[LAKEY INSPIRED – A New Year]
残り:四の影/ Remnant's Four Shadows
Grand Finale Part 2: Things Change, I Changed
[Patch]
"I gave you a chance, Summer. But I'm done." Raven said firmly.
"And what does that mean, Raven?" Summer said hotly.
"I'm done letting you edge me out. You've been doing it since you came back." Raven said before whirling on Taiyang, Vernal, and Qrow. "And you three fuckers let her do that!"
"Now, that's not what's been happening." Taiyang said trying to keep the peace.
"I'm sorry that you must be distracted with all that pussy Summer's been really eager to throw at you to keep you blind and complacent." Raven snapped. "And Qrow, I guess even fucking Vernal can't stop you from simping over Summer."
Qrow rolled her eyes.
"Don't you give me that. You saw her edge me out when I tried to change, and you did nothing!" Raven snapped before turning to Vernal. "And I taught you better!"
"Raven, you didn't change, nor did you teach her anything. You're just deflecting just to save your own ass." Summer shot back.
"That's rich. You didn't change either. Even after spending ten years frozen, you're still the manipulative jackass with a hero complex." Raven shot back. "At least I was actively defending Tai, my kid, and yours from the shadows while hiding the Maiden powers from Salem while you were 'dead'. Tai doesn't even how many times I've checked on Ruby and Yang to subtly nudge her away from danger during and after his depressive episode."
Taiyang was surprised to hear that last part.
"At the end of the day, things changed…I changed. So Summer, goodbye…and go fuck yourself." Raven said before leaving through the portal.
[-]
[Rockshore West, Las Venturas, State of Old San Andreas]
Raven took a deep breath grateful to be back at her new home. She never expected it to be a medium-end house in a gambling town in the desert but considering her job…it was a prime location. She did not feel the need to tell Summer, Tai, Vernal, or Qrow that she was a part of the military now. Being a former Maiden had perks, namely allowing you to get work for the Maiden Defense Force. Raven had to admit that she never expected to even be a part of the military, but things were different. Raven had eagerly accepted the job. Chief Warrant Officer IV Branwen had a nice ring to it. Tempted as she was too brag about it to Summer, Tai, Vernal, and Qrow…she refrained wanting to simply cut them out of her life to start fresh.
She looked to her phone and was about to call…only to resign to sending a text.
[-]
[Garcia, San Fiero, State of Old San Andreas]
Yang found herself with a dream job. She owned an auto-repair and modification shop for motorcycles and off-road rides downtown, in a city that lived for racing and was a bridge away from rough terrain, meaning she got plenty of business. On top of owning a motorcycle dealership not too far away, she even had a decent house in Juniper Hollow she could call her own. At the moment, she sat in the local baseball park on a bench waiting for the others to show up as she looked at the text she got from Raven…wanting to see her sometime soon and giving her an address.
"Sorry, we took so long." Blake said arriving with Ruby with bags of food from Burger Shot.
"It's cool. Where's Weiss?" Yang said as a taxi to pull up as Weiss got out. "Never mind then."
"Somehow, my family situation is better and worse at the same time." Weiss remarked.
"How? Your folks finally get a divorce?" Yang asked.
"Yes. My father took his share of the money to open a casino in Las Venturas. Winter's still in the military…Whitley's running the SDC." Weiss said. "Somehow, I'm a travel vlogger alongside my mother."
"Travel vlogger?" Yang asked in confusion.
"It's more of an excuse for her to live through her mid-life crisis." Weiss snarked before relaxing. "But she is making strides to make this a mother/daughter thing and spend time with me. Better than her being depressed and sulky all the time. Even my father is trying to make amends."
"I mean, that's still pretty cool. You get to travel all around the world, and your parents are trying to change for the better." Ruby said. "I've decided to become Chronoa's apprentice…full time. Being that Yuki's a god now…and his teammates are with him, I'm the only time herald she has left. And I felt that I couldn't just hang up Crescent Rose completely unlike you guys."
"So, you'll be hanging out with those worshippers of hers in their base of operations under Gant Bridge?" Yang asked.
"They see me as a Saint. Really weird to be called St. Rose." Ruby said. "They even put money together to get me a house in Ocean Flats. It was weird enough to be worshipped by those silver eye worshippers…and they sent me a check with money for living expenses."
Yang took her food from Blake before unwrapping the burger to bite into it.
"So, about our vacation plans?" Yang asked.
"About that. My mother's planning to start off her tour of the USR with the Old State of San Andreas. She's back at Old Los Santos at a hotel room. We're there to tour the racing scene in LS first." Weiss said. "You guys could join us."
"You don't even have to ask." Yang said excitedly.
"We may not be a huntsmen team anymore, but at least we're still friends." Ruby said sipping her soda.
"More like a sisterhood. You guys are the sisters I wish I had." Blake remarked. "But are you going to be able to come with us on our vacation?"
"For the first part of it…I won't be able to tour all of Old San Andreas, I do have to see Chronoa to start training with her soon. But I want to make the most of it! Let's go enjoy ourselves." Ruby said eagerly hyping them up.
[-]
[Area 69, Bone County, State of Old San Andreas]
The military base was hosting the Maidens bar Serena for a daily medical checkup. Fria and Isis were being rather eager to get it over with to get out of the base and go on. Amber was with the doctor for her checkup as Raven was in uniform doing guard duty.
"Specialist Branwen."
Raven turned to see Chronoa in the doorway.
"Quite the surprise that you're military now." Chronoa said walking up.
"Supreme Kai of Time." Raven said uniformly.
"Please, that's not needed. I need to discuss something with Isis and Fria." Chronoa said gesturing for Raven to wait outside. "Now."
Raven moved out of her way, quite willing to do so closing the door behind her. Chronoa got out two small spheres to give one to Fria and Isis. In their hands, the spheres glowed before turning to ash.
"What happened to Team CASL?" Isis asked. "Why was my memory tampered with?"
"It wasn't just you. Someone interfered and took CASL away. In the process, attempting to erase everyone's memory. Whoever did it succeeded save for a few people and the time heralds." Chronoa remarked as Isis punched a wall.
Fria's face was one of a cold anger as frost formed on the spot she stood on.
"I'm investigating, but I'm finding more things to question. CASL was an unnatural addition done by an unknown party. I don't know how whoever did this was able to get this under my nose." Chronoa said furiously. "What I do know is there's a connection to the original timeline Team YUKI came from."
"Do you need our help?" Isis asked.
"No. At least not now." Chronoa said. "Right now, I got Ruby as my apprentice and Toriel's backing me. I'll keep you both informed, but I'm keeping the investigation team small for now. If it's one benefit to all of this…I used the distortion to give some people a second chance at life."
She simply took her leave to allow Raven to re-enter as Amber came out of the doctor's office.
"I miss anything important?" Amber asked.
"No…not really." Fria lied.
Chronoa left the base before teleporting away given the place had a 'no teleporting in or out' rule.
[-]
[The Executive Palace of Power, Midway, USR]
Midway. A fitting name given it was the heart of the USR being where most of the politicians that came through its bridges and tunnels that connected it to the other states of the United States of Remnant. One could call it the post-modern Mantle…as least for those who remember Mantle. And Ozpin stood in charge of it all as the President, though he shook his head at what the presidential house was called. The Executive Palace of Power sounded right from a cheesy cartoon, and he had a sneaking feeling that it was Ivory who chose the name.
"I can't believe I'm basically king again." Ozpin said adjusting his tie.
"President, Ozpin." Glynda said adjusting her glasses.
"Same thing." Ozpin grunted sitting on his desk.
Glynda was sitting on a chair with a pondering look on her face.
"I always wanted to be in government, thinking I could do so much good. I got my wish…but as second-in-command to you…again." Glynda said, annoyed. "Vice-President? Give me a break."
"At least you get the least work, I have to figure out how to run this country, manage relationships with the countries of this world, and not look incompetent so I don't get bricks through my window!" Ozpin said as Salem came into the room. "Salem?"
She had look of complete peace on her face. Joy so infectious that made her look bright despite the goth look she had.
"They're waiting for us." Salem said excitedly. "Come on, Oz. You and Glynda have been working all day…take some time off for lunch."
She practically dragged the two out of the room with Ozpin wonder what got her so happy. They were taken to the dining room where four preteen girls were sitting at the table. They found have been wearing modern clothes and hairdos, but Ozpin never forget the faces of his daughters: Isabella, Elizabeth, Ami, and Megumi.
Salem looked over the moon, while Ozpin stood like a gaping fish.
"Dad…you look like you've seen a ghost." Isabella said raising an eyebrow. "Are you going to stand there or are you going coming to eat?"
"Dad's just glad we're getting his favorite dessert." Megumi said innocently.
"Yeah…sure." Ozpin said taking a seat.
Glynda simply looked on at Ozpin before taking a seat herself. Salem seemed fine with it…so Glynda went along with it.
[-]
[Atlas, USR]
If Ironwood was grateful for anything, it was Penny opting to stay with the Atlas Military instead of going to work for XanTech. Being an envoy between the nation's military and the private company, Chief Warrant Officer III Polendina would be on her way to climbing the ranks. Though, Ironwood saw fit to give her as much guidance as possible. For when he was going to step down, it was either going to be her or Winter taking charge.
"General of the Armies." He said to himself sitting in his office in thought.
That was apparently his new rank putting him right under Ozpin in the chain of command in government. He was not complaining at all giving the pay, benefits, and not having to worry about the Grimm or Salem. He could put up with dealing with other countries. People could be reasoned with, he thought.
"General." Winter said coming into the office.
"Winter, there's no need for that at the moment. After all, I can call you General Schnee as well." Ironwood said cheerfully.
One could say they were on near equal ground now as Winter revealed a celebratory bottle of champagne with a pair of glasses.
"I'm looking forward to the space program. Getting to explore the stars." Winter said pouring the two a glass.
"Certainly. And we'll be ready for anything that comes." Ironwood said taking a glass. "I'm just grateful I don't have to deal with Camilla as a councilwoman. Running Fabled Division is a government black ops program…is a full-time job."
"And she'll have to deal with the FIB and the IAA." Winter said taking hers. "On top of us, the president, and Azure."
"True, but she deserves a challenge." Ironwood snarked before taking a sip. "Speaking of which, how's your family doing?"
"Divorced. And my youngest brother is running the family business. My father's running a casino in Las Venturas. And my mother and sister…are travel vloggers." Winter said with a bit of confusion on the last part. "And I'm getting calls from both parents to spend time with them. My father wants to celebrate me making general!"
Ironwood looked surprised, but this 'reboot' had given some people a matter of self-reflecting to improve. Walking out of the Atlas Academy at the ground level, Elsa and Jase looked back at the place. Both were in a bit in disbelief that they were no longer prisoners of the country that Atlas once was, let alone a part of it's military.
"You know, you two sure you want to retire from the military so early? You do have a career ahead of you." Clover said as Elsa snickered.
The two turned to see the Ace Ops had come to see them off.
"Pretty sure considering I'm going to be a mother soon." Elsa said. "Besides, military still isn't for me."
"Fabled Division's head honcho pegged us for a job." Jase remarked as Harriet raised an eyebrow.
"Not to join her group, a job of private matters. It pays well and its easier work, so we took it." Elsa said. "We'll miss you guys."
"Maybe if the kid grows up, we could return." Jase teased. "Be seeing you."
The couple got on their personal airship before taking off leaving Atlas Academy behind. As they were in the air, Jase called up Camilla.
"Miss Cadmus." Jase said putting her on speaker. "So, what exactly is this personal job you want us for?"
"My daughter. She's moving down south to the Viceroy State to help her friend, Flynt Koal, start up a café down there. I recommended her some people for staff…and that's where you two come. While you're working there, you keep an eye on my daughter." Camilla said simply. "And function as independent contractors for some jobs I'll have for you."
"Independent contractors? I like the sound of that." Elsa said. "As long as you pay, we'll happily take your jobs."
As the ship left Atlas, one was coming in. The Schnee Dust Company saw a few changes, now being a company that dealt in mining and space exploration. A lucrative contract with the government and a partnership with XanTech made the company thrive, and it made Whitley was a very rich man. He sat out in the garden confidently pouring himself a glass of wine.
Unlike his sisters, he was all for celebrating the divorce of his parents as he could cut them off now that he had the company. His mother might be able to guilt Winter into not doing the same, but not him. He would take his time to heal before considering letting either of his parents come back into his life.
"Klein, may I remind you how much I appreciate all that you've done for me?" Whitley said gently. "I don't remind you enough of that."
"You do, Whitley." Klein said. "What is your next plan now that you have the company?"
"Take advantage of the fact this world has easy space travel. Thanks to the combined of my company and XanTech, we have Astral Gates to fast travel to the colonized moons and planets across this Solar System. I think I start investing in some intergalactic travel. I've always wanted to do that." Whitley said excitedly.
"And it's a good excuse to see your other headquarters and maybe get away from your parents' reach." Klein said as Whitley grinned.
"Pack our bags, Klein! We're leaving for the stars!" Whitley said excitedly.
[-]
[Kuo Kuana, Menagerie, USR]
Menagerie had a stark contrast to Patch in being it had a massive expansion. With no Grimm, the whole island could be used forming new towns and business which was something Papyrus Usagi took full advantage. Establishing a few deals netting it to be the head of tourism on the island, a rather cushy government job working alongside Muffet Malachite…which led to something new happening.
"I bet you didn't expect me to call you." Papyrus said on the phone. "I see that your leader's plan worked."
"You caught me in the middle of a meeting." Kelly remarked. "What could you have possibly called for?"
"I'm remarrying." Papyrus said.
Kelly was silent and he could hear her drop a glass.
"And you're going to have a half-sibling on the way. By now, Muffet's telling her daughters that you're their new step-sister. The twins are your step-sisters now. Now I'll leave you to process this. Goodbye, Kelly." Papyrus said before hanging up.
"How did she did take it?" Muffet asked.
"She'll live with it soon enough." Papyrus said confidently. "I'm actually looking forward to being a dad again. Maybe with a better partner, I won't fuck this kid up."
"How long do you think until our daughters figure out this was a complete accident?" Muffet asked with a raised eyebrow.
"A year tops." Papyrus said excitedly. "Less so if Kelly puts in the effort. She's always been a sharp cookie."
He looked at an old family photo of him and Kelly.
"I guess I didn't notice that until it was far too late." He said regretfully as the phone rang. "Looks like Governor Belladonna needs our assistance."
(A/N: For those curious, Papa Schnee owns Caligula's Casino and divorces Willow just like his Grand Theft RWBY counterpart, but Willow doesn't have her midlife crisis leading to extreme hedonism like her GTR counterpart thanks to having to deal with Whitley's suicide attempt. As I said, teams were going fracture and STRQ was one of them. While I did show Raven can at least move on in her life, I did leave it in the air of what will be of Taiyang, Summer, and Qrow. Ozpin's not exactly going to be calling for his wingman…things are different now. Yes, he and Salem got their kids back…unaware CASL 'died' for them to take their place. And pairing Papyrus and Muffet was a surprise, but I figured I'd pair the spades.)
