It was night time in Argus, Qrow was out having a drink (as usual), while Saphron and Terra were out shopping and left Adrian in the care of their friends. Team RWBY, Team JNR, Maria (who was also holding Adrian), and Oscar stayed in Saphron's home with J'onn. However, the house was unusually quiet as everyone that was inside were present in the living room, silently staring at J'onn in shock and disbelief as the Martian quietly sat on a wooden chair, his hands clasped together and his eyes downcast.
"That is how I arrived here." The former Manhunter finished.
"J'onn... I..." Ruby didn't know what to say as she, like the others, were left flabbergasted by what they just heard.
Just 10 minutes ago, J'onn J'onzz had told them everything about his origin and how he arrived on Remnant. He explained how he lived a relatively peaceful life on his home planet, Ma'aleca'andra, with his wife and daughter; but he also told them about his twin brother, Ma'alefa'ak, who loathed both him and their people. Ma'alefa'ak's hatred for his people stemmed from the fact that he was the only Martian on the planet who did not possess telepathy, which made him an outcast in the eyes of the other Martians. Eventually, this hatred lead his brother to create a devastating plague which became known as H'ronmeer's Curse. This plague would cause any Martian who uses their telepathy to burst in flames and die before spreading to the next host. In as little as two weeks, the planet's entire Martian population was on the verge of extinction, with only J'onn himself and his brother proving immune to the deadly effects of H'ronmeer's Curse. J'onn was forced to watch his wife and daughter burst into flames and burn to death before his very eyes. Their screams of pain and agony will haunt him for the rest of his life. Fueled by rage, J'onn quickly tracked his brother down and engaged him a short but brutal fight. But his brother had a trick up his sleeve: knowing J'onn would come for him, Ma'alefa'ak revealed a powerful device known as a Mother Box that he hid from everyone on the planet, and then used said device to transport J'onn to Remnant against his will, leaving the former Manhunter stranded on this alien planet with no way to return home (or what was left of it) or to exact his revenge.
Needless to say, everyone in the room was completely shocked and horrified upon hearing this tragic story. Hearing how Ma'alefa'ak had committed such a monstrous act of genocide against his own people, they couldn't help but compare it to how Salem (albeit unintentionally) caused the first generation of humanity to get wiped out by the God of Darkness. Though unlike Salem (who initially didn't know about the consequences her selfish actions would bring), Ma'alefa'ak was fully aware and willing to wipe out his people with sadistic glee, which arguably made him even more malevolent and ruthless than Salem.
Blake also couldn't help but compare Ma'alefa'ak to her former mentor. Judging by how J'onn had described him, Ma'alefa'ak sounded just like Adam; full of spite and hatred towards those who he felt have wronged him. While Adam became the monster he was today through the inhuman treatment he received from the Schnee Dust Company (something that many other Faunus also suffered), Ma'alefa'ak was arguably even worse, the only difference was that his hatred was fueled by his own people.
"Oh, Gods..." Weiss breathed in sadness and horror, barely able comprehending everything J'onn had told them. "Your brother murdered your entire race just because he was a little different? That's... That's sick!"
"So much pain and suffering." Ren muttered, understand what the Martian must have went through. The fact that J'onn's sibling was willing to commit such atrocities greatly unnerved him and Nora.
Yang was silently looking down at her feet, unable to comprehend how a sibling would come to hate his own kind so much. She knew her biological mother, Raven, was a coward who disliked both her brother and their former Team (STRQ), but even she didn't have that level hatred and murderous intent towards her people, to the point that she would commit genocide.
"J'onn, I'm so sorry." Ruby quietly said, devastated to learn that her alien friend had suffered such a tragedy.
"It's alright, Ruby." The former Manhunter softly said. Unknown to them, J'onn deliberately left out the part where Darkseid kidnapped and tortured Ma'alefa'ak, and when the Martian priests removed Ma'alefa'ak's telepathy. They shouldn't feel any sympathy for his brother. Not after what he did. "I do not know what happened to Ma'alefa'ak since I arrived here. But I hope I never meet him." He said with venom in his voice.
The others felt the same; after hearing what Ma'alefa'ak did to his own people, they hope to never, ever meet that ruthless monster. While on the subject, a thought came to Weiss' mind. "Why was the plague your brother created called H'ronmeer's Curse?" She asked.
"Because, much like Remnant, Ma'aleca'andra and my people were created by a god." J'onn said, catching everyone by surprising. "A god that we called, H'ronmeer. H'ronmeer is both a god of life and a god of death. He taught us to be people of peace and to share our minds with each other so that we may never know loneliness."
"Is H'ronmeer anything like the God of Light and the God of Darkness?" Yang asked curiously.
"I'm not sure." J'onn admitted with a slight frown. "I have never met H'ronmeer personally. In fact, none of the Martians of my generation have actually seen him. But we have always honored and worshiped him. When my people faced extinction, many thought the plague was the doing of H'ronmeer himself, which is why they dubbed it H'ronmeer's Curse. But I knew our god would never unjustly extinguish us. We did nothing to earn his wrath."
Everyone looked down in sadness, relating to the Martian's trauma. Again, they couldn't help but compare J'onn's predicament to their own, especially after learning that the Martians had a god of their own and met a similar tragic fate as the first generation of humanity. The only difference was that their extinction was caused by a single ruthless Martian instead of the actual god.
"You do not need to feel sorry for me." J'onn suddenly said, turning everyone's attention to him. "We Martians were flawed, as well. In fact, we often warred with the White Martians for centuries."
"The White Martians?" Blake asked, piquing her and everyone else's curiosity.
"On Ma'aleca'andra, there were to types of Martians: The Green Martians and the White Martians." J'onn explained. "Much like the relationship between humans and Faunus on Remnant, my kind and the White Martians have been at odds with one another for centuries. The White Martians viewed us as inferior beings not because of physical differences, but because of our different views. They viewed concepts such as kindness, compassion, selflessness and love as a weakness. They hated us because we were peaceful and did not wish for violence."
Ruby and her friends were astonished to learn this, and they were even more shocked to learn that prejudice and discrimination were not exclusive to Remnant. Much like with Ma'alefa'ak, Blake found herself comparing the White Martians to the White Fang, especially when Adam Taurus was in charge. Learning that this entire species had the same narcissistic views as the terrorist organization she once worked with sent shivers down her spine.
"What happened?" Weiss asked, not liking where this was going.
J'onn took a deep breath and sighed softly before continuing. "The White Martians were planning to leave Ma'aleca'andra and invade other planets. Because of the same abilities we shared and their advanced technology, they believed they had the right to rule over all other species in the universe. Their first target was another planet that shared our solar system, called Earth. The people of that planet were weak and primitive compared to us, and the White Martians wanted to exploit their inferiority."
Hearing this, the heroes narrowed their eyes as they adopted looks of anger and disgust. The idea of taking advantage and conquering a weaker race simply because they can greatly angered RWBY and JNR. Blake and Weiss were especially disgusted by the White Martians when they learned this. They were just like Adam and Jacques, only looking after their own interests and viewing all others as inconsequential.
"Once we discovered this, we attacked the White Martians first." A look of shame appeared on J'onn's face as he said that. "We didn't wish to use violence, but we couldn't allow them to harm innocent civilizations. The battle was long and fierce with countless casualties rising on both sides. The conflict only ended once we created a powerful device and used it to send the White Martians to the Phantom Zone."
"The Phantom Zone?" Ruby asked curiously.
"The Phantom Zone is an interdimensional realm outside of normal space and time." J'onn explained. "It is only accessible through the device that we created. Once a being is trapped in the Phantom Zone, they lose their physical body and essentially become a disembodiment consciousness. Once trapped in the Phantom Zone, there is no hope of returning."
Everyone smiled in satisfaction, pleased to hear that the White Martians got what they deserved. But at the same time, they felt even more sad for the fate of Green Martians. The fact that J'onn's people fought to protect other civilizations from their tyrannical counterparts only to end up extinct at the hands of one of their own kind — it was a cruel irony that team RWBY and the others were all too familiar with. At this point, Qrow entered the house and proceeded to walk up the stairs, still very much drunk.
"Where are you going now?" Ruby asked sternly.
"I don't want to get in the way of your celebration." The drunk Huntsman casually replied.
"You've been gone all day!" His niece exclaimed. "Just sit with us."
Sighing, Qrow turned to her. "Look, Ruby, I'm glad you kids, and J'onn, worked out... whatever all that was. But the fact is, we're not a single step closer to Atlas."
"While you were busy moping around, J'onn told use his entire life story." Yang suddenly said, causing Qrow to stop and look at them in surprise. "His race was wiped out... by his own brother." This shocked Qrow even more as he turned to the Martian.
"Yang, there is no need to raise your voice." J'onn said gently.
"Also, I think I have a way to get to Atlas. But... it's sort of a 'no-going-back' kind of idea." Jaune said hesitantly, causing everyone to turn their attention to him.
"Well, let's hear it." Ruby said.
"With Cordo on watch, only Atlas airships have the clearance to leave for Solitas. So... we... steal an Atlas airship." Jaune explained with a nervous shrug. The others simply stared at him.
"That's not just breaking the law. That's... that's definitely worse." Weiss deadpans.
The former Manhunter sighed softly. If it was just him, he would have no problem going to Atlas on his own. His ability to turn invisible, shape-shift into anyone or anything, and cast illusions if necessary would allow him to hide in plain sight. But taking nine people with him was going to be difficult, even with his vast array of powers.
"How would we even get onto the airfield?" Yang asked.
"That part I haven't quite figured out yet." Jaune regretfully admitted. "But I-"
"Okay, stop. Just... stop!" An understandably frustrated Qrow exclaimed. "Look, if this thing goes south, it's not something we can just fight our way out of. This is the Atlas Military we're talking about. For your sake, just drop this."
Everyone except J'onn looked down with discouraged looks on their faces. However, Ruby looked back to her uncle with a determined look on her face. "I want to hear him out." She suddenly said.
"Ruby..."
"I want to hear him out!" Ruby sternly yelled. "I know you're trying to protect us, that you're afraid we can't do it, but right now, I don't really care what you think!"
Qrow looked at Ruby with a shocked expression as his niece continued."Just because you don't have an idea, doesn't mean we're out of options! Oz hasn't been here to tell us what to do, but we still managed to get this far anyway. We've been in bad situations before, and we don't need an adult to come save us or tell us what to do. We just did it our way! And I say we do it our way." The young Huntress-in-training said as Qrow silently looked at her in surprise.
J'onn couldn't help but smile proudly at the young girl's determination. Her optimism, her willpower, it reminded him of his daughter, K'hym. Like Ruby, K'hym had simply, yet innocent soul. She would always look at the bright side in everything. If she were here right now, he had no doubt in his mind that Ruby and K'hym would have gotten along the moment they meet.
"And even though Oz doesn't have a way to destroy Salem, J'onn does have a way to stop her permanently."
That last sentence shook Qrow to his very core as his eyes widened and focused solely on the Martian. "What...?" Was all the drunk Huntsman could ask.
"That's right." Ruby smiled as she turned to their alien friend. "Even though he can't destroy her, J'onn not only has a way to stop Salem, but also remove her from Remnant. Permanently."
Upon hearing this, the Huntsman was at a complete loss for words. His pupils shrunk and his mouth was left hanging open. But shortly after hearing this, Qrow felt a sense of doubt creeping into the back of his mind, something J'onn took notice of.
"I sense you have doubts regarding my abilities, Mr. Qrow." J'onn declared. He wasn't offended by the Huntsman's doubt, he knew that Qrow just didn't want to end up feeling betrayed like what happened with Ozpin.
"Yeah, well, look what happened when we trusted Ozpin." Qrow retorted as he walked down the stairs and walked up to the Martian, standing right in front of him. "So how are you gonna stop Salem, let alone get rid of her?"
"Salem's immortality only applies to her physical body, her mind is susceptible to a telepathic assault." J'onn explained. "I can use my telepathy to alter her brain chemistry and leave her in a catatonic state. After that, I will throw her into the emptiness of space from which she will never return."
Admittedly, Qrow was shocked and even felt a little bit of hope after hearing this, but the doubt in his head still remained. "Alright, then. Prove it. Do that to me."
Ruby and the others looked at one another in surprise and slight worry, not sure what to expect. J'onn J'onzz looked at the Huntsman for a moment before he sighed and nodded. Activating his mental powers, the Martian's eyes began glowing brightly.
"Very well."
After a minute or two, nothing seemed to happen, and Qrow was beginning to lose patience. "Hey! You said you were gonna do it. Well, what are you waiting for?" Again, no response. J'onn and the others simply stared at Qrow without blinking or moving a muscle. Getting even more impatient, Qrow moves to grab J'onn only for his hand to phase through the Martian, which was followed by the latter turning into smoke and disappearing. "What the?!" Startled, Qrow took a step back. Shortly after J'onn disappeared, the others - Ruby, Yang, Oscar, and everyone else - also started turning into smoke and disappearing, leaving Qrow alone in the house. "Ruby! Yang! What did you do to them, alien!?" He cried out in fury before racing for the door. Upon opening it, however, Qrow found himself staring at an empty void of nothingness. There was absolutely nothing except a dark void that stretched for eternity. Turning around, the Huntsman realized that the house he was in just seconds ago has also disappeared.
Qrow was now floating in the endless darkness like a piece of plastic floating in the vast open ocean. Completely alone and unable to do anything.
But just as it seemed like there was no end to this nightmare, a bright and powerful light began shining in the distance. Qrow looked in awe as the light grew bigger and bigger, dissipating the darkness around it. As he reached for the approaching light, he heard the faint voices of his nieces.
"Qrow? Uncle Qrow?"
"Look, he's waking up!"
...
After being enveloped by the blinding light, Qrow woke up and found himself laying on the sofa, surrounded by everyone who, just a minute ago, had turned into a smoke and disappeared. They were staring at him with worry and confusion, especially Ruby and Yang. "W-What happened?" Qrow asked as he got up, putting a hand on his forehead.
"You were unconscious for 15 minutes." Yang said, surprising the Huntsman.
"15 Minutes? But... But I saw you all-" Qrow trailed off once he spotted J'onn, who was staring at him calmly.
"Are you satisfied now, Mr. Qrow?" He asked. Surprisingly, there was no hint of pride or boasting in the Martian's voice, only sincerity and humility. "If I wanted, I could have left you trapped in your mind for years."
"Yeah. I think I got a taste of what you can do." Qrow couldn't help but smile slightly, only for that smile to disappear and be replaced by regret. "J'onn, listen. I'm sorry-"
"It's alright, Qrow." J'onn cut him off before he could say another word, aware of what Qrow said to him while he was trapped in his mind. "Your outburst was only a natural response."
Both Ruby and Yang smiled, despite his incredible power and unique abilities, J'onn was a humble being who would put the needs of others before his own.
"What did J'onn show you while you were unconscious?" Jaune asked curiously.
"Well, let me put it this way: Salem's gonna regret being immortal." Qrow said with a confident smirk. It has been quite some time since the Huntsman felt this confident, and compared to how he was behaving just a few hours ago, that was saying something. The idea of one being trapped in their own mind, in their own body, was a very frightening experience. And if J'onn can do this to Salem, their chances of victory has just skyrocketed.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm sorry if this particular chapter was shorter than usual, but I will make it up with the upcoming chapters.
At some point in the story, I'm planning on having Martian Manhunter encounter Neo and use his telepathy to communicate with her. What kind of voice do you imagine Neo would have and how would she speak if she had to communicate with J'onn via telepathy?