Chp. 29: Recruitment
Haven Academy
Dorm Rooms
May 24, 2020
It was now morning the next day and Ruby, Team JNPR, Jacob, Britney, and Robert entered the Dorm building.
"My team and I will look for the rest of Team SSSN," Jaune said.
"And the rest of us will find Team ABRN," Ruby said.
Ruby, Jacob, Britney, and Robert walk into a hallway while Team JNPR splits off from the others, walking up the stairs. After a moment of walking through the hall, Ruby, Jacob, Britney, and Robert approach up to one of the doors.
"This has got to be their dorm room," Robert said.
"Well, let's not keep them waiting," Ruby said.
Britney knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer.
The door opens to reveal a young woman with a dark complexion, platinum blonde hair and olive green eyes. She wears a yellow robe with only one wide, loose-fitting sleeve over a black tube top. She also has black pants and shoes and a red sash embroidered with a white "endless knot" on it. She has bandages on both her legs and arms as well as a red necklace and what appears to be two matching red sticks on the back left side of her head. This is the leader of Team ABRN, Arslan Altan.
"Hello?" Arslan answered.
"Hey, do you and your team have time to talk with you all for a minute?" Jacob asked.
"Um, sure. Come on in," Arslan said.
Ruby, Jacob, Britney and Robert walk inside the dorm room and see three more people inside.
The first is a young man who has lightly-tanned skin, amber eyes, and black hair. He wears two yellow sashes, one around his waist the other over his shoulder alongside a dark blue vest and gray pants with yellow lacing up the sides. He also wears black boots and black fingerless gloves, and a dark gray beaded necklace. This is the perceptive member of Team ABRN, Bolin Hori.
The second appears as a young girl with light green hair swept to her right, with teal eyes and fair complexion. She also wears two black facial markings on her cheeks. Her attire reflects a skater motif. She wears a dark purple hooded sweater over a mauve sweater. She also wears black shorts as well as knee pads and elbow pads on her arms and legs. She wears black shoe laced high top sneakers. This is the childish member of the team, Reese Chloris.
The final member is a young man who has long pink hair tied back into a short ponytail, with an undercut, and the undercut portion of his hair is black. He has a dark complexion and blue eyes. His outfit consists of a cream-colored short-sleeved jacket with yellow details and a black, long-sleeved V-neck shirt, with cream colored fingerless gloves. He wears black medium-length pants and cream colored sneakers. This is the humorous team member, Nadir Shiko.
"Arslan, who's at the door?" Bolin asked.
"Hey, aren't they those students from Beacon?" Reese asked.
"Hey, your right!" Nadir said.
"So what brings you all in here?" Arslan asked.
Robert looked out in the hall and saw no one in sight, then closed the door behind him.
"Listen. What we're about to tell you all is very important and it is something that you cannot tell to anyone about," Jacob said.
"Why is that?" Bolin asked.
"Well... this is gonna sound crazy, but... uhh..." Ruby trailed off.
"The unknown militaries, along with me, my team, Jacob and his team are all from another world," Britney said.
All of Team ABRN looked at Ruby, Jacob, Britney and Robert with skepticism and confusion.
"Is this some sort of prank?" Arslan asked.
"I'm afraid this isn't a prank, Arslan," Robert said.
"Wait, how did you know my-" Arslan was cut off by Jacob.
"The reason we're telling you four this is because you are one of the few teams in all the academies to be chosen to be a part of a new initiative that the headmasters and militaries are making."
"We're not trying to force you into this, you are free to choose on what option to take," Ruby said.
"So what is this initiative you mentioned?" Nadir asked.
"Right now, we're keeping the worlds of Remnant and Earth's existence secret from each other," Britney explained. "The initiative is that we're creating an organization to help keep everything we have told you quiet."
"And in case Earth and Remnant do discover each other's existence, this organization will become the first step to unite both worlds," Ruby added. "Meaning that this will show both worlds that we can all work together."
"But why us?" Bolin asked.
"You're one of the best teams out in the field. You've shown to be determined at helping others and wiping out Grimm," Robert said.
"But why not tell the people about your world right now?" Reese asked.
"If we did that now, this would create panic and that would attract Grimm," Jacob answered.
"So for now, this stays hushed up," Britney said.
"So what do you say?" Ruby asked.
Arslan motioned her team to gather around and when they did they all whispered amongst each other. Moments later, Team ABRN all turned to face Ruby, Jacob, Britney, and Robert.
"After some discussion, we all decided to join in this initiative," Arslan said.
"Then you all better start packing because in two days, we start moving," Ruby said.
Suddenly, a large shadow obscured the dorm room window. Everyone walked up to the window and looked through it. Everyone widened their eyes in shock and awe at what they saw.
"Sweet lord," Robert said.
Shade Academy, Vacuo
Headmaster's Office
Meanwhile at Shade, it was night and Team CFVY, Kelly, Kendra, Ricky, Weiss, and Neo were all in the headmaster's office along with Professors Theodore and Rumpole, and Cassandra.
"So which teams did you select for the organization?" Coco asked.
"You'll find out when they get here," Rumpole replied.
Everyone hears a knock at the door.
"Come in," Theodore called.
The door opens and walking in came Team BRNZ and Team NDGO.
"Hello, kids. Glad you could come in here," the Shade headmaster said.
"Professor Theodore, What's going on?" Nebula asked.
"Yeah, why are we in here?" Bronze asked.
"And why are WRRK and CFVY and the mute girl here?" Dew asked as Neo glared at her.
"Kids, you're here because you have been selected," Rumpole said.
"Selected?" Nolan asked.
"And who is that woman?" Roy asked, pointing at Cassandra.
"I'm Sergeant Cassandra Rogers, United States Marines," tha marine introduced.
"Never heard of it," Gwen said.
"That's because she is a soldier of one of the unknown militaries," Kendra said.
Teams BRNZ and NDGO's eyes widened in surprise for a moment until Octavia spoke.
"Wait, you guys knew the whole time, didn't you?!" she said, pointing at WRRK and CFVY.
"Yeah, but Kendra, Ricky, Kelly, and their teams knew them for a lot longer than anyone else in this world," Yatsuhashi said.
"You three and you respective teams were with them this whole time?" May asked.
"We knew even before arriving in this world," Ricky said.
"...What do you mean before arriving in this world?" Roy asked.
"Believe it or not, they are not from Remnant at all," Coco said.
"They are from another world," Fox added.
"Is this a joke?" Nebula asked with a raised eyebrow.
"These people ain't joking, I'm afraid," Theodore answered.
Both Shade Academy teams stared at their headmaster in shock and realized that he wasn't joking.
"Why not tell the entire academy about this?" Nolan asked.
"Because we cannot risk this information to get out and cause a panic. And panic attracts Grimm. So this must all for now stays quiet," Rumpole explained.
"And you all are some of the chosen teams of the academies to be a part of a new organization that's being put together by the militaries and the academies' headmasters."
"The other headmasters know as well?" Nebula asked.
"Except for Professor Lionheart of Mistral Academy. He was branded as a traitor for helping Cinder organize the attempted assault at Beacon Academy," Theodore bitterly said.
"So what's going to happen to Haven?" Bronze asked.
"They're already trying to find a replacement," Rumpole answered.
Teams BRNZ and NDGO were silent for a moment until Bronze asked a question.
"So what is this new organization you all are making?"
Beacon Academy, Vale
Headmaster's Office
Meanwhile at night at Beacon, Ozpin, Oscar, and Glynda are talking to General Ironwood who was on a holographic screen in Atlas.
"I cannot believe this! Salem now has some of the new Dust and if she finds out what capabilities it has, Earth will be under threat!" Ironwood shouted.
"Now James, Captain Gordon told us that he warned their nation's president about this and he's reading his military and their allies of this," Ozpin said.
"I sure hope they do," Ironwood said.
"Have you chosen who you're going to send to Fort Daniel?" Glynda asked.
"Yes. I'm also having Winter and Penny sent there as well," Ironwood answered.
"I've also received word that their president will arrive there once everyone is in attendance," Ozpin said.
"Really? If that's the case I guess he wouldn't mind if I stopped by to meet him," the Atlesian General said.
"Somehow, I knew you were going to say that," Ozpin said.
"What about Oscar?" Ironwood asked.
"He, Glynda, and I will be going too," Ozpin replied.
"I figured you would," Ironwood said. "Besides, I wanted to see how they updated their little gift I sent them in person."
"Yes, I did see that 'updated gift.' It has shown up to pick up the team I've chosen," Ozpin said. "Although my students may not like the team I've chosen."
"Your choices and actions can be questionable," Ironwood said.
"And your choices and actions like shooting Oscar in Volume 7 are not?" Glynda asked as Oscar rubbed the back of his head in discomfort.
"Please don't remind me of that," Ironwood groaned.
"Why not?" a voice asked.
General Ironwood turned to see who spoke and walking into view on the screen was Robyn.
"We're just making sure you don't do anything extreme," she said.
"Miss Hill, might I ask what are you doing here?" Ozpin asked.
"I was just checking in on the General here until I overheard your conversation," Robyn explained. "And I might want to meet this president myself."
"If that is what you wish, then I see no problem with that," Ozpin said.
"Thanks, Oz," Robyn said.
Kuo Kuana, Menagerie
Belladonna Residence
Meanwhile in Menagerie, Blake, Yang, and Rebecca leaned over the edge over the balcony, viewing the sunset over the city.
"That's quite a view you've got on your island, Blake," Yang said.
"Yeah, I could watch this all day," Rebecca said.
"I'm inclined to agree," a new voice spoke out.
The three girls turned to see Ilia who now wore a different outfit. She wears a short black cropped jacket with two tails, a gold zipper, buckle, button straps to keep the sleeves rolled up in place revealing the white lining. She also wears a gray short-sleeved cropped top that exposes her midriff, brown pants, black over ankle boots with white slight wedge heels and three straps with golden buckles and a black matching wristband.
"Hey, Ilia," Blake said.
"How are you doing right now?" Yang asked.
"Fine... fine," Ilia said.
Ilia walked up and leaned over the edge in between Blake and Rebecca.
"I guess you were right about everything, Blake. After all that I've done, I don't feel like I deserve the freedom you and your family granted me," Ilia said.
"Everyone deserves a second chance," Blake said.
"With your father making deals with the British, they are helping expand territory in Menagerie and also starting up a new movement, I've got more faith than ever before," Ilia said. "Thank you, Blake, for everything."
"I found out that you had harbored feelings for me back when we were still in the White Fang. I don't know if you still do now, but I just want us to be friends. I hope I haven't upset you," Blake said.
"I... understand," Ilia said with a saddened expression.
Blake steps up to Ilia and gives her a big hug.
"By the way, if you really do feel like you want to do more, you still can if you wish," Rebecca said.
"What do you mean?" Ilia asked.
"In a few days, we're getting picked up by one of Britain's allies, the Americans and they are creating an organization to benefit relations between the militaries and the kingdoms. And the three of us are a part of it," Rebecca explained. "There's also more stuff going on then you think and we can be with every step of the way if you wish to join."
Ilia thought about the offer then spoke.
"What do I have to do?"
"Let's go talk with Steel and see if we can sign you up," Blake said.
Blake walks inside the house as Ilia follows. Yang looked towards Rebecca as she watched the two Faunus girls walk inside.
"That was nice of you to offer a spot on this whole thing," Yang said. "What made you want to give her that position?"
"Just... wanted to lift her spirits," Rebecca answered.
Shade Academy, Vacuo
Headmaster's Office
Back at Shade Academy in Theodore's office, Teams BRNZ and NDGO had been informed of what plans the new organization would be taking.
"So if both Earth and Remnant do discover each other's existence, this organization would show both worlds that if we can work together, they would unite?" Nolan asked.
"That's the plan," Cassandra said.
"There is still more information to be said, but after listening to what was given to you, do you want to join?" Rumpole asked.
The two Vacuan teams briefly looked at each other before nodding in agreement and looking back to Theodore.
"I guess we're in," Nebula said.
"So is my team," Bronze said.
Theodore clapped his hands together once and a crash of thunder was made between his hands.
"Excellent. With that out of the way, we are going to need you all for a special mission," he said. "That goes for you too, CFVY and WRRK."
"Mission?" Fox asked.
"According to the Commandant Beaulne, her spys reported that in a few days, a big majority of The Crown will show up at The Mirage, a secret fight club outside the city of Vacuo," Cassandra explained. "The leaders Jax and Gillian Asturias will be there to 'recruit' more people to their army."
"So is our mission to capture the twins?" Coco asked.
"Correct," Cassandra answered with a nod.
"So how are we going to do this?" Weiss asked.
"We'll have a few volunteers to act as recruits to find the twins and once they have a conformed visual, the rest of us including the Commandant's troops will ambush the Mirage to extract the two," Cassandra explained.
"Sounds risky," Kendra said.
"But it may be our best bet," Rumpole said.
Wind Path, Mistral
Meanwhile in the city of Wind Path, Emerald, Mercury, Hazel, Adam, and Watts were preparing to leave Mistral, while Cinder was speaking to Salem through the Seer.
"Are you sure that is what they said?" Salem asked.
"Yes. They will be heading to Menagerie, then to Vacuo to deal with this group known as The Crown. And the White Fang in Menagerie have been forced out of Menagerie," Cinder said.
Salem turns her head thoughtfully, looking in the direction away from Cinder and bringing her fingers to her chin. A short moment later, she looks up back at Cinder.
"Inform Hazel to go to Vacuo and find The Crown. They could prove to be useful," Salem said. "And inform Adam to bring his best assets from Menagerie back to me. I have a special assignment for them," Salem said.
Cinder nods in acknowledgement of Salem's orders and walks away as the Seer Grimm ends the connection.
Earth
United States
Unknown Location
Meanwhile back on Earth, two scientists were working in a lab as they worked to make a vaccine for the coronavirus, along with other secret projects due to Remnant's discovery. They stopped with what they were doing as a man in black walked into the room.
"Gentlemen, the president wishes to know if the special agent is ready," the man in black said.
"Yes. This agent has been through some field tests and his weaponry has been perfected," the first scientist said.
"Good, because President Trump wants him out in the field now," the man said.
"Why?" the second scientist asked.
"Remnants biggest threat is coming and we need him out in the field to scout out for the enemy," the man answered. "The new organization still needs time to get themselves trained and ready."
"Yes, sir," the first scientist said.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures," the man said, turning to look at a shadowy figure who just walked into the lab.
