Recon Mission Goal
Remnant. An unknown dimension that has recently been connected to earth through unknown means. Though it has been theorized this has occurred because of Van Kleiss and his portal, there is no evidence for that.
Regardless, upon detection of the portals located in Japan and the ocean, both were immediately studied on. Through the portal in Japan is more difficult to study due to the abnormal amount of Grimm flowing out of the portal. Particularly, the Hound as it led the Grimm in Japan.
When the portal in the ocean was discovered, drones and satellites were positioned to study it. Where upon investigation, it's been discovered of another group entering earth.
They are from another world known as Remnant. Which bears some similarities to earth, yet with many differences. Dust, Grimm, aura, are the things they have in common. Landmass, history, and war differ to the point where it has been decided that Remnant is not some parallel version of earth. Instead, it is another world where it eerily has these similarities that made some scientists question why it does.
To answer these questions, many hidden drones have been sent to see just what it is that make Remnant different.
It had been a small recon team with stealth drones. Being sent out to view the other world, to see what it had. Granted, they didn't see much but to be fair, the stones were sent to a snowy wonderland with not much in it.
Although they did see soldiers and an outpost with some of their technology being seen. Nothing too impressive, but still practical and their soldiers were well trained. The drones then kept continuing on and on attempting to find anything of interest. Only a few Grimm were spotted and mainly just snowy hills for quite a while. That is until they then saw it.
At a distance away, while tough to see in detail, the drones discovered an entire city floating in the air. Again, an entire city.
Those naturally watching through the drones were frankly surprised by this. Now, it wasn't as if they didn't have their own floating buildings. But a floating city was a completely different matter. To allow such great mass to float hundreds to thousands of meters in the air without apparent problem is not an easy fact. More so since not even earth had that much Gravity Dust to allow it, not to mention how unsafe that would be,
To figure this out and get a good look at civilization in this world, the drones were commanded to fly towards the city. Get all sorts of information to see just what is going on here and get any details of this world.
Then, the portal was closed.
"What! It's gone?" Ironwood shouted, as he heard the news from the man who's more or less been their guide here since Ironwood and his Ace-Ops arrived in this new world. Now being told that the portal to Remnant has just vanished away. "What do you mean it's gone?"
"It's just gone, okay." The man sighed as he repeated himself. "Look Ironwood, about three minutes ago while the ship was re-entering the atmosphere, I got contact that the portal just vanished. Poof. Gone. Just like that."
"Then that means…" Ironwood's eyes told the rest of his sentence. As if trying to avoid the answer that would have left his lips, but didn't want to admit it. Because in doing so, then acceptance of the new situation he's in will slam into Ironwood like a truck. And most people didn't take getting hit by a truck all that well.
Effectively, Ironwood and his group is trapped here in their world.
'On the bright side, at the very least they're not criminals.' The man tried to find the silver-lining here. Figuring that at least these newcomers weren't criminals, and were just soldiers and warriors. Soldiers and warriors now away from their home and whatever trouble that's on it. Especially since if he and the others in the know-how are right, there's a Fallen in that world known as Remnant.
'Still though,' The man then thought as he narrowed his eyes. 'Why did the portal close?'
According to the scientists who were studying it, the portal was relatively stable. No signs of causing long-term damage. The fixing points to both worlds caused no harm to the universe. Heck, that portal could have stayed open for a hundred years and there'd be no real consequence other than the risk of a bad guy finding it. Which means either some predertimed event occurred that caused the portal to close…
Or someone closed it without their knowledge.
The man sighed, deciding not to think too hard on that second theory and just focus on the now. Particularly with Ironwood, who is now leaning on the wall looking uncertain and a bit unwell. Not that Ironwood could be blamed. After all, he probably had people back home, and since he mentioned he's a general that meant he's a defender of his home.
"You know," The man then spoke up. "While this closure of our worlds is unexpected...that doesn't mean there isn't any hope for you to go back home."
Ironwood looked at him. Hope could be seen in his eyes that seemed conflicted. The man decided to explain a bit to calm the man down. "Look, I'm not making any promises." Especially since promises can be broken so easily, especially in this age. "However, I know that there is technically a portal operational."
"Van Kleiss, as you mentioned." Ironwood said, as he realized what this man was saying. Recalling their earlier talk of the man and how he kept screwing this world over. Oh how the man hoped that when the battle's done, someone will record his defeat. That'll be epic.
"That's right." A nod is the reply. "While that portal will be shut down due to the risk it makes, maybe it can also be used to send you and all the others brought here back. And if not, there are other ways."
"Your world can access the multiverse?" Ironwood said, rather impressed.
"Oh heavens no." The man then laughed. "I mean, yes there are some, some, people who can create links to other worlds. But those are far and few inbetween." Not to mention the risk of accessing other worlds could create the problems earth has now. After all, tampering with space-time is always a recipe for disaster.
"I see." Ironwood felt himself relaxing a bit. "At the very least, there's a possible way back home." Not all hope was lost. "Though," Ironwood turned to the man. "If possible, can you not tell the others this. I feel like I should do it."
"If you're sure." Better Ironwood do it anyway, they'll take it better from someone they know. "Still, at the very least I can show you around. Maybe meet Sebben himself, as he knows quite a lot of how this world runs and it's secrets."
"Sounds like an interesting man." Ironwood chuckled, feeling like Sebben gave an image like another man he knew.
"Oh he is." The man grinned. "Sebben is many things, and he's certainly a person that can be counted on. Of course with so many villains and monsters around, it's up to other groups and organizations to help him out." The man then brought up a tablet. "For example, the organization I work with will be cooperating with the military to ensure the people of Nowhere are properly evacuated when the battle with Van Kleiss comes." Take them away from the army of Grimm that was about to reach Van Kleiss.
"Sounds like an ordeal."
"Oh it is." Not to mention a vast pain in the neck. Getting the new temporary homes set up, getting the headcount, stopping the media from snooping in. "Still, that's the job we signed up for. So no point in complaining."
"I understand the feeling." Ironwood said. "Still, for the time being, what will be done with the others and I?" Hm, Ironwood made a point. The plan was just to show him and the Ace-Ops of their world and maybe trade information. The man and his group certainly wanted to know more of Remnant and what potential possibilities it could give their world. Then afterwards, send them back to Remnant with no trouble at all. Well, until the portal vanished which wrecked it.
As such, the man didn't really know how to address this new problem. Still, he needed to answer and decided just to help them out a bit. "For now, I suppose you and your group can stay here on this ship for now." He told Ironwood. "Maybe afterward we can send you to Grimmfall, where you can talk to Sebben." Grimmfall's mayor has already spoken to many of the other displaced dimensional beings, so why not another group. Of course that should only be done after the fight in Nowhere.
"Then I'll thank you for letting us stay." Ironwood couldn't say he was all pleased though. While grateful he and his allies weren't about to be left out at sea or be homeless, that didn't mean he's happy that as of now, they're trapped in a completely different dimension. After all, that meant Atlas was now without a general, and the entire kingdom now open for Salem to take over.
'Unless this...time difference the man spoke of is slower in Remnant.' Honestly, Ironwood didn't really understand much about that part. Just that the man mentioned that maybe their world's time ran differently than the other, but it was no guarantee. There was just so much to worry about, especially Amity Tower.
That's not even mentioning how the Ace-Ops along with the Polendia's will react. He knew that Winter will be upset by this. While she was mostly stoic, she did have feelings that were just within. Especially if it involved family, such as her sister Weiss. Plus he knew Robyn Hill was taking supplies for Amity. Combined with how the military and council will react with his disappearance, well...things weren't going to end well.
Still, thanks to the man at least Ironwood was given hope that they might be able to go back home. 'Though…' Ironwood then realized something. 'Just what is the man's name?' It just came to the general that he didn't even know the man's name. He's just been referring to him as the man this entire time.
Ironwood turned to ask the man's name, only to find him gone. "Uh. I guess I can ask him later." For now, he needed to think of a way to tell the Ace-Ops and the others that they weren't going back to Atlas anytime soon. At least there's one good thing that's come from this mess.
No Salem here at all.
"Just a few more days before the entire army of Grimm is at Nowhere. Already evacuations are underway."
Salem paid close attention to the news, smiling. It brought her slight joy to see how people would panic in the face of the Grimm. Sure they weren't her Grimm, but they were Grimm nonetheless. Not to mention Tyrian is on his way to Nowhere and would soon get the information needed on the portal to head back home. Salem has even made some...allies, so to say here.
From Dark Kat to even that girl who called herself Nyx. Not that she trusted them, especially the latter. The feeling she gave off was similar to Salem, yet worse. Not to mention that as a being who excelled in manipulating humans, she can tell about a person's own emotional state. That Nyx girl gave off feelings of contradiction.
'So long as we don't bother each other, then the small deal we made will be beneficial.' Salem then thought as she then saw her Seer coming towards her. It seems Watts has a message for her. "What is it doctor?"
The Seer showed Watt's face along with the background. A lab of sorts apparently, where mechanical parts can be seen around here and there. "Just came to give you an update madam. Of the portal."
"Go on." Salem urged him.
"I have most of the parts we need, and I've already started on supplying the energy." Watts grinned as he then stepped to the side revealing none other than Edel's little pearl. Particularly how it was being siphoned of it's unique energy from the power Krunk wielded. "I'm still using Dust, but this energy is...Amazing!" Watts laughed. "This is but a miniscule sample to the one you faced, and yet it's potential is vast and incredible."
Watts was quite excited when he saw what Edel had to show. Normally calm, he became excitable and actually begged Salem to have Edel to study the energy in the pearl. The only reason Edel even parted with the pearl is because both Salem told her and because if she recklessly released that energy, things would go boom.
"Yes doctor, how nice." Not that Salem really cared for the science Watts was explaining. Just of its uses for her own cause. "Will this help with the portal though?"
"Indeed." Watts nodded rapidly. "I just need to siphon off the rest of this n=energy carefully, do some more tests and everything will be perfect." If it came down to it, this unique energy can be used to power the portal. As while Dust was useful, Watts discovered back when he was making the portal, it took an enormous amount of Dust to keep the portal open and stabilized. Only managing to complete the portal thanks to the mass reserves Salem had in the Darklands.
But if Watts can study this energy carefully, that can all change.
The portal wouldn't need the ludicrous amount of Dust, and just this energy would be fine. Not to mention the weapons he could make out of it. Watts could only fantasize what destructive weapons he can make out of that.
"How good." Salem said as she then had the Seer go. "Just keep up the work."
"Yes madam." Then like so, Watts was gone.
"At least progress is being made." Salem said as she turned back to the news. Information is power, and she needed to know just what was going on in this worlds present day to keep ahead in the game. Granted, most of the news was of no interest to her and most just mundane. Salem considered turning it off when suddenly, she saw it.
"What we have may be disturbing to some viewers." She had changed the channel to another news station, one that then went to reveal an image she couldn't even believe was here. "Viewer discretion is advised, and what we have has caused mass social topic of questioning just what Grimm are or can do."
The picture then shown was replaced by a video.
One of a hero called E-Male, facing a new type of Grimm. One with it's 'face' revealed to the world. One with faunus features, overshadowed by the falling skin and ooze coming off of him. With the most interesting part however, are it's last words.
"Must...Fine...Salem…"
The reporters kept on talking, but Salem ignored and tuned everything else out. Because now, she was grinning.
"Interesting." Up until now, she thought it was just her and her closest cohorts in this world. But to think her experiment was here. Not to mention the news showed two individuals she knew belonged to Cinder. "Hm, Japan is a bit far." But if it was just one Grimm...
Closing her eyes, Salem concentrated greatly.
Then, with a single word she said one thing.
"Come."
It's been hours since the helicopter landed. Mercury and Emerald sleeping in for the night after that great disaster. Sleeping...as far away from the Hound as they could. Because after seeing that face, both naturally became wary of it and ensured they locked the helicopter doors tight while doing their best not to think about the Hound and what was beneath it.
Didn't help that they were practically wanted by this point.
Either way, for the time being both just didn't want to be near the Hound until much later.
Crash!
So it came to a shock to them both when the Hound ripped the helicopter doors and grabbed them both.
"Shit!" Mercury shouted, actually fearful now as the Hound's grip on them was unremovable. "It has us! It has us!"
"Let us go!" Emerald said with terror. Wondering if maybe the Hound was trying to devour them.
"Go.." Instead, it just spoke to them. "Go...to Salem." Then like so, it flew off with both of them in tow.
It seems things were doing pretty well. Until the end part where at last we return to Salem after all these chapters and calling out to the Hound. Not to mention Watts getting into something shady.