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 12
Divide
SOLIS
Blake is still screaming, clutching her arm. Ruby flies over and lands on the rooftop and crouches next to Blake. She looks at Yang, who sits on the ground, her eyes wide in shock. Ruby then sees Velvet and Ren entering the roof.m Velvet takes out a syringe and injects a liquid into Blake's stump. The bleeding that was occurring suddenly stops and Blake passes out.
"It's only temporary." Velvet said. "But she needs to be treated immediately."
"Get her to the airship!" Ruby exclaims.
Velvet nods and carries Blake, exiting the rooftop.
"We have a problem." Ren said to Ruby. "We have Grimm heading towards this place."
"How many?"
"About 100."
"Damn." Ruby said. "Have everyone split up and guard all entrances."
Yang turns and looks at Gambol Shroud, still held by Blake's hand. Her eyes then become red. She grabs the sword, separating it from the hand, and stands up. Ruby sees Yang's hair glowing.
"Uh-oh."
Yang then jumps over the roof and to the ground. Growling, she angrily runs out of the entrance and stops to see the large group of Grimm. Growling, she prepares to run. Only to feel something wrap around her neck. She touches the metal collar that was placed and her face goes to fear. Her eyes and hair returning to normal, she falls to her knees. Yang then quickly turns to see not Cinder. But Ruby.
"Sorry, Yang."
Ruby then punches Yang hard, causing the latter to fall to the ground, unconscious. Sighing, Ruby then takes out Crimson Rose and turns to the Grimm. Her eyes then glow white as she fly towards the Grimm, her sword ready.
THE NEXT MORNING - REST AREA
Jaune sits on his bed, staring at the bed that Pyrrha used to sleep on. He then turns to look at Crocea Mors, which lies next to him.
"Oh, how disappointing."
Jaune turns his head and he sees Neo, crossing her arms and resting on a shelf.
"You were told that you'd be destined for greatness." She said. "And yet...you deny it. Such a pathetic choice, I have to say."
"I see you, every now and then. A hallucination of the girl, I had loved." Jaune said. "And she had been nice and encouraging. Since when did you suddenly become mean?"
"When you decided not to be a part of this...Order." Neo said, walking towards Jaune. "You had a great opportunity given to you, Jaune. And you just threw it away. Just like that."
"You of all people, would know why." Jaune said. "You know what's going on in my head. You are just voice in my head after all."
Neo stops and crouches in front of Jaune, sighing.
"Look." She said. "I don't mean to be so negative towards you. It's just...wouldn't you think that something like this, would mean the war could end? You can ensure that more lives wouldn't be taken away."
"How?" Jaune asked. "I doubt that this...Darkslayer would ever appear for me. I'm not exactly the kind of person who would deserve that kind of power."
"You just have to stop doubting yourself." Neo said. "Despite everything you've experienced, the anger you have inside of you, I know that deep down...you believe that are destined for greatness."
Jaune scoffs. "If I was...that why am I still seeing you?"
Knock Knock
Jaune turns to look at the door. He then turns back to see Neo has disappeared. He sighs.
"Come in."
The door to the rest area opens. Jaune is surprised to see the wheelchair-bound Clover entering. She smiles.
"Hey, little brother."
"...What are you doing here?" Jaune said, with some worry in her voice.
"Well, I certainly didn't come here just to visit you." Clover said. "I'm here to help defend this town."
"You should be resting!" Jaune exclaims. "You just left the hospital. Why are you here!"
"Because you need your family." Clover answered. "What's left our family, anyways."
Clover then wheels over to a bed. Using her arms, she lifts herself off her wheelchair. Jaune tries to help, but Clover nods, making him stay. She then manages to sit on the side of the bed. Taking a second to rest, she talks again.
"Your friend. Ruby. She told us about what happened to you. And she told us what Pyrrha Nikos did. Killing our parents We didn't want to believe it, at first. But...I thought I'd ask you. Just...tell me. Is it true?"
Jaune nods. "Yeah. Yeah, she did." He then goes to Clover and crouches in front of her. "She took them away, sis. And she made it look like Cinder did it."
"And where is she now?"
"...Gone." Jaune angrily answered. "Ruby exiled her."
"...I see." Clover said. "Well, as you older sister, I am terribly disappointed about this situation."
Jaune looks confused. "What are you talking about?"
"You let her just leave." Clover explained. "Did you even give her a full explanation? Or did you let your anger control you again?"
"Of course, I let my anger control me!" Jaune yells. "Pyrrha killed our parents! Then she kept this from us, for MONTHS!"
"But were you angry at Pyrrha, when you found out it was her...or were you angry that she kept this from you?"
"...The second one." Jaune said, calming down.
"And did you ever ask her, how she felt, when she...killed them? She may had been under Cinder's control...but you of all people should know, that she would never do something as horrible as killing."
Jaune lowers his head. "I can't even look at her, sis. If I do, I would get angry at her. I would want to just...strangle her, for what she did. And that's why she's gone. So that I won't. I don't want to hurt her, Clove. I don't know, what to do."
Clover proceeds to put her hands on Jaune's arms, the latter lifting his head.
"The mistakes that you've made are on you, Jaune." Clover said. "The best you can do, is learn from them. Use those mistakes to make yourself stronger."
Jaune the proceeds to stand up and look at Clover. He then proceeds to walk and pick up Crocea Mors. After looking at the weapon for a few seconds, he turns and looks at Clover.
"You remember when Dad used take you to that shed of his, all those years ago?" He asked. "He would tell you all those stories, that you used at bedtime stories for us?"
Clover smiles. "Sapphire would always be scared of those stories."
"Well...do you remember of the story called The Lone Knight vs The Darkness?"
"I do. Why?"
Jaune gives Crocea Mors to Clover.
"Let's just say that Dad's story...is not fiction."
MAYOR'S OFFICE
"They're almost here." Ilia said, pointing at a map of the area.
Ruby, Qrow, Octavius, and Ironwood are also present, along with Terra, Shay, Goodwitch, and Wesley standing nearby.
"They're heading to Solis, faster that I predicted." Ilia continued. "At this rate, they'll be here by tomorrow."
Ruby takes out her Scroll and looks at it. "The fight is almost here, then. I suggest we get prepared. And watch yourselves. We don't want another surprise attack, like last night."
"Speaking of that." Qrow said. "You need to go check on Yang. Given what happened to Belladonna, you need to see if she's still up for fighting or not."
Qrow takes out a pen and draws an X on the map. "Terra and I will scout about 10 miles from here. When we see them, we'll let you know when they're coming. Anything else else, that we need to speak about?"
"That's about it." Ironwood said. "Go, Qrow."
Qrow then proceeds to exit the Mayor's office, with Terra following him.
"Crystal and I will head to Shade Academy, immediately." Ironwood said. "Once we secure the relic, Crystal will head back here to assist you. I'll be heading back to Atlas, to store the others." He turns to Crystal. "Ready?"
"Yeah." Crystal answered. "The sooner we get there, the better."
Ironwood nods as her head towards the entrance. As Crystal follows him outside, she stops and looks at Snow, who is guarding the entrance with Ryder. Smiling, she moves close to her.
"Make sure to stay close to Weiss." She said. "And be careful, when you let her see you...Winter."
Snow looks around to see no one nearby, except her, Crystal and Ryder. She then proceeds to remove her mask. Winter stares at her mother's eyes.
"I'm surprised that you knew, Mother."
Crystal chuckles. "Of course, I did. Let's just call it...a Mother's instincts."
Crystal then pats Winter's shoulder, before following Ironwood into an airship. Winter puts on her mask and looks at Ryder.
"Told you, she would know." Ryder said.
"Shut up." Winter said, annoyed.
ROOM
Blake lies on her bed, sleeping. Velvet is nearby, washing her hands in the sink. As she does this, Blake begins to groan and move her head. Opening her eyes, she stares at the ceiling light, causing her to cover her eyes with her right arm. When she lifts her left arm, she quickly jerks herself up, her eyes wide in shock. Looking at her bandaged stump, she begins to panic. Velvet quickly runs to Blake and keeps her from jumping off the bed. As she is being held down, she begins to loudly sob.
SAFE AREA
Yang angrily begins punching the wall of the rest area building, creating a series a dents. The more punches she does, the deeper the dents get. She does this until her final punch creates a big hole. After angrily panting for a few seconds, her expression then turns to sadness.
"Yang!"
Yang gets her fist out of the hole and turns to look at Ruby.
"We need to talk." Ruby said.
Yang lowers her head. "I don't want to talk about what happened, last night."
"Yang-"
"I said no, Ruby!" Yang exclaims.
"It's not about that." Ruby said. "I...I want to know if you still want to stay and fight."
Yang turns to walk to a bench, sitting down on it.
"All you have to do is say yes or no, and that's it."
Yang looks at Ruby, before looking back down.
"We're leaving." Yang said. "After I talk to Blake, we'll be leaving Solis. I know that she'll want to."
Ruby nods. "Okay. I understand. But I need you to do something, while you're gone."
"And what is that?"
"...Take real care of each other. Keep each other close, from now on."
Yang said. "Okay. I will."
"And I'll be sure to visit you guys, every now and then. I'll be at the cliff-side, anyways."
"We're not going back to Patch, Rubes." Yang said.
Ruby looks confused. "What?"
"...Blake and I decided that we shouldn't move back to Patch. The Dark Seekers will eventually find us, sooner or later. It's not worth the risk. And we won't go to Vale either."
"Okay, then. So...if you're going back to Patch or Vale...where will you two go?"
"...Blake's home. Menagerie."
Ruby looks surprised. "That far, huh?"
"Yeah." Yang answered. "From what we've heard, the Dark Seekers haven't attacked the island, this whole time. It'll be safe for us. Blake's father is chieftain there. So we'll be even more safe from danger."
"Very well." Ruby said. "If you believe that Menagerie will be safe, then you should go. Get away from all of this."
Yang stands up and looks at Ruby. She then walks to her sister and proceeds to hug her. Ruby the does the same.
"I love you sis." Yang said. "Always remember that."
"...I will." Ruby said.
The sisters separate their hug and Yang walks away. Ruby walks to the bench and sits on it, staring at the sky.
OUTSIDE ENTRANCE
Neptune is sitting down, his back on the wall next to the entrance. He is staring at the horizon that's nearby, as the sounds of footsteps are heard. He turns his head and smiles to see Jade, who proceeds to sit down next to him.
"When did you get here?" Neptune asked.
"A few minutes ago." Jade answered. "Just needed to check on my brother, first."
"That's fair."
The two of them stay silent for a few seconds.
"It's been a while, you know." Jade said.
Neptune turns and looks at Jade, smiling. He then takes Jade's hand and holds it. Jade smiles back and rests her head on his shoulder.
EVENING - GARDEN
Valerie is walking around the garden, looking at the flowers that are there. As she stops, she crouches and picks up a red rose. Standing up, she smiles at the flower.
"You've should've gone with them, Val."
Valerie turns and sees Velvet, who is walking to her. Sighing, Valerie goes to a nearby wall and rests her back on it. Velvet crosses her arms and looks at the former, with a disappointed look.
"Do you realize what's about to happen, Val?" Velvet asked.
"Of course I do." Valerie answered.
"The why didn't you leave?" Velvet asked. "And be honest with me."
"...Maybe I didn't want to be a coward."
"I don't think you are, really." Velvet said. "But these people were hard to fight, before. And no offense. But someone like you...they're just going to knock you down, every time you attack them."
"Gee." Valerie said, with some anger in her voice. "Why don't you just tell me, to go hide in a corner as well."
"I'm just trying to look out for you." Velvet said. "You have no idea, what these guys can do."
"And how would I know then?" Valerie exclaims. "How would I know, if I won't even fight them? I just want to be able to help, instead of being a coward! I just can't afford to lose more of my family!"
"I get that you care about Shay and your father. But do you really think, that they'd want you to be here?"
"Of course not." Valerie said. "But I...I can't make the same mistake, that I did when my mother was killed."
Velvet looks confused. "Killed? I thought you said, she got sick and died."
Valerie, realizing what she had said, sadly sighs. "I lied, Velvet. I trusted you, from the bottom of my heart. But I lied to you, because it's painful to talk about."
"You know, you don't have to." Velvet said, assuring her.
"I need to." Valerie said, before continuing. "My mom...she wasn't killed by some virus or epidemic or whatever." Tears fall down her face. "The Grimm murdered her. In front of me."
Velvet looks shocked from hearing that.
"I just hid and sat as I heard her get torn apart. I still hear the screams, in my nightmares. I would wake up every night, crying and screaming. I used to be a very sweet, happy little girl. But after that night, I became what I am now. The sad, shy, quiet girl who wanders around the gardens, every day."
Valerie lowers her head and some sobbing is heard. Velvet tries to move forward, but freezes suddenly.
"I'm sorry." Valerie continued. "It's just too painful to speak about. You're the first person, besides my family, that I told this ever. And I did, because I trust you. Really, really much. I just hope that this doesn't affect what we have now."
"And...what is it that we have?" Velvet asked.
Valerie lifts her head. "You know. Like...a friendship. But...but maybe more."
Velvet is surprised, but not completely. "Oh."
"It's just...ever since you came here, every day that we've spent together...they've been the best days that I've had, since my mom died. Outside of my family, I didn't want to be close to anyone else. But I never realized, that perhaps you are what I need right now. A...a companion who cares about me and would know how to make me smile or laugh, whenever I was sad. I just hope that person can be you."
Velvet then walks forward to Valerie and hold her arm with one hand and places her other hand to the side of the latter's face. As the 2 Faunus stare at each other, they proceeds to rest their heads onto each other. Valerie that lifts her head and moves forward. Velvet doesn't move as their lips meet. They kiss for a couple seconds, before they separate. That's when the sound of a throat clearing is heard, and the two quickly turn to see Wesley and Emerald. The Faunus quickly separate, with Valerie hiding her blush.
"Sorry to interrupt this...beautiful moment between the two of you." Wesley said.
"You've ruined it badly." Emerald said.
Wesley groans. "Anyways. Miss Scarlatina. I was wondering if you've seen Mr. Inferno anywhere."
"I haven't." Velvet said, crossing her arms. "Not since the last meeting. Have you asked anyone else?"
"We asked everybody?" Emerald answered. "We were hoping you would."
"So you're saying, he's missing?"
"We don't know." Wesley said. "But I have a feeling, that something's up with him."
CONFERENCE ROOM
Ruby is alone in the conference room, looking at the map of Vacuo. As she does, she sadly lowers her head.
"It's a matter of time, Little Rose."
Ruby growls as Salem behind her, smiling evilly.
"Thought you got rid of me, huh? I don't think so."
Ruby looks at the map and angrily tears it off the wall.
"You're not real." She said. "You're not real!"
"Am I not?" Salem asked as she walks around Ruby to face her. "What about that time, that I grabbed and lifted you in that bathroom? Are you sure, that I'm not real?"
Ruby grabs her head and falls to her knees.
"Face it, Little Rose." Salem said. "I'm getting closer to taking over. And you won't be able to stop me."
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"
Ruby just stays in that position for a while, shaking in fear.
"Ruby?"
She lifts her head and sees that Salem is gone. Ruby then turns and sees Weiss, who has a worried look on her face.
"Oh, no." Weiss said. "It's happening again. Isn't it?"
Ruby sadly nods. "I thought, after the earthquake...that she was gone. But she's still here, Weiss."
Weiss tries to walk to Ruby, who raises her hand, making her stop.
"I don't think it's a good idea to be near me, right now." Ruby said.
Weiss ignores Ruby's request and proceeds to sit next to Ruby, who looks away.
"Ruby." Weiss said. "Please look at me."
Ruby, though hesitant, slowly turns her head to Weiss, who puts her hand on it. Weiss then leans her head on Ruby's, before kissing her forehead. She then grabs Ruby's head and looks at her.
"Better?"
Ruby just smiles and nods.
"Good." Weiss said, before standing up and helping Ruby up. "Now. We need to figure out how to fight them. There's a lot of them, against us."
"I know." Ruby said. "But I really can't think. We've always improvised, as we fought in our last few missions. We may have to do the same, for here. But...I did come up with something."
ROOM
Blake sadly stares down, while lying on her bed. She looks at her bandaged stump, sadly sighing. She then sees a hand holding a cup of water, in front of her. Lifting her head up, Blake looks at Yang. She then takes the cup with her only hand and drinks it. Yang then sits down on the bed.
"First thing in the morning." Yang said. "We'll take an airship back to Atlas. We'll get the rest of our stuff. And then we'll head to Menagerie. Is that okay?"
After drinking the entire cup, Blake places the cup onto the dresser next to her. She then looks back at Yang. "Yeah. That should be fine."
Yang nods. "Do you...want company? Or do you want to be alone? I'd understand if you don't want me here."
Blake stares at Yang for a few seconds. She then uses her good hand to take Yang's, pulling her closer. Yang shifts her body, in order to sit next to Blake, who rests her head on Yang's. Hands still holding, Yang kisses the top of Blake's head and slowly closes her eyes.
MISTRAL
Pyrrha, holding two duffel bags, sadly stares at the ground as she walks up a small meadowy hill. When she reaches the top, she lifts her head and sees the house that is within her sight, standing near a cliff-side and is next to a forest. Sighing, Pyrrha hovers in the air and glides towards the house until she was almost 5 feet away. Landing, she drops her bags and sees that her hands are shaking. Pyrrha then proceeds to the door and knocks on it. She would then stare at the ground as she waits for someone to answer.
After a minute, she hears the door unlocking and begins to back away. But she stops when the door opens and the woman with red hair and blue appears. She looks shocked at seeing Pyrrha, who lifts her head to look at the woman.
"Hi...Mom." That's all that Pyrrha said to her mother, Hazel Nikos. The mother begins to walk to Pyrrha, who is slowly backing away, as if scared. Hazel does not stop and is able to put her hand on Pyrrha's shoulder. She can feel her daughter shaking and becomes worried. That's when Pyrrha falls to her knees and begins to lightly sob.
"I'm sorry." She said.
Hazel quickly crouches down and holds the sobbing Pyrrha in her arms, comforting her daughter as she wept.
THE NEXT MORNING - ENTRANCE
Ruby is looking at the barrier that is blocking the entrance to Solis.
"That's all of them."
Ruby turns to look at Jaune, who stops next to her.
"Every known entrance has been barricaded. And we got all sides of the town guarded, with what we have. It's just a matter of time, before they get here." He turns to Ruby. "Have you heard from Qrow or Terra, yet?"
"I haven't." Ruby said, looking at her Scroll. "The signal often comes and goes, but nothing. I'm sure they're okay, though." She puts her Scroll away. "Clover and the others already left to meet with her troops. They should be back soon. Are you even sure, that they should be here?"
"...No." Jaune answered. "But I can't stop them from helping us. Besides, I heard they're going to have a ship. They'll be protected."
"Good. And with that...I need your opinion. Do you think we'll win?"
"Of course we will. We've always had, since we formed this squad."
"...Maybe. But with everything that's happened...I feel like our chances are slimming down."
"Don't think like that." Jaune said, putting his hands on her shoulder. "You shouldn't allow to have any doubt, right now. Okay? Just focus on winning this fight, and we'll all go back to Atlas...with everybody with us."
Ruby nods. "Right."
"THEY'RE COMING!"
Ruby and Jaune turn to see Sun, who is standing on a roof.
"How many?" Ruby yells.
"A LOT!" Sun yells back.
Ruby takes out her Scroll and types it before talking to it.
"They're here, everyone! Get in formation and wait for my signal! Let's go, people!"
Ruby and Jaune get out their weapons and runs to the barrier. They are joined by Velvet, Sun, Wesley and Weiss.
"Everyone is in formation, ma'am!" Wesley said.
"Excellent." Ruby said. "And Emerald?"
"Guarding Blake's room, as of now."
That's when the ground starts to rumble lightly, surprising the group. Ruby looks out from the opening of the barrier and sees the convoy of vehicles driving towards Solis.
BLAKE'S ROOM
Yang is looking outside from Blake's room, seeing the convoy approaching. She then turns to see Blake and Emerald looking at her.
"You don't have to go out there, you know." Emerald said. "I don't mind guarding the both of you. And if my job fails I could always use my Semblance to fool the Seekers, if they ever get in here."
"She's right, Yang." Blake said. "We could just go. You don't have to fight anymore."
"...Perhaps." Yang said, before reaching for her left gauntlet and picking it up. "But I'm looking forward to some good payback."
Yang then proceeds to head for the front door. But she is grabbed by her arm. She turns and sees that it's Emerald.
"If you really want to keep Blake safe...then stay here."
Yang turns to look at Blake before looking back at Emerald.
"If the situation gets worse...then get her out of here, as quickly as possible." Yang said.
Emerald stares at Yang for a few seconds, before sighing. She then nods and releases her grip. She and Blake watch as Yang exit the room. Emerald takes out her sickles and proceeds to sit down.
"How come you're not out there?" Blake asked. "Wasn't Ilia supposed to guard me?"
"She left." Emerald answered. "Took off this morning. I don't mind taking her place."
"...She left?"
Emerald nods. Blake sighs. "Of course."
ENTRANCE
Ruby watches as the convoy stops about 20 feet away from the barrier.
"Why are they just stopping?" Jaune asked.
"I don't know."
The doors to one of the vehicles open. Ruby sees Torchwick, Hazel, Watts and another Seeker who Ruby recognizes, coming out. Torchwick chuckles and rests his cane over his shoulder, looking at the barrier.
"Look what we have here!" He exclaims. "I am impressed that you decided to stay, Rose. Even after what happened to big sister and the kitten. And even after what we showed the truth to Arc. You stayed! That's dedication right there."
He looks around and hums. "It's very quiet, isn't it? Could it be that you got everyone out of this place as well? Because that was reckless of you. They'll all be dead in a day from this miserable heat, I'd say. It's too bad. I wanted to hear their screams, as we charge in."
"Why don't you come on in, then?" Ruby yells. "Let's end it here, once an for all!"
Torchwick's smile goes wider. "So eager, huh? You don't even want to know, huh? The reason why we attacked this town? How we even knew you were even here, in the first place? How we knew, where Kitten would be? All these questions, that you must have in that brain on yours." He chuckles. "Would you like to know who in your own squad...is a traitor?"
Ruby looks at Jaune, who has the same look that she has.
"Okay." Torchwick said, before turning to Hazel. "Bring the traitor out."
Hazel nods and walks to the back of the vehicle and opens the door. Velvet, with her hearing, hears the sound of a struggle and the sounds of metal clicking. And she knew what those sounds were and quickly looks out the barrier. They look to see Hazel dragging Aiden, bruised up and hands tied up by rope, from the back of the vehicle and to Torchwick, who puts an arm around the former.
"Recognize him? Oh, I'm sure you all do." He then points his cane to Velvet. "Especially you, Bunny." Lowering his cane, he looks back at Ruby. "I would've thought that someone like you could've easily been suspicious at first. A stranger popping up out of nowhere. Saying that their friends with someone you know. And you let him into your little team...simple as that. You, Little Red, made my little spy's job even easier."
Ruby is surprised and shocked to be hearing this. Turning, she sees her friends feeling the same way. Velvet is gripping the side of the barrier hard, her anger showing. Aiden, seeing Velvet, lowers his head in shame. Ruby then sees Torchwick whisper into Aiden's here. Here quickly lifts his head, his face full of shock and despair. He then turns to Torchwick.
"BUT YOU SAID-"
Torchwick interrupts Aiden's yelling by striking him in the gut with his cane, causing Aiden to fall to the ground, trying to gasp for air.
"Little shithead." Torchwick said. "I force you to do this, and you pay me back with aggressiveness. So naive." He turns back to Ruby, his face being serious. "So...I'm giving you all a chance to just simply leave this town. And after that, we'll just simply burn this place to the ground. Nobody has to die today. But tomorrow...we go back to what we do best."
Ruby turns around and is surprised to see Yang nearby, her knuckles cracking and her eyes red. The sisters look at each other and Yang just nods at her.
"We'll just have to reject that offer!" Ruby yells, turning back to Torchwick. She then proceeds to expose herself by leaving her hiding spot and walk out of the barrier. Now outside, she stares at Torchwick with anger. "Me and my friends have seen a lot of terrible things. And you would know. You caused those terrible things. But you don't see us giving up like that. And we aren't giving up right now. And you of all people know, that you're going to lose this battle. Even when you deny it."
Torchwick loudly chuckles. "So ignorant as always."
He then aims his cane and fires at Ruby. The projectile flies towards her. But all Ruby does is tilt her head, and it just hits the barrier. He growls.
"Looks like, you're not just going to accept your loss, already!" Ruby said. "Okay. Well guess what. I'm going to count to ten. And when I get to zero...just get ready."
The doors to the rest of the convoy then open. And the Dark Seekers proceeds to exit and gather behind Torchwick.
"Good." Ruby said, scoffing afterwords. "Okay then. TEN!"
She slowly walks back.
"NINE!"
Goes into the opening of the barrier.
"EIGHT!"
Stops.
"SEVEN!"
That's when Ruby suddenly picks up a rifle that was resting on the barrier and begins to fire. The enemies, taken by surprise, all scatter from the gunfire.
"NOW!"
Torchwick then sees someone launching into the air and is too late when Nora strikes the ground with Magnhild, sending him and the Seekers into the air. Ren and the others who were hiding emerge from their spots and fire their weapons. Nora smiles as her hammer goes into gun mode.
"NORA!"
She turns to look at Jaune.
"GRAB AIDEN AND BRING HIM HERE!"
Nora looks confused. But she eventually grabs Aiden and drags him away. The Dark Seekers then begin to fire back. Nora is able to get Aiden behind the barrier, before firing Magnhild.
"FALL BACK!" Ruby yells. "STICK TO THE NEXT PLAN!"
Everyone then proceed to scatter. Ruby sees Jaune exiting from another barrier, before flying up onto a roof. Aiden, seeing Velvet angrily approaching him, stands and runs in terror.
"AIDEN!" She screams.
She is stopped by Jaune, who grabs her by her arm.
"We can deal with him later!" He exclaims. "We only have a minute."
Velvet forces herself from Jaune's grip and proceeds to climb to a nearby roof. As everyone else does the same, the Dark Seekers break through the barrier and enter Solis. Aiming their weapons, they try to find someone to shoot, only to see nobody else. They then start to become confused, until someone screams.
"IF WE DIE...YOU DIE WITH US!"
That's when the ground suddenly begin to explode, engulfing the Seekers in fire and smoke. The citizens of Solis who stayed begin cheering, while Remnant Squad just stay out.
"Actually worked." Sun said, impressed.
The remaining Seekers who weren't affected then make their way into Solis, passing by the dead and injured Seekers on the ground and begin firing at the squad and citizens who stayed, duck for cover. As each side fire at each other, Ruby quickly runs to the other side of the roof, takes out a flare gun and fires it into the air. Torchwick, seeing the flare, becomes suspicious. He then turns to Hazel and Watts.
"Go have fun."
The two then run pass the Seekers and separate to different locations. Torchwick growls as he walks past the bodies and looks around.
"IS THAT THE BEST THAT YOU CAN DO?"
Then all of a sudden, another barrier crashes down and a large truck speeding fast towards the Seekers.
"What the fuck?"
The Seekers begin firing at the truck. Shay, who is driving, does his best to dodge the bullets, before hitting the breaks. The wheels of the truck squeal as the truck slows. But Shay suddenly turns the wheel, causing the truck rotate 180 degrees, before stopping and nearly tipping sideways. The back of the truck then suddenly opens. Jaune jumps out and runs to the side. And Octavius, armed with a machine gun, begins firing at the Seekers. The enemies begin to scatter as some are hit with the bullets. Octavius fires a few seconds, before stopping.
"Welcome to Solis." He said.
Shay exits the truck and aims a rifle, before getting to the back of the truck, as Octavius exits. Ruby sees Shay escorting Octavius away, before turning to Jaune and nods. Taking out Crimson Rose, she then flies up and raises her sword.
"ATTACK!"
Ruby flies towards the Seekers and begins taking some down. Yang, who launches herself into the air, and proceeds to land with a powerful punch to the ground, creating a shock wave that knocks the enemies to the ground. Jaune and the others then leave their spots and begin fighting the enemies. Velvet is about to leap off when she hears the door to the roof opening. Turning, she sees Valerie struggling with a Seeker, who is trying to stab her. Velvet yells as she charges at the enemy, grabbing throwing him off the roof. She then crouches to Valerie, who is clutching her wounded arm. Velvet carefully helps Valerie up and they walk downstairs.
"Room to your right." Valerie said.
Velvet is a little confused, but she opens the door to her right. The two go into the room, before Velvet closes the door. Valerie the hurries to a corner and crouches dow. Using her good arm, she lifts up a part of the floor, surprising Velvet.
"This is my house." Valerie said. "And this is my room. And THIS...is secret hiding spot."
"Ah." Velvet said.
The two enter the secret room, where Valerie grabs a first aid kit and opens it.
"I'll be okay." She said. "Just a few scratches. You should get out there and fight."
"Are you sure?" Velvet asked.
"Positive. They won't find me here. You go help your friends. Don't worry about me."
Velvet seems hesitant, but she then climbs out and is about to close the door.
"Wait!"
Valerie then approaches Velvet and lifts her self to give Velvet a quick kiss. She the lowers herself.
"For good luck." She said, before closing the door.
Velvet smiles a bit, before hearing a small explosion. She ten grabs a nearby rub and covers the top of the door and has her bow and arrows ready. And rather than going out to fight, she decides to stay in the room.
Outside, Jaune is bashing at a Seeker and sending him flying and getting hit by Magnhild. Nora the launches herself to join Ren. Weiss summons the white, glowing knight and it begins attacking the Seekers. Sun and Neon both take turns striking a single Seeker, before Sun just taps the guy into unconsciousness. Wesley is dodging attacks and aims his pistol at several Seekers, as Neptune fires with him.
As Ruby hovers in the air, she spots Torchwick fighting and taking down some of the Solis fighters. She flies and lands near him and charges. The two clash and fight, dodging and hitting each other. When sword and cane clash, they two stare at each other as they struggle.
"You feel it, don't you?" Torchwick asked. "You feel the dark side of you coming out, huh?"
"Shut up!" Ruby exclaims.
"Oh, that anger!" Torchwick exclaims. "You probably think it's Salem, trying to get out huh? Is that what Cinder told you? I cannot believe you actually think that!"
Ruby, distracted by those words, is kicked backwards.
"Oh, no. It's something different, Rose." Torchwick said. "Something even more worse than Salem. And her...she's been nothing but an image in your head. She's never coming back."
That's when his red eyes begin to glow. Ruby then begins to feel a pain in her head and begins screaming. Clenching her head, Ruby continues to scream in pain as Torchwick approaches her.
"It's called the Darkness, Little Red. And guess what! A part of it has been inside you, all along. Messing with your head, all these years."
The pain then suddenly stops, and Ruby tries to get up. But she is then struck multiple times by Torchwick's cane. Falling to her knees, Ruby is then grabbed by her hair and forced to look at Torchwick. "And guess what, Little Red. It wants to get out, just so it could come to me. And you have given me this great opportunity. And one more thing, before we begin...it's going to be extremely painful."
Torchwick then grabs Ruby's head and her eyes begin to glow dark red. Ruby begins to scream loudly. Everyone who hears the screams turn to see what's happening.
"RUBY!" Yang screams. She tries to run to the two, only to get electrocuted. She yells for a few seconds, before falling to the ground. Watts, sporting a pair of gauntlets, smiles as the electricity dissipates.
As Ruby continues screaming, a dark energy begins to glow around her. The glow then begins to move from her body and onto Torchwick's arms. He begins to scream as the energy fuses to his body. Ruby's screaming begins to fade as she loses consciousness and the glowing stops. Torchwick releases Ruby, who falls to the ground. Grunting loudly, he then chuckles as his red eyes turn darker and the white around his pupils turn black. He then lifts Ruby up and walks to the now-frightened group. Throwing Ruby to the ground, he raises her hand up and the sounds roaring is heard.
Yang manages to wake up. Groaning, her eyes wide as she sees Ruby, unconscious. She quickly runs crouches down.
"Well, look at the bright side, Blondie."
Yang, her hair glowing in anger, looks at Torchwick.
"At least she won't be seeing Salem anymore."
Yang scream as she charges. But when she punched, he grabs her fist and smiles. Yang tries to punch with her other arm, but it gets grabbed too. She yells as she tries to free herself. But her anger fades when she stares at Torchwick's eyes, and is scared.
"What's wrong?" He asked. "Feeling a bit scared? Good."
His eyes begin glowing. Yang then suddenly experience the memories: Her arm cutting off. Seeing Taiyang's body. Watching at Raven is stabbed in the heart. Seeing Coco murdered. And hearing Blake's screams. All these memories cause Yang to scream in despair. And when Torchwick releases her, Yang just cowers on the floor and begins sobbing, covering her face with her arms. Torchwick then lifts his head and sees Emerald looking at a window.
BLAKE'S ROOM
Emerald, horrified at what she saw, quickly closes window.
"We gotta go! Now!"
"What's happening?" Blake asked, worried. "Who was screaming?"
"No time!" Emerald exclaims. "They're coming! We have to leave!"
Blake quickly gets out of the bed and grabs Gambol Shroud with her only hand. When she sees Emerald going to retrieve her sickles, she suddenly opens the door and runs out. Emerald sees this too late.
"Blake!"
OUTSIDE
Blake runs out of the the building, she was in. And she sees her friends being forced to the ground by the Dark Seekers. And her eyes go wide to see Yang, sobbing in the ground. And she then sees the smiling Torchwick, looking at her. Anger rising, she readies Gambol Shroud, despite her one arm and charges. No Seeker goes after her, as she is about to strike. But Torchwick simply dodges her attack. Blake growls and tries to strike again. But Torchwick grabs the bade and smiles. He then grabs Blake by her neck, lifts her and slams her to the ground. Yang sees this and is horrified. Ruby begins to regain consciousness and lifts herself up. As she opens her eyes, the red on her silver eyes dissipating, she looks shocked as what she is seeing. Torchwick smiles upon seeing her awake and releases Blake, allowing Yang to grab and drag her away from the man. Ruby begins to looks scared. She tries to back away, but is met by a pair of legs. She lifts her head and sees Cinder, smiling. Scared, she turns and backs away from her. But she also sees Qrow and Terra on their knees and wearing the collars.
"I see that Roman had a lot of fun." Cinder said. "I do apologize for missing out. But these two...they were hard to fight."
Qrow growls. "Fuck you."
Cinder sighs and kicks him, sending him on his back. She then proceeds to grab Terra and drags her to Ruby. Forcing Terra to look at Ruby, Cinder then crouches down between them.
"I'm told that each Maiden have a sort of...connection. The ability to sense other Maiden's in times of peril. Well...I'd like to see if that's true."
Cinder then proceeds to take out a white glove. Ruby's eye go wide as she realizes what it is. Cinder puts the glove on and smiles.
"Only problem is...I don't know which to choose. Fall...or Summer."
Qrow, seeing what's about to happen, tries to get up. But Hazel appears and forces him to the ground.
"NO!" Qrow screams.
As her friends look in horror, Ruby turns to look at Terra, who just nods. Ruby frantically nods. "No, no, no, no!"
"It's okay." Terra said. She then turns to Qrow and smiles. "I love you."
Qrow desperately tries to free himself, screaming.
Terra then looks at Cinder. She then proceeds to headbutt the villain. Cinder flinches from the punch, before she growls. Pushing Ruby aside, she raises her hand with the glove. The eye on glove opens and a bug-like creature comes out of it. It then spits out a dark web onto Terra's face. Terra begins to scream as the webs glow and a green glow surrounds her. Cinder smiles as the glow exits from Terra and move towards her as she closes her eye.
Ruby then suddenly screams as she grasps her head again.
MISTRAL
Pyrrha, who is sadly unpacking her duffel-bag, begins screaming and grasping her head and hearing Terra's scream.
AIRSHIP
Crystal screams as she grasps her head, too. Ironwood gets up and crouches down to her.
"Crystal!" He exclaims. "What's wrong!"
"Ahh!" Crystal said. "It's...it's Terra! Something's happening!"
SOLIS
Cinder's eye opens and a green slows outwardly around it. The dark web the dissipates and Terra falls forward to the ground. Ruby sees that Terra is lying on the ground, and starts to lightly sob. Hazel releases the horrified Qrow, who just stays there. Cinder stands up and inhales. Exhaling, she turns to Torchwick and walks to him.
"Looks like we both got what we wanted." She said.
"Yes, indeed." Torchwick said. "Now, then! I think we taken a lot of their time. I think it's time we make our leave."
The Dark Seekers then begin to walk towards Torchwick as a portal. Torchwick then looks at Ruby.
"You thought that you win, huh?" He then chuckles. "Well better luck next time. Because next time, I won't be merciful."
Torchwick, Cinder and the Seekers all enter the portal, leaving the group in their shocked states. Ruby lowers her head and just stares at the ground.
Velvet and Valerie exit her house and they see the aftermath. Shay and Octavius do the same as well. Valerie runs to Shay and hugs him. Velvet looks horrified as she sees Terra's body and the despaired faces of her friends. Nora is being held by Ren as she sobs. Neon the same with Sun. And Yang with Blake.
Ruby then suddenly stands up, still staring at the ground. She hears footsteps from nearby and lifts her head. Velvet turns to where Ruby is looking and turns angry. Aiden, his face full of despair and sadness, slowly approaches the group. But he is stopped by Emerald, who grabs him.
"She dead!" Aiden exclaims, tears falling. "Solara's dead!"
Velvet begins to look confused.
"He said he...he said he wouldn't..."
"Don't go near them." Emerald said. "You'll just make it worst. Come on."
The sobbing Aiden tries to free himself, but Emerald drags him away as Velvet looks on.
The sounds of roaring is heard, and everyone looks up to see a swarm of Nevermore Grimm flying towards them. But nobody readies their weapons, still shocked at the events that occured. Shay quickly grabs the machine gun from the truck and plants it. Lifting is up, he begins firing at the Nevermore. But none of the bullets hit the Grimm, that are still charging. Valerie begins to back away, as they near. One of the Grimm swipes its wing, sending several feathers towards her. But she is tackled to the ground by Velvet, who yells as one of the feathers manages to stab her in the shoulder.
Ruby, witnessing this, just falls to her knees and rests her hands on the ground.
"I'm...I'm sorry!"
But the Nevermore never reached their intended targets, as the sounds of bullets impacting are heard. Ruby quickly looks up to see each Grimm being killed by bullets and projectiles. She turns and sees a large airship firing it's weapons. A large Nevermore roars loudly, as it and the horde soars down fast. Some of the Grimm are slaughtered, but most of them manage to speed past the bullets. And just as they are about to strike the defenseless group, a giant black Glyph appears, causing the Grimm to disintegrate upon impact. Ruby quickly turns to see Weiss, who is actually doing nothing but stare. Weiss turns her head and stares at a direction. Ruby quickly looks at the same direction and is surprised. Snow, standing on a nearby roof, has her hands raised. Ruby also sees Ryder zooming in and slicing through Grimm the survived, using their bodies to launch herself to another. After a minute, the horde is eradicated. Weiss quickly gets up, watching as the Glyph gets smaller and eventually disappears. Snow then quickly falls to her knees in exhaustion. Ryder manages to find a spot to land and helps her up. Weiss grabs Myrtenaster and uses her Glyphs to climb up the building where Snow is and lands on the rooftop. She watches as Snow turns to look at her and begins to back away, with Ryder just watching.
"How did you do that?" Weiss demands.
"I cannot tell you that." Snow answers.
"I DEMAND YOU TELL ME!" Weiss screams, as she walk towards Snow. "No one else, but the Schnee family can do that. How...did...you do that?"
That's when Ruby appears and lands in between the two, holding Weiss back.
"Let me go, Ruby." Weiss demands.
"Weiss!" Ruby said. "Please. Not now is a good time."
"This person was using GLYPHS, Ruby!" Weiss exclaims. "No one else, but me and my mom have that kind of Semblance. I need an answer."
"And you will." Ruby responds. "But I just need you to stay right here. And prepare yourself for what you're about to see."
Weiss looks confused, as Ruby turns and walks to Snow, who slowly nods her head.
"Enough secrets." Ruby said. "No more hiding. You tell her...or I will make you. Now tell her."
Snow stares at Ruby, clenching her fists hard. But eventually she sighs in defeat and nods. Ruby then turns to walk to Ryder and gets close enough to whisper in her ear.
"I already know who you are. Ironwood told me. And if you want your secret safe...then do not interfere."
Ruby walks back to Weiss and holds her hand, as the two look at Snow, who is staring at the ground. Snow lifts her shaking hands and just stares at them. But she would eventually take off the visor that she wore, showing her light-blue eyes. Weiss sees that her eyes have tears starting to form. Snow then reaches the back of her mask and slowly pulls it off.
Weiss' eyes then slowly go wide in shock as Winter lifts her head, tears falling and looking at her.
"Oh this getting too shocking and awkward for me." Ryder said. "I'll let you have your family moment."
Ryder speeds away, leaving the sisters and Ruby alone. Ruby sees that everyone all gather and looking up, with those who didn't know, looking shocked or surprised at seeing Winter alive. She then feels Weiss falling to her knees and heavily breathing, trying to suppress her own sobbing. But the tears fall from Weiss' eyes and they splash on the floor.
Winter then starts to slowly walk towards her sister.
"Stay!" Weiss yells, causing her sister to stop. She then stands up, her face full of anger. "We will NOT be talking more about this today. We're going to get in the airship! And we're going to go home! I don't you coming near me nor I want to even see you for a while, until I can get my head straight."
"Weiss-" Ruby said, grabbing Weiss' arm.
Weiss angrily forces Ruby's grip away. "You knew. You knew...and you didn't tell me. The only person that you truly trust the most. Do not speak to me, until we get back."
Ruby seems a little hurt, as Weiss finds the door to the roof and exits. Winter then falls to her knees as she begins to lightly sob.
On the ground, Jaune turns to see and airship landing. And he sees his sisters all exiting and running, with Clover being pushed by Jade. They look horrified by the sight of Terra's body. Jaune the picks up Crocea Mors and stands up, walking to her sisters.
"What happened?" Clover asked.
"...You came too late." Jaune said.
EVENING - CONFERENCE ROOM
Ruby is speaking with Ironwood and Crystal, while the Jaune sits at the table, listening.
"We managed to reach Shade, without any problems." Winter said. "But when we got to Headmistress Cleo's office, we found her...dead. And the relics...they were gone."
"When I examined the body, I saw that the only damage that she had, was a single puncture wound to where her heart is." Ironwood continued. And she was mouth had purple coming out."
Ruby clenches her hands hard. "Tyrian."
"That's why he wasn't here, when they attacked." Jaune said. "He was going to get the relics. Fuck!" He then stands up and rests his hands on the table. "What can they do with 2 relics?"
"Very little." Ironwood answered. "The relics that they are the ones of choice and knowledge. We possess the ones of creation and destruction. Which is why they will be moved deep underground, until we get the other relics back."
"Okay." Ruby said. "I think we should end this meeting, now. The airships are ready to go."
OUTSIDE
Velvet and Valerie watch as everyone boards the airships, with Octavius and Shay approaching them.
"I am very sorry, sir." Velvet said. "We thought we could stop them."
"It wasn't your fault, Miss Scarlatina." Octavius said. "No one could've predicted what would happen. But on the bright side, I got to be a part of this fight. Made me feel young again."
Velvet lightly smiles, before it fades. "What will you do about Solis? The people who live here?"
"We'll rebuild." Shay answers. "Solis has fallen before. But we've always came back up. And maybe, after this war is over, we'll be able to live in peace again. We'll get someone to contact the citizens, letting them know they can come back."
Valerie tightly clenches her hand around Velvet's.
"So...this is where you leave, huh?"
"Yeah." Velvet said. "But despite all the bad things, I had a great time here. Thank you for letting us stay."
"I'm sure that one day, that you'll be able to maybe come visit us, again." Octavius said.
"I most definitely will." Velvet said, smiling Valerie.
Octavius notices they and nods. "Hope so. Maybe the next time, I see the both of you...you'll tell us all about the good parts of Atlas."
Valerie looks confused, and turns to her father. "What?"
Shay then moves forward and drops a duffel-bag in front of Valerie.
"You...want me to go with her?"
"I do." Octavius answers. "Not only, as your father, to keep you safe. But to ensure that you are happy. I understand that you being with her, can ensure that. And I believe that it's time for you to experience life outside of this small town. Go out there and live."
Valerie walks to Octavius and give him a hug. "Thank you, Dad." She then proceeds to go and give Shay a hug as well. After that, the siblings seperate and she picks up her bag."
"You take care of Val for me." Shay said. "Keep her close to you, at all times."
Shay the offers his hand, for which Velvet shakes.
"I will." Velvet said.
Shay nods, before he and Octavius leave.
"Is Atlas as safe as you claim to be?" Valerie asked.
"They're more tolerable with the Faunus, then they were before." Velvet said. "But it is safe. I promise. You ready?"
Valerie nods. The two of them turn to walk to the airship. But they stop upon seeing Aiden, handcuffed, being escorted by Wesley into the ship. Velvet sees that his face is still full of despair and grief, but she is angry at him.
LATER
Ruby sits alone in a small room, watching out the window, as the airship flies though the clouds. But the sounds of glass breaking is heard, and Ruby quickly rushes to the room next door to see what happened. But all she sees is Qrow clutching his right hand, which is bleeding. The floor has broken glass and a small puddle of blood.
Qrow turns to look at Ruby, his despaired face looking at her. Ruby walks to Qrow and helps him sit down, before she goes to a drawer and takes out a First-Aid kit. Minutes later, she is stitching up Qrow now-cleaned cut, while he sadly stares at the floor.
"I didn't want it."
Ruby hears Qrow's words, knowing what he's talking about.
"She was too young for me to be with." He said. "I didn't want her in my life. But...a part of me wanted to."
Ruby finishes and starts wrapping his hand in gauze.
"For that time...for the first time, in so many years...I found someone that truly understood about me. What I'm going through. And she didn't care about my Semblance. She just...she didn't care."
A tear falls down his only eye, as he picks up a small bottle and drinks from it.
"She didn't deserve it, Ruby. She didn't."
Ruby then pulls Qrow and hugs him tightly. Feeling the shakes, she then hears him lightly cry on her shoulder. Comforting him, Ruby does her best to hold her emotions.
VALE - THE CITADEL
Torchwick stares at the two glowing orbs, that sit on a table. Cinder, Hazel, Watts and Tyrian watch nearby.
"I am impressed, Tyrian." Torchwick said. "You certainly got the job done."
"I am to please my Master." Tyrian said, before giggling maniacally. "Although, the headmistress was a very tough fighter."
"Yes, she was." Torchwick said. "Tyrian. Come over here, for a second."
Tyrian, a little confused, walks to Torchwick and stops next to him.
"Would you kindly take a close look at them, if you don't mind?" Torchwick asks.
Tyrian shrugs and moves his head down, squinting his eyes. The glow was bright, but he did see some small text on one of the orbs.
Made in Mistral.
Tyrian's eyes begin to wide. When he stands up, he suddenly feels a sharp pain and begins to scream in agony. As he does, his whole tail falls to the ground, the purple poison dripping on the floor. Cinder, for some reason, looks with shock.
"That's right." Torchwick said, before his face turns angry, his eyes glowing. "They're fakes!"
He then then a sword, which glows orange and proceeds to swing, with Tyrian's neck in the path. Tyrian's shocked face stays frozen, as his face detaches from his body, falling to the ground. His body falls backwards, afterwords. Cinder, Watts and Hazel look unnerved by this action.
"He has failed me...SO MANY TIMES!" Torchwick screams. He then proceeds to smash the fake orbs, shattering them. "But this...this was his last straw." He turns to his partners. "Let this be a warning, to all three of you. I don't care if you're either strong, intelligent, or a Maiden, I will gut you until you're dead. Consider Tyrian's demise as a warning. Get rid of the body, will you?"
Hazel goes to pick up Tyrian's body, while Watts grabs the head and they both leave. Cinder stays behind.
"That was unnecessary." She said.
"...Yes it was." Torchwick said. "But I gave him so many chances. And this was supposed to be his redemption."
"To retrieve the relics." Cinder said. "But these were fake. I don't understand, though. They WERE located at Shade. Where the hell are they?"
ATLAS - ALPHA BASE
In the airship that landed in Alpha Base, Ironwood stares at the real Relics that were retrieved. He seals them in a metal case, carries it, and gives it to an Atlesian soldier.
"Be sure to take these, to other Relics."
The soldier nods as he leaves.
SCHNEE MANSION
Ruby enters a small, empty room that no one has occupied, carrying a large bag with her. She looks around, before setting her bag down and sitting on a bed. Resting her hands on her head, she begins to shake. Sniffling is heard and she begins to sob, giving into her emotions after today's events.
THE NEXT MORNING - ROOM
Yang is packing her things into two duffel bags. As she does, the door to the room opens, and she turns around to see Blake, her arm wrapped in bandages and in a sling.
"You almost done packing?" Blake said.
All Yang does is just nods and zips up her bags.
"We just have to have the meeting, and after that, we'll be gone. Or we could just leave, if that's what you want."
"No." Yang said. "No. It's fine." She grabs the bags and head to the front door.
Blake, grabbing her bag, exits first before Yang, who kicks the door closed. As they walk the hallway, they talk.
"Ironwood offered me a prosthetic, you know." Blake said. "Said that it could be done, while we're flying. And it would be done, before we get to Menagarie."
"...That's good." Yang said. "Can we just stay silent? I like some silence."
And all Blake does is just nod.
DINING ROOM
Ruby sadly stares at the table, where the meeting was happening. Everyone else is there too. Except for Emerald and Neptune. But none of them wish to speak, as they are either depressed or angry. Ironwood, Crystal, Qrow, Penny and Goodwitch are nearby, with Qrow sadly staring at the ground. Winter and Ryder stand on the other side of the room. Ruby clenches her fists hard. But she sees a hand wrap around hers. Yang nods at her sister, assuring her. Ruby turns to look at Weiss, who has her arms crossed, and not looking at her. Winter sadly looks at her own sister.
"Okay." Ruby said, before breathing in and out. "The events in Solis...what happened there...all those bad things...they happened. And we can't just forget about it. Sure. We did manage to ensure the safety of that town...but Terra...she paid the price for it. And some us suffered, mentally and emotionally. And I blame myself." She sees some of the guys trying to speak. "Don't! Please. Don't try to reassure me. It was my fault. I thought we could stop them. I was wrong. And because of me, they successfully torn this squad apart. And...that is why, effective after this meeting, I will longer lead this squad."
Everyone looks a bit surprised. Even Weiss turns to look at Ruby.
"And I know that my successor will be able to lead you all, better than I did."
"Are you sure Yang would be able to lead us?" Sun asked. "I mean, giving what's she's been through-"
"I'm not talking about Yang, Sun." Ruby interrupts. "She and Blake are leaving Atlas."
"What? And you're just letting them go?"
"Yes, I am. They don't want to fight anymore. And Yang cannot take anymore trauma, that's already been given to her already. And that's why they're leaving. And because both Blake and Yang will be leaving, that means the 3rd in line will be succeeding me. Jaune?"
Jaune turns to look at Ruby.
"You will be leading this squad, as you have lead teams before. I do hope you do better than I did."
All Juane does is nod.
"And in addition to Blake and Yang leaving, we also have a couple more going too. As you can see by the empty seats, Emerald and Neptune are gone too. I don't know where Emerald left to. But I think she decided to just go. Neptune quit this morning, and has already left to go home. Cyan decided to go, too. I'm allowing it, too."
Ruby stands up and looks at her friends.
"So. Um...being that it's my last day as leader...I'd like to say thanks. To all of you, who believed in me, from the start when you entrusted me to lead you. In these past few months, we've bonded so many times. We've grown to be...a family. And I thank you all." She sniffles, wiping her tears. "Meeting's over."
LANDING PAD
Yang and Blake watch as the airship lands in the landing pad. Ruby and Jaune exit the building and they see Yang and Blake carrying their bags.
"You should talk to them, before they go." Jaune said. "You may not see them for a while."
"...Yeah." Ruby said. She quickly walks to the two. "Yang."
Yang and Blake stop and turn around to see Ruby stopping.
"So...this is it, huh?" Ruby said.
"Yeah." Blake said. "It is."
"And Menagerie is safe enough?"
"Safe enough that it'll be peaceful." Blake answered. "Something that we both need."
Ruby nods. "Yeah. Maybe one day, I'll come see you guys. To check up on you."
"You should visit." Blake said. "Where I live, it's beautiful. A little crowded, but yeah."
Ruby then moves a bit more forward, and stops near Yang. Ruby stares at her for a couple seconds, before she unattaches her cape, folds it and offers it.
"What's going on?" Yang asked.
"I want to hold this for me." Ruby said.
"Why?"
"Because I'm leaving, too."
"What?"
"I have to." Ruby continued. "It's what I want."
"Where will you go?"
Ruby shrugs. "I guess anywhere."
Yang stares at Ruby, before accepting her stuff.
"Just remember to keep it safe." Ruby said. "Because one day, I'm going to come back for it."
Yang then proceeds to hug Ruby, who hugs back. After that, they separate.
"Goodbye, Sis." Yang said. "I hope wherever you go...it'll be good for you."
Yang and Blake proceed to the airship, as Ruby and Jaune watch it lift into the air and fly away.
JAIL CELL
Aiden sits on his bed, sadly looking down. He then hears footsteps getting closer and closer, but he doesn't move at all. When the footsteps stop near him, he turns to see Velvet, who is angrily looking at him.
"Hey, Bunny Girl."
"Don't call me that." Velvet said. "You don't deserve to, anymore. Not after what you've done."
"...Yeah. You're right." Aiden said. "And I deserve what punishment I get for betraying you all. I don't care anymore."
"...Why?" Velvet asked. "Why did you do it?"
Aiden looks back to the ground. "I lied to you. About Solara. She didn't die, when Haven was attacked. She was actually to one who applied my new limbs and kept me under her care, while I recovered."
Velvet is surprised to hear that.
"We were having a peaceful life. Just brother and sister, traveling all over Remnant, taking any bounties that we can get, for money. We were doing great. But all that came down, when she came. Nikos."
"What?"
"Pyrrha. Cinder was controlling her. She captured us both. Imprisoned Solara. Then Cinder said, that in order for us to be released, I had to spy on you guys. And when our job was done...we'll be let go." Tears fall down his eyes. "But Torchwick...he killed her. And he told me, just to get a reaction from me. I wanted to tell Ruby. To tell you. But I didn't want to risk it."
"And because you didn't, Terra's dead. And the team has been divided."
"...I wish I had died in Haven, all those years ago. Maybe none of this wouldn't have happened. Or maybe they'll just execute me. I don't care. I have no one else, anymore."
Even though Velvet is angry at Aiden's betrayal, she can't help but feel sad too. She proceeds to leave, with Aiden just staring at the floor some more.
APARTMENT
Whitley angrily stares outside the window of the apartment that he's in. He angrily grunts as he walk to a chair and sits on it. A knock on his door is heard and he stands up to go open the door. He is surprised to see who it it.
"Whitley Schnee, I presume?" Watts asked.
"Yeah, it is." Whitley answers. "What do you want?"
Watts smiles. "Well, my young lad. I have a proposition from my superior. And I think that you're going to like, what I'm about to tell you."
WEISS' ROOM
Weiss has her prosthetic on her lap as she wipes it with rag, trying to get rid of some smudges. A knock is heard, making her stop.
"Come in."
The door opens and Ruby peeks her head inside.
"Can...can we talk?" She asked. "I can leave, if you want to."
"Just come in." Weiss said, as she reattaches her leg.
Ruby slowly enters the room and closes the door. The two just stare at each other.
"How are you?" Ruby asked.
"...Good. Made a couple improvements on my leg." Weiss answered. "Father is staying in Vale. He's safe. Mother is...well...Mom. And...I spoke to Winter today."
Ruby is surprised at hearing this. "What...did you talk about?"
"A lot of things." Weiss said. "I wanted so many answers from her. But I already figured out half of them. I know that the Order had strict rules about keeping identities a secret. But when Winter told me, that punishment was death, my heart sank. She had many chances to tell me, but she wouldn't risk dying. I haven't forgiven her...but we'll make progress."
"And...what about us?" Ruby asked.
"...I don't know." Weiss said. "I want to forgive you, for keeping Winter's secret from me. But a part of me, doesn't want to."
"You might as well." Ruby said. "Torchwick revealed something about me. Turns out, that a part of the Darkness was living inside me."
Weiss stands up after hearing that. "What?"
"Yeah." Ruby said. "And it was forcing out all the anger that I've had. But the worst came out, when fought Pyrrha. It wasn't Salem trying to take over at all. She was just a hallucination. It was really the Darkness. And Torchwick has that small part now. But...it has left me scarred. And...I don't want to be a burden to anyone, anymore."
Ruby lowers her head. Weiss sees that she is taking off the ring, that she was wearing and her eyes go wide. Ruby moves closer to Weiss and takes on of her hands. Shen then places the ring to Weiss' hand and closes.
"Ruby..." Weiss sadly says.
"I'm sorry." Ruby said. "But I don't deserve you, anymore."
Ruby then gives Weiss a peck on her forehead, before she turns to the door to exit. But as she does she stops as Weiss, who has tears falling.
"Goodbye, Weiss."
Ruby opens the door and exits, closing it. Weiss lifts her hand to look at the ring. Closing it, she grips her fist with her other hand and rests her head on them, as she begins to cry.
OUTSIDE
Ruby exits the mansion, carrying a duffel bag and wearing a backpack. She wipes the tears that she had and takes one last look at the mansion. She then looks at the sky and flies away to parts unknown.
On the rooftop of the mansion, Ryder is watching Ruby fly away. Sighing, she then proceeds to take her mask off, allowing her pink and brown hair, which is shoulder-length now, to fall down. And her pink and brown eyes sadly watches.
"Oh, man." Neo said. "This is going to be a complication."
Neo the drops her mask and speeds towards the direction that Ruby went.
END OF CHAPTER 12
Hey, guys. Well...this is finally done. Every chapter so far, has been very difficult to write, due to writer's block or changes in the scenes. So please be patient for the next chapter.
Also, here's what I'm planning for the next 6 chapters. 2 of the chapters will each focus mainly on a set of characters. There will be a time skip of 3 months, but these chapters take place during the time skip. And also, they will be happening in different times of the time skip.
EXAMPLE: Chapter 13 takes place 3 months after Chapter 12. Chapter 14 takes place 1 day after Chapter 10. And Chapter 16 takes place before Chapter 12. It's confusing. But You'll see when the chapters come.
Here's what the chapters will mainly focus on:
Ch 13 and 14 - Ruby, Pyrrha, Juane and Velvet
Ch 15 and 16 - Yang and Blake(Menagerie Story)
Ch 17 and 18 - Everyone else.
And I also plan on lighting the tone, that the last few chapters had. So we could have a little bit more comedy, while maintaining the drama. Yep.
Also, in this 2nd half of Volume 6, known characters are going to die AND stay dead. Oh, yeah. Neo is back. Her, Goodwitch and Winter's resurrections will be explained in the 2nd half.
Also, the previews that I often publish will be staying from now on. I won't be deleting them anymore.
I hope you guys liked this chapter. The next one will come soon. Bye!