Chp. 39: Volume 8 Night
It was night time and Teams GRMA, RWBY, CFDT, and JNPR were walking down the hall heading to the lobby.
"Volume 8. I'm hesitant to find out how it turns out," Robert said.
"You're not the only one," Yang said.
"I was told that a few others would be joining us," Jacob said.
"Well I know this is gonna be fun," Allen sarcastically said.
"Let's just get this over with. I'm sure it won't be that bad," Ruby said.
"I'm going to remember you saying that and use it against you when you are proven wrong, Ruby," Britney said.
The four teams walk out from the hallway and into the lobby. In the middle of the lobby was a large set of chairs all set up. Sitting in some of them was Professor Ozpin, General Ironwood, Winter, Qrow, the Ace Operatives, Robyn, Oscar, Penny, Neo, and Keaton who has the scripts in his hands.
"Glad you guys could make it," Robyn said.
"Right. Hopefully we can get more information reading into those scripts," Ironwood said.
"I still say you should grow that beard, General. It suits you," Keaton said.
"Please have a seat, students," Ozpin said.
All the members of Teams RWBY, JNPR, GRMA, and CFDT each sat down at an empty chair. There was a moment of silence until Keaton spoke.
"Before we go over this, I would like to advise everyone that Kerry did warn us that this Volume will be a dark one. If any of you feel like stopping for a moment feel free to speak up," he instructed. "Any questions?"
Everyone was silent and didn't speak a word. Keaton opened up the first page and silently read it for a brief moment and then started to read the scripts for Volume 8.
A couple hours later, Keaton had just finished going over the Volume 8 's reactions were mixed. Ironwood was stunned by his counterpart's actions from killing a fellow Counselman to threating to commit mass genocide on Mantle by bombing it unless Penny returned to his side. Maria wondered what happened to her and Pietro in the second half of Volume 8. Oscar gulped at his counterpart be held captive and torchered, while Ozpin puts a comforting hand on his shoulder and at the same time smiled that Oscar convinced Emerald and Hazel to defect from Salem's faction, but saddened that Hazel sacrificed himself so that Oscar, Emerald, Yang, Ren, and Jaune could escape.
Neo was furious that Cinder betrayed her counterpart for her own selfish desires, but was glad she found out the truth beforehand so this wouldn't happen to her. Robyn was horrified to hear Mantle and Atlas destroyed in the collision then flooded with sea water. Ren was surprised that his emotional struggles in Volumes 7 and 8 was the result of his semblance evolving, while Nora was conflicted on who she was without Ren being with her and upset that her counterpart gained permanent scars from her semblance absorbing too much electricity. Jaune cried at the fact that his counterpart was forced to kill Penny so she could pass the Winter Maiden powers to Winter so it won't go to Cinder, while Pyrrha tried to comfort him.
Weiss was saddened by the events that had happened in Volume 8, but smiled that she, Willow, and Whitley's relationships grew happy and stable without Jacques in the picture. Winter was saddened that Penny had died and passed the Winter Maiden powers to her and she felt no remorse or pity when General Ironwood killed Jacques in this Volume. Blake worried for Yang when she fell into the void, but felt relieved when she, her team, Jaune, and Neo were all still alive.
Teams GRMA and CFDT were saddened at the events that had occurred in Volume 8 and were angered with Cinder's actions and all had a killing intent on her. Despite learning about her backstory of being a slave to her 'stepfamily' and trained to fight under a Huntsman named Rhodes, her current actions in Volume 8 outweigh any sympathy they might have for her. They're also shocked and frightful of Salem's new Grimm known as The Hound, due to it's intelligence and the fact that it can talk. What's even worse was that this terrifying Grimm is particularly immune to Ruby's silver eyes because The Hound was once a Faunus with silver eyes.
Ruby was crying uncontrollably believing that Summer may have died from one of Salem's experiments while creating The Hound. Yang and Qrow tried to comfort Ruby but weren't doing well themselves. Penny at first was happy that she became a real girl in this volume, but became saddened at her second death, even more so that since she was no longer an android she could not be rebuilt, meaning her death was permanent.
Keaton had mixed reactions to Volume 8, from General Ironwood's bomb being almost equivalent to a nuke even though the blast was contained by Vine's semblance which concerned him, to the creation of The Hound to which he did not want to know how Salem converted people with silver eyes into Grimm and knew it probably was inhumane.
The Ace-Ops had mixed reactions to this volume. Marrow shifted his seat a foot away from General Ironwood upon hearing his near death experience. Vine, although visibly looking calm, was stunned upon hearing his own death at the end of Volume 8. Elm felt guilty for following General Ironwood's orders and was saddened to hear of Vine's sacrifice. Harriet felt guilt and anger at herself for her actions throughout the volume, especially for unintentionally having Vine killed in the end, all because of her grief over her team leader. Clover felt like he and his team needed to talk over some things upon themselves.
"So... anyone want to share your thoughts?" Keaton asked.
Everyone was silent aside from Ruby still crying. Ozpin then spoke up.
"I think it is best if we all have time to ourselves right now."
Everyone got up from their seats and walked away, but Ruby stayed in her seat still crying as Yang and Qrow stayed to comfort her. Soon Ruby, Yang, and Qrow were the only ones still in the lobby.
"Ruby?" Yang asked.
"I... I would... have thought th-that Salem w-would have j-just killed m-mom. B-but... this is much worse," Ruby choked in between sobs.
"I know, pipsqueak," Qrow said.
He pulled out his flask and unscrewed the cap off. Qrow was about to drink out of it but paused for a brief moment. He looked down at Ruby who continued to sob as Yang looked like she was on the verge of crying. Qrow sighed and screwed the cap back on his flasked and dropped it to the floor. He wrapped an arm around each of his heart broken nieces.
"Your mom, Summer, did take a risk like those scripts said. Like I said in Volume 6 if Summer found out about Salem's immortality, she would have pressed on, like you did," Qrow said. "And like you she was the best of us."
Ruby sobs slowly dies away and hugs her uncle and sister as they continue to comfort her.
Meanwhile in one of the hotel hallways, Professor Ozpin, General Ironwood, Winter, Robyn, Maria, and Oscar, stood in the hallway completely silent. Ironwood placed his hand on the wall and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I can't believe I would do all of that," he said.
"James, don't be too hard on yourself," Ozpin said.
"How can I, Oz? I've tried to kill Oscar, murdered a member of the counsel and Jacques in cold blood, tried to use Watts to get Penny back which ended with even more chaos, shot down the SDC freighter ships that were meant to evacuate the people of Mantle when Salem was temporarily dealt with, nearly killed one of my own operatives, and to top it all off, I threatened to wipe out all of Mantle if Penny didn't return to my side!"
"To be fair, nobody really cared for that asshole, Jacques," Maria said as Winter nodded in agreement.
"But still, Ozpin's right. You haven't really done all this stuff yet," Robyn said.
"We just need to form up a plan to prevent you from performing these actions, sir," Winter said.
"And another thing. What about Emerald? And Hazel?" Oscar asked.
"I believe if we do encounter them, we could show those two the events for Volume 8," Ozpin said.
"Ozpin, you can't be serious!" Ironwood said.
"They would most likely join. Hazel did help the kids escape," Robyn said.
"And Emerald was just scared of Salem," Oscar added.
"I'm sure the others would agree," Maria said.
"I hope this works," Ironwood sighed, then turned his head to Winter. "Schnee, I would advise you to see your sister. She'll probably want you to be you."
"I was just about to ask about that," Winter said.
The specialist turned around and walked away to look for Weiss.
Meanwhile in another one of the hotel hallways, Penny walked down the hallway with an upset look on her face. She did not look where she was going as she bumps into someone. She looks up to see Cade.
"Cade. What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Patrolling this hallway. Amber sleeps in one of these rooms," Cade answered.
The American android noticed the broken look on Penny's face.
"I assume that you heard what happened in Volume 8?" he asked.
"How did you know about that? Penny asked.
"I was told that Volume 8 would be presented. I figured you would be there to hear it," Cade answered.
"I just know that my father would be upset to hear about my death in that Volume. Even more so that I can never come back since I became a human," Penny said.
"Even if you are an android, you still have a soul, and thus making you a real girl, even if you are not human," Cade said.
"Do you really think so?" Penny asked.
"Affirmative," Cade answered.
"What about you? What do you see yourself as?" Penny asked.
"A soldier created to protect America, fight for America, and die for America," Cade replied.
"But don't you see yourself as anything else but a soldier?" Penny asked.
"I don't opinionate myself. I'm only focused on the lives of people other than myself," Cade said.
Before Penny could speak, a voice called from behind her.
"Penny!"
Penny turns around and sees Jaune and Pyrrha. Jaune had an upset look on his face with welled up eyes as Pyrrha had her arm wrapped around his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Penny asked.
"No, I'm not. I killed you, Penny. Your first death by Pyrrha may have been unintentional, but I deliberately killed you," Jaune said.
"That was because I asked you to," Penny said. "Cinder would have gotten the powers of the Winter Maiden."
"I know, but-" Jaune gets cut off by Penny.
"Don't blame yourself Jaune. It was my choice."
After a short pause, Jaune steps up to Penny and hugs her with teary eyes and Pyrrha approaches and embraces the two.
Meanwhile inside a hotel room, Ren and Nora sat on a bed beside each other. They were both silent until Ren spoke first.
"After listening to Volume 8, I do believe we have some things to work out," he said.
"Yeah. Listening to what I would have said about who I am without you and that I need to find out for myself, I would have to agree with myself," Nora said.
"I'm sure you'll find out someday, Nora. And I have some things to work out myself. I don't want to shut myself away from everyone else if it turns out bad like in Volume 7 and Volume 8," Ren said.
"Yeah, we both have issues," Nora said.
"I'm sure the person you are without me is still the same happy and supportive Nora I know... And that's why... I love you," Ren said.
Nora widened her eyes in shock. Neither of them say anything for a while until Nora takes a deep breath before she speaks.
"And I've always loved you, Lie Ren."
"Boop," Ren said as he tapped on Nora's nose.
Nora gives a small giggle, and the two rest their foreheads together. They both closed their eyes and shared a kiss on each other's lips. As Ren wraps his arms around Nora, she moves her arms behind his neck.
Meanwhile in the dining room, Weiss, Neo, and Blake were each sitting at a table separated from each other. Blake couldn't stop thinking about Yang plummeting into the void. Neo thinking of many ways to brutally murder Cinder. Weiss rested her head on the table thinking about everything that occurred in Volume 8. She heard footsteps approaching behind her. Weiss lifted her head up and turned around to see Winter standing in front of her.
"I see you have a lot on your mind," Winter said. "You aren't the only one."
"Are you doing okay doing okay?" Weiss asked.
"I was going to ask you the same thing," Winter replied.
"I wish I was," Weiss said.
"I'm not faring well myself. Penny's choice to die so that I could use the power of the Winter Maiden is something I couldn't handle," Winter said. "And that you fell into the void and that fact that I thought you were killed in Volume 8."
"But I didn't," Weiss said, grabbing her sister's hand.
"I just... I just don't know what I'd do if you did," Winter said, shedding a single tear.
Weiss embraced Winter into a hug, surprising her. Winter hugs her younger sister back as more tears streamed down her cheeks.
Meanwhile outside the front door of the hotel, the Ace-Ops stood in silence as Harriet paced back and forth in front of them.
"I can't believe this!" Harriet said.
"Believe it, Hare. What happened in Volume 8, happened," Elm said.
"Although the next volume has given us some more helpful information, what happened to us in the show is not worth any concern," Vine said.
"Why is that?! Aren't you even a little shocked upon hearing your own sacrifice?!" Harriet asked.
"Can we state the fact that I was nearly shot and killed by the general?" Marrow asked.
"What happened in Volume 8 has not happened yet and may not ever happen since our future has been rewritten ever since Earth's appearance. And I'll admit, I was stunned by my own demise, but I did it to save you because we are all friends." Vine explained.
Everyone was silent as Vine's words sunk in. The silence was eventually broken by Clover who spoke.
"Vine's right. We are friends. There's no denying the fact. We may need to make some adjustments if we are to do what's really right," he said. "And I'm glad to have you all beside me."
Marrow, Elm, and Harriet smiled as Vine nodded in response.
"Maybe we can learn to be more open by following those kids' example," Marrow suggested.
"That sounds like a plan," Clover said.
Meanwhile out back by the hotel swimming pool, Teams GRMA and CFDT were standing next to the pool, still processing the information they were given from Volume 8.
"Jesus H. Christ, man. Volume 8 was way worse than Volume 3," Ricky said.
"Tell me about it," Kendra said.
"Penny has died again. She just can't catch a break," Kelly said.
"And to make it worse, she became a human at that time, meaning she won't be coming back from that," Robert said.
"And that bitch Cinder got the Relics of Creation and Knowledge to Salem," Britney added.
"And don't even get me started on The Hound," Jacob said.
"Plus, Salem's true intentions aren't to rule Remnant, she wants to summon the gods back so they can destroy humanity so that she can finally die," Robert said.
"In other words, Salem is suicidal and her plan is basically writing out history's biggest suicide note," Allen said
"There are some positives though. Like Emerald and Hazel defected from Salem's faction," Rebecca said.
"Yeah, but Hazel died protecting Oscar, Yang, Jaune, Ren, and Emerald," Kendra said.
"We finally got a backstory from Cinder," Rebecca said. "She had a pretty abusive childhood."
"Yes, but it's scientifically proven that children who grew up in abusive childhoods grow up to be complete psychopaths. Just ask people like Ted Bundy, Mary Bell, or Jim Jones for example. Their actions were completely inexcusable and that goes for Cinder as well." Allen said. "And it doesn't help that Cinder adopted the cruel traits of her past abusers and inflicts some of it on Emerald."
"I don't care what her past is or how she feels. Cinder is a dangerous criminal and must be put down," Jacob said.
"Any more positives you want us to shoot down, Rebecca?" Kendra asked.
"That bit when Watts made Cinder cry into a corner," Rebecca replied.
"Yeah, that burn Watts gave Cinder was epic, especially when Cinder was about ready to kill him. I can't help but give a nice round of applause to him for that. He's got balls," Ricky said with a chuckle.
"Too bad Cinder ended up killing him at the end of the Volume," Kendra said.
"So what now?" Kelly asked.
"We should get back inside and check with the others," Allen said.
"Good idea. They're probably back in the lobby by now," Jacob said.
The eight Terrans walked back inside the hotel and made their way into the lobby, where Teams RWBY and JNPR, Oscar, Penny, Neo, Ozpin, Ironwood, Winter, Qrow, Robyn, and Maria sat in their seats. As they took their seats, Keaton walked into the lobby from a hallway and took his seat.
"So... any thoughts or ideas?" Keaton asked.
"Ozpin and I think we should convince Emerald and Hazel to side with us," Oscar said.
"I think we should. It would deal a blow to Salem," Allen said.
"Although it may be a good idea, that all depends on the government and the rest of Remnant since Emerald is a part of Remnant's most wanted and Hazel would only act as an accomplice," Keaton said.
"I'm sure we'll figure something out," Ozpin said.
"What about Mercury?" Kelly asked. "It sounded like he was even having second thoughts about working for Salem as he was being sent to Vacuo."
"I'm not sure. He could end up joining us, but then again, he is more focused on being a 'top dog' as he puts it," Britney said.
"So the chances for him are 50/50 then?" Yang asked.
"Pretty much, Fisticuffs," Robyn answered.
"So what do you guys plan on doing?" Robert asked, facing the Ace-Ops.
"We're going to be making some adjustments to ourselves and the team so we won't end up reduced and broken," Clover answered.
"Like how Harriet may harbor feelings for you?" Kelly asked with a smirk.
"Excuse me?" Harriet asked.
"Come on, girl. It was likely hinted at the end of Volume 8 that you may have a crush on him," Rebecca said with a smirk.
"No I don't. Now shut up," Harriet said.
"Denial," Rebecca said in a singsong manner.
"Should I use my semblance, Mohawk?" Robyn asked.
"You stay the fuck away from me, Hill!" Harriet shouted.
"You're gonna have to take me out to dinner first," Clover said with a smirk.
"See? Clover just offered you a chance. Just don't sleep with him so soon, or else you'll lose him," Kelly said.
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Harriet shouted as her cheeks turned red.
All the students laughed at Harriet's outburst as Harriet turned away with her arms crossed with a grunt. The laughter then eventually stopped.
"Now there's one more thing to go over before I'll let you all get some sleep," Keaton said.
"I know what that's gonna be," Ricky said.
Everyone turned their heads to face Ironwood.
"I know. We need to prevent myself from losing myself completely," the Atlesian general said.
"But to be fair after some evaluation within Volumes 7 and 8, part of the reason why General Ironwood descended into villainy was because Ruby and the others repeated the exact same mistake Ozpin made, keeping secrets from those that gave you nothing but trust, which caused General Ironwood's semblance and paranoia to pushing him to make all the wrong decisions," Keaton explained.
"You know now that I think about it, you're right. Ruby was hypocritical when it came to keeping secrets back in Volume 7," Jacob said.
Ruby looks down in guilt, realizing that they were right and her counterpart had become no better than Ozpin.
"And maybe Jimmy here can learn to take a nap once in a while. Make you more relaxed," Qrow said.
"And if I my, I could take over for you when you are incapacitated or unavailable," Winter requested.
"I could help too!" Penny exclaimed.
"Yeah. Atlas needs a better chain of command. Which is why various militaries on Earth are so well organized," Keaton said.
"You're right. I should start making some changes to hopefully prevent the outcomes of Volume 8," Ironwood said.
Neo stands up, striking an exaggerated shrugging pose while using her Semblance to look like Cinder.
"Yes, Neo. We can all agree on one thing; Cinder must be put down," Ricky said.
"Yes, it seems she has no redeeming qualities that might let us give her any amount of mercy. Her past abuse isn't enough to justify her sadistic actions," Keaton said.
"Right now, we should get some sleep. We're all going to be busy tomorrow," Ozpin said.
"Yeah, you're right. It is getting late anyway," Jaune said.
"Alright. Go ahead and get back to your rooms. Good night," Keaton said.
Everyone got up from their seats and proceeded to head back to their hotel rooms.
