This story may be my own original story, but RWBY, the characters and everything else is owned by Rooster Teeth and created by late Monty Oum(1981-2015). And even though it's 2 years, since your passing. We all still miss you Monty.
RWBY Volume 6, Chapter 11
The Order
JAIL CELL
Ruby sits on the floor, staring at the ground. Jaune, Pyrrha and Yang are not present inside the jail cell. No one else but Weiss, who is sitting across from Ruby, looks in worry.
"Ruby?"
Ruby lifts her head and looks at Weiss, who is holding out her hand. After looking at Weiss for a few seconds, Ruby takes her hand and is helped up. Weiss then proceeds to hug Ruby, who does the same. After the stop hugging, they separate and look at each other.
"Are you okay?" Weiss asked.
Ruby nods. "I am. Just a bit...shaken up." She looks around the room. "Where's the others?"
"From what Jaune told me, he said that they're going go heal Blake from the poison." Weiss answered.
"...So you know, what happened, then?"
"Ironwood told me. He told me about the attack, what happened to Blake...everything."
"But why are you here?"
"I just couldn't stand around, anymore. I had to do something. So I kinda...snuck into the airship."
Ruby turns and walks to the jail cell door, opening it. Before leaving, she turns to Weiss. "You shouldn't have come here."
Ruby then proceeds to leave the cell, with Weiss just standing there and staring at the ground.
BLAKE'S ROOM
Jaune is sitting next to the bed, looking at Blake, who is unconscious. Her breaths are shallow and slow. Pyrrha sits on the other side of the bed, with a desperate look on her face. Jaune nods and proceeds to hold Blake's hand. Closing his eyes, he waits for a few seconds before he glows white. The glow the begins to surround Blake. As this happens, Jaune begins to grunt. And the more he tries, he struggles to keep the glow bright. Pyrrha's eyes go wide, when blood starts to pour down his nose. After a few more seconds, the glow disappears. Jaune releases his grip and keeps himself balance, having almost fell off the floor. Pyrrha gets up, before Jaune raises his hand.
"I'm fine." He said. "I just need a minute."
A groan in heard. Pyrrha quickly turns and sees Blake, who begins moving her head. Slowly opening her eyes, Blake raises her arm, covering herself from the light above her.
"Can you turn off the light, please?" Blake asked.
Pyrrha quickly goes to Blake and helps her sit up. Blake grasps her head, groaning.
"Man. This headache is killing me so bad."
"Only just the headache?" Pyrrha asked. "Are you even feeling okay?"
Blake takes a second, before realizing what she meant.
"I'm okay! The poison's gone?"
Pyrrha smiles and nods.
"How?"
Pyrrha turns her head and looks at Jaune. Blake does the same and sees him standing up. She looks surprised at the blood.
"Are you okay, Jaune?" Blake asked.
"Yeah." Jaune answered. "And based on what I'm seeing, you're doing better."
Jaune then proceeds to the room door and proceeds to open it. In the hallway, he sees Yang. She is sitting down, holding her head and shaking.
"Yang."
Yang quickly stands up and looks at Jaune, who smiles and nods. Yang the pushes Jaune away and enters the room, where she sees Blake smiling. She then quickly sits on the bed and holds Blake's head with her hands. Blake place her own hands on Yang's.
"I told you." Yang said, trying to contain herself. "I told you, I would save you."
Blake nods. "Yeah. Yes, you did."
Yang then rests her head on Blake's. After a few seconds, Blake hears the sniffling, before Yang starts crying. Blake then proceeds to hug Yang, who is now sobbing on her shoulder.
Pyrrha stands up and pats Yang's back. She turns to look at Jaune, who has an angry look. Her smile fading, Pyrrha then proceeds to leave the room. Jaune watches her leave and his anger fades to sadness.
OUTSIDE
Pyrrha opens a door, walking outside the building that she was in. As she walks down the street, she see a door opening. Ren, Nora and the others walk outside the conference building, looking confused. Pyrrha then notices something that surprises her. Velvet is laughing and talking with Valerie, while sitting on a bench. She begins to smile at this.
But when she turns her head, her face fades to worry. Ruby is walking towards her, anger in her face. Pyrrha was not expecting Ruby to run and grab her, causing the two to crash into a table. Everyone looks shocked at what's happening, as the two struggle. Jaune, who was nearby, just looks his head away. A window opens, and Yang looks out of it.
"RUBY!"
Qrow appears and grabs Ruby, trying to pull her away.
"Ruby! COME ON!"
Qrow continues to pull Ruby away. And when he nearly does, Ruby screams and punches him away. She then proceeds to punch Pyrrha, sending her back down. Ruby continues to punch Pyrrha a few times, while trying to stop Sun and Nora from pulling her away. Velvet grabs Valerie's arm and they walk away. Weiss, who had followed Ruby outside, covers her mouth and her eyes wide in shock.
"RUBY! STOP!" Sun screams.
Sun and Nora manage to pull Ruby off, while the latter tries to free herself.
"ENOUGH!" Sun screams.
Ruby stops struggling, angrily panting and looking at Pyrrha, who is groaning in pain. She looks around and sees everyone shocked faces. Even those of the civilians of Solis. But what's makes her feel worse is seeing Weiss, who is looking scared. Ruby looks at her hands, which has Pyrrha's blood on it. Shocked, she quickly turns around and enters the conference room.
ATLAS - SCHNEE MANSION
Oscar sits in the hallway, humming a tune as he waits for something. That's when he hears Ozpin's voice.
"How many times, must you sing that tune?"
"What?" Oscar said. "I like it. Been my favorite, since I was 9."
"I understand that. But must you hum that, every time you wait for anything?"
"Yes. Yes I will."
"Who the hell are you talking to?"
Oscar is startled by whoever was talking. He sees Cyan, who is looking confsued. He then quickly stands up.
"Um...Hi." He said. "I was...It's kinda complicated."
"Hm...sure." Cyan said.
The door next to the two opens. Oscar and Cyan turn to see Klein exiting.
"Ah. Miss Marcus. I do hope your session with Doctor Salfire went well."
"Somewhat." Cyan said. "So...who is this guy?" She points to Oscar.
"The name's Oscar Pine." Oscar answered. "And I was told to come to Atlas. Was almost impossible for me to do so. But I'm here."
"And exactly, who told you to come here?" Cyan asked.
Oscar groans and scratches the back of his head. "You may want to sit down. It's a long story."
CONFERENCE ROOM
Ruby sits in her chair in the conference room, staring at the floor and angrily panting. What she doesn't know, is that the slit of red in her eyes becomes a little wider. The door to the conference room opens. She doesn't turn her head, when Yang appears and walks to her chair, right next to Ruby, who doesn't even look at her.
"You asked Pyrrha, on how to convince Jaune to use his Semblance." Ruby angrily said. "She gave an answer. And you decided to go for it. Without any risk. Or without telling any of us."
Yang clenches her hands tight. "We couldn't save her. We both knew that. But I know, that deep down...there was only one way to save Blake. And I chose that way."
"There were other ways, Yang!" Ruby exclaims.
"No, there wasn't!" Yang yells, before calming down. "You of all people knew that Blake was going to die, no matter what we did. Jaune was the ONLY option, that we had. If I didn't do what had to be done, Blake would be dead. And I would've shut down completely. Maybe even wanted to join her."
Ruby tries her best not to cry, when she turns to look at Yang, who sees the tears beginning to form.
"You may be our leader, Ruby." Yang continues. "But when it comes to my own wife...the one girl that I truly love more then anyone else...I make my own decisions."
"And you think that trying to convince Jaune was going to help?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. Because I could get him to save Blake. And I did what I had to do, in order for that to happen. None of us couldn't convince him, to help us. Like I said...it was the only way."
Ruby slams her hands on the table. "AND HOW WAS KILLING YOURSELF, THE ONLY WAY?"
Yang winces at Ruby's yelling, but continues. "Jaune would've kept saying no. I took matters into my own hands. And I knew he would succeed, even if I had my doubts. And because it worked, Blake is alive."
"But at what cost?" Ruby said, as tears fall down. "I almost lost my sister, tonight. And the pain, that I felt...it still hits me even right now. If you had stayed dead...I would've shut down. I looked up to you, sis. Since we were little girls. And I still do, to this day, despite everything we went through."
"And I'm sorry." Yang said, as Ruby turns her head away. "I'm sorry for causing you so much pain. I seem to do that, these days. And I don't want to cause any more. That's why I think it's best that me and Blake leave the squad. We were planning on leaving for a while. But we didn't know when to tell-"
"Just go, then." Ruby said, surprising Yang. "You and Blake can just gio." Ruby turns back to Yang. "Jaune told me about you and Blake wanting to leave. How you don't want to fight anymore. You want a simple life."
"Dammit, Jaune." Yang said, with some annoyance in her voice. "Yeah. I do. Blake just wants to be there for me. And...I can't take care of myself, anymore. With the trauma I have now."
Ruby nods. "I just wish, I could've let you guys go, before we came here. If I had known, what was going to happen...I'm really sorry, Yang. You didn't deserve any pain, given to you."
Yang stands up and walks around Ruby's chair. She then grabs her sister's head and kisses the top of it.
"Thank you." She said.
Yang then proceeds to walk away towards the door. But as she reaches it, she stops to look at Ruby.
"Blake and I are going to help you finish our mission, here in Solis. And when we're done, we'll leave. It's the least, we can do."
Ruby nods, before Yang walks out of the room. When she does, she sees everyone else looking at her with shock and disbelief.
"She would've told you, anyways." Yang said. "Now it looks like you must decide on Pyrrha's position to stay or not. Tell Ruby that my vote is for her to stay. Blake's too."
She then walks past the group, exiting the building.
"Pyrrha?" Nora asked, confused.
GARDEN
Velvet and Valerie across from each other, in the garden. Valerie is staring at the ground, looking sad.
"I'm sorry you had to see that."
Valerie lifts her head to look at Velvet.
"Ruby's...never like that. Ever. Despite everything that happened, I've never seen her just...that angry. It's a scary thing to see, yes."
"...I've seen worse." Valerie said. "But people saw Ruby Rose, an image of hope, losing her shit in front of them."
"Hey!" Velvet said. "Language."
"I'm 19, Velv." Valerie said. "I can curse."
"I know. Just try to keep it to a minimum. Don't want your brother, to catch you saying a word like that."
Valerie nods. "Alright."
Velvet smiles and pats her shoulder. But she is surprised when Valerie holds her hand, keeping it on her shoulder. Valerie then rests the side of her head on it and smiles. And Velvet does the same.
"Easy."
The 2 Faunus turn and they see Yang, who is supporting Blake. The latter is weakly walking, her legs slightly shaking.
"I'm fine, Yang." Blake said, trying to walk by herself.
"You've been in bed for days." Yang said.
"But that doesn't mean-"
Blake stops talking when she sees Velvet, who stands up. The two of them stare at each other for a few seconds. Blake then lowers her head and turns the other way, walking away. Yang looks at Velvet, with some worry on her face, before following Blake.
"Is...something wrong?" Valerie asked.
"...Just something, that needs to be sort out." Velvet answered. "I gotta go. Try not to get into trouble."
Velvet then proceeds to walk towards the same direction, where Blake and Yang walked. Valerie just sits in the same spot, looking at the flowers and smiling.
CONFERENCE ROOM
"Miss Rose." Ironwood said to Ruby, who is with the others who gathered back into the conference room. "What I need to discuss with you is of absolute importance."
"We have an important subject ourselves, sir." Ruby said, not looking at Ironwood. "Something that's only going to take 5 minutes."
"Miss Rose! I must insist-"
The door to the conference room opens. Everyone looks to see Pyrrha, her face covered in cuts and bruises, entering. She nervously walks around, trying to avoid everyone staring at her. When she reaches her chair, she sees that Jaune is not looking at her. He is looking down at the table instead. Pyrrha then proceeds to sit down and stare at the ground.
Ruby then sees the others who enter. Weiss, along with Penny, Qrow, Terra and Crystal, all enter and stay in the back, where Shay and Octavius are watching.
"Where's Ilia?" Ruby asked.
"I don't know." Qrow said. "She tends to dissapear sometimes. But my gut says that she'll return soon."
"We can go on without her, then. Let's get started." Ruby said, turning back to the table. "You may be wondering, what's happening right now. And...you are aware of recent actions that have taken place in the last couple hours." She turns to Jaune. "And...I want to thank you Jaune. It's because of you, that Blake is alive."
Jaune just stares at the table. "It almost came with a price, though."
"...Yes, it almost did." Ruby said, before looking at Pyrrha. "I think you owe everyone an explanation. Especially after what I did to you. Everyone here needs to know why."
Pyrrha looks afraid as she looks at everyone who is looking at her. After a few seconds, she speaks.
"I...I didn't think Yang would've...would've done what she did. If I knew, I wouldn't have told her."
"But you did." Ruby said. "You did tell her. And sure. Blake is alive. But what Yang did to herself...happened because of you."
"Can someone explain to me, what Yang did?" Qrow said, with confusion.
Ruby turns to look at Qrow, before looking back at Pyrrha.
"Pyrrha told Yang something that'll help convince Jaune to use his Semblance. And when she thought it was the only way, Yang made a plan."
Ruby's hands clench hard.
"And when she got to Jaune's cell...she...she took her own life."
Qrow's face then turns to shock, along with those who weren't aware. Ironwood looks surprised at this.
"Yang was dead for almost a minute. And after we begged, Jaune was able to bring her back to life. And I just sat there...frozen in shock, over what she did."
Ruby's anger causes a small portion of the table to freeze, with Jaune lifting up his arms to avoid the ice.
"Pyrrha Nikos." She said. "Your actions almost cost us the life of one of our own. You've kept a damaging secret from Juane, when you could've just tell him."
"I wanted to tell him at the right time!" Pyrrha exclaims.
"The right time!" Jaune yells, making Pyrrha afraid as he looked at her. "It is WAY pass the right time to tell me, Pyrrha! You lied to us! All of us! You disgust me!"
Jaune angrily moves his head towards Pyrrha, whose fear becomes more known.
"Jaune! You're scaring her!" Nora exclaims.
"Good!" Juane exclaims. "She deserves to be scared, for what she's done."
Pyrrha, trying to contain her emotions, quickly stands up and begins to walk to the door.
"Stop!"
Pyrrha stops as she reaches for the doorknob, and slowly turns around to see Ruby walking towards her. Ruby stops near Pyrrha and angrily looks at her.
"Pack your stuff and head back to Atlas." Ruby said. "Grab the rest of your things there...and leave the Kingdom. Go anywhere but there or Vale. And if I see you still in Atlas, when we get back...I'll have you arrested for the murders of June and Jason Arc."
Pyrrha's eyes go wide in shock, knowing that everyone in the room heard. She looks at everyone at the table, who are in shock and disbelief. Losing to her emotions, tears fall from her face as she turns and exits the building.
Ruby just turns around and walks to sit back down on her seat, while everyone looks at her. Ruby then proceeds to look at Ironwood.
"Do you wish to speak to me now, General? Or are you just going to stand there and be silent."
Ironwood, while looking at Ruby, sees the red in her silver eyes before he speaks. "Only just you and Mr. Arc. I, Qrow and The rest can leave, as this matter is a private one."
Ruby turns to the others at the table, nodding at them. The group then stands and begin to leave, with Jaune and Ruby staying.
Ironwood sees that Weiss is leaving as well. "Miss Schnee!"
Weiss turns around to look at Ironwood.
"I believe that you should stay for this. This may involve you as well."
Weiss then proceeds to sit across the table from Ruby while everyone else leaves. When the room is empty, Ironwood takes out his Scroll and presses a button.
"We'll have a few minutes." He said. "I have...other associates, that will need to be here as well."
"Other associates?" Ruby asked. "Come on, sir. You wanted us to be alone to speak. Why you're asking Weiss to stay as well, I don't know. What exactly is so important-"
"Ruby."
Ruby turns to look at Weiss.
"What General Ironwood is going to say to you, is of utmost importance. Something that cannot be ignored for any longer."
"How important is this matter, to be exact?" Jaune asked.
"...Extremely important." Weiss answered. "Something that'll change the course of everything that we've worked hard achieve."
BAR
Pyrrha sadly sits and drinks from a glass, as she has her Scroll out. When she sets her glass down, she then places the Scroll hearing the ringtone.
"Hello?"
"...Mom?"
All Pyrrha hears is silence. And it was like that before few seconds
"Pyrrha? Is...is it really you?"
Pyrrha chuckles. "Yeah. Yeah, it is me. Sorry for not calling for the past few months. I've just...I've been busy."
"Pyrrha, sweetie. It's okay. Your father and I understand. We know that needed to help keep the world a better place. It's just good to hear your voice again."
Pyrrha's smile soon fades into sadness.
"Pyrrha? Are you there?
"...Yeah. I'm still here. I...some bad things happened. And...they were my fault. My friends don't trust me anymore. I don't-"
Pyrrha then begins to softly sob, trying to keep the sounds low.
"I'm coming home. I'm coming home, Mom."
"Pyrrha-"
Pyrrha then ends the call, before standing up. She grabs her duffel bag and walks out of the bar. As she gets outside, she sees Ren and Nora looking at her. Pyrrha then tightly grabs her bag, before turning.
"Pyrrha."
Stopping, Pyrrha just stares at the ground as Nora slowly approaches her.
"Is it true?" Nora said, trying to contain her emotions. "Did...did you kill-"
"Yes!" Pyrrha said, before turning to Nora. "I did. And now I can't be trusted, anymore. I can't even trust myself, now."
Nora nods. "You weren't yourself. You were under Cinder's control."
"But it was still me, Nora!" Pyrrha yells. "And I will forever live with that." She sees Nora trying to move closer. "Don't come near me. Please."
Nora just stops and stares at Pyrrha.
"I'm sorry." Pyrrha said. "And goodbye. For the last time."
Nora tries to say something. But Pyrrha just flies up and disappears into the sky. Nora just sadly watches where Pyrrha flew, before turning back to look at Ren.
CONFERENCE ROOM
"Alright." Jaune said. "So...you wanted to speak to us. And yet...you are delaying. Why don't you just tell us, already? Or better yet. Why don't I just leave, so that I won't die of boredom?"
"Because, Mr. Arc."
Jaune, Ruby and Weiss all turn and look shocked. Goodwitch, unmasked, stands near the entrance.
"What the General is going to say, involves mainly around you."
Ruby notices a couple people behind Goodwitch. One of them was Snow, who looks at Weiss for a few seconds. The there's the masked woman who saved her in Solitude.
"You." Ruby said.
"Hello...Miss Rose." The masked woman. "It's been a few days. How's your sister. She looked like shit."
"Ryder!" Ironwood exclaims. "I would avoid angering Miss Rose, at this moment." He then turns to Goodwitch. Do you have what we need?"
"We do." Goodwitch said, holding a circular device. "And hopefully after we tell them about the Order, they'll want our assistance."
"The Order?" Ruby asked. "What Order are you-"
"They're called The Order of the Remnant Knights." Weiss answered, surprising Ruby and Jaune. "They've been here for a long time. Hiding in the shadows."
"How do you know so much about them?" Jaune demands.
"Allow me to explain everything, first." Ironwood said, before putting his Scroll on the table. A holographic screen appears in the air. It shows drawings on the walls and statues near them.
"During the Great War, a dark and powerful being was hiding among the shadows. They simply called it The Darkness. Carefully waiting to strike on the opposing sides that were fighting each other, the Darkness watched as Vale and Vacuo were fighting against Mistral and Atlas. Gathering enough dark energy from years of fighting and death, it nearly surfaced. Where it would've wiped out all of humanity."
The screen then shows a drawing of people. And 4 glowing orbs floating above them.
"But as it grew and got stronger, a small group of individuals that all resided from the 4 Kingdoms knew about the dark force and decided to prevent it from having their presence known. And to do that, they needed a weapon powerful enough to wipe out the the Darkness."
"Weapons, to be exact." Goodwitch said, before pointing at the orbs. "These orbs that you see are ancient relics, created by the brother Gods, hundred of years ago. I assume the three of you have heard about the Brother Gods." She watches Ruby, Juane and Weiss nod. "'Good. The four relics - Knowledge, Creation, Destruction and Choice - were placed deep within each Huntsman academy, as a means of guarding them from any dark forces."
"Seperated, the relics can be useful for whatever the holder wishes to do, whether they're good or bad." Ironwood said. "But all four of them together...they can become the most powerful weapon that Remnant has ever seen. And that occasion only happened once. After the group used the relics to destroy the Darkness, they knew that while they ensured that the Great War to end, they were aware that the relics should never fall into enemy hands."
"The group established an organization." Goodwitch said. "An organization, dedicated to protecting the relics, when the Huntsman couldn't. The Order of Remnant Knights. And so far, we've managed to acquire two of them."
"The ones in Atlas and Beacon academies were recovered shortly after the attacks during the Vytal Festival and have been kept safe, under my authority." Ironwood said. "However...the headmaster of Haven Academy and headmistress of Shade believed that they could guard the other two relics, themselves. But before Haven fell, Leonheart managed to get the 3rd relic to Shade Academy."
"All we have to do is convince the headmistress to give us the relics, and we can ensure that we can protect them." Goodwitch said. "We cannot allow Torchwick or Cinder Fall to have them. Otherwise a lot more people could die. How are you taking all this in, Miss Rose? Mister Arc?"
"So much information." Ruby said, massaging her temples.
"I agree." Jaune said. "All of this about Relics and a secret society that's existed for years and years...what does this have to do with the three of us, exactly?"
"It mainly has to do with you, Jaune." Weiss said. "Ruby is simply here, because she leads the squad and should not be left out."
"How do you even know about any of this, Weiss?" Ruby said.
"My great grandfather." Weiss said. "He was one of the founding members of the Order. Before he was banished for crimes, that he didn't commit."
"We are aware of that, Miss Schnee." Ironwood said, before turning to Jaune. "Mister Arc. The reason why we this matters more to you than anyone, is because of your family's involvement in the Order."
The screen then slides to show a young man with blond hair and blue eyes. He is wearing a suit of armor, with a black hood. Jaune sees that he have Crocea Mors sheathed on his side.
"Is that...my great-grandfather?" He asked.
"Correct." Ironwood answered. "Oliver Arc. Another founder of the Order. And the one who struck the final blow against the dark force. And he did all that with the weapon that you possess."
"But...what makes me so important to all of this?"" Jaune said.
"Simple." Ironwood answered again. "When Oliver used the relics power to defeat the Darkness, the power infused with his body. You see...the Darkness can only be taken out physically by one with great power. And when Oliver used his sword, it transformed. Turned into what the Order calls...the Darkslayer."
"I seriously cannot believe, what I'm hearing." Jaune said, standing up. "My sword is not some sort of...magical weapon that kills dark entities."
"It's true, Jaune." Weiss said.
"Well if it's true, then how come this 'Darkslayer' hasn't shown itself already?"
"That is a good question, Mr. Arc." Goodwitch said. "Being that you're Oliver's descendant, it should've made its presence, by now. And we desperately need it to appear, before the Darkness destroys us."
"Wait." Ruby said. "This...Darkness, you speak of. It's here?"
"Not just here, Miss Rose." Ironwood answered. "But it has fused with Remnant's most wanted man. The man who we are at war against."
"...Torchwick."
"Correct." Goodwitch said. "And the only way to kill him, is to summon the Darkslayer." She turns to Jaune. "You will need to summon it, as quickly as you can. And once you have succeeded, the Order will teach you how to use its power to kill Torchwick. And end this war."
Jaune unsheathes Crocea Mors and stares at this blade. "All my life, I've always had the feeling that this blade was much more than a sword. It was something that was greater than any sword. But...I don't know if I can wield its power. I'm broken." He rests his head on the blunt end of the blade. "I lost people, who I deeply cared about. I'm full of hatred. And I want to kill those responsible for my suffering. This sword does not deserve me to wield it."
Jaune then proceeds to place the sword and sheathe on the table.
"I won't accept this responsibility. I'm sorry."
Jaune then proceeds to walk out of the conference room, leaving Ruby and Weiss with worried looks.
"I told you." Snow said. "He would react like this, sir. You are aware of his mental state."
"I know, Snow." Ironwood said. "But he'll come around eventually."
"And what if he doesn't?" Ruby asked. "You're just going to force him?"
"If that's what it takes."
Ruby the quickly stands up and angrily looks at Ironwood. "I don't think so, General."
"Miss Rose-"
"Don't interrupt me!" Ruby yells, making Weiss squirm. "Out of all of us in the squad, Jaune is the one who's been broken, again and again. He is the most vulnerable to breaking down and never coming back. If you force him to take a role, he does not want...you will leave me no choice."
"Are you...threatening me?" Ironwood slowly asked.
Ironwood notices Ruby reaching for Crimson Rose. Weiss, who also noticed, quickly gets up and stops in between Ruby and Ironwood.
"Stop!" Weiss exclaims. "There's no need for this. Look. I get it. Emotions are running high, from both sides. Might I suggest, we go our separate ways, take a breather and come back later with clearer minds."
Ruby continues to angrily stare at Ironwood, who notices that the red in her eyes are more noticeable.
"Fine." Ruby said, before exiting the conference room.
"You saw that." Goodwitch said. "Didn't you?"
"Her eyes, yes." Ironwood said. "That isn't good."
"What isn't good?" Weiss asked.
"...I think you should go and speak to Miss Rose." Goodwitch said. "Calm her down, if you can. I've got a feeling that might do something bad."
Weiss, although confused, turns and exits the conference room, running out.
"We have to be prepared, sir." Ryder said. "Just in case."
"We do." Ironwood said. "Let's just hope it doesn't happen."
REST AREA
Jaune is sitting on a bench, staring at the ground. Trying to take in the information, he squeezes the bench hard, causing it to crack.
"Ruby!"
Juane lifts her head to see Ruby walking nearby. Weiss is behind her, trying to catch up.
"Ruby." Weiss said, grabbing Ruby's arm. "Please. We need to discuss this."
"Discuss what?" Ruby exclaims. "You lied to all of us, Weiss. You lied to me!"
"The Order was kept a secret for a reason." Weiss said. "No one else could know. I wanted to tell you. Ever since Beacon. But...the Order has some...aggressive ways to handle whistle-blowers."
"Weiss." Ruby said. "Everything that was told to me and Jaune...I mean...The Order. And these relics. And Jaune probably being some sort of chosen one. We should've been told of this, long ago. And also...Goodwitch being alive? Did you even know?"
"I didn't!" Weiss exclaims. "I may have knowledge of the Order, but I was never told the identities of the current members."
"And how many are there?"
"Just the ones, who were in the conference room." Weiss answered. "There were more. But they died during this war."
Ruby pinches the bridge of her nose, sighing. "This is just too much to take in. Especially for Jaune. In the state he's in...do you even think he'll take the responsibility?"
"...To be honest. I don't know. It really just depends on him."
Ruby turns to look at Jaune, who was listening to their conversation, before looking back at the ground. That's when Ruby's vision begin to look blurry. Confused, Ruby tries to move forward, but she suddenly falls to her knees.
"Ruby?" Weiss said, crouching next to Ruby.
Ruby then suddenly yells as flashes of Salem appear. Juane sees what's happening and quickly runs to the two. Ruby grabs her head, still yelling as if in pain.
"Ruby!" Weiss exclaims. "What's wrong?"
Ruby lifts her head and opens her closed eyes. Juane sees that her silver eyes is now all read, while his own eyes go wide. He also notices that the red starts to become purple.
"Oh, shit." Jaune said, before looking at his hand. "Sorry, Ruby."
Jaune, forming his hand into a fist, suddenly punches Ruby.
"Juane!" Weiss exclaims. "What the hell? Why did you-"
"You'll thank me later." Jaune said.
Ruby groans as she slowly sits up and grabs her head. Weiss sees Ruby's eyes change back to silver, with specks of red in them. Shocked, she turns to Jaune. "What just happened?"
"...Something that I had feared, since Atlas was attacked." Jaune answered.
STRONGHOLD
Ilia, resting on a cliff side, has a pair of binoculars. She watches as an array of vehicles are exiting the stronghold. Surprised, she also sees Torchwick and Cinder standing outside, watching the convoy leaving.
"Shit!"
SOLIS - AIRSHIP MED BAY
Ruby is sitting down, while a Jaune searching in the first aid kit.
"I told you." Ruby said. "I'm feeling fine."
That's when an ice pack was placed on the area of Ruby's head, where Jaune punched her. Groaning, Ruby holds the ice pack.
"I don't think so." Jaune said. "What Weiss and I just saw...that should be of concern."
"It's nothing." Ruby said.
"Nothing?" Jaune said. "How is your eyes suddenly changing colors and you yelling in pain, nothing? Salem is getting closer to controlling you, Ruby. You have to keep yourself calm. Otherwise...you know."
That's when the two suddenly turn to see Weiss, who entered the med bay.
"Conference Room. Now. It's very urgent."
CONFERENCE ROOM
Ruby, Weiss and Jaune rush into the conference room. Ren, Nora and the others are there as well. Ruby sees Yang, Blake and Velvet among the group. Qrow, Ironwood, Crystal, Goodwitch are there too, along with Shay and Mayor Octavius.
"What's going on?" Ruby said.
"We have a problem." Ironwood said. "We received a video message from Miss Ilia Amitola."
Ironwood takes out his screen and presses a button. A screen on top of the table appears. Ilia is shown on the screen,
"Bad news, guys. It seems that Torchwick is preparing for a big assault. And it looks like he's heading towards you guys."
The screen then turns to look at the convoy.
"By my guess...they'll be here in a couple days, given their current speed. They're bringing some heavy firepower."
Ilia is shown again.
"I'm on my way back, as this message is playing. I suggest you get ready."
The screen then disappears.
"They're on their way." Ruby said. "We have to stop them here."
"I agree." Wesley said. "If they're launching a full scale attack, we must do the same with what we have."
"I know some people who can get here to help us." Juane said. "But only if they're willing to help out."
"Crystal and I will be heading to Shade Academy immediately." Ironwood said. "Once we come back, we will assist you in your fight. Hopefully we'll make it before that happens."
"Why are you going to Shade?" Sun asked.
"I cannot tell you, Mr. Wukong." Ironwood said. "But let's just say that what we're retrieving will turn the tide of this war."
"Just wait a second!" Shay exclaims. "What about the people of Solis? There are thousands living here. Not to mention, this is my home!"
"I'm sorry, Shay." Ruby said. "You're right. We forgot about the people for a second. We have two days. How long could have this place evacuated?"
"Are you serious?" Shay asked. "You're asking us to abandon our home?"
"I...I agree with Ruby." Yang said, standing up. "By staying here, thousands of lives could be lost in a matter of hours. That's why it's best that you evacuate this town."
Shay turns to look at Octavius, who looks hesitant.
"Mayor." Yang said, approaching Octavius. "If you truly care about your people...you have to get them out, before it's too late."
Octavius looks at Yang for a few seconds, before nodding. "We'll start evacuations within the hour."
"Thank you, Mayor." Ruby said. "And...I hate to ask. But other than Shay, are there others who can fight?"
"...Only a few. Maybe a couple dozen." Shay answered.
"Talk to them, Shay." Ruby said. "If they want to stay and help, they can. But if they don't want to, then that's okay."
"I'll do that, ASAP!" Shay said, before turning to Octavius, noticing a look on his face. He then realizes something. "No."
"Yes, Shay." Octavius said. "I'm not going to flee with the citizens. I'm going to stay and fight."
"Wait, what?" Yang said.
"Mayor...you can't." Shay said. "You haven't fought in years."
"I know." Octavius said. "It's been while, yes. But given the situation, I am making the decision to fight. I will not allow those bastard to take our town."
Shay sighs. "I stay by your side, then."
"Deal."
"It's settled, then." Ruby said. "Begins evacuations immediately. Ironwood and Crystal will head to Shade. The rest of us will either assist on evacuations or guarding the town. Let's get started."
VACUO - DOJO
Ring
"Are you kidding me, right now?"
Ring
"Just let it ring."
...Ring.
"Oh for fuck sake!"
Sitting in a meditative state, Jade Arc angrily sighs as she stands up and walks to a dresser, grabbing her Scroll and answering it.
"Hello?"
"Hey, sis."
Jade, knowing that it's her brother, quickly sits in her bed.
"Hey, Jaune." She said. "How are you?"
"I'm...I'm doing okay." Jaune answered. "I just...I just wanted an update on Clover."
"I was actually going to call you shortly, about that." Jade said. "You want the good news or the bad?"
"I could use some good news, right now."
"Alright." Jade said. "Clover woke up today."
Jade hears a sigh of relief coming from Jaune.
"That's good." Jaune said. "I was afraid, she wasn't going to...what's the bad news."
Jade lowers her head begins to sniffle. "The damage to her injuries were too bad. And...Jaune, she's not going to be able walk again."
Jade then hear Jaune shakily exhale. That's when the sounds of crashing is heard from Jaune's end.
"Juane. Is everything okay?"
"It's fine." He said. "Is Clover with you. And the others? Are you all safe?"
"We are." Jade answered. "We're all camped up in my dojo. Jaune. What's happening?"
"I'm going to be brief with you, sis." Juane said. "Me and my squad are currently residing in Solis. It's a town about 30 miles from Vacuo. Roman Torchwick is planning to attack this place in the next couple days."
"What?"
"We're already evacuating the civilians out of Solis. And when that's done, we're going to stay and fight to defend this town."
"That's crazy, Jaune!" Jade exclaims. "You don't even know if you're going to win."
"I know." Jaune said. "But who knows? Maybe we'll get lucky. And also...I called you because I am asking for your assistance."
"To help fight."
"Yes." Juane answered. "You and whoever wants to head to Solis and help us keep Solis. Someone has to stay and keep Clover safe."
"Jaune." Jade said. "What you're asking for, is just too sudden. We just got Clover here."
"That's why this is optional. You don't exactly have to do this. If you can't help us, then be sure to keep each other safe. If you change your mind, let me know. I gotta go. I'm going to be pretty busy. Bye for now."
Jade tries to say something. But the call ends. Jade puts away her Scroll and turns to see the rest of the Arc sisters, who were listening. Clover is sitting in a wheelchair. Jade sighs.
"How much did you hear?"
"Enough." Clover answered. "So what are you going to do?"
"I don't know." Jade answered. "I'm stuck in between decisions, right now."
Jade walks across the area and looks at herself in the mirror.
"We should help."
Jade, surprised, turns back to look at Clover.
"If Jaune is saying that they're going to fight, I honestly think we should help them."
"You can't do anything, sis." Jade said, worried. "Doctor said-"
"I may not be able to fight anymore." Clover said, as she takes out her Scroll. "But I still have soldiers in Vale, who will gladly follow my lead."
"Are...are you sure?" Jade asked.
Clover nods. "I am. Let's go help our brother."
SOLIS - STREET
Blake and Yang are watching as the civilians exiting the city, with as many of their possessions that they can carry.
"I feel bad for them." Yang said.
"So do I." Blake said. "But this is the only way, to keep them safe."
Blake then takes Yang's hand.
"Are you sure you want to stay and fight? I mean, we could just go. Ruby will understand."
Yang turns to look at Blake. "No. I'm fine. Besides..." Yang cracks her knuckles. "I'm looking forward to some payback."
"Just don't let your emotions overpower you." Blake said, before letting her hand go. "I'll be on the nearby, if you near me."
"...Be careful." Yang said.
Blake nods before she walks away, leaving Yang there.
"This is your fault, you know."
Yang turns to see Aiden, with an angry look.
"What are you talking about?" Yang asked.
"...When you...killed yourself...and the collar deactivated...that's when Torchwick decided to commence the attack on this place." Aiden answered. "If you had just kept yourself in place for a little while longer, then this wouldn't be happening."
Yang begins to look shocked, knowing her actions caused this. "Blake would've died."
"And now, because of you, some of us probably will." Aiden said, before walking away to join with Velvet.
Yang then proceeds to sit down on a nearby bench and sadly stares at the ground.
Nearby, Ruby sees Yang and is about to walk to her. But Jaune taps her shoulder, making Ruby turn to him.
"Can we talk?"
"Sure." Ruby answered. "What is it."
Jaune puts her hands in his pocket and sits down in a chair. "In regards to our recent events. Yang killing herself. Pyrrha turning out to be my parents' murderer. This secret Order that we've never heard of before."
"It's been rough." Ruby said. "But we managed to pull through, every time."
"But can we, this time?" Jaune asked. "I mean...you were acting pretty aggressive, since Blake got poisoned. And I know that I was aggressive myself towards Pyrrha. But took it up a notch. The squad noticed this, and they're either worried or scared of you."
Ruby lowers her head.
"Ruby. You once told me, that there will be a day when you will decide to step down as our leader. That you would do this to protect us. And given our current circumstances...do you think that'll happen?"
"...Most likely." Ruby answered. "I think that Salem is trying take advantage of my anger. And that's why I hurt Pyrrha, both physically and emotionally. And when you punched me, you set her back for now. Thanks for that, anyways."
"No problem." Juane said.
"Anyways...I honestly think that after we're done here, and we go back to Atlas...I'll tell the others about Salem. And after that...I'll probably step down and quit. And then appoint my successor to lead."
"Which makes Yang-"
"Yang's not going to lead this squad." Ruby said, interrupting. "And Blake won't be, either. They're leaving the squad, too. Mainly to help Yang recover from everything she's endured. And the next person in the chain of command is the man before Blake."
"...Me."
"Yes, Jaune. You've always been a great leader. And despite everything that's happened to you, I believe that you could lead this squad, better than me."
Jaune then stands up, with Ruby lifting her head. "If you do decide to step down...then I will accept leadership. You can count on me."
Ruby nods and pats Jaune in the shoulder.
ROOFTOP
Blake is walking around the rooftop, with Gambol Shroud ready. As she oversees the many citizens leaving Solis, she sees Yang and has a worried look on her face.
"Knew I'd find you here."
Blake turns her head and she is surprised to see Velvet, who rests her arms on the rooftop railing.
"You know." Velvet said. "After Coco died...I would often go to the roof of the Schnee mansion, just to look at the stars. It's what Coco and I used to do, before all of this happened. She hated it so much, but she knew that I would be happy."
Velvet proceeds to sit down, her legs crossed.
"Sit."
Blake, though hesitant, proceeds to sit across from Coco, but has her head staring down.
"Blake." Velvet said. "Ever since that night, I had blamed you for causing Coco's death. I would be angry, full of rage. I would ignore you, every time you wanted to speak to me. And I would avoid you whenever I saw you."
Velvet sees tears falling and dripping onto Blake's legs.
"Blake. Look at me."
Blake then lifts her head up, her face full of sadness. She does her best not to cry. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.."
Velvet just sadly looks at Blake. "It wasn't your fault."
"Yes, it was."
"No!" Velvet exclaims. "It's not. You didn't know what was going to happen."
"If I had...then Coco would still be alive." Blake said.
"Blake." Velvet said. "You have to stop hurting yourself with the guilt. I've seen the scars on your wrists. And those scars are what made me realize, that I should never have blamed you. The true person to blame is Torchwick. He killed Coco. He killed Violet. And almost made Ruby mutilate Yang. He needs to go down, before he hurts anyone else."
Velvet then proceeds to stand up and moves closer to Blake. She then offers her hand. Blake, after a few seconds, takes Velvet's hand and is helped up. After looking at each other, Velvet nods and proceeds to leave the rooftop. Blake wipes the tears from her face and proceed to look the town.
"That's very sweet."
Blake's face then turn angry and turns back. Cinder, smiling and holding her swords, stands across the roof from Blake.
"I see that you're still alive and walking around." Cinder said. "That's too bad. I'm going have to make your death even worse."
Blake yells in anger as she charges at Cinder, who merely dodges Gambol Shroud and knees Blake in the gut. Blake falls to her knees, coughing and gasping for air. Cinder just chuckles, walking around Blake.
"It's a shame, really. I just wanted your wife to just simply follow my orders. I gave her that collar for a reason."
Blake looks at Cinder with confusion.
"And when she did the unthinkable and got that collar off...I was the one to convince Roman to destroy this place."
Cinder then just smiles at Blake's surprised face.
"That's right. When Solis falls to the ground, and maybe some of your friends die...it'll all be her fault for causing this."
Blake then turns angry and tries to strike at Cinder. But Cinder again dodges her attack. As she does this, the blade of one of her swords glow orange. Cinder then proceeds to strike at Blake.
STREET
The sound of Blake screaming is heard. Many citizens hear the noise, along with Yang, who instantly gets up.
"Blake."
Yang then proceeds to run towards where the screams were heard. When she approaches a nearby building, her eyes go wide, when she sees Cinder looking at her. Yang then enters the building and run upstairs. As she sees the door to the roof, she crashes through it and is horrified at what she sees. Cinder walks into a portal which disappears. Blake screams in pain, grasping her left arm...which is missing her hand from the forearm.
Yang falls to her knees, horrified. She turns and sees a hand, separated from Blake, lying down on the floor and holding Gambol Shroud. Yang just stays in her devastated state, as Blake lets out another scream.
END OF CHAPTER 11
Damn. Bet you weren't expecting any of these scenes, huh? Maybe a bit shocked, perhaps. Well guess what. The next chapter will be worse. It's going to be titled "Divide". And you'll see why after reading it. Also in Chapter 12, I'll be letting you know how I'm going to work out the other 12 chapters of Volume 6, as it will be Part 2 of the Volume. And after Chapter 12, I'm planning on lighting the dark tone, that the 1st half of this Volume had.
In the mid-volume finale of Volume 6, some people are going to die, Ruby will be going through a horrible change, Weiss will be affected emotionally, and many other events will occur. And by the time Chapter 12 is done, the team will be divided. Who stays or who goes, we won't know.
Until then, I'll see you guys later.