressed in overalls, indicating they worked on the railroad and the older man had a toolbox in his hands, which he placed on the ground, opened it, and pulled out a wrench of his own. "Sometimes brute force isn't the answer to a problem, so try thinking outside the box when it comes to something like this." The older man said as he unscrewed the supports holding the barrels to the frame. "As I though, the barrels are frozen tight. Lucky for me, I think I have an idea on how to fix this problem. Wally, get me the blowtorch."

The man named Wally reached into the toolbox and pulled out a blowtorch. "Right here, Whitman." Wally said, handing Whitman the blowtorch which he then used to heat up the frozen barrel, which then allowed Galen to remove the barrel, allowing Whitman to move onto the next barrel where he did the same thing. "Barrels are out, now let's get those new barrels in place." Wally said, grabbing a welder's mask and welding torch while Galen and Arthur to position the new barrels in place, allowing Wally to weld the new barrels into place while Whitman smiled.

"That Wally, he knows what he's doing. Whether it's on the rails or with his tools, he never takes things lightly when it comes to dangerous tools." Whitman said, holding his hand out to Galen. "Names John Whitman, Railroad engineer. That's Wally Coulson, also an engineer and my conductor. We heard that Demon Lord was in Mantle and thought we'd pay him a visit. Never thought we'd be helping you fix your ride." Whitman admitted.

"Galen Marek. That's Arthur Penwolf." Galen introduced, shaking Whitmans hand. "Been a railroader for a long time?" he asked.

"Been a railroader for about twenty years. Families been working on the railroad ever since the first track was laid down. Worked on a few steam locomotives, but I mostly operate diesels, not those new computer-controlled ones. Honestly, I don't know if it's just laziness or progress, but using computers to operate trains without someone onboard at the controls doesn't sit right with me." Whitman answered. "Now, Wally over there, he's been working for a few weeks, and he's been assigned to work with me before my retirement, but he's more focused on looking for that lost engine that was brought from Vale."

"You're going to retire?" Arthur asked.

"I'm getting old kid; I've done more than my fair share of work on these rails. My grandkids live all the way in Vale, and I'd rather be spending time with them once I retire." Whitman replied. "I ow you two a debt. My grandkids were at Vale when the attack came and if it weren't for you, they'd probably be dead right now. They were on the last train that was leaving."

"I think you should be thanking Trigger, he's the one who protected the last train as it left the station." Galen admitted.

"Whether it was Trigger or the Demon Lord. I ow you both a debt that I can never repay." Whitman answered with a smile, picking up his toolbox. "If you need anything at all, give me a call and I'll do what I can."

"Same goes for me." Wally said. "Come on, boss. We got a train of empties to take to Rosamond. Last thing we want is to be late."

"Wally." Galen called out before Wally and Whitman left. "My friend, Ray. He's also looking for that lost engine as well. I'll send you his number so you can overlook the possible last known locations of the engine."

"Thanks kid." Wally said, giving him a bit of a salute before the two left the garage.

Galen smiled as the two railroad men left the garage before he ran a quick diagnostic of the shark's weapon systems, which confirmed that there were no problems with the firing systems. "Ok, I guess the two of us better go looking for some tuxedoes' for that party at the end of the week." Galen said to Arthur.

Arthur agreed and the two called for a Bullhead to take them back to Atlas where they went looking for some tuxedoes for the party.

The rest of the week went by fast and by the time of the party, Ruby had learned the basic dance steps despite the injury to Weiss's feet. Though she wouldn't have admitted it back when Beacon was still standing, she really did wish that she knew how to dance and would have liked to ask Galen to dance with her at the prom.

"Oh, I really hope I don't mess up if Galen asks me to dance." Ruby said as she and Weiss were changing into the dresses they bought for the dance with the help of Winter. "I mean, I know we did a lot of practice, and I did step on your feet too many times, but what if I choke and end up making everyone laugh at us."

"Ruby, relax." Weiss assured her team leader. "You'll be fine. Winter and I only taught you the basic steps. We weren't going to teach yourself anything advanced for someone who's never danced before. Besides, my feet are the least of my concerns."

"Yeah, but I…" Ruby began.

"Ruby, remember what I told you after I was upset that you were made the leader of Team RWBY? Well, I'm still upholding my promise and will never break my word." Weiss reminded. "I never go back on my word, and I will keep holding that promise until the end of time."

"Thanks, Weiss." Ruby said with a sigh of relief. "I feel a whole lot better."

"That's good to hear. Now come on, we don't want to keep Galen, Arthur, and Winter waiting for us." Weiss said with a smile, leaving their dorm room before they entered a limo which then drove from the academy to the party. None of the five knew that Blake had snuck out of the Academy, hitching a ride on a truck heading towards the same location.

At the same moment a series of Bullheads flew from Mantle towards Atlas, landing behind the concert hall where the party was being held and started to offload the cargo. The bullheads belonged to a catering company that was providing the food and drink for the party but were also carrying something else. As the caters unloaded the supplies, the limo pulled up in front of the concert hall and one of the staff opened the limo doors, allowing its occupants to exit the vehicle.

The first to exit was Winter, followed by Winter and Ruby who were wearing strapless evening gowns with opera length gloves, sashes tied around their waists, pearl styled necklaces and heels. Ruby's gown was red, Winter's was midnight blue, and Weiss's was a greyish blue.

Following them was Arthur who wore a royal blue tuxedo while Galen's was white. The other guests were already entering the concert hall and some of them noticed the beauty and regal of Ruby, Weiss, and Winter's dresses while they paid no attention to Arthur or Galen. "I already sense that some people won't be taking our presence to well." Galen said.

"Look at it this way. This could be the perfect chance for all of us to relax." Weiss said, putting her arm under Arthurs as the two walked into the concert hall, followed by Winter, Galen, and Ruby. They were stopped and searched for weapons, finding that Galen, Ruby, Weiss, and Winter had brought their lightsabers with them and reluctantly handed them over to the guard who kept them in a safe where the other weapons that some of the guests brought. "It seems we all had the same idea with bringing our lightsabers with us."

"Call it a precaution. Your dad has always been a target for the White Fang ever since he started running your family's company. It wouldn't surprise me if those creatin's had something planned for just such an occasion." Arthur said to his companions. "But without our weapons, there's not much we can do if they do have something planned."

"I got a feeling that someone might be able to help with that." Ruby said with confidence, but she wasn't referring to Blake.

On the roof of a restaurant across from the concert hall, the remaining members of Team GARM, Yang, Ahsoka, Faye, Lop, Zett, Rex, Fives, Echo, Hardcase, Hevy, Jesse, Kix, Fordo and Alpha watched as their five companions entered the concert hall. Right away, Yang was the first one to speak. "Oh, Ruby looks so cute in that gown. I wish I was there as well. I wouldn't mind wearing a ballgown myself, plus I bet dad would get a good laugh about it, seeing as he always had trouble getting Ruby to wear something fancy." She said playfully.

"Must you always tease your sister in one manner or another?" Faye asked.

"Eh, what can I say. It's just the perks of being a big sister." Yang replied.

"Am I the only one feeling like we're stalking them? I mean, four of the five of them are on a date and here we are, spying on them from atop the building across the street. I feel kind of dirty doing this." Rose pointed out, resting against the wall with her rifle in hand.

"Yeah, I got to agree with Rose on this one. I mean, isn't this an invasion of their privacy?" March added.

"Invasion of privacy or not, Faye, Zett, Lop, Kara and I all sensed something wrong. Whatever game Weiss's father is playing, he probably plans to discredit Galen, Ruby, Arthur, and his own daughters for his own game, probably even thinks it would get some of the guests to vote for him." Ahsoka reminded. "Besides, it's not an invasion of privacy unless we see them… you know what."

"Oh, you mean getting down and dirty with Galen and Ruby having…" Yang started to say.

"Can we not mention things like that?" Lop demanded. "I swear, sometimes I think you have a dirty mind, Yang. By the way, where's Blake? I haven't seen her in a while."

"You know, I was wondering the same thing. Blake was often distant from her teammates during their early days at Beacon, but I thought she changed after what happened on Menagerie." Zett said in agreement.

"Whatever reason Blake has; we need to keep our focus on the current situation." Rex reminded the group. "If anything goes wrong, we'll deal with it. Besides, I'd rather not risk the safety of the others and leave them in the hands of a bunch of war junkies."

"I agree." Fordo said and returned his focus to keeping an eye on the concert hall.

At the same time, at the eastern side entrance, Diego Vegas, aka The Fox quietly entered the concert hall carrying a duffle bag that held his vigilante attire which he then stashed in a safe place. Wearing a blue silk coat and pants with a red vest underneath the coat, covering a pink shirt underneath the vest, a light blue sash around the waist of the coat and black shoes. "That should be well hidden in case I need to make an entrance. Thought they are the people of Atlas, but wherever there is injustice, I will appear." He said to himself, quietly joining the party.

Down in Mantle, Howzer, Cody, Waxer, Boil, Able and one of the platoons under Howzer's command were investigating a report of several Bullheads being seen near a suspected White Fang hideout only to have just vanished after being seen they're for a few days. The clones contacted Clover the rest of the Ace Ops, quickly sealing off the area from the people of Mantle as the Ace Ops arrived. "What do you have, Commander?" Clover asked Cody.

"We got a call from one of Robyn's Huntresses. She said she noticed several Bullheads belonging to a catering company were being loaded with supplies of some kind. She couldn't get a good look at what they were loading without risking herself getting killed, but she did confirm that she saw White Fang soldiers loading the transports." Cody reported.

"So, where are the Bullheads? Don't tell me you and your boys managed to lose them." Harrier asked.

"For your information, we had to evacuate the area in case the White Fang rigged the building to blow if we tried to enter it. You may be able to condone the loss of civilians, but we don't." Howzer scolded, then turned his attention back to Clover while Harriet just scoffed and walked away. "Like I said, we didn't want to risk any civilians getting killed if the building was rigged, so we sealed off the area and assured the civilians that it was for their safety. Working with Robyn Hill has had an affect on our presence in Mantle."

"So long as the people aren't shooting us or trying to cut off my tail, that's a good thing." Marrow said aloud.

"Anyway, we've secured the area around the warehouse, so no one gets in or out. Thire, Jek, Rhys, Stone and Thorn are on their way and Hound is coming with them, Trigger, Neo, and Triggers dog. We'll need that dog to sniff out anything we might miss with the naked eye." Cody added.

"A dog's sense of smell is much greater than the smell of a human. Unless of course, they are a Faunus and have dog attributes." Vine added, speaking highly about several Faunus who he had worked with in the military.

A gunship landed and the six Coruscant Guard soldiers exited the vessel and moved towards the warehouse in formation. Thire, Jek and Rhys kept their weapons trained on the warehouse door while Thorn and Stone stacked up alongside the door, opening it sightly enough for Hound to toss a flashbang inside. The door was then closed before the grenade exploded, but there was no screaming or shouting coming from the other side of the door. The shock troopers moved in, scanned the area before they reported it was all clear.

The Ace Ops, Cody, Waxer, Boil, Howzer and the recently arrived Trigger, Neo, Onyx and Grogu who tagged along with them went inside, along with Robyn who came only to get Grogu. They found the warehouse to be completely empty with no signs that it was being used. "Looks like you guys made a mistake. This place is a dump." Harriet said smugly.

"No. Something's here." Ray said, turning the Clover. "I suggest we split up and look for any signs of where the White Fang might be heading." He suggested. Clover agreed and everyone split into teams.

Jek, Rhys, Stone, Thire, Hound, Ray, Robyn, Able and Thorn moved up to the second floor of the warehouse while the Ace Ops, Cody, Waxer, Boil, Howzer, Onyx, Grogu and Neo checked the main floor. A set of containers laid before them, completely empty but the clones recognized the imperial markings on the crates. "Looks these crates must have held Imperial blasters. My guess about a dozen in each crate, plus several hundred power packs." Howzer theorized.

"So then where are the blasters? It's not like they could get up and walk away." Harriet pointed out. Howzer ignored her remark and moved on to something he didn't expect to find here. Several dozen B1 Battle Droid and B2 Super Battle Droid dispensers, all of which were completely empty. "What the hell are those things?" Harriet demanded, annoyed that she wasn't getting an answer.

"Battle Droid Dispensers." Cody answered. "A clone's worst nightmare. These things can spit out droids like they were being off loaded from an MTT, only they hold less droids than the transports do. How did the White Fang get their hands on these machines?"

"Forget the dispensers, Commander. We can't find a single battle droid chassis or any weapons. There's not even a sign of any Super Battle Droids. Maybe the White Fang took the Supers and decided they had no use for the B1 series, Super Battle Droids have more firepower and better armor, despite their hulking frame." Waxer reported.

"You mean this thing?" Elm asked, hefting up a Super Battle Droid she found along with dozens more laying in a pile nearby. "These things don't look so tough to me." She smirked.

"That's because they aren't turned on." Neo pointed out. "Super Battle Droids take more firepower to take down, their armor might as well be made of Beskar." She then turned to the dispensers. "Look at the dispensers. They've clearly been torched after they unloaded their droids, meaning whatever was being stored inside is already gone. Looks like we're back to square one."

"You're just saying that because you're still working for the enemy and trying to undermine our efforts. Once a criminal, always a criminal. You can't change what you are." Harriet said.

"I'll have you know that Neo was brainwashed to do those things that Roman, and Cinder made her do." Ray said as his group came down from the second floor. "I trust my sister completely and what she says is true. We found this in the office on the second floor."

He handed Cody the datapad they found. "Looks like someone sent the White Fang a couple dozen crates of Imperial Blaster rifles and several droid dispensers. Get this, the droid dispensers were loaded with those Commando Droids the CIS and some companies used back in the day." Ray explained.

"And here's where it gets worse." Robyn added. "They didn't wipe the terminal good enough and we've already confirmed the White Fang's target is in Atlas, but they erased what their target was. This probably explains why those bullheads went missing, the White Fang is probably using them to carry out this attack."

"If the White Fang took the bullheads, then where is the catering staff?" Vine asked.

Just then, Onyx picked up a scent and started barking before he grabbed Grogu with his mouth, tossed him up into the air where the small child landed on Onyx's back and then bolted down the 'tunnel' that connected the current warehouse with several others. "That dog's got something, follow him!" Ray shouted and bolted after his dog; the others soon followed after them.

Back in Atlas, the guests were mingling with each other, talking about the current state of their kingdom, their money, jewelry, hair, and other unimportant issues while butlers and maids served them drinks. Some of the smaller children present were either running around or staying close to their parents who were dressed in very fancy and expensive clothes that cost a large sum of lien. Some of the younger children, more specifically the girls said that Ruby and Weiss looked pretty in their evening gowns, making the two girls smile.

Arthur smiled at the sight of the children being themselves while at the same time, he couldn't stand that he was in the same room as many of the Atlas elite that oppressed not only the Faunus but had also completely forgotten about Mantle. Though he didn't like it, he was grateful that he was with Weiss who was nothing like these people and showed that she was a true Schnee, unlike her father. "I know you don't like being around these people, but please, try not to make a scene. We're supposed to be enjoying ourselves." Weiss whispered to her boyfriend.

"I'm not the one who would make a scene." Arthur said as he spotted a very familiar trophy wife nearby who took one look at Weiss and immediately backed away, still cautious about the last time Weiss lost her temper.

"You'll have to forgive these people." Whitley said as he approached the two with Serra by his side, a serving tray in her hands. "They see everything in the real world as someone else's problem while they view Atlas as what the world should be. I personally find it disgusting." The younger Schnee said to his sister and her boyfriend.

"Hello, Whitley, Serra. It's been a long time since we last saw each other." Weiss said to her brother.

"I'm just glad you're still alive. When I heard the transport, you were on crashed in Anima, I feared the worst. But seeing you alive, that warms my heart." Whitley admitted. "Father however claimed that you were kidnapped by those two clones and Arthur. He spun the media to get the public to support him, claiming he was planning on doing everything he could to get you back. It was a lie obviously and he never planned on paying a ransom or sending a rescue party."

"That sounds a lot like your father." Galen said as he and Ruby walked over to them. "So, you're Weiss and Winter's younger brother. You look a lot like your father, but I can sense you're nothing like your father, after what you've been through."

"And you must be Galen Marek, The Demon Lord of the Round Table and Jedi Knight." Whitley said impressed, holding out his hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I may not be a huntsman or pilot, but I have to say it's an honor to finally meet you in person. I've heard a lot about you from my sisters. Seeing you fight Winter during the Vytal Festival, that was quite surprising. It appears my oldest sister still has much to learn." He said with a smile before he turned to Ruby. "And you must be Ruby Rose, the leader of the team my sister is part of. A pleasure to meet you at last. Might I say you look lovely in that gown."

"Oh, thanks." Ruby said, blushing at Whitley's comment about her being beautiful.

At the same time, off in one corner of the main hall Winter stood alone holding a drink in her hand, watching as several men her age gave her uneasy glances, more specifically towards her chest which made Winter disgusted with their inability to control their hormones. "I never once liked these sorts of parties." Winter said to herself, taking a sip from her drink.

"Well, at least you look beautiful in that gown." A familiar voice said as approaching her was none other than Diego Vega, her old flame, sparring partner and rival.

"Diego? Is it really you?" Winter asked, placing her glass down on a nearby table.

"Do you know of anyone else as charming as myself?" Diego joked, taking Winter's gloved hand, and kissing it. "You've certainly changed since the last time I saw you. So, how have you been?"

"I've been well. I've become one of the generals best Huntresses since I graduated and have perfected my summoning's. I have also taken a position in the military, which father didn't take well." Winter said.

"He cut you off, didn't he?" Diego asked.

"He did. But I've learned that I don't need his money to live my life and I certainly don't miss those parties where he tried to set up an arranged marriage with one of his business partners. I will live my life my way and not have him dictate on who I can choose to marry or who my friends can be." She answered.

"Seems you've changed more than I originally thought." Diego chuckled. "So, what is your opinion on the Fox?" he asked.

"Honestly, I haven't really made up my mind." Winter said with a sigh, hoping to get away from her work for the night. "He may be a vigilante, but all he's done is exposed the corruption that has spread amongst Atlas and Mantle. Many of our most thought to be prominent and well-respected citizens have been causing much pain and suffering for Mantle, exploiting them for everything they have for their own profit. No one, not even the General or the Ace Ops would have discovered it if it weren't for that vigilante." She admitted.

"And yet, he's been branded as a criminal despite all of the good he has done for the people of Mantle." Diego added.

"While he has not attacked the military, he has engaged in countless fights against many soldiers who have been known to shoot first and ask questions later. Even many in the military have been inspired by The Fox. It just doesn't make sense, he says he's the people's hero, yet he assisted Galen, Ruby, and the Bad Batch in investigating the incident in the sewers when they were working for Ironwood." She sighed. "But I have figured out two things about him."

"Oh, really? And what is that?" Diego asked with a raised eyebrow.

"His training suggests that he had attended one of the academies, which explains his swordsmen ship. He was well trained, with skills that equal yours and mine." She said.

"And the second thing?" Diego inquired.

"That no matter how much he is hounded, no matter how much he is called a criminal he's the people's true protector and a hero in my book. It takes a lot to earn my respect and while the General claims he's a criminal, I see him as a hero." Winter answered.

Diego smiled. Though he still had feelings for Winter, he couldn't bring himself to tell her that he was the Fox. If he did, it would put her in grave danger, not just from Salem, but from those who wanted to see the Fox dead.

As the two talked, Whitley, Weiss, Ruby, Galen, Serra, and Arthur had moved away from the crowd and towards one of the windows. "I still can't believe father threw this party as if he's already guaranteed a seat on the council, like he knows he's going to win. Shutting down all non-essential Schnee Dust Company business's, it's causing a lot of rioting in Mantle and people have already broken into the Dust shops. Not to mention he's having his security forces act as a police force which have only led to more deaths, and he's been destroying all the Dust he has ready for sale away and killing anyone who witnesses this in the sewers. He'll never make it onto the council." Weiss said, spying her father talking with several business partners.

"Father does have a plan to get onto the council." Whitley said, causing Weiss, Ruby, Galen, and Arthur to look at him. "Shortly after he arrived from the mine, where that soldier Wrecker tossed him around like a ragdoll and hurt him badly, someone came to the house and wanted to speak with father. I don't know who they were, but father clearly seemed to know the man and he offered to help father get onto the council while also planning to do something to the Demon Lord, I don't know what it is, but they are clearly planning something."

Before Whitley could say anymore, one of the ushers said that the show was about to begin and allowed the guests entry into the hall. One-by-one, the guests took their seats in front of the stage where the red curtains were drawn and hiding whatever Bella had for her show.

Galen, Ruby, Weiss, Arthur, and Winter's seats were in the fourth row closest to the stage, close to Diego's seat. Whitley had left to join Jacque in his box, with Serra accompanying them. As the rest of the guests took their seats, Arthur looked for his cousins but couldn't see them anywhere. The lights in the hall soon died down and everyone became quiet before appearing in a cloud of smoke on the stage, was Lady Bella herself.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. I am Lady Bella, mistress of magic and master of illusions. I am pleased to see so many faces tonight. I can promise you all that you will enjoy this show." Bella began, bowing to the audience before she glanced towards Jacque. "First off, I would like to thank Jacque Schnee, our gracious host for setting up this show." She said, forcing a smile while the spotlights shined on the Schnee box for a moment before shining back on her.

"Now then…" she began, snapping her fingers before the curtains were pulled back to reveal an empty stage. "Let the magic begin!" she announced. "First off, I will select two volunteers from the audience to assist me and my assistants with my acts. Keep in mind, these will be completely at random, so don't go raising your hands everyone." She said with a laugh.

The spotlights zoomed around the hall until they stopped, shining down on Ruby and Weiss. "Well now, two more lovely assistants. Please ladies, come on up to the stage." She called.

An excited Ruby grabbed Weiss's hand and in a burst of rose petals, brought the two of them on stage, causing the audience to clap in awe at Ruby's semblance. "Easy on the semblance usage, kid. We're just getting started." Bella teased. "So, may I ask the names of my lovely assistants?" she asked.

"Ruby Rose."

"Weiss Schnee."

"Ah. Two of the heroes of the Fall of Beacon. A pleasure to meet such fine young huntresses such as yourselves and might I say, you both look very beautiful." She said, getting the two of them to blush. "Now then, both of you please have a seat and relax." A wave of her wand and two chairs appeared behind Ruby and Weiss in a cloud of smoke.

Both teens took a seat and watched as Lady Bella produced a pocket watch from her wrist and held it in front of them. "Keep your eyes focused on the watch." She told her two assistants as she started to swing the watch back and forth in front of the two who tracked it's every move before their eyes started to feel heavy. "You two are now under my command and will follow every command I give you." She said.

The two nodded their heads as the watch continued to sway back and forth as the mistress of magic said her next words. "From now on, you will obey my commands and do whatever I ask of you." She said.

"Yes, master." The two said.

Bella smiled and put the watch away. "Now, please stand up and follow my other assistants who will get you properly dressed for your roles as my volunteers." Bella said, clapping her hands and calling for the two assistants she mentioned.

From the left side of the stage, both Artoria and Mordred walked out onto the stage, wearing nearly identical white dresses with blue or red trimmings, ribbons on the backs of their dresses, chokers and hair ribbons, white stockings, white heels, and long white opera gloves. The two sisters guided Ruby and Weiss backstage where they would be changed into their stage costumes. "While those two are getting ready, let's get on with the show." Bella said.

The audience applauded for the display of hypnotism they witnessed and eagerly waited for Bella's next trick. With a wave of her hand, she conjured up a large metal ring. "Behold! The ever-amazing linking rings!" she announced, pulling the ring apart in another ring. "One more ring and we got a circus folks." She joked, getting the audience to laugh. "Three rings, four rings, five rings, six rings." She called out, tossing the rings up into the air before she caught them all in a single stack.

The audience applauded the act as Bella bowed. "Thank you, thank you. But I am just a humble magician. You should save your applauses for the next act." She told the audience as Artoria, Mordred, Ruby and Weiss returned.

In place of their evening gowns, Ruby and Weiss now wore a one-piece bodysuit, black fishnet stockings, cuffs on their wrists, long white gloves on their arms, collar, tail, and headband, the last of which all had bunny features. In short, the two of them were dressed as bunny girls like the ones Kara saw at one of the casinos in New Argus, during the time Weiss and Arthur were being held by Burns. Some of the audience gave some wolf-whistles, followed by some rather dirty thoughts that Galen sensed them having, but lucky for him Bella stepped in. "All of you having perverted thoughts, I've got my eyes on you and I have one question for you all, are you looking to have you nuts kicked in?" she threatened.

The men who were having such thoughts were quick to cover their crotches at the mention of getting kicked in that area, getting Bella to smile before she called on her semblance again, this time creating two target boards like one would use for a game of darts with metal clamps. "Artoria, Mordred, please secure our volunteers to the targets so we may begin the next act." She said to the Penwolf sisters.

The sisters then guided the two girls to the targets where they secured them to the targets while Bella prepared a series of knives. "Now, all of you better not blink, I'm about to treat you to some incredible knife throwing skills." She promised and gave a quick glance to the Penwolf sisters who stood by the targets.

As this was going on, the others outside the hall continued to keep a sharp lookout for anything unusual, but as they did, Ahsoka sensed a familiar presence from nearby. "Rex, keep me posted on what you see. There's something I need to check out." She told her trusted friend.

"Got it, Ahsoka. Be careful." Rex advised, watching as his friend and commander left the rooftop, clad in her armor with her lightsabers in hand already.

Back inside, the two sisters waited for Bella to give them the order to spin the targets. Once they were given the order, the two spun the targets around while Bella threw two of the knives into the air and caught them before throwing them at the targets.

The knives stuck into the wood, but the targets were spinning so fast that no one, not even Galen could see where the knives landed. Eight more knives were thrown in rapid succession at the spinning, followed by another six and then another two. Finally, the targets came to a stop and to Galen's surprise who had never seen such a feat, saw that the three of the knives were just inches from Ruby and Weiss's faces. "Is she crazy!? She could have killed them." He said to Winter.

"Bella knows what she's doing. When she plans a new trick, she always practices it for several weeks before she attempts it. She would never place her volunteers in any kind of danger." Winter assured Galen, who had to agree.

"Hope you all enjoyed that, ladies and gentlemen." Bella said while Artoria and Mordred helped Ruby and Weiss down from the targets which were then replaced by two large boxes with question marks on them. "Now, for something a little mor on the classic side. I will now take my two lovely assistants and perform a classic zig-zag trick."

Mordred and Artoria waited for Weiss and Ruby to open the doors, walking into them where the doors were the closed. Bella walked up to the boxes and began to rearrange the boxes like a puzzle. "Trust me when I say this folk's, you'll be in for a laugh." She told the audience as she finished rearranging the boxes and then turned to her assistants. "If you two would be so kindly."

Ruby and Weiss nodded and proceeded to open the boxes, revealing that Bella had rearranged the heads, torsos, and legs of the Penwolf sisters. The torsos of the sisters were at the top, the heads at the bottom and the legs were in the middle. The audience laughed at the sight of the Penwolf sister's situation, except for Arthur.

In one of the theater boxes, a pair of elderly gentlemen watched the show. "Did you ever seen anything put together worse than that?" one of them, a short man with large bald spot asked.

"Yeah, my first wife." The second man, a rather tall man with a full head of hair answered, getting both of them to laugh together.

"Well, let's try and see if I can put them back together." Bella joked, having her assistants close the boxes again before she started to rearrange them once again, resulting in some funny combinations before the Penwolf sisters were finally put back together. "Glad you all had a nice laugh. Now, for next trick I require another volunteer from the audience." Bella announced.

Her eyes looked around the theater before they fell on Winter. "You there, Winter Schnee I presume, please come on up." She called.

"I don't think I…" Winter started to say before Diego nudged her to go up and with reluctance did. Stepping onto the stage, Winter's hand was taken by Bella who led her to the center of the stage while the boxes vanished while another one appeared in its place. "What do I need to do?" she asked.

"First of all, I want you to step inside this box and keep your hands by your sides." Bella told Winter as the eldest Schnee child stepped into a large red box with black sides which was then promptly closed leaving only Winter's head and feet exposed as it was laid flat on a table. "Now then, I shall saw the lovely lady in half." Bella announced, flicking her wrists as a saw appeared in her hands, stepped up to the box, held the saw over and began to cut Winter in half.

From the one of the doorways, one of the maids watched as the show continued. Her amber eyes watched as Lady Bella continued her act. "Good, now that everyone's distracted by the show, I can get those weapons from the safe. I won't let my friends get hurt." They said and moved quickly to the safe where the weapons taken from the guests, unlocked it using the combination she found written by one of the ushers and took what she needed. "These will come in handy." She said, closing the safe door before returning to her duties as a maid.

Back in the theater, Bella continued to saw through the box holding Winter until she finally sawed through the box and split it apart, revealing she had indeed sawed Winter in half. The audience once again applauded Bella for her act before she put the two halves back together, stood the box up and opened it to reveal a fully restored Winter. "Thank you, thank you. Please, hold your applauses." She said with a bow, while Winter returned to her seat. "Alright, before we begin my specialty, I would like to ask my lovely volunteers from the audience to step into these special curtains. I think it's time for a costume change."

Both Weiss and Ruby did as they were instructed, walking into the center of these special curtains which Mordred and Artoria then pulled up, shacked them up like soda cans before they pulled them down, revealing both Team RWBY members new outfits.

Ruby's outfit consisted of a red dress, white apron with frills and a red rose, a white headband, long white gloves, white stockings, and a white collar, all four of which had red ribbons on them, a large white bow on the back and white shoes that also had a red ribbon.

Weiss's outfit was similar with the headband, gloves, stockings, collar, and back bow, but her dress was blue and the ribbons on her accessories were blue, and a blue snowflake was on the apron. In short, the two were now wearing Lolita styled maid outfits which Bella was a fan of. "Cute outfits aren't they folks. Remember, all of you men better not have any dirty thoughts unless you value your pride." She teased threateningly, causing some of the audience to quiver with fear.

From his box, Jacque looked at his youngest daughter's current attire. "A Schnee should never wear such attire, we are far superior to the rest of the world. But, seeing as how she choose to abandon her family to chase her silly dreams, perhaps she'll make a good maid for the family. I could always use a new maid and it should teach your foolish sister her place." Jacque said to Whitley with both disgust and intrigue.

'I don't know what you are planning, father. But I won't let you do anything to Weiss or her friends. She is a true Schnee, more than you will ever be, considering you married into the family just for the money. You're nothing more than a greedy man.' Whitley thought to himself, catching the look on his father's face.

"Alright, folks, settle down." Bella told her audience as Artoria and Mordred wheeled out a cart onto the stage. On the cart was a special type of binder for someone's legs, a straitjacket that was more on the lines of a dress, a round ball like object attached to a leather strap, a panel attached with a series of leather straps, a muzzle with numerous straps and a leather hood. "Now, time for my specialty. My assistances, commence with the binding." She instructed.

First the binder for the legs pulled Bella's together tightly, followed by the straitjacket/dress which was then snugged tightly, clinging to her body before it was attached to a hook. "For those of you who don't know what I am doing, I'm about to perform my variation of the legendary suspended straitjacket escape. First off, I shall be tightly bound, gagged, and blinded. Once I am tightly secured, my assistants raise me high into the air and will then be lowered into a water filled milk can, which will then also be raised into the air once it's sealed. Can I escape before I run out of air? Let's find out. Remember, this trick is done by professionals and should never be tried at home." She explained, before the three gags were placed into and over her mouth, followed by the hood.

Once she was properly restrained, Bella was hoisted into the air before the milk can was positioned below her, then lowered down into the can which was then promptly sealed and then raised into the air. Once it was in the air, the timer. "What kind of magic is this anyway? I've never seen anything like this before." Galen asked Winter.

"It's called Escapology. It's the practice of escaping from confined spaces or restraints. Bella is by far the most well-known escape artists in all of Remnant. Her daring escapes have earned her interviews with popular magazines, talk-show hosts and have also raised many questions as to how she is able to escape." Winter explained.

"And she's one of those people who performs these types of acts regularly. Doesn't seem like the kind of trick I would perform if I were her. I risk my life on the battlefield already, last thing I want to do is mess up and die during an act." Galen said, surprised at such tricks.

The timer continued to rise, and the audience was beginning to wonder if Bella had drowned herself in her act, but then the lid on the can shot open and out came Bella, landing on the stage with the restraints in her hands. "Ta-da!" she exclaimed, bowing as the audience clapped in amazement while Bella's clothing and hair dripped. "Thank you, thank you." Bella said. "Now I have one more trick. My grand finale if you will."

She then turned to Ruby and Weiss who on instinct crossed their arms in front of them as Bella pulled out a series of knotted scarfs from her sleeves, spun them around like a lasso and then tossed it towards Ruby, wrapping her up in colorful handkerchiefs like a mummy from head-to-toe, including her eyes. Weiss soon joined her team leader as a colorful mummy. "For my final trick, I shall make my assistants, disappear with an extra twist!" she announced as two sarcophaguses appeared directly behind the two and then sealed the two girls inside before they were covered by large sheets.

"Abracadabra!" Bella announced and called on her semblance to make the sarcophaguses disappear from beneath the cloths. The audience gasped and Galen became concerned, thinking that the magician had actually made Ruby disappear. Lucky for him, he was proven wrong when the sarcophaguses reappeared behind her and opened to reveal Weiss and Ruby, completely unharmed. The audience cheered and applauded the act while Ruby and Weiss stepped out of the sarcophaguses, back in their evening gowns.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you all. You've been a wonderful audience. First off, let's give a big hand to our volunteers from the audience and my stagehands!" Bella shouted, bowing to the crowd who began to toss flowers onto the stage and ending her control over the two members of Team RWBY.

The audience began to exit the theater for the ballroom while Ruby and Weiss walked towards their boyfriends. "So, how were we?" Ruby asked.

"Well, for the first magic show I ever saw, I have to say not bad at all." Galen admitted. "I honestly was almost worried that you two actually disappeared when those sarcophaguses appeared."

"If there's one thing I guarantee when it comes to my acts, it's that I never intend to put my assistants in harms way." Bella said as she jumped down from the stage. "You two girls were great up there. You know, I could always use more assistants like the two of you. Maybe when you grow tired of being huntresses, you could work for me." She teased.

"I don't think…" Weiss began.

"I'm just kidding! You two are meant to be huntresses. Not everyone is cut out for certain jobs in this life." She assured. "So, Ruby and Weiss. You two can keep the outfits I had you two wear for the show. I'll have them sent to your home in Vale and Atlas. Shall I see you all at the dance?" she asked.

"We'll be there but send those outfits of mine to Vale as well. I'm not actually welcome in my own home because of my father." Weiss replied, getting Bella to smile before she climbed back onto the stage and headed for her dressing room.

"Shall we, my lady?" Arthur said to Weiss, who put her arm under his and exited the theater, followed by Ruby and Galen while Winter and Diego had already left.

Back down in Mantle, Onyx was still hot on the trail of the scent he picked up in the White Fang hideout and had led the Ace Ops, The Coruscant Guard troopers, Howzer, his men, Robyn, Neo, Ray, Cody, Waxer and Boil towards a different warehouse several kilometers away from the White Fang hideout. Grogu was still on the dogs back as they came to a stop in front of a shipping container, where the dog pawed at the door of the container. "Looks like your dumb dog led us on a wild-goose chase. This shipping container's empty." Harriet said aloud.

"First off, Onyx isn't stupid." Ray countered. "Second, if the containers empty then why is my armors motion tracker reading life-forms inside the container?" he asked.

"Faulty equipment." Harriet said bluntly.

Robyn however, looked to Clover who had met Onyx several times before the election had officially begun and knew that the dogs' senses smell was never wrong, considering that the dog did lead the two of them to several malnourished homeless children in Mantle. "Cody, shoot the lock off."

"Sir?" Harrier asked.

"Onyx's sense of smell is never wrong. Whatever he got a whiff of back at the hideout, it's something we couldn't see. He's never wrong when it comes to tracking." Clover said to Harriet. Clover was still trying to keep Harriet under control after her fight with Galen.

The Clone Marshal of the 212th raised his blaster and fired a shot at the lock before Waxer and Boil opened the container. Inside the container were the muffled screams of the actual catering staff, all bound, gagged and stripped of their uniforms. "What the hell is this?" Harriet demanded.

"The White Fang stole the uniforms of these workers and used them to infiltrate Atlas. My guess is, their planning a terrorist attack and ambushed these guys, stole their uniforms, and used the bullheads and whatever else they had to smuggle themselves and equipment into the upper city." Howzer said, untying one of the catering staff, a male.

"Are you with General Ironwood? You've got to warn him! The White Fang! They're planning on hitting the concert hall!" the worker said the moment his gag was off.

Clover's eyes widened and quickly accessed his radio. "General, we've got a problem. The White Fang managed to infiltrate Atlas using the catering bullheads and uniforms. They've got imperial weapons and possibly battle droids with them. We found the catering staff and they need immediate medical attention. They're target it the concert hall!" Clover said into his radio, but only heard static. "General, do you copy over?"

"Anything?" Robyn asked.

"Nothing. We're being jammed. I don't think Ironwood…" Clover began before the sound of clanking feet echoed around them. Turning around, they saw that the Super Battle Droids they thought were deactivated were marching towards them, one of which raised its arm and fired its blaster at Clover.

"Take cover!" Clover shouted, stepping to the side and avoided the shot, thanks to his semblance. "General! We're under attack in Mantle! We need back up!" he shouted into the radio, but still he received static.

"We're on our own! Scrap these Clankers!" Cody shouted, already firing back at the droids with his brothers.

At the same time, up in Atlas, Ahsoka followed the presence she sensed to a dark alley far from the concert hall. Activating her helmets lights, she walked down the alley as her eyes darted around the alley trying to find the person or thing she sensed. Half-way down the alley, she stopped, and the wind blew past her. "I know you're there, Barriss. Why don't you come out of hiding and show yourself." She spoke.

A filtered chuckle came from behind her. Spinning around on her heel, Ahsoka watched as Barriss Offee, her old friend and fallen Jedi emerged from the shadows, her armor as black as the Grimm. "So, the Demon Lord passed along my message after all. Seems he's not at all like the rumors I heard after Kota's militia was decimated on Nar Shadda."

"'It's time to finish what I started long ago.' That was the message you gave Galen. I heard rumors that you were executed after your claimed responsibility for the temple bombing, but it seems that the rumors were just lies. Let me guess, Palpatine approached you and told you his real identity, proving that you were right about the Republic, bet he offered you a chance to become something the Jedi would never become and trained in secret. Didn't you even care when Master Unduli was gunned down by her troopers, troopers who were seen as only expendable by the likes of your master, Krell and many other senators who never witnessed the horrors of war!" Ahsoka exclaimed.

"I could've cared less for the death of my former Jedi master. She was like all the other Jedi, fallen so far from the light and becoming more militant as each day passed. She graved power like the rest of the Jedi and in the end, it led to their downfall and destruction." She scoffed.

"You've changed a lot. You told me once you wanted to become a healer and help others, but now that I've seen you for who you are now, I realized the Jedi I had formed a friendship with died a long time ago. The Barriss Offee I knew is dead, replaced by this servant of the Dark Side." Ahsoka said with a sigh.

"That Barriss was weak and foolish, like her old master. But unlike her, I survived and have become far stronger than she could ever become, even more powerful than you." Barriss replied, raising her hands and sent a dumpster flying towards Ahsoka who just barely dodged it. "Seems your skills have improved. I thought after learning the true identity of Lord Vader, you would have abandoned your ideals and died like the rest of the Jedi."

"I'll admit, I almost did want to give up after learning who Vader really is. But I believe the real Anakin Skywalker still lives on, in my heart. No matter what he's become, Anakin will always be with me." Ahsoka said, her armor barely even dented. "Now, tell me, why are you here?" She demanded.

Barriss laughed. "I just came to see if the White Fang appreciated the gifts, we gave them. You shouldn't be focusing just on Salem, but the threat that you all seem to think is defeated." Barriss answered.

"What do you mean, gifts?" Ahsoka demanded.

"If you want to find out, you'll have to beat me first." Barriss replied, igniting her lightsabers. Ahsoka followed suit before the two of them ran at each other and clashed blades for the first time in years.

Back inside the concert hall, a dance was underway in the ballroom. Many of the guests danced with their loved ones, grabbed something to eat from the catering staff, chatted or otherwise were enjoying themselves. Bella, Artoria and Mordred had just entered the ballroom, the two Penwolf sisters wore nearly identical strapless white dresses with white gloves, stockings, and heels while each of them had a blue or red ribbon in their hair and the back of their dress. As for Bella, she wore a black evening dress with black gloves, stockings, and heels, almost looking like she was in mourning.

"Seems you three know how to dress." One of the guests said to the girls who just walked into the ballroom, making their way to where Galen, Ruby, Arthur, and Weiss were standing.

"How come none of you are dancing? Thought you'd all be dancing right now." Bella asked.

"Oh… we were just about to…" Ruby answered.

"Really? You of all people are going to dance?" Galen asked, remembering she wasn't actually all to interested in dancing back at Beacon. "What, did you take lessons or something?"

"Actually, yes. Weiss and Winter taught me the basics. It's one of the reasons I was out so long." Ruby admitted, rubbing the back of her head.

"Well, in that case." Galen began, taking Ruby's hand. "Care to dance?"

"I'd like to." Ruby answered as Galen led them to the dance floor, where they bowed to each other and placed their hands at the correct positions. Weiss, Arthur, Diego, and Winter also joined them as the band played a new song.

(Can You Feel The Love Tonight Starts)

The piano started as the six of them began to dance. To Ruby's surprise, Galen actually managed to keep pace with her as they danced. "I didn't know you could actually dance. Did you take lessons as well?" Ruby asked.

"Actually, I'm just reading your mind and following the same steps Weiss and Winter taught you. Vader never taught me to dance; all I ever did was focus on my training and the ways of the force. Never really had time for a social life outside of all that." Galen admitted.

"Yeah, he didn't strike me as the type who would dance." Ruby agreed. The band continued to play, and they kept on dancing. "Guess we're a regular pair of star-crossed lovers. One from Remnant and another from galaxy. One wanted to be a hero and the other was just doing what they were trained to do. It's funny, I bet in another lifetime things would have been different for the both of us."

"I'm just glad I got to meet someone like you. Juno, she was my first real friend, and she would want me to be happy." Galen said, chuckling at Ruby's statement.

Nearby, Arthur and Weiss danced together much like they did at the dance at Beacon. "It seems those two are enjoying themselves." Arthur observed, his hands on Weiss's hip and shoulder, much to the displeasure of her father who just glared at the sight. "Though it seems your father doesn't approve of our relationship."

"My father can go to hell. He doesn't control my life, I do. I'm glad I left home when I did, even if he did essentially make me a prisoner in my own home." Weiss said in agreement, sending a small glare at her father before she looked back to Arthur. "I will admit, when Ruby asked if there was any chance, she could get some dance lessons, I was surprised. But when she told me her reasons, I thought it would be a nice gesture, considering I wasn't the best teammate when we started Beacon." The ex-heiress admitted.

"And yet, you've matured into a fine young woman who is nothing like her father. A name doesn't mean you are entitled to respect, it must be earned, not given." Arthur said with a smile, getting Weiss to smile as well.

Winter noticed this as she and Diego danced as well. "This takes me back to one of our dances at the academy. While we still had a rivalry, you always seemed to ask me to the dances every year. Did I somehow earn your admiration because of my beauty or skill?" Winter asked.

"Both actually." Diego admitted. "Your skill and beauty were what I truly admired, not your family name or the wealth you had acquired over the years, mostly by your grandfather who valued the lives of his workers and took great risk in mining the Dust. Your father has done nothing of the sort since he took over."

"My father cares more about the company then his own family. The only way he'd get on the council is if he bought the voters." Winter said in agreement.

"Why don't we forget about your father and just focus on us. After all, it is a dance." Diego suggested. Winter agreed and they continued to dance.

From their vantage point outside, Yang was crying tears of joy as she watched Ruby and Galen dance. "Oh, those two are just like a prince and princess. It's so romantic." She sniffled, blowing her nose into a hanky given to her by Rose.

"Too bad most of the guests are complete scumbags." Rose reminded. "The people of Atlas care about no one but themselves. Honestly, I could see all of them voting for Weiss's old man just to make a profit."

"Let's just hope that's not the case." Fordo said.

Back inside, the song began to end as Ruby and Galen moved in close to each other's face about to kiss. The moment they had spent together was enjoyable and almost something right out of a romance novel.

(End song)

The kiss however never came as the metal shutters on the windows of the entire suddenly came down unexpectedly. The guests began to panic as the children ran to their parents while Jacque tried to reach his security detail on his Scroll, but only received static. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please don't be alarmed. I'm sure the situation is only temporary and will be resolved shortly. Please, return to the party." Jacque urged the guests.

Seconds later, a gunshot rang out from outside the ballroom as the catering staff suddenly pulled out blasters and other weapons from underneath the tables as White Fang soldiers plus Commando droids barraged into the ballroom. "Good evening, ladies, and gentlemen. We are tonight's entertainment." One of the White Fang soldiers shouted, butting one of the guests in the face with their blaster while another guest had their necklace ripped off their neck. "Everyone one of you here has caused a great deal of harm to us Faunus, the true dominate race of Remnant. If you value the lives of your loved ones, I suggest you hand over all your valuables and gather in the theater." They spoke.

"I don't know who you are, but I for one have no intention of doing as you…" one of the guests started to say before they were gunned down. Some of the guests screamed in terror while others covered their children from sight they had just witnessed.

"Anymore heroes? I didn't think so." The soldier said as Jacque was brought towards them and shoved to his knees along with Whitley, Winter, and Weiss. "Well, well. Looks we got almost all of the Schnee family with us. Looks like the old lady couldn't make it to the party. This works out perfectly." The soldier smirked, not noticing Diego quietly slipping away from the confusion.

"The security forces have been handled and we disabled the alarm. By the time those fools in Mantle get word to the police, we'll be long gone." Another soldier said as the commando droids led the guests to the theater.

Back outside, the others watched as the shutters came down and moved quickly. The clones repelled off the building while Faye, Lop and Zett leapt off the building and the others took the fire escape. "Cody! We got a situation up here! Someone's taken the entire concert hall hostage! We need reinforcements ASAP!" Rex shouted into the commlink, only to get static. "Damn it! We're being jammed!" he cursed.

"Where are the police!?" Yang asked.

"It doesn't matter. We need to get inside and rescue the hostages." Fordo shouted, unable to even call the Bad Batch who were out in the tundra investigating the source of the prototype knights. He then spotted Ahsoka being thrown out of the alley by Barriss who saw the clones and fled from the scene before the troopers could fire at her. "You alright, Commander? Who was that?"

"Forget about that right now, we need to get inside." Ahsoka said, getting back to her feet, joining the others as they raced around the back of the hall where they found the shutters were already down. "We need to cut our way through." She said, igniting her sabers and started to cut through the shutters.

Back inside, Diego had snuck to wear he left his Fox attire and quickly changed into the masked vigilante. "Time to use this." He said, referring to a certain weapon he acquired shortly after he had his first vision.

At the same moment, the guests had been moved into the theater and forced onto the stage, along with the staff who were taken completely by surprise. "This is a waste of time. We should kill these humans and make examples of them." One of the White Fang soldiers said.

"Remember the plan and stick to it." Another said, grabbing them by the collar of their shirt. "I hate the humans as much as you do, but we have our orders and if we refuse to follow them, brother Adam will kill us." They said, pushing them away.

Galen, Ruby, Arthur, Artoria, Mordred and Bella, along with the amber eyed maid from earlier were in the back farthest from the front of the stage and heard the cries of several children. "If we don't do something soon, they'll probably kill everyone out of boredom." Mordred whispered.

"What do you suggest we do then? In case you haven't noticed; we don't have our swords with us, and they don't have their lightsabers with them. We'll be slaughtered before we can even make a move." Artoria reminded her sister.

"I sense that help is closer than we think." Galen said, spotting something moving on the catwalk above the stage. "I should have used a mind trick to get the ushers to let us keep our weapons."

"You mean these weapons?" the amber eyed maid said and handed Galen his lightsabers. "I knew it was a good idea for me to tag along, even if you guys didn't notice."

"Blake!? What are you doing here?" Ruby exclaimed in a whisper.

"They'll be time to talk about it later." Blake answered.

One of the children among the hostages started to cry, annoying one of the White Fang soldiers. "Shut that damn kid up right now!" they shouted, threatening to shoot the kid with their new weapon.

"Please, just take what you want from me, but spare my little girl!" the mother of the child begged, holding her child tightly. "He's scared!"

"Lady, if you don't shut that damn brat up, I'll kill you and the kid!" the White Fang soldier threatened, raising their E-5 blaster rifle at the mother.

"Don't do it man! It's not worth it! Stick to the plan!" another soldier urged, only to be blocked by many of his comrades who shared the same views. "What the hell are you all doing? Killing the SDC guards is one thing, but killing civilians isn't what I signed up for." They spoke.

"Weaklings like you are why the White Fang has failed time and time again!" the annoyed soldier spat and was about to execute their own comrade when something wrapped around the soldier's blaster and pulled it away. "What the hell?"

"The White Fang was once a respectable equal rights group in the past. Then you've become nothing more than terrorists until Haven showed the true colors of the White Fang." A voice from the catwalk shouted. Leaping down and landing feet first, was the Fox. "As long as there is injustice in the world, I will be there to stop it."

The White Fang raised their weapons at the Fox who just stood perfectly still, reaching to the side of his cape and pulled a lightsaber with a curved hilt, similar to the one used by Count Dooku used in his life. The weapons blue blade hummed to life as the Fox held it in front of him and twirled it around.

Just as the White Fang was about to fire, they pushed off the stage by a powerful blast, much to the surprise of the hostages. They looked back to see Galen was the one who blasted them off the stage, standing up as he ignited his own lightsabers, followed by Arthur and Artoria who ignited their own blades, followed by Ruby and Blake, who had thrown off her maid attire, revealing her ninja outfit was underneath the entire time, along with Mordred who ignited Weiss's lightsaber. "Lot of blue blades and only one green blade. Guess the color of the blades wasn't something everyone had on their mind about changing." Mordred smirked.

"Shoot them!" one of the White Fang soldiers shouted as they and their allies unleashed a hail of bullets and blaster bolts. Their targets blocked their shots or sliced through their bullets before the Fox leapt down and dashed towards several White Fang members, slashing apart their weapons with his lightsaber and knocking them out with a well-placed punch to the face.

Galen, Ruby, Blake, Mordred and Artoria didn't hold back against the White Fang, knowing what kind of people that Adam had turned into followers of his ideals, but made it an effort to not kill all of the terrorists, leaving some alive so they could be questioned at a later date. A gunshot rang out from above them and blew the blaster out of the hands of a White Fang soldier. The source of the shot was Bella who had climbed up the catwalk with her own rapier in it's revolver rifle mode and had taken up a sniper position. She gave a salute to the Fox who smiled before he slashed the weapon of another White Fang soldier apart.

"At least we don't have worry about these heels getting in the way our fighting." Mordred pointed out, cutting down a White Fang soldier with Weiss's blade. "But I'm guessing that the rest of these assholes probably heard the noise and will be coming this way."

"Lucky for you, there are those outside making their way into hall as we speak." The Fox said, sheathing his lightsaber as the last White Fang soldier fell to the ground. "I am of course, referring to the soldiers with blue highlights on their armor."

At the rear of the concert hall, several commando droids were guarding one of the entrances sealed off by the shutters when one of them had their head pierced by a yellow blade which then started to cut a circle through the shutter. The other commando droids took up positions as the yellow blade carved through the metal before it was literally blasted back into several droids and slammed into the wall. The droids that weren't caught in the blast were then gunned down by a barrage of blaster fire from the clones of the 501st and Fordo while Yang, Rose, March, Ahsoka, Lop, Faye and Zett followed in. "Nice work blasting down the shutter, Yang." March complimented.

"Don't thank me yet, we got some more company coming our way." Yang pointed out, referring to the commando droids and White Fang soldiers heading their way. "Looks like the White Fang isn't as reformed as we thought."

"Take cover!" Fives shouted as the droids and White Fang opened up on them. Blaster and gunfire flew towards them as the four Jedi stood their ground, deflecting blaster fire and slicing through the bullets while their allies used several food carts for cover. "These guys must have taken the party-goers hostage and locked them in the theater. We need to rescue them before the police arrive." The Arc-trooper shouted, throwing a thermal detonator towards the attackers, taking out several of them.

Hevy and Hardcase hadn't brought their rotary cannons with them, but their combat rifles made up for the lack of firepower, cutting down several hostiles before the enemy started to fall back into the concert hall. "We've got them on the run, but don't let your guard down." Fordo told his brothers and allies.

"Move forward!" Rex shouted, waving his pistols as he led the push further into the concert hall, only to stop in the storage room when more commando droids dropped down from above and encircled them. Before Rex could give an order, Faye, Lop, Zett and Ahsoka pushed the droids back with a strong blast from the Force, knocking them down which allowed Rose, March, and Yang to finish the droids off.

They continued to push further into the concert hall before they stopped just short of one of the other ballrooms, where the White Fang and their droid allies had already set up a defensive position using the food tables as cover and the placement for a machine gun which kept them pinned down. "That gun's going to keep us pinned down. We can't even risk moving forward!" Hevy shouted.

"Fives, Hevy, Echo. Go with Faye, Rose, and Lop and try to see if you can flank that gun! The rest of us will keep them busy!" Rex shouted to his brothers. The three Domino Squad members, plus their two Jedi allies doubled back the way they came while Rex, Hardcase, Jesse, Alpha, Kix, Fordo, Ahsoka, Yang and March kept the enemy focused on them.

The machine gun fire subsided as the gunner paused to reload his weapon, which allowed the Rex and the others to move up only to stop when the weapon fire resumed a few seconds and forced them to stop their advance. The bullets pinged off Ahsoka's armor, but the rate of fire still kept them from moving forward.

Ahsoka then had an idea. "Yang, can you fire a sticky bomb from your gauntlets?" She shouted. Yang saw where Ahsoka was going, but she couldn't launch any bombs from her gauntlets unless she got closer to the gun. Lucky for her, March tossed her a thermal detonator which she then threw towards the gun. The grenade wasn't going to land close to the gun, but Ahsoka gave it an extra nudge towards the gun, bouncing a few meters before it stopped and exploded, knocking the gun out just as Faye and her group managed to flank the enemy and fired at them.

"Gun's out! Let's move!" Alpha shouted, firing a grenade from his blasters launcher that sent several enemies flying, some of which ended up landing in some of the food that wasn't touched. Those that remained standing were either gunned down or slashed when rest of the team entered the room. One of the remaining White Fang soldiers was able to get the drop on March, knocking his pistols out of his hands.

"I've always wanted to kill a traitor." The soldier smirked.

"Funny, I don't remember joining a bunch of terrorists." March quipped, raising his left arm to counter a punch from the soldier, then jabbed him in the ribs with his right fist. A series of punches at machine gun speed knocked the wind out of the terrorist before March brought his hands together, bashed them into the terrorist's head before he then grabbed his opponent and tossed them into the salad. "Oh, face first into the salad dish." He chuckled.

Rose had both her swords in hand, parrying the attacks two commando droids that were still functional before she spotted a gap in the droid's defenses. She stabbed her blades into the droids' abdomens and pulled the trigger of her shotgun sword, sending a jolt of electricity into one droid which then spread to the second droid. "I really hate these scrapheaps." She said.

The exit to the ballroom was locked, but not for much longer as Yang drew back her fist and punched the door, planting a sticky bomb on it which then blew the door open allowing the group to move further into the concert hall.

They soon arrived at the main entrance where Galen, Ruby, Blake, Mordred, Artoria and Arthur were pinned down by the White Fang and their commando droids from the second floor. "Guys! We were… Blake? What are you doing here?" Yang asked.

"Can we talk about this later. We've got a situation here." Blake pointed out, firing her pistol at one of the droids. "All you need to know right now is that someone passed along a tip, and I acted on it."

"Take them down!" Fordo shouted as his clone brothers took cover behind some barriers the White Fang had hastily set up while their Jedi allies stood in front of them, blocking enemy fire.

Meanwhile, Weiss, Winter, Whitley, Jacque, and Serra were forced to their knees in the manager's office, surrounded by several White Fang soldiers. "If it's money your after, you won't get a single Lien from me or my company. I am not intimidated by animals such as yourselves." Jacque growled.

"We aren't the villains here, Schnee. The real villains here, are the humans who have oppressed us for far too long. We work in your mines for inadequate pay and in unsafe conditions like slaves who you can easily replace when you have an accident. You count your money while our kind suffers, and you care nothing for us." One of the White Fang soldiers said.

"You humans hunt us for sport, taking what makes us who we are as trophies that you hang above your mantles and say, 'that was a good hunt'. You treat us like animals and freaks, use us for experiments so you can keep us in check like we're all Grimm in faunus skin and don't even bat an eye when you take whatever you want from us." Another said, raising their rifle at Jacque.

"If you're problem is with our father, then leave us out of this." Winter demanded. "My sister and I have nothing but respect for the Faunus. We are not our father."

"You're still Schnee's and all Schnee's cannot be trusted. Your family should have been wiped out in the great war." A third soldier snarled.

"And this is your solution?" Whitley spoke up. "Taking everyone hostage, including children. You claim to be freedom fighters, but all I see are terrorists who are unhappy with the way the world is being run. Perhaps if you applied yourselves to something more productive, the situation would be different." He didn't actually mean any of these words and actually had understood why the White Fang hated his family, resenting his father's actions even more.

"Shut your mouth you little shit!" the soldier said, slamming their rifle into Whitley's face, causing him to fallback into Serra's arms, his face bruised. "Talking is pointless. It's time for you all to die!"

"Master Whitley, stay behind me!" Serra said, playing the part of the maid as the White Fang raised their weapons.

"Go ahead and kill us, you're only going to make things worse for the rest of the Faunus!" Weiss said.

Just as they were about to fire, the door to the office was kicked open and dashing through the door was the Fox who quickly disarmed the White Fang soldiers and rendered them unconscious. "To think, that the Fox of all people, the one who claimed I was oppressing these animals has saved me after targeting my company. It appears you've come to your senses." Jacque said.

"You are not as innocent as you claim to be, Jacque Schnee. You will answer for your crimes when the time comes. All the lives that have been lost by your business ethics will be given the justice they deserve and then they will rest in peace." The Fox said, carving an F into Jacque's suit with his rapier which made the Schnee patriarch growl. He then turned to Jacque's children and the maid. "Your friends have already finished taking care of the rest of the evildoers. The police will be here soon, be sure to tell them what exactly happened."

As quickly as he arrived, the Fox quickly disappeared from the scene as the Ace Ops, Ironwood and the police arrived at the concert hall, taking the surviving White Fang soldiers into custody while the remains of the droids were taken away to be destroyed.

With the issue resolved, the students and troopers returned to Atlas Academy and went their separate ways, except for Ruby and Galen who sat in Team GARM's room. "Well, that wasn't exactly the date we had planned for, but I did have fun." Ruby admitted.

"It would have been better if the White Fang hadn't interrupted our kiss." Galen added, looking at Ruby who was still in her evening gown. "Still, you look beautiful in that dress. For a girl who said she doesn't like wearing heels, you looked like you enjoyed yourself."

Ruby smiled and blushed before suddenly the two of them shared a kiss. "I love you, Galen." She said.

"And I love you, Ruby." Galen added.

However, down in Mantle, Watt's was watching the news and smiled at what he read. "The first part of the plan is complete. Now then, it's time to ruin the Demon Lord's good name." he smiled, before he worked his magic with the systems of Mantle.

And done.

So first off, Bella Jones aka Lady Bella, she's a character I created basing her off an OC I found on DeviantArt. I find a lot of the OC's I see on that sight and some of them have given me a few ideas when it comes to characters. Her semblance, 'Pure Imagination' is not a combat semblance. It's more useful for her magic shows, allowing her to create the props she uses in her shows. Hope you all like her acts and I wonder if any of you recognized the two old men in the theater box.

As for her weapon, it's a rapier combined with the Colt Revolver Rifle and LeMat Revolver. Even if she's an entertainer, she still fights the Grimm.

As for the dresses of Ruby, Weiss, and Winter. I was planning on giving them ballgowns similar to the one Weiss wore in the RWBY/Justice League comics, but after I talked with one of my readers, I figured an evening gown would be better, but the ballgown idea may come back to me.

Now as for their stage outfits, the maid outfit is the one based on the maid figure of Asuna Yuki from SAO. I kind of like things like that, but not in a creeper kind of way. The Bunny Girl outfit, well I just figured I'd roll with it.

So, Ahsoka fought Barriss, 'off-screen' as it were, but I plan on an actual fight between the two later on.

What is Watt's planning on doing to Galen's reputation? You'll find out next chapter when we return to the main story. Until next time, read, review, have a Happy Halloween and pray that nukes don't start flying overhead.