Act 2: The Remnant Wars
Chapter 15: The Next Step
Remnant, Kingdom of Vale, Beacon Academy
POV: The Reds and Blues
Premise: With Cinder on the run, and Torchwick dead. The Reds and Blues are now ready for some answers, as a darker and more powerful enemy lurks in the shadows...
"Never before has all of Remnant found itself in silence. The White Fang, led by criminal Roman Torchwick, had orchestrated sending Grimm into the Kingdom of Vale. But this attack was stopped by the huntsmen of Beacon Academy, the Atlas Military, and the militant group known as the Reds and Blues."
All of the Reds and Blues stood in the office of the headmaster of Beacon Academy, Ozpin. Tucker, Sarge, and Wash all looked out the large window in the back of the office, which showed the entirety of Beacon, the Emerald forest, and the City of Vale. The latter of which was the farthest away. Grif, Simmons, Kai, and Grif were staring at a holographic TV that displayed the VNN headline news being hosted by Lisa Lavender, which showed a news report on the events that transpired in Vale. Donut, Doc, and Lopez stood off to the side, either leaning against one of the pillars that held up a secondary observation deck. Carolina and Locus leaned against the desk.
"At first, many assumed Torchwick's goal was simply to cause chaos. But a sudden discovery made by the Reds and Blues revealed that Torchwick was part of a plan to attack Beacon. The mastermind of the plot, was a mysterious woman authorities have identified as Cinder Fall. Fall was masquerading as a student at Beacon before being exposed. She, and her associates current whereabouts are currently unknown. The actions of the Reds and Blues have also caught the attention of many people throughout the world.
The scene on the TV quickly changed to that of a young huntress and aspiring politician named Robyn Hill.
"For once, someone in this world is sharing my ideals!" Robyn stated at a political rally in the City of Mantle, "I believe the Reds and Blues are heroes that must be recognized for their reactions!"
As the screen showed Robyn being appalled by the people of Mantle. It was suddenly changed to Jaquees Schnee, Weiss' father, and the head of the Schnee Dust Company. He stood at a podium just outside his manor in Atlas.
"Those bastards are the filth of Remnant!" Jaquees shouted, "They are simply trying to take away Atlas' power and ability to keep the world safe! They will also try to prevent me from exporting dust to the people!"
"What a dick!" Grif snorted at the TV, "What the fuck is his problem!?"
"Is he wearing a clip-on tie?" Simmons muttered before shutting the TV off
Sarge then spoke, "Hmm, seems like we're popular."
"That's an understatement." Carolina chuckled, "We've put the world into shock."
"Well, we have that effect on a lot of people." Doc chimed in
"Let's not let it get to our heads guys." Tucker announced while looking away from the window, "There's still unfinished business left...but yeah, let's enjoy this. Being popular is awesome."
"And with the bombshell we dropped on Vale. We may have halted Cinder for a very long time." Wash added
"So, does anyone have any information on this Ozpin guy?" Carolina asked everyone
"From what I've gathered." Simmons said, "The guy's a prodigy. Attended Beacon, became a professor here, before earning the job of headmaster. He also has a seat on the Council."
"Hmm, not bad." Donut muttered
"But here's the funny thing." Simmons continued, "Ever since the huntsmen academies were founded. The headmaster of Beacon has alway been one of Remnant's most experienced prodigies."
"That can't be a coincidence." Locus muttered, as he stopped leaning against the desk
"[No shit dude.]" Lopez said to the former merc
A chime then emitted from one of the elevators before opening. Out stepped the two huntsmen they met in Vale earlier that day, and a man that had to be Ozpin. He had messy silver hair and thin brown eyes.
"Thank you for waiting." he said to them, "The General has been informing me of what has transpired down in Vale."
"He is jealous?" Caboose asked, causing the others to chuckle
"Flabbergasted actually." the man in white replied, "I believe introductions are in order. I am General-"
"Ironwood." Tucker cut him off, "Headmaster of Atlas Academy, head of the Atlas Military, and holds two seats on the Atlas' Council. We know."
"Again...flabbergasted." Ironwood muttered
The blonde then spoke up, "I am Glynda Goodwitch, one of the professors at Beacon." she said in her no nonsense attitude
"Right." Tucker replied before addressing the man in black, "I assume you're Ozpin?"
"Indeed." Ozpin said, as the two shook hands, "I already know your names, but why not tell me them anyway."
"Sure." Tucker agreed, "I'm Tucker, Captain Lavernius Tucker."
"Colonel Sarge!"
"Captain Richard Simmons."
"Grif."
"Wash."
"Carolina."
"Franklin D. Donut."
"Frank DuFresene, but my alter ego is O'Malley."
"Locus."
"[Lopez The Heavy.]"
"Kaikaina Grif."
"Pleasure." Ozpin replied, mostly speaking for himself
"So you said that you already knew us." Locus muttered, "How is that?"
"He probably knew from the news." Grif suggested
"On the contrary." Ozpin said to them, "I knew people way before you showed up on the map."
"How's that?" Simmons asked
Ozpin motioned to Glynda, who revealed a white helmet similar to the Reds and Blues, but of an older design.
"I believe you knew its owner?" Ozpin questioned
"We did." Tucker muttered as he took the helmet from Glynda, "Wyoming, crazy bastard."
Ozpin chuckled, "Yes indeed."
"Did you remove components from the helmet?" Carolina asked
"Only the memory unit." Ironwood answered her, "We wanted to remove more, but the helmet's design is too complex."
"Most of the files in the unit were encrypted." Ozpin added, "The only ones we could access showed you all in a boxed canyon with Team RWBY."
"That's when we first met them." Caboose muttered
"So where is this boxed canyon exactly?" Ironwood asked them, "From the looks of it, it seemed it was located somewhere in Vacuo."
"Oh, it's not in the vacuum." Caboose replied
"Vacuo, Caboose." Tucker corrected his friend, "To answer your question, its not in Vacuo at all. Or the other kingdoms."
"Then where is it?" Glynda questioned, folding her arms
"We're not from this world lady." Grif explained, "We're from another dimension. One where mankind said 'screw it, i hate just living on earth' and colonized other worlds."
Glynda simply scoffed, "You expect us to believe that?"
"No." Doc spoke up, "But it's the truth nonetheless."
"If you are not happy with our answer, then screw you." O'Malley added
"O'Malley, that's not very nice."
"Shut up. It's the appropriate amount of nice." O'Malley retorted
"What's with him?" Ironwood asked about Doc, "Is he crazy?"
"Eh, that's up for debate." Donut muttered
"I assume you saw in the files that Doc was acting the same way?" Sarge asked Ozpin asked
"Ah yes, I remember now." said Ozpin, "Doc was infected by a rogue AI. I presume that he still is?"
"Not exactly." Simmons explained, "Doc has a split-personality. For some reason, it has taken on the likeness and personality of O'Malley."
"Interesting." Ozpin replied, "May I ask, where is your leader?"
The Reds and Blues all looked at him confused.
"What are you talking about?" Tucker asked, "I'm the leader...Well...technically me, Sarge, Wash, and Carolina are all co-leaders of the team entirely. While I lead Blue Team, and Sarge leads Red Team."
"I can already tell you four are the new leaders." Ozpin replied, "I was talking about your former leader, I believe his name was...uh...Leonard Church?"
Ozpin expected a reply. Instead, all he got was silence.
"Is...something wrong Captain Tucker?" Ironwood asked
"Well…" Tucker sighed, "I...regret to inform you that Leonard Church has been dead for over two years."
"Oh." Ozpin muttered, slightly surprised, "My condolences."
"Thank you. But hey, whatcha gonna do?" Tucker quipped
"Ain't the first time he died." Sarge muttered
"Yeah, Church has been resurrected more times than Jean Grey." Grif added
"What do you mean...resurrected?" Glynda asked, quite confused at what they were talking about.
"It's a rather long story." Wash replied
"We're willing to tell you all our little story." Tucker added, "But first, we wish to know a little more about our discovery."
"Right." Ozpin replied, "Which one of you has it?"
Tucker turned back to his friends, "Kai."
Kai stepped forward before standing next to Tucker.
"You have it?" Ozpin asked her
"Yes." Kai replied
"Do you feel anything weird?"
"Uh, I don't think so." Kai replied, "But I do love all the cool things I can do."
"Look, we have many questions about whatever Kai absorbed, and we know it came from Beacon. So we're wondering if you can give us any insight into what the hell Cinder wanted with it."
Ozpin straightened himself as if he was about to reveal some burden. He looked at Ironwood and Glynda. Ironwood nodded, while Glynda frowned and shook her head. He then turned back to the Reds and Blues.
"May I ask you all one last question?" he asked them
Tucker looked at his friends before looking back, "Fire away."
"What is your favorite fairytale?"
POV Change: Cinder Fall
A lone Valean bullhead flew through darkened red skies. The terrain below was rocky, deathly, and desolate. Grimm of various species lurking about. The bullhead landed on a makeshift landing pad that led up to a very ominous-looking castle that was made of some purple crystal.
Two men walked towards the bullhead. The first wore a grayish-blue suit with yellow linings. He was of middle age, had slightly tanned skin, grayish black hair, a thick mustache and eyebrows, and green eyes. The second was a younger man that stood taller than his companion. He had tanned skin, brown hair, a beard, and hazel eyes. He wore a two-tone olive green coat over a black shirt, a belt around his waist, and black pants with several pouches on them.
The door to the bullhead opened and the two men ducked as a cargo container was thrown at them. The container fell just behind them, smashing into pieces. The two then looked back at the bullhead, and noticed an enraged Cinder Fall storm out of the craft. She glared at each of them and growled before walking up to the castle's entrance. Emerald and Mercury then got out and walked towards them.
"Well, she's just a ray of sunshine." the older man muttered, "What happened?"
"We'll explain inside." Mercury grumbled
"Oh, I won't guarantee she'll listen." the man replied, "Tyrian too."
"Enough." the younger man spoke up, "Be careful what you say Watts."
"Whatever." Watts muttered before walking away. Emerald and Mercury followed suit, while the younger man stayed behind, gazing at the bullhead.
"Hazel!" Watts shouted from the castle entrance
Hazel then turned around and joined the others, entering the castle.
Later…
Within the castle laid a large room for meetings. It was as dark, and gloomy as the rest of the darkened landscape outside. Large windows surrounded the entire room, and was lit by dull candles. A large reddish-purple table was in the center, with various wooden chairs surrounding it. A throne-like chair was at the head, in its place was a woman with deathly white, reddish black veins flowing down her arms and face. Her hair was just as deathly white as her skin, tied up in a large bun with six offshoots warped together that suspended several obsidian-colored ornaments. She wore a very long short-sleeved black robe that obscured her feet.
Salem.
Watts and the man he identified earlier as Tyrian sat on either side of the table. Tyrian wore a brown coat with a white shirt underneath. He had dark brown hair, fair skin, and yellow eyes. A tail stuck out of him, implying that he was a faunus.
Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury all stood at the entrance of the room. Kneeling in front of the table. Hazel on the other hand, stood off to the side.
Cinder grit her teeth in anger, her defeat was surely not going to be unnoticed.
"I would like you to explain to me…" Salem began in a low cold tone, "...how it is you failed so spectacularly?"
The trio said nothing.
Watts and Tyrian looked at one another, with the former shrugging at his ally. Hazel looked at Emerald and Mercury.
"Well?" Salem asked
Finally, Cinder was the first to speak, "The plan went smoothly at first, the White Fang did as they were told we-"
"Stop." Salem cut her off, "Let me rephrase this: Who or what is responsible for our inability to get into Beacon?"
Cinder stood up, "Reds...Blues…"
"Say that again?" Salem requested
"Reds and Blues!" Cinder shouted, "It was the Reds and Blues!"
Salem remained unfazed at Cinder words.
"Uh...what?" Watts questioned
"Hehehe, perhaps our little Maiden has gone mad." Tyrian taunted Cinder
The former maiden summoned her old weapon in anger.
"Enough, please, enough." Salem said to everyone, "Tyrian, please."
The faunus simply bowed, "Of course your grace."
Salem then looked back at Cinder, "Now you may explain."
Emerald and Mercury stood up and looked at Cinder before she spoke.
"For the past few days, things have been going perfect. Our operations with the White Fang have turned the attention of the kingdoms on them, giving us an opening into Beacon. Our plot was in full motion...And then...they showed up…"
"These Reds and Blues?" Watts asked
Cinder grit her teeth, "They stopped various White Fang skirmishes in Vale. I assumed they were simply an annoyance that could be dealt with. Until the night I was attacked by them, they now have it."
"Have what?" Salem asked
"The full power of the Fall Maiden." Cinder replied
Everyone then looked at Salem with fearful expressions.
"That's not possible." Tyrian muttered
"How could that be?" Watts questioned, "Do they have the full power?"
"Yes, they do." Mercury answered him
Salem remained unfazed, but a sign of anger did show in her eyes.
"Continue." she said to Cinder, with enough venom to scare anyone
"They stole the maiden powers, found our secret hideout in Mountain Glenn, and forced our mission to move ahead of schedule. Things went well, the huntsmen fought, Atlas showed up, and the breach was contained. Ironwood was about to arrest Torchwick until those bastards did the unthinkable."
"What did they do?" Hazel asked, finally speaking
"They killed him." Cinder replied, "Then, they revealed everything! In front of the huntsmen, Beacon, and Atlas!"
Salem remained unfazed before sighing, "What...exactly did they reveal?"
"Our attack on Beacon." Cinder replied
"Hmm, and what of our entire cabal, and our mission?" Salem added
"No, nothing of that." Cinder shook her head, "Just Beacon, no more no less."
Watts the asked another question, "What of Torchwick's associate? Neo Politan?"
"She's with Adam and the White Fang." Emerald answered him, "She's been trying to keep all of Torchwick's contacts and employers intact."
"What about Adam?" Hazel asked, "Do we still have our deal with them?"
"We do." Mercury replied, "Adam wants the Reds and Blues in the ground as much as we do."
At that moment Salem stood up, forcing everyone silent. She walked up to Cinder, fear rushing through the former maiden's mind.
"And all of this happened because of your overconfidence?" Salem questioned her
Cinder lowered her head, "Yes."
Salem smirked evilly, "That's correct."
She walked back to her throne, "It's important not to lose sight of what drives us." Salem announced, "Love, justice, reverence... but the moment you put your desires before my own... they will be lost to you...This isn't a threat, this is simply the truth. The path to your desires is only found... through me...And so we must press on."
Train laughed slightly, "I agree."
"Your Grace if I may." Watts spoke up, "Since our operation in Vale has backfired due to these...Reds and Blues. Ozpin is sure to tighten his grip on the academy. We'll need to turn our eyes somewhere else for the time being? Perhaps Vacuo?"
"No." Salem replied sternly, "Beacon Academy stands as the greatest huntsmen academy out of the other three. It represents hope, and security to all of Remnant. But most of all, Ozpin is its headmaster. We strike there, and we'll take the king."
"And the pawns will be scattered." Watts added
"Precisely." said Salem, "Cinder dear. Which of these Reds and Blues have acquired the Fall Maiden's power."
"The yellow one." Cinder replied, "Kai."
"Interesting." Salem muttered, "These Reds and Blues have proved their strength. But we need more intel on them."
"They're idiots." Cinder said to her, "They could do anything, and are unpredictable."
"True." Salem replied, "But perhaps we could use that to our advantage."
POV Change: The Reds and Blues
Ozpin told them everything...everything and more.
The group of sim-troopers and the trio of huntsmen stood in a dark room with two chamber pods. One carrying an unconscious girl, while the other was empty. Tucker stared at the pod with interest.
"So this is the maiden?" he asked Ozpin
"Was the maiden." Glynda corrected him, "Until whatever you people did and the power disappeared."
Tucker nodded, "And her wounds have begun to heal?"
"Yes." Ironwood replied, "But it's a slow process."
"I see." Tucker muttered
"So this Salem…" Carolina spoke up, "She's the prize."
"Salem's no prize." Ozpin said to her, "She's a threat. One that is a pressing one to all of Remnant. She controls the Grimm, and has been manipulating both the White Fang and Torchwick. The woman you have identified as Cinder is one of Salem's disciples, and will not stop until she gets what she wants."
"What of Cinder's posse?" Sarge asked, "Emerald and Mercury?"
"We presume that they are only loyal to Cinder. But that is but a rumor." Ironwood answered
"So each Maiden has an ability over a specific season. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. But only one can access a relic that has been stored at one of the four huntsmen academies." Grif muttered
"Yes." Ozpin replied, "Spring for Knowledge, Summer for Destruction, Winter for Creation, and Fall for Choice."
"Then that means there's a relic here at Beacon, correct?" Wash asked
"Yes." Ozpin answered, "But let's just say I have made the Relic of Choice a little...harder to find."
Donut then decided to ask the million-dollar question, "Who else knows? About all of this?"
"Us, you people, the two other headmaster's of Haven and Shade Academies, and our contact Qrow."
"Qrow…" Grif muttered, "As in Qrow Branwen?"
Glynda looked at the orange soldier, "You know him?"
"No, I don't but-Wait. That's why Team STRQ separated!"
"They knew about this." Simmons added
"That's correct." Ozpin replied, "But how do you know about them? Did Ms. Rose tell you about her family?"
Sarge shook his head, "No she didn't. But the other day we had the pleasure of running into members of the Branwen Tribe."
"Raven." Ironwood muttered darkly
"Yang's biological mother." Grif added, "She's one tough cookie."
"Indeed she is." Ironwood replied
"Is that why Summer disappeared?" Kai questioned, "Because she knew about this?"
"No." Ozpin answered her, "Or at least we don't know. The trail went cold after we went looking for her."
"Hmm." Tucker muttered, as he turned back around to face the maiden
"I know this feels odd for all of you, but it is the truth." Ozpin said to them, "It's like you said Tucker. This world is doomed. We are trying to protect it."
"So, are you in?" Glynda asked them all
Tucker continued to stare at the maiden before looking at Donut, Doc, and Lopez. The trio nodded at him. He then looked at Sarge, Grif, and Simmons. They nodded as well, with Grif giving him a thumbs up. Tucker then turned his sights on Locus, Wash, and Carolina, who grunted and nodded at the same time. Next came Kai who nodded. Finally came Caboose, and the only word he could utter was…
"Neat."
Tucker nodded before turning around to face the three huntsmen.
"We're in."
Ozpin smiled, "Perfect."
"Of course agreements like this one usually come with a few requests." Tucker added
"Agreed." Ozpin nodded, "What do you request from us in return?"
"First off, we wish to move our base here to Beacon." Tucker explained, "Second, we wish to teach your students. Huntsmen are strong but weak nonetheless. We could give them a little...boost."
Ozpin looked at Ironwood, who simply gave him a look of agreement. He then looked at Glynda, who simply crossed her arms and grunted in disagreement.
"Those can be arranged." Ozpin said to them, "Anything else?"
Tucker at his friends before looking back at Ozpin, smirking.
"We want both RWBY and JNPR turned over to us." he replied bluntly
Glynda glared at him, "I believe that cannot be-"
"Deal." Ozpin cut her off, "Now, I believe there are some people upstairs that are waiting for you."
Tucker sighed, "Yes, there is."
POV Change: Ozpin's Office
Both the Reds and Blues, Ozpin's Inner Circle exited the elevator and walked into the headmaster's office. Sure enough, both Team RWBY and JNPR were waiting for them.
"Professor." Ruby said as they all approached the huntsmen teams, "You called us here? Are they going to be arrested for killing Torchwick?"
Weiss sighed, "Ruby, calm down."
Ozpin of course couldn't help but chuckle, "Of course not. As a matter of fact, we've congratulated them for snuffing out a terrorist plot against Beacon."
"I still can't believe Mercury and Emerald were saboteurs." Yang muttered darkly, eyes flaring red in the process.
"Indeed." Ozpin replied, "This revelation is shocking for everyone. But for now, we must not press on it. I believe your friends here have something to say."
"Correct, professor." Grif replied
"What is it?" Blake asked them
"The truth…"