(A/N) I'm back! New year, new chapter!
Let's hope that pattern doesn't hold, but anyways, ASH is done and now I can work on this fic without worrying about the whole timey-wimey shit getting messed up.
Fair warning, though, this chapter may make you a bit angry.
Enjoy :)
Volume Two
Chapter Six – Winds of Change
/-\ Ruby Rose /-\
"Lieutenant," Commander Witherson addressed as we exited Ozpin's office. "come with me." He ordered.
I glanced at the remainder of my exhausted team. "Go back to the room, I'll catch up." They hesitated, but Weiss nodded, turning away and leading Blake and Winter to our room. I followed the Commander to a Pelican which deposited us in the Odinsdottir's hangar. A few minutes later and we found ourselves in a conference room occupied by a single other person, the all-seeing eye of ONI emblazoned on the shoulder of his black trenchcoat.
I snapped a salute. It was always good to play to the ego of a spook; you never know if it could save your ass sometime. He nodded. "Lieutenant." The man addressed in a British accent. "Major Foley, Section One." I nodded, recognizing him as part of the intelligence-gathering branch of ONI; the same as I was. "So, we've found ourselves in quite the difficult situation. You see, this is, for all intents and purposes, a first contact scenario, except it's not. We find ourselves in need of every scrap of data on these… Remnans we can possibly get our hands on, and yet, there are no agents available to me. Except you, of course."
"I believe I can help you with that, sir." I said. "As is standard protocol, I've been compiling reports on my findings over my last few months here. I've written twenty-three reports about everything that's common knowledge here. They're hidden in the wall at a secure location."
He nodded. "When we're done here, I'll send a pair of ONISEC Marines to collect them. Your efforts are very much appreciated."
"And that brings us to the other thing we called you here for." Witherson said. "We've both reviewed your AARs, the one for Operation: BLOOD MOON as well as your perspective from Reach. You've done well."
"We also find ourselves in need of a liaison to Beacon Academy, but a Lieutenant just wouldn't do, would it?" Foley smirked. "Thus, we will be giving you a field promotion to Lieutenant Commander, on the condition you become that liaison, of course."
I nodded. "I'd be happy to, sir."
"That's what I like to hear." Witherson said before handing me a datapad. "We'll send you your assignments through this. I want weekly updates on the situation."
"And I want a list of any intelligence-related contacts you've made during your stay here."
"Your first assignment will be to fulfil one of our obligations to the Headmaster here; he's asked for our best to teach his students how to fight the Covenant. You'll be assisted by an Atlesian Specialist by the name of Winter Schnee; I believe you two have been introduced."
"You can say that…" I said before nodding. "I can handle it, sir."
"Good." Witherson said. "Dismissed, Lieutenant Commander."
I saluted, turned around, and exited the room.
/-\ Weiss Schnee /-\
I sighed as I lay on my bed, staring up at Ruby's bunk above me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my teammate's ear flick. I rolled over, looking at her just sitting next to my bed. "You know, you don't have to sit on the floor." I said.
"Mhmm." She hummed, turning a page of her book.
"…Thanks…"
"Mmm…"
I just stared at her for a moment, watching her calmly read. "I just… don't understand how you can be so calm…"
She turned the page. "Weiss, you're probably handling this better than I am." She sighed, putting the book down. "I'm just curling up on the floor with my novels; running like I always do."
I rolled over, now facing the wall. "But you're still doing what you love. I'm just… laying here."
"So don't."
"But what else could I do?"
She hummed. "Go for a walk, maybe? Couldn't hurt."
My mouth opened, then clicked shut; I didn't have a real reason not to, and I knew it. "I just… I don't know…"
"Hmm?"
I rolled over again, meeting my eyes meeting both hers and her raised eyebrow. "Ugh, fine." I finally relented, getting up and walking to the closet. I didn't really feel like changing out of my sweatpants; they were comfy, and I couldn't care less what the others thought about me at the moment; that also meant my heels were out.
As I was grabbing my tennis shoes, my fingers brushed against the white cloak that had concealed me back on Menagerie. I sighed; I knew I'd never live down that night, and the memory of all the… blood just got clearer and gorier as time went on. I glanced at the row of immaculate outfits I usually wore; the look of the girl who had to be perfect to appease her father.
I'd never be her again, would I?
Making my decision, I grabbed the cloak and threw it over my shoulders. It was warmer than I remembered and strangely comfortable. I headed for the door, glancing back at Blake. "When Winter finally gets out of the shower, tell her I went for a walk."
She hummed in affirmation, already nose-deep in her book when the door flew open. In strode Ruby, an angry frown on her face. She climbed up onto her bunk and groaned. "Fucking Ozpin…" She muttered.
"Please, please don't tell me bad things are happening again…" I said, pinching my nose.
"Fine, I won't tell you." She muttered, her voice slightly muffled by a pillow.
I sighed. "That was rhetorical. What fun thing do we have to look forward to now?"
She stayed silent for a minute. "…Yang's being replaced."
I stood shock still. "…What?" I asked, my voice dangerously low.
She sat up, arms crossed. "I knew he'd do that, but I didn't think it'd be literally the day she died!"
"I can't believe this." Blake said. "First, he hides all the details about the maidens, then he tries to drag my partner into spying on her sister, and now he's replacing her?!"
"After all we went through together…" I let out. "She's just getting replaced?!"
My partner sighed. "He was going to have to replace her at some point. Teams of three aren't allowed, and I sure as hell wasn't gonna let us get split up." She growled. "I just thought he'd have the decency to wait a week or two." She chuckled darkly. "But hey, what's one more pile of shit shoveled into our faces, right? Why the fuck not?"
I rubbed my temples in agitation. "I'm going for a walk." I announced before leaving the dorm. A few minutes later and I stepped onto the roof, a gentle breeze blowing through my let-down hair. I sighed, leaning against the building. I gazed at the shattered moon above us. "I wonder what's up there…" I muttered. "I suppose it can't be any worse than what's beyond it…"
I tugged at my cloak, realizing just how right I was about not being the same girl that stepped off the airship four months ago. I smiled. 'Good,' I thought. 'I was a spoiled brat back then, anyways.'
My eyes trailed down to Vale, and the UNSC frigate hovering above it like a silent guardian. My lips pursed in uncertainty. '…Maybe its time for a change…' I thought. After mulling it over for a second, I nodded and jumped off the roof, sliding down the shingles onto the ground. First stop was the bunker to get some Lien, then I'd go to the city.
After all, what was a better way to show the world I'd changed than getting new combat clothes?
I fidgeted as I exited the airship, having spent a little more than I was hoping. However, that was only somewhat at the forefront of my mind. While I was shopping, my mind drifted back to Yang. While she was the shyest of dolts at the best of times, I will admit that she grew on me.
I sighed, readjusting the duffel bag on my back full of my new clothes, idly noting a Pelican taking off nearby. I squinted as the sun peaked out from the clouds. 'Ugh, now I know how Blake feels when she gets in one of her moods…' I thought.
Suddenly, I heard people shouting. "Huh?" I let out, looking up just in time for a green blur to tackle me to the ground. I panicked, frantically kicking and punching this heavy thing that had me pinned to the ground.
"Friend-Weiss!" I heard the thing say.
I blinked, pausing mid-strike. "…Penny?" I grunted. "Please… get off… me…" I wheezed. Thankfully, she rolled off me as soon as the last word left my mouth, allowing me to gasp for air. And then I was suddenly on my feet again, having been jerked upright by the odd girl.
"Ohmygoshimsosorryithoughtyouweredeadandyourenotohmybrotherswherewereyou?!"
I blinked. "Umm… Valerian, please?"
"That was Valerian, Weiss my friend!" I stared at her for a moment. "Your cloak looks wonderful, by the way! When did you get it?"
"I… would prefer not to talk abou-"
"Penny!" A familiar voice interrupted. I pinched my nose when I realized it was Arc of all people. "Don't run off like that! What if you-"
"Weiss!"
"OOF!" And suddenly I was on the floor again. This time, however, I rolled with the blow and threw Nora off me. Standing back up, I dusted off my cloak. "Seriously, what is it with hyperactive gingers tackling me today?"
"Well…" Pyrrha started. "we did think you were dead, so…"
I blinked. "I was gone for like, two weeks…"
Arc rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, but we didn't hear from you and also your dad said you died."
"Right, how could I possibly forget about that conniving little weasel?" I sighed. "I'm guessing that's the quote-unquote 'official' story he used to disinherit me?"
"Indeed." Pyrrha confirmed. "I'm guessing that isn't what really happened?"
My eyelid twitched. "If it were, you would currently be conversing with a corpse."
Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "…Right…"
I crossed my arms. "The abridged version is that he left my sister and I to die while he fled via a secret tunnel, then disinherited me because I not only found it, but also came home wearing armor."
"Geez, that is low." Nora commented before taking out her Magnhild. "So, when're we breaking his legs?" She asked, not a question of if, but when.
A faint smirk tugged at my lips, but I suppressed it. "As much as I'd like to shatter them into a million pieces, take the SDC back, and throw the golden bust of himself he keeps in the garden off a cliff, there are more important things to worry about." She let out a disappointed whine as her hammer drooped to the ground.
Suddenly, Pyrrha blinked. "Wait, if you're back, does that mean the rest of Team RWBY is here too?"
My shoulders sagged. "…Not all of us…"
Their eyes widened, catching my implication. "Please tell me you're not the only one…" Arc practically begged.
"No. We… we only lost Yang." My head drooped at my wording. "Only." They all stood shock still, not knowing how to respond. I picked up my bag after a few moments. "Look, I… I would just like to go back to my dorm now. Gods, I'm tired."
Pyrrha solemnly nodded. "Take care, Weiss."
/-\ Valkea Khan /-\
I swallowed a lump in my throat as the elevator dinged, the fear that I'd already been discovered ever present as I strode inside. "You… wanted to see me, sir?" I asked, standing at attention as part of my act as an Atlesian student.
Ozpin nodded. "Not to worry, I didn't call you here to punish you." He motioned to a chair next to me. "Please, have a seat." I did so. "There has been a small misfiling; unsurprising given the circumstances. The first matter that needs addressing is which team you'll be on, so I must ask, did any of your teammates… arrive at Beacon?"
I shook my head, having not been contacted yet by any of my brothers or sisters in the White Fang. "I was a lone wolf."
He hummed. "A sensible choice for a markswoman such as yourself, however, the invasion has created too many lone wolves already and as such, you'll be assigned a team." He paused, typing something on his computer. "There is only one team which I feel can make use of someone of your talents, and, unfortunately, they have… lost a member in the confusion. I believe you have already met them."
I blinked. "Another Atlesian team?" I asked, trying to maintain my cover but very nervous I was right.
He shook his head. "Oh no, Team RWBY is based here." He chuckled. "They're not the most… conventional of huntress teams, but that is likely because of their rather varied backgrounds. And with that, I must return to my duties; we will continue the necessary paperwork at a later date. They have already been notified and I've sent the relevant details to your scroll."
I paused in confusion for a few moments before getting up and heading towards the elevator. "Thank you, headmaster."
"Oh, one more thing, Miss Smith." He smirked. "Try not to judge Miss Belladonna for her past, we all make mistakes, after all."
"Umm, yes sir?" I half-asked, wondering if he was always like this, before returning to the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, I let out a sigh of relief; he hadn't discovered me. After the feeling wore off, I pulled out my scroll, exiting the elevator as I looked up where I was supposed to be going in the first place.
Ten minutes later and I stood in front of my destination; room 312 of dormitory B. I lightly knocked at the door, still trying to think of how I would conceal my identity from them. After an agonizingly long minute, the door opened, revealing a tired-looking Cat Faunus. I got the impression that I'd seen her before, but I couldn't place from where.
She glanced behind her, moving aside. "Ruby."
I entered the room, immediately met with the tall woman from the ship. "So you're our new member." She said, eyes appraising me.
"I just found out a few minutes ago." I said, shrugging.
The Faunus hummed, grabbing a book. "I'll be in the library." She said before disappearing down the hall.
I raised an eyebrow. "What's up with her?"
She shrugged. "Don't take it personally, she just doesn't want anyone to fill the shoes you're stepping into. Hell, none of us do, but it was either get a replacement or get split up as a scratch team." She sighed. "I've beenin your position, so I'll give you a chance, but don't expect the other two to be very friendly at first. Especially if you keep wearing that mask everywhere."
"My face isn't exactly the easiest to look at anymore." I said, raising a hand to my red bandana.
"Heh, welcome to the club." She said, lifting her sleeve and exposing a multitude of old scars. Some were orderly, shaped like a circuitboard; others were haphazardly strewn about the appendage, and my experience in the White Fang told me they were from a combination of grievous burns and bullets. "They'll understand if that's your reason." She said, lowering her sleeve back down.
A somewhat awkward silence settled over us as she went back to working on something at her desk. I rocked back and forth on my heels nervously. "So…" I started. "Where should I set my backpack?" I asked, unslinging it from my back.
"Anywhere's fine for now." She said, returning to her work. "That was Blake, by the way; I suppose she's your new combat partner."
I rubbed my head awkwardly as I set my bag down in a corner. "I guess I should try to make nice with her, then."
"Eh, she's distant to most people; just as long as you're not actively fighting, you're probably fine. Oh, I'm Ruby, by the way."
"Valkea K- Smith." I said, catching myself mid-slip.
She shifted slightly but didn't stop what she was doing. "Alright, Valkea, whaddaya do?"
"I snipe." I said. "Ozpin said you're probably the only team that could make use of me."
She tisked. "He's not wrong. We do need an extreme range fighter, though…" She trailed off before grabbing a hammer and banging on her project a few times. "Aaaand finished!" She said, picking up… something.
"What's that?"
"Armor stand." She answered. "Knew I had to hurry this up when I found out we'd get another teammate." She put it down in a corner right next to a standing set of armor; one that was obviously hers and very beat-up. "Mind handing me a few of those pieces?" She asked, pointing towards one of the top bunks.
"Sure." I shrugged, doing as I was told. A few minutes later and an equally beat-up set of golden armor now stood beside her red set.
"This was my sister's, y'know?" She asked. "She's the one you're replacing."
I grimaced. "Oh, uhh… sorry…"
She shrugged. "It's alright; I'm used to people dying." She said, her voice hollow.
Before I could respond, the bathroom door opened. I spun, instinctively reaching for a weapon, but froze when I saw who it was. Before me was a commanding figure, one I recognized from all the stories of raids gone wrong.
Winter. Fucking. Schnee.
I barely managed to shake myself out of my stupor, waving a twitching hand in greeting. "Umm, hey…"
She raised an eyebrow. "Greetings."
"Hey, Winter." Ruby said. "This is Valkea; our new number four. Valkea, this is Winter Schnee; unofficial number five."
She raised an eyebrow. "Really, now? That is a title I was unaware I possessed."
"With you being based in Beacon now and your sister already on the team, I've got a feeling we'll be working together a lot more in the future. Besides, we're both teaching these kids how to keep their pants buttoned up in the Covenant War."
"Not how I would word it, but indeed we are." She strode towards the door. "Regardless, when you see Blake next, tell her thank you for allowing me to borrow a copy of her uniform while I procure a new one."
"No problem." She said.
Winter nodded before exiting into the hallway, leaving us alone.
I stayed silent for a moment, making sure she was well out of earshot. "There aren't going to be any problems between her and I, right?" I asked. She raised an eyebrow, causing me to turn my head sideways and expose the golden feathers on my throat.
"Oh, you're a Faunus." She chuckled. "Nah, Winter was fine with Blake when she found out who she was, and we already moved past that with Weiss; you're good." Suddenly, she took out her scroll, reading it for a moment. "Oh, looks like Ozpin wants to talk about the class I'm teaching. Make yourself at home, I guess. Just don't go through our stuff." She stood up, grabbing a nearby bag and headed out the door.
I sighed as she left, wondering just what the hell I've gotten myself into.
/-\ Ruby Rose /-\
I looked to my left, seeing my new co-professor flex her fingers experimentally. "Still getting used to having both arms?"
"I half-expected to wake up on the ship this morning." Winter sighed. "I went from accepting that I would have to deal with only one arm for the rest of my life to just… having both again. Yes, it will take some adjusting."
"Well, one step at a time, Wyn." Her eyelid twitched. "So, got any idea what you'll be covering?"
"I'm content to allow you to run the class today." She replied.
"Heh, I'll take that as a no, then." She rolled her eyes but regained her composure upon seeing a few students filter into the classroom. I smiled when I saw that the first ones here were the rest of Team RWBY. Well, Weiss, Blake, and Valkea.
'Come to think of it, what's our new team name?' I wondered as we waited for the rest of the students. A minute later and they were all seated. Most of them looked extremely confused, some even looking at the door expectantly. Just before the bell rang, Ozpin entered the room and quietly took a seat at the back.
"So!" I clapped my hands behind my back. "Most of you are probably wondering where the professor for this class is."
"Look no further, for we are they." Winter continued. "Welcome to Counter-Covenant Operations 101."
"People who know me outside of class can still call me Ruby, but in here, I expect to be addressed as Lieutenant Commander Rose, Ma'am, or Spartan."
"And I expect to be referred to as Lieutenant Colonel Schnee, Ma'am, or Specialist."
"Now onto the actual material. We don't have a syllabus yet, because everyone thought we were dead until yesterday," A few students gasped. "but we're working on it." I strode over to the desk in the corner of the room, pulling out my broken helmet and hooking it up to a projector. "So for today, I thought we'd go over the absolute basics of fighting the Covenant."
I nodded to Winter, who shut off the lights with a propulsion glyph on the light switch.
"Lesson one: Keep your fucking aura up at all times, even if you think you're safe." I said, playing the first recording.
"-ccording to Holland, the covvies are still hunting for something."
Kat groaned. "Honestly, where does he get off on calling a demolition op Priority O-"
Several people gasped as they watched my fellow Spartan drop dead through my eyes. I ended the recording just as we started to return fire, then turned back to the class. "That was on Reach, a couple weeks before last semester started here. Covenant were glassing the city, just like Atlas, and we were running for a fallout bunker to wait it out."
"She's right; happened to us too." An Atlesian student said, solemnly. "One second we're running to a Grimm shelter, the next, Kobalt and Ivori are gone."
"I'm sorry, for what it's worth." I said before moving onto my next point. "In the same vein, always watch your six."
Plasmafire covered the screen shortly before I dove into cover, only poking my head up when I heard a shotgun blast come from the MAC emplacement above us.
"Who's next?!" Emile shouted.
Behind him, a Zealot roared, thrusting its sword through his chest before he could react.
"I'm ready! How 'bout you?!" The Spartan shouted, gouging out the Elite's throat before succumbing to his wounds.
Everyone gave me a horrified look, even Winter and Ozpin. "Gotta give the man credit, though. He was one tough Spartan." I said. "It also might be a good idea to avoid energy swords."
"They will cut through your aura like it wasn't even there." Winter said, glancing at her hand. "I've seen it happen before my very eyes…"
I nodded, cuing up an image of Sword Base, the first time around. I was standing on a destroyed section of the base overlooking an SDV-class bombarding the landscape. Emile just shot off a rocket a moment ago, the projectile frozen mid-flight.
"Can anyone tell me what's wrong with this picture?" Blake and Weiss shot their hands up immediately. "Sit tight you two, let someone who hasn't seen this yet give it a shot." They nodded, lowering their hands as the rest of the class stared at the screen in confusion. After a few minutes passed, I finally relented. "Alright. Miss Belladonna, what is wrong with this picture?"
"There's three cloaked Elites on the platform."
"Good. Miss Schnee, why don't you come up here and point them out."
She nodded, getting up from her seat and pointing towards each cloaked Spec Ops Elite. She then sat back down. "Let's see if you're right." I said, hitting the play button.
My DMR boomed, revealing one of the Elites right where Weiss said it would be. It took only moments for me to dispatch the other two. They'd since moved from where my partner pointed them out to be, but they were still close enough to where it wasn't an issue.
"The reason I bring this up is because sometimes those cloakers can have energy swords. Look for any distortions in the air, and if you're with a Faunus who has an ear trait, they should be able to hear them faintly. Hingeheads are light on their feet, but they're still eight feet tall and several hundred pounds."
I paused, waiting for any questions. "Alright, that's a good enough segue, let's talk about each of the Covenant races and how to kill them effectively…"
/-\ Emanuel Witherson /-\
I strode out of my Pelican, my arrival coinciding with General Ironwood's. I gave him a nod of acknowledgement, which he returned as we both strode into the Vale Council building. Once inside, a pair of Valerian troopers escorted us to a small-ish conference room where three people awaited us; one man and two women. My eyes flicked to one woman's beaver tail, still not used to the whole 'Faunus' thing yet, before reverting to meet their eyes.
"Councilman Rowe," Ironwood greeted. "Councilwomen Solas and Lazu."
"A pleasure, gentlemen." Rowe said. "Your guards may wait outside." I nodded, waving my hand to send my two ODSTs on their way, joined by both the Atlesian and Valerian troopers a moment later. "My apologies there are only three of us, but as the good General is aware, Councilmen Quinn and Azure were in Atlas renegotiating a trade deal at the time of the attack."
"My sympathies, councilmen." I said.
"Thank you, please take a seat." He said. "While it is tragic, we must begin the proceedings. You have the floor, Commander."
"Thank you, Councilors. My crew and I have made the decision to stay on Remnant for the foreseeable future, but that leaves the question of where we shall base our operations. I propose that we be given the area, both land and sea, around the crash site of the UNSC vessel Road Paved With Red up to a distance of ten miles. In exchange, we will offer both a military alliance as well as technical assistance in improving Valerian military equipment."
Councilwoman Lazu blinked, her tail swishing slightly behind her. "That seems to be a remarkably fair deal, Commander, considering your previous deal with Ozpin has already taken effect. I motion to accept the terms."
"Denied." Rowe said, the other woman following moments later.
I raised an eyebrow. "Might I ask why, Councilors?"
"Because doing so would be mean a golden opportunity for the both of us will be missed."
I frowned. "If you are to suggest annexation-"
"I do not, Commander." He replied, coolly. "While I have been made aware of your people's… situation, I simply mean to kill two birds with one stone." He smiled. "As you well know, the city of Vale proper has become rather overpopulated as of late. If a few thousand could be given a safe and secure place elsewhere to thrive, it would be better for all of us."
"That makes sense, what is your actual proposal?"
He clasped his hands together. "I propose we give the option to settle in your new territory to some of the… less fortunate Atlesians who have come here."
I hummed. "While the idea does have some merit, I'm afraid we can't provide for that many people during the initial setup phase."
"Oh, that will not be a problem. The Valerian Frontiers Association, a council-sponsored organization, oversees all the logistical needs of settlement construction. We're merely asking you to provide protection once the initial phase is over."
I raised an eyebrow. "And what about after the settlements are constructed? Will they be Valerian exclaves within UNSC territory, or will the land still be ours? That also brings up the question of foreign nationals on our soil."
He smiled. "Ah, there seems to be a miscommunication, Commander. I fully intend for them to become your citizens and your settlements after they are completed."
Ironwood cleared his throat. "Don't I get a say in that? They're Atlesian citizens, after all."
"With all due respect, General, Atlas does not exist anymore." Councilwoman Solas said, finally speaking up.
His fist clenched and it looked like he was about to verbally bite her head off, but after a deep breath, he relaxed in his chair once more. "…Carry on…" He said, resigned.
"Before I make a decision, I would like to discuss it with my subordinates. Can you please have it written down by the time I leave?"
"Of course, Commander. We wouldn't want to make any impulsive decisions; take as much time as you need. We will move onto the General's proposal." Rowe said. "Actually, seeing as the region now has significance beyond 'a forest in the Bar province', I think we will need a proper name for it. Do you have any ideas?"
I thought for a moment, putting my living hand up to my chin. After a small amount of deliberation, a smile crossed my face. "Reavia."
/-\ Ruby Rose /-\
"You called for me, Headmaster?" I asked, striding into his office.
"Yes. Have a seat, Miss Rose." He smirked. "Or should I call you Lieutenant Commander?"
I shrugged, taking one of the two seats in front of his desk. "Either is fine. I just wanted the students to take me seriously."
"Well, I imagine that won't be an issue after the rather extensive knowledge you displayed on Covenant anatomy. Or rather, Covenant evisceration."
"I mean, it isn't any different from Port teaching us how to kill Grimm, is it?"
"Indeed it is not, I was merely pointing out the fact that you seem to have a talent for it. Please do refrain from being too violent in the future, though, we wouldn't want the students to attract any Grimm with their shock."
"I left out the more gory parts." I said.
He chuckled. "Not even my morbid curiosity is enough to ask you to elaborate on that subject."
"Well, you do have something that's piqued my curiosity." I said. "Why did you replace Yang so early?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Not the question I would've expected, though I imagine now that you know why I've replaced her in the first place." I nodded. "Good. The answer to your actual question, however, is quite simple. Miss Smith is a… delicate situation, and I fully believe your team is the only one capable of handling her should things go awry."
I crossed my arms. "And what do you think is going to happen?"
"I believe things will turn out for the best, especially with your team composition. With your background, I am certain that you've picked up on some… oddities with her behavior." Suddenly, the elevator behind us dinged. "Ah, Miss Nikos. Have a seat."
"I'm guessing you didn't call me up to talk about my first class, then." Instantly switching the subject once we were no longer alone.
"Indeed not, Miss Rose. Though it is a subject I will more than happily discuss, we have more pressing matters at this time." He paused. "I will cut to the chase, however. Do you know of the Maidens, Miss Nikos?"
She blinked. "…I'm sorry?"
"The Maidens; the heroines from the Story of the Seasons."
"Oh. Umm… yes, I am familiar with them, but what does this have to do with… well, anything?"
He nodded. "Very well, we shall explain on the way."
"Where are we going?" I asked.
He didn't look back as he strode towards the elevator, us in tow. "You may have been informed of the Maidens' existence, and even how new ones are born, Miss Rose, but you are not aware of our current… predicament. Come, our colleagues await us in the vault."
(A/N) And it looks like Ozzie's moving his own plans forward, along with a few new minor characters putting their pieces on the board. And to preempt people who may ask "Why is Ozpin suddenly including Ruby in the Maiden talks?" it's because he's realized that keeping secrets from her is kinda like pissing in the wind; useless, counterproductive, and makes a mess.
A lot of people are probably going to have a problem with me putting Valkea on Team RWBY, but honestly, I think that's what Oz would do in this situation. Also, if you have any suggestions for their new team name, I'd like to hear it. I came up with RWVB (Groovy), but I feel like there's gotta be some better combo out there.
Anyways, I'm somewhat changing how the review responses work from here on out. Basically, I'll only put the guest reviews down here now since I actually can't respond to them any other way. I'm doing this because there are so many reviews to get to that I just don't want to pad out the word count by responding to so many down here. Unless people want me to keep doing it. I'm completely okay with that, I just don't want you guys to go "holy shit, a 12k word chapter!" only to find out that 6k is just review responses. A bit hyperbolic, but the point stands. Anyways, let's get to it!
Guest 001 said – "You answered my question about her Scythe, but not her armor! Will you fix it with the wand of Creation!?"
Nope. I forgot to mention that the wand can only affect biological beings. Interesting thought spiral: would it be able to touch a Huragok?
Guest 002 said – "What UNSC aircraft was that!?
During the evacuation of the city, the ones Valkea describes as 'fighters' are Hornets, whereas the 'bus-like' ones are a combination of Albatrosses (Albatrosi?) and Pelicans.
Guest 003 said – "The UNSC AIRSHIP THAT TOOK OUT THE DEATHStalker, what vehicle was it!?"
Ah, that one. That was the UNSC Odinsdottir using its point defense guns. If you're wondering which class of ship that was, it was a Charon-class light frigate.
Guest 004 said – "Who is the "nutcase" that Ironwood was referring too!?"
Cordovin. You can't tell me a special operative is required to guard that place when they have a Jaeger on duty, hence, even Ironwood thinks she's a nutcase.
Guest 005 said – "How does Team RWBY know that Ozpin has something planned for Pyhrra!?"
Because Ruby broke into his office early on and read through his files like the good little ONI operative she is.
Guest 006 said – "What does "folioid" mean!?"
That was me being a wordsmith. It comes from the word "foliage", which refers to a plant's leaves. So yeah, sentient (probably not sapient, though) plants fighting Grimm. I thought it was cool.
Wolfgang said – "Gentlemen (puts his arms over Greentheryno and Red October's necks) why settle for a meat cleaver or cheese grater when you can go all out! (gesture's towards a sickle,crowbar,chainsaw, various surgical tools Electric chair Brass knuckles Etc). Remember those fic's I recommend to you what did you think of them when you were reading them and did it give you ideas for this fic,for me they were quite decent.
And finally this fic is getting more intense by every chapter and i can't wait for the next one keep up the good work."
Sorry to keep you waiting so long, but yeah, I don't remember what fics you were talking about anymore. Sorry.
Firewyrm said – "I'm pretty sure now that the relics in this story can be explained as highly advanced technology. I have no explanation for the maidens and magic, but it is possible for them to be technology based, remember that the Precursors are advanced enough to create life so who knows what else their technology is capable of (I also theorize that the relics may be connected to the Mantle of Leadership). Honestly, I also feel that Halo and magic shouldn't mix sense Halo has the third most advanced technology (after Star Wars and Doctor Who)."
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." – some guy.
Yeah, Idk who said that, but you're right in that it can be applied to this story. The RWBYverse and Haloverse haven't really mixed that much until now, though. I do have an alternate origin story in mind for the mystical aspects in the RWBYverse, but it isn't like other fics I've seen where Salem is just straight-up a Precursor or something; it is still mystical, just a bit muddled.
Also, pretty sure 40k's Dark Age of Technology Humanity would win against just about any other franchise, considering they were so advanced that they made the Orkz (ORKZ!) piss themselves in fear.
And that's it for the reviews! Again, lemmie know if you like the new style or want me to bring back the old one.
Until then, I'll wish you a happy new year and bid you adieu until 'Insurgent' drops, the next chapter.
