Weiss sat bored waiting for the final bell to ring. Team Rwby, Neptune and Sun all agreed to meet in the dorm room after classes were over.
"As you can see...," Professor Port said as Weiss stared at the clock. She wasn't paying attention in the slightest.
Jaune decided to take this opportunity and scoot next to his crush. "So, Weiss," he said pulling next to the Ice Queen, "you know uh, I was thinking after class, maybe we could go grab a bite to eat? Together?" Weiss turned her head to Jaune to show that she cared...or tried to. Then she turned her attention back to the clock and only the clock.
As Port continued his lesson, Banner listened and took very detailed notes. Banner had to learn everything he could about Remnant. He had given up a while back on returning to Earth. Not to say he didn't miss it, but Vale was his home now. "I wonder how Peter is doing," Banner often found himself thinking. He smiled as he pictured the spider of New York swinging around freely.
Jaune had to take action, he was losing Weiss's attention fast. "And uh," he continued, "you know well I-I got two tickets to that new Spruce Willis movie if you want to make the trip to Vale! I hear it's awesome," Jaune said in excitement. Weiss continued to ignore the young Huntsmen. "And...after that, maybe we could study together? I mean you're smart and well i'm..."
"And then I," Port began right as the bell rang, "oh, timed that one wrong I guess." He twirled his silver mustache in embarrassment. "The stunning conclusion will have to wait until next time," Port announced to the whole class. Many students sighed in relief. Banner was glued to his chair, wanting to hear the rest of the story.
"Weiss?" Jaune asked as she stood to leave, "Did you hear me?"
"No, no, no and yes," the Ice Queen smirked as she left. Jaune exhaled with exasperation and dropped his forehead to the desk.
The rest of team RWBY passed Jaune. "One day," Yang said playfully as she petted Jaune on her way out.
"Thank you for such a great lesson," Banner smiled as he walked up to Port. He held out his hand for the professor to shake.
"Why," Port said in surprise, "I've never met anyone who was excited to be in my class." He shook Banner's hand.
'You have now," Banner laughed with the professor.
Team Rwby rushed to their dorm quickly and changed out of their school uniforms.
"I thought that class would would never end," Blake said as she slipped on her shoes. She couldn't sleep last night because she was so anxious to finally be doing something to stop the White Fang and Torchwick.
"Alright, guys. Today's the day," Ruby said as she jumped into her boots. "The investigation begins!"
"I'm so glad we're taking this so seriously," Weiss smiled as she rolled her eyes.
"Hey," Yang added as she reloaded her weapons with shells, "We've got a plan! That's moderately serious."
"Right," Ruby agreed. "Everyone remember their roles?"
Weiss stood next to Ruby, "You and I will head to the CCT and check the Schnee records for any other Dust robberies or inconsistencies. Seeing as I'm in the family, that shouldn't be a problem," Weiss said feeling important.
"The White Fang has regular faction meetings to hand out orders and recruit new members," Blake added. "If I can get in, I'd hopefully find out what they're planning."
Yang popped her knuckles, "I have an old friend on the shady side of town that typically knows everything going on in Vale. Getting information out of him shouldn't be too hard."
"Great! We'll meet up tonight with Yang to go over what we've found," Ruby decided. "Lets do this!"
"YEAH," the girls heard come from their window.
"SUN," Blake yelled. Everyone jumped back from the monkey Faunus hanging upside down.
"How did you get up there?" Yang asked scratching her head.
"It's easy. I do it all the time," Sun smiled.
"You WHAT?" Weiss asked crossing her arms.
"I climb trees all the time," Sun quickly corrected. Weiss squinted at him furiously.
"We were worried that you weren't gonna show up," Ruby admitted. "You recently getting out of the infirmary and all."
"So, we finally going after that Torchwick guy?" Sun asked as he flipped inside the room. He still had some unresolved issues with Roman. Like that his fist wasn't smashing Roman's nose.
"WE," Blake said waving her hand inclusively, "are going to investigate the situation. As a team."
"Come on, guys. We already agreed that I'd come," Sun pleaded. "I healed up and everything!"
"Sorry, Sun. We don't want friends to get involved if they don't have to," Ruby stated.
"Ha," Sun chuckled, "that's dumb. You should always get friends involved! That's why Neptune is outside." All of team Rwby poked their heads out the window.
"Sup," Neptune smirked as he shimmied across the ledge on the wall.
"How did you even get up here?" Ruby questioned looking up and down the tall dormitory.
"I have my ways," Neptune shrugged. "But seriously," he said looking down, "can I come in? We're like, super high up."
"Alright," Ruby stated once everyone was inside, "I'll go with Weiss. Sun, you can go with Blake. Neptune," Ruby said pushing him toward her sister, "You can go with Yang since she doesn't have a partner." As Neptune was being pushed, he winked at Weiss making her blush a little. "Everyone good?" Ruby asked as she looked at the teams she made.
"Actually, Ruby," Weiss said thinking of a plan, "why don't you go with Yang? After all, she is your sister!"
"Then Weiss, who would go with you?" Ruby questioned.
"I...I guess Neptune could come with me," Weiss said smiling at the idea.
"HA HA," Ruby laughed in Weiss's face. "Nah."
"But...But," Weiss said as she was dragged by Ruby toward the door.
"Weiss, you're funny," Ruby said as she reached for the doorknob but it turned by itself and opened. Ruby began, "Who's..."
"You're not going anywhere." Banner walked in.
"BANNER," everyone said in shock. Weiss and Ruby jumped back.
"What are you doing here?" Blake asked.
"Making sure you all don't do something stupid and get hurt," Banner revealed.
"How does he know?" Yang mouthed to Blake.
"I don't know! I didn't tell anyone..." Blake mouthed back.
"You all could get hurt! Let the police do their job," Banner tried to persuade the group.
"Banner," Weiss sighed, "you can't always protect us. Eventually, you won't or can't be there and we will have to make our own decisions. You surely must know this."
"Watch me." Banner's eyes slowly turned green.
"And you think blackmailing us is going to work?" Blake asked in disgust. "Banner...I know you mean well. But you have to let us apprehend Roman Torchwick, that criminal. He's out there somewhere and we could catch him!" No one was going to stop Blake from getting to the bottom of the White Fang. Not even Banner. She would die trying if she had to.
"I think what she meant is," Sun quickly said getting in front of Blake, "Is that she thanks you for caring!" Sun could feel Banner's growing rage. If anyone could calm Banner, everyone's favorite Faunus could! "Banner," Sun said putting his arm around him. Everyone froze in shock, "A couple of Beowolves took out a village. They say it was...quite GRIMM."
Everyone just stared at Sun.
"Grimm...," Banner said repeating the joke. "Ha," he lightly chuckled. The green in his eyes vanished as he smiled.
"Banner?" Ruby asked slowly taking steps toward him.
"I'm okay." Banner pulled Sun's arm off of him. Everyone let out a sigh of relief.
"Banner," Blake said getting his attention, "you're not stopping us. You can help, or get out of the way."
"Yeah," Weiss said taking Blake's side.
"We are a team, Banner," Ruby said as she and her sister also took Blake's side. "And we're doing what's best. We are going to stop Roman and the White Fang."
"What she said," Sun smiled as he and Neptune stood by team Rwby.
Banner felt proud of these young Huntsmen and Huntresses. Weiss and Blake had finally made up, Yang and Sun were healed, and Ruby was the fine leader Banner always knew she could become. "I'll be around if any of you need me." Banner turned and left.
"Well," Ruby said in surprise, "that went better than expected!" She grabbed Weiss and headed to the CCT tower.
"Noooo," Weiss groaned as she reached for Neptune. She and Ruby were gone.
"Good luck, you two," Blake said waving at Yang. She and Sun quickly headed to the docking bay to catch a ride to Vale.
"So, when we get to Vale," Neptune began to ask Yang, "do you have a car or something?"
"Oh, don't you worry! I got wheels," Yang nodded in excitement. She thought about her golden motorcycle, Bumblebee.
Ruby and Weiss wandered around the huge tower in the middle of Beacon school grounds.
"WOW," Ruby said taking in the sight, "I forget how big the transmit tower looks up close!"
"You should see the one in Atlas," Weiss smirked as she leaned her head back to see all of the tower.
"That was the first one ever built, right?" Ruby questioned her teammate. "I guess those history classes are good for something," Ruby quickly thought.
"Correct," Weiss nodded, surprised that Ruby actually paid attention in class. "Atlas developed the four cross-continental transmit system to allow the kingdoms to communicate with one another. One in Vacuo, Mistral, Atlas and last and maybe least, Vale."
"Ooo, look at me," Ruby mocked. "My name is Weiss. I know facts. I'm rich!" Weiss turned around and glared at Ruby, making her giggle.
"Don't be a pest," Weiss said putting a hand on her hip. "The only reason we're here is because you LOVE the Tower so much," Weiss grinned. Ruby shut up. "We could have just as easily made a call from the library," Weiss said pointing to to a building that was so much closer to their dorm than the CCT.
"I know," Ruby sighed. "BUT IT'S SO COOL! Let me take a quick picture," Ruby said digging in her pocket. "AH," Ruby squeaked as her scroll fell out of her pocket. It bounced across the ground and hit someone in the leg.
"Oh," a girl said picking up Ruby's scroll. "You dropped this," she said holding the scroll toward Ruby.
"PENNY?" Ruby asked in total shock. Weiss took a step back.
"UHH," Penny said as her freckled face blushed. She quickly looked around for an escape route.
"Where have you been? We haven't seen you since the night at the docks," Ruby asked worried.
"S-sorry," Penny blushed more. "I believe you have the wrong person! You must be confused!" Penny let out a sudden hiccup. The scroll landed in Ruby's hand. "Uh, I got to go!" Penny quickly turned rushed away.
"What was that about?" Weiss asked her leader.
"I don't know," Ruby said worried. "But I'm going to find out! You go make your call. I'll meet up with you later!"
"Wait," Weiss called out to Ruby. It was too late. Ruby was too far away. "Dunce," Weiss cursed. "Has she forgotten what that girl is capable of?" Weiss asked remembering Penny's duel with the Hulk.
Ruby quickly ran down stairs to catch Penny. "Penny?" Ruby asked when she stepped in front of her. "Where have you been? It's been weeks!"
"There seems to be a misunderstanding," Penny said trying to shrug off Ruby.
"WHAT?" Ruby asked in shock. Penny ignored her. "Penny...," Ruby whimpered. She jumped on the stair rail and slid down. She landed right in front of Penny, "Is everything okay?" Penny continued on her way, trying not to feel guilty and look at Ruby. "Penny, please, STOP," Ruby yelled as she grabbed onto her wrist.
Penny stopped walking and looked Ruby directly in the eyes.
"Look, I don't know what's wrong. But you have to listen to me," Ruby begged making Penny look down in shame. "Those people that Banner was fighting at the docks, me and my team think that they're up to something big! Something bad! I need you to tell me what happened that night," Ruby pleaded. "Please...as a friend."
Penny sighed and looked around. "It isn't safe to talk here," she whispered into Ruby's ear. She took Ruby's hand and made haste to the docking bay to catch a trip to Vale.
While Ruby uncovered what was happening with Penny, Weiss walked the CCT halls. An elevator opened when she got close enough and Weiss walked in.
"Hello," a feminine synthetic voice said from the speakers of the elevator, "Welcome to the CCT. How may I help you today?"
Weiss responded, "I'd like to go to the communications room please."
"Absolutely," the speakers agreed. "Could you please place your scroll on the terminal to verify your identity," the voice ordered. Weiss held up her scroll as a bue light examined it. "Perfect. Thank you, Miss Schnee." The elevator doors opened to reveal a gigantic room full of students at desk monitors.
Weiss walked to the nearest hologram receptionist. "Welcome to the Beacon Cross-Continental Transmit Center. How may I assist you today?"
"I need to make a call to Schnee Company World headquarters in Atlas," Weiss answered.
"Absolutely," the holograph said as she typed. "If you could head on over to terminal three, I'll patch you through."
"Thank you," Weiss smiled at the holograph. She walked down the room toward her terminal and looked around. There were terminals going to Vacuo, Signal, Mistral, villages outside the kingdoms, you name it! She sat down at the third terminal in the Atlas section. She sighed as the monitor booted up.
A woman appeared at the other end, "Thank you for calling the Atlas...," her eyes widened as she looked at Weiss, "OH, Miss Schnee! Good afternoon! Would you like me to patch you through to your father? I think your sister may be home as well!" Everyone who worked in Atlas knew the Schnee children. Hell, some of them had to take care of the children because of their father's work and their mother's drinking...
"No, thank you," Weiss smiled at the accountant. "I was wondering if you could find some files for me," she said pulling her out on her scroll. "I've made a short list," Weiss nodded as she inserted her scroll into the monitor. The scroll beeped as it transferred information.
"I see," the accountant said as she examined the data. "If you don't mind," she said looking back at Weiss, "what is this all for?"
"School project," Weiss shrugged, smiling.
"Umm," the accountant said, worried, "there are some sensitive documents on this list..."
"Well then, I'll be sure to take great care of them," Weiss assured.
"Right..." the accountant said, unsure. Eh, Weiss was her favorite and she stayed out of trouble when she was home. "Very well. The data is being transferred to your scroll now."
"Wonderful. That will be all," Weiss nodded in delight. She stood to leave.
"Are you sure you don't want me to patch you through to your father?" the accountant quickly asked.
"Yes," Weiss nodded, getting a little annoyed, "I'm sure." Why couldn't her father just leave her alone? Whenever she was home at the mansion in Atlas, he was too 'busy.' But now he wanted to see and talk to Weiss when she was gone?
"Miss Schnee," the accountant almost begged, "he just wants to know if you're okay. You being at Beacon with that monster and everything that's happened in Vale."
"Monster?" Weiss began to question. Who would her father think was a... Oh, Banner. Weiss clenched her fist as she cursed her father under her breath.
"Would you like me to patch you through?" the accountant asked. Weiss snapped back.
"No, no," Weiss managed to smile. It wasn't the accountant's fault her father was this way.
"Very well," the accountant nodded. "I wish the best for you. Be safe. But, do try and call your father. He's very worried about you."
"Yeah, worried how I'll spend his money," Weiss said quickly under her breath.
"Hopefully he doesn't cancel your credit card," the accountant chuckled.
"Thank you for everything," Weiss nodded at her. The screen went black as the monitor shut down. Weiss's scar showed heavily in the reflection. All she ever wanted to do was be a girl who did her best and impress her family.
"Thank you for stopping by," the holograph said as Weiss headed toward the elevator.
"That could have gone better," Weiss sighed as the elevator doors closed. She leaned against a wall and shut her eyes. "Why does father have to be like this?" Why couldn't he just let Weiss be herself. But no, constant singing and piano lessons when she was younger. Not to mention the constant harassment because she wanted to become a Huntress. Winter became one, why couldn't she?
"Rough time?" someone asked to Weiss's side. She turned.
"Yeah," Weiss admitted. "Yeah, it was, Banner."
Meanwhile as Weiss got the data her team needed, Penny had taken Ruby to a little cafe in the middle of Vale.
Penny stood and looked around nervously as Ruby bought drinks. "Will I get in trouble? Will father be upset if I talk to Ruby? Will Ironwood wipe my memory? Is Banner a good person?" Penny thought to herself as she looked at the ground.
Ruby tapped Penny on the shoulder, "Here is your..."
Penny flipped away and aimed her swords at Ruby's throat. The drinks splashed everywhere as they hit the ground. "OH MY GOODNESS," Penny said in shame as she realized it was Ruby.
"It's okay, Penny," Ruby said calmly. She took her hand, "I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm your friend." Ruby never imagined she'd have to say these types of words to someone other than...The Hulk.
"Oh, friend Ruby," Penny said re-sheathing her swords. "I would never hurt you!" Penny tightly wrapped her arms around Ruby and hugged.
"Penny," Ruby gasped, "I...can't...breathe."
Penny quickly let go and patted Ruby on the head, "Come, friend Ruby."
Ruby quickly followed, "Penny, I need you to tell me everything that happened that night."
Penny explained, "I wish I could help you, Ruby. But I don't know anything about those men who attacked your friends at the docks that night."
"Well, what happened to you that night? You were fighting The Hulk when the building collapsed. Then Ironwood showed up and Yang had to put Banner down. Then you disappeared with Ironwood. Were you kidnapped?" Ruby asked with worry.
"Oh no, nothing like that," Penny assured.
"Well, then where did you go?" Ruby said, determined to get to the bottom of this.
Penny fessed up, "I've never been to another kingdom before. My father asked me not to venture out far, but you have to understand, my father loves me very much! He just worries a lot."
"I know the feeling," Ruby said thinking about her father's protectiveness toward her and Yang. "But, why not let us know you were okay? It's been weeks."
"I," Penny took a deep breath, "was asked not to speak with you. Or Weiss, or Blake, or your sister, or with anyone really."
"Was your dad that upset?" Ruby asked. She felt like she got Penny into trouble with her family.
"No, it wasn't my father," Penny said confusing Ruby. Penny was about to continue, but was cut off.
"The AK130 has been a standard security model of Remnant for several years," a loud speaker blasted through the streets of Vale. Ruby and Penny looked around the corner to find a rally with dozens of people. A holographic image of Ironwood stood in the middle of a bunch of the robotic security drones. "And they have done a fine job, wouldn't you agree? Wouldn't you agree?" The drones bowed as the crowd cheered the holograph.
"Cooool," Ruby said in amazement. She walked closer to the Atlas presentation.
"Ruby...," Penny said worried as she followed behind her friend.
"But," Ironwood's hologram said sternly, "the kingdom of Atlas is a kingdom of innovation. And 'fine' isn't going to be able to cut it! I present," the hologram announced as robotic figures began to rain down from the sky, "The Atlesian Knight 200!" Bigger, sleeker, less scary and heavily armed robots landed on the old security drones, sending scrap metal everywhere. The crowd cheered for Atlas's new tech.
"WOOOOW," Ruby said as her eyes sparkled. Penny stood behind, afraid the hologram of Ironwood or any of the guards would notice her. She was supposed to be at Beacon and especially not be with Ruby. The new security drones began to flex, salute and wave at the cheering crowd.
Ironwood's hologram continued, "These new models will become active later this year, but they won't be alone. Now," Ironwood said as the hologram walked back to the center, "The Atlesian Military has always supported the idea of removing soldiers from the dangers of the battlefield. However," Ironwood chuckled, "there are always situations that require a human touch."
"Ruby," Penny said taking her hand, "I think we had better go. It's getting pretty late," Penny stated as she looked at the sunset.
"Penny, just wait a couple seconds," Ruby said still in awe of the Atlesian Knights.
"So," Ironwood proudly continued, "our Kingdom's greatest minds along with the Schnee Dust Company are proud to introduce The Atlesian Paladin!" Ironwood's hologram vanished and in its place...a gigantic hologram of a combat drone.
The crowd cheered even louder, "Go, Atlas! Thank you, general! We are in your debt!"
Ironwood's voice continued through the speakers, "Now, we couldn't have these here today, but these heavily armored mechanized battle suits will be defending our borders within the year!" The hologram slowly turned, showing every nook and cranny of the upcoming Atlas battle drone. Huge cannons and machine guns coated its arms and upper body, along with hands capable of turning into saws and sharp swords for hand-to-hand combat. "Grimm, White Fang, huge green monsters," Ironwood's voice quickly joked, "won't stand a chance against these mechanized war suits!"
Ruby's jaw dropped, "That's amaaaaazing."
"Ruby...I think it's time we go," Penny stated. She looked around the crowd and caught one of the guard's gaze. She quickly looked away but it was too late.
"Hey, man," the guard said to his buddy, "doesn't that girl over there look like Miss Polendina?"
"What are you talking about? She's supposed to be at...yeah, THAT'S HER," the other guard said as he recognized Penny. Penny turned and began to sprint down an alleyway.
"PENNY," Ruby called out, "where are you going?" She looked behind her to find the two guards approaching. Ruby bolted toward Penny.
"DOWN HERE," a guard yelled as Ruby and Penny turned a sharp corner and crossed a street.
"I've got to slow them down," Ruby thought. Then Ruby wondered why Penny was faster? Yeah, Penny had a slight head start, but Ruby's semblance. Though, when was the last time Ruby had trained? She would have to use everything she got to catch her. "Here goes nothing," Ruby hyped herself up as she slowly turned into rose petals.
"GET OVER HERE," Penny heard Ruby's yelling voice get closer. In a split second, Penny felt arms tightly hug her waist.
"THIS WAY," Ruby yelled. She leaned toward another long alleyway. Before Penny knew what happened, she and Ruby catapulted lightning-fast. The concrete and buildings cracked under the force and speed they were going. Penny fell on the ground as Ruby let go out of exhaustion.
"RUBY," Penny yelled out in fear as Ruby rolled across the street.
"I'm...okay," Ruby panted. She slowly picked herself up, noticing her aura was cracked.
"BEEP, BEEP," a truck's horn roared behind Ruby. The tires screeched as the driver tried to brake but it wasn't enough. Ruby braced herself for the devastating impact. She was pushed to the side, hard.
The truck and Penny's palms clashed together, smashing the concrete block. The truck was held in the air by the small, fragile Penny.
"Are you okay?" Penny asked the worried driver. He fearfully nodded his head.
"P-Penny?" Ruby asked from the sidewalk where she was pushed too.
"Uhh, umm," Penny said in embarrassment as she looked at the shaken up civilians.
"Yo, did you see that? Is she human? Is she the Hulk? Did she stop it with her bare hands?" Penny heard bystanders ask. Penny quickly ran away, bumping into Ruby's shoulder.
"PENNY, come back," Ruby said taking off after her again.
Penny stopped running and tried to think what to do, "Uhh, umm..."
Rose petals surrounded Penny and formed a figure in front of her. "Penny, please," Ruby begged when she appeared. "What is going on? Why are you running? How did you stop that huge old truck! Even Banner would have trouble with something that big!"
Penny didn't know how to respond, "I-I can't! Everything is fine," she lied. She let out a huge hiccup. "I don't want to talk about it!" As the last word slipped from her mouth, she hiccuped once more.
"Penny," Ruby pleaded, "if you could just tell me what's wrong, I COULD HELP!"
"No, no," Penny said turning away from her friend. "You wouldn't understand!"
Ruby argued, "Let me try! You can trust me, Penny!"
Penny gave in, "You promise you're my friend? You're my friend, right?" Penny asked in Ruby's face.
"I promise," Ruby nodded. She held onto Penny's hands.
"Ruby...," Penny said in shame as she slowly opened her palms, "I'm not a real girl." Instead of blood and muscle and scratches under her skin, Penny showed metal and wires.
"Oh..." Ruby said.
Night fell quickly over Vale. The quiet setting was slashed by the sound of a loud, golden motorcycle.
Yang parked her bike, Bumblebee, right outside of a building in the sketchy part of town. "C'mon," Yang smiled, "my friend's right in here." She got off her bike to reveal her dizzy passenger.
"Cool," Neptune said as his head rotated. His goggles were diagonal across his face, his perfect blue hair was a mess and he felt nauseous. "Remind me, HMPF...," he was cut off by the sudden urge to puke. He swallowed, "Never mind." He shook his head gently, fixed his hair and adjusted his goggles. "So," he asked dismounting, "where is 'here?'"
"Right there," Yang pointed. It was a huge building with multi colored lights hanging in the windows.
"It's a...party?" Neptune questioned scratching the back of his head.
Yang thought about her answer. "Yeah," she shrugged. "Let's go, Sea Boy," Yang ordered. She took Neptune's hand and pulled him.
"Easy, easy," Neptune winced.
Club music blasted as they opened the front doors.
"YANG," Neptune yelled.
"What's the problem now?" Yang groaned.
"This is a CLUB! We're not supposed to be in here," Neptune stated. His mother would kill him if she ever found out Neptune entered a bar.
"Hasn't stopped me before," Yang shrugged. "I come here all the time and drink."
"It's illegal! We're only 17," Neptune said, face palming.
"Who's gonna stop me?" Yang questioned as she popped her knuckles.
"Fair point," Neptune agreed. "Carry on."
"Now, when we enter this guy's place...act naturally," Yang explained to her blue-haired accomplice.
"What are you trying to say?" Neptune asked tilting his head in confusion.
"My 'friend', his name is...Hei Xiong," Yang informed. "He's..."
Neptune cut her off, "Junior. Yeah, I've heard of him. Owns a couple bars and nightclubs all across Vale."
"Very good," Yang smiled in surprise. "How did you know that, Sea Boy?" Yang asked elbowing his arm.
"N-not important," Neptune quickly stated.
"Uh huh," Yang chuckled in his face. "Anyway, Junior has goons all over the place. Then, there are his two body guards, Melanie and Miltia Malachite. Melanie is the one in white, the other all red."
"Oooooh," Neptune said as a huge smile came over his face. "Twins?" he asked excitedly. Yang nodded. "SCORE," Neptune cheered as he clenched his fist in hope.
"Don't push your luck," Yang chuckled as Neptune followed. "The twins, they can get...pretty feisty."
"What does that mean?" Neptune asked worried about the response he would get.
"Oh, Junior owed me some information and I was 'forced' to 'whup' everybody," Yang explained short and sweet.
"Sounds like you," Neptune nodded.
"Come on, we've wasted enough time," Yang said as she led him forward.
At the end of the hallway two guards in black with top hats and red sunglasses blocked the door. "Hold up," one of them said with a palm toward Yang and Neptune, "we're gonna...Oh, No," he said in fear as he recognized Yang. The two guards quickly ran through the doors. "HURRY, CLOSE THE DOOR! SHE'S COMING!" The guards held the door with all their might.
"Uh, Yang?" Neptune questioned as he heard them lock the door from the other side.
"What are you two idiots doing?" Neptune heard someone else ask from the other side.
"I got this," Yang whispered to Neptune.
"IT'S HER! YANG X...," the guard was cut off when the door blast opened and knocked him to the ground.
"GUESS WHO'S BACK?" Yang exclaimed as she walked through the doorway.
All the rest of the goons in the facility grabbed all the guns they could find and shoved them in Yang's face. The music blasting through the club was cut off by the DJ as he grabbed a gun and aimed at Yang.
"Yeah...so...could you describe what you mean by friend?" Neptune asked as he poked his head out from behind Yang.
"STOP," someone yelled from behind the goons, "Nobody shoot." Guards and goons stepped aside to reveal their boss. Before Neptune and Yang stood a tall man fixing his red tie. His grey eyes stared down Yang with a passion, "Blondie! You're here..." he groaned. "Why?"
"You still owe me a drink," Yang winked at him. She took his arm and dragged him to the bar. By the way this man and Yang talked, he had to be Junior.
"What a woman," Neptune said in awe as he watched Yang. He looked to his side to find the twins. "Why, hello there, ladies."
The twins walked away. "Hmpf. Whatever."
"SO," Yang said as she shoved Junior into a seat at the bar, "where is he?"
"Where's who?" Junior asked as he fixed his tie, again.
"Okay," Yang smiled as she closed her eyes. "Where," she said as she reopened her now blood-red eyes and her playful attitude burned away, "is...Roman...TORCHWICK?" She held her victim by his tie.
Junior gulped, "I already told you! I don't know!"
Yang shoved Junior hard into the bar, "Tell me everything. NOW!"
"I don't know," Junior said as he grabbed the nearest bottle. He began to drink his worries away.
"How could you not know?" Yang questioned.
"I haven't talked to him! I haven't even talked to the guy since the first night you came in here," Junior said raising his hands in submission. "He paid upfront. I loaned him my men...and none of them CAME BACK! That green monster better have eaten them for their sake..." he said under his breath as he clenched his fist.
"So, where did they go?" Neptune asked popping up next to Yang's side like a detective.
Junior stared down the blue haired teen, "WHAT TYPE OF QUESTION IS THAT? They never came back!" He looked back at Yang, "W-who is this loser?"
"Don't worry about him," Yang stated. She slammed her fist down on the bar, cracking it, "Worry about me if I don't find out what I want!"
"I TOLD YOU EVERYTHING I KNOW," Junior yelled at his blonde oppressor. "Torchwick hired my boys and I guess he wasn't happy with them." He looked at all of his goons around the club, "WHICH IS SOMETHING I CAN RELATE TO!"
"C'mon, Neptune," Yang ordered as she turned and headed out. Junior sighed in relief knowing Yang wasn't going to drink everything in the bar...again.
"Did we get everything we need?" Neptune asked as he stayed close to Yang. He was a little intimidated by the twins who were watching them leave.
"We got everything that we could," Yang admitted as her eyes morphed to their calmer color. "Hopefully, the rest of the team is doing better."
They weren't.
Blake examined the scratch marks on the building - the symbol of a White Fang meeting. She peeked around the corner to find three Faunus standing next to a doorway. One opened the door so the other two could enter.
Blake turned to face Sun, "This is it."
Sun questioned, "You sure?" He got the nastiest glare he had ever seen. "You know...I'm just gonna take your word for it!"
"Whacha want?" the guard snorted as Blake and Sun walked up to him. Blake undid her bow to reveal her ears as Sun waved at the man with his tail. "Right this way," the man opened the door.
"Here," Blake said offering Sun a mask as they entered a hallway, "you're gonna want to wear this."
"I don't get it," Sun said as he took the mask. "If you believe what you're doing is right, why hide who you are?"
Blake explained, "The masks are a symbol. Humanity wanted to make monsters out of us, so we chose to don the face of monsters."
"Grimm masks...," Sun said as he examined his closely, "That's kind of dark."
"So was the guy who started it," Blake shrugged. She put on her mask and began walking.
"Always sunshine and rainbows with you," Sun sighed. He put on his mask and followed.
They entered a huge room with at least two hundred Faunus inside. Most of them were already White Fang. To the right were all new recruits. Blake and Sun were able to take spots close to the stage.
"Blake?" Sun asked worried.
"What?" Blake asked. The White Fang couldn't have found out they were already there, could they? Blake carefully looked around and saw what Sun was worried about - most of the recruits weren't wearing the traditional masks. These masks were green and had the face of...The Hulk. "Don the faces of monsters," Blake repeated back to herself, horrified. So even Faunus hated Banner.
A huge White Fang lieutenant walked onto the stage, "Thank you all for coming. For those of you who are joining us for the first time tonight, allow me to introduce a very special comrade of ours. I can assure you, he is the key to obtaining what we have desired for so long!"
"There he is," Sun growled as a familiar face walked onto the stage.
"Thank you, thank you," Roman waved at the crowd. "Please hold your applause till the end!"
"WHAT'S A HUMAN DOING HERE?" a Faunus screamed.
"I'm glad you asked, Dearie," Roman smiled as he aimed his cane toward her. "NOW, i'll be the first to admit that humans, are the WORST!" The recruits began to cheer. "Case in point," Roman smiled. "So I understand why you want us locked up for life, or better yet, KILLED! But, I would like to mention, you and I have a common enemy. A big, green angry enemy..." Roman said as he pulled out a remote. He pressed a button and a projection of The Hulk appeared on a wall.
Many Faunus booed, "KILL HIM!"
"PUT HIM TO DEATH!
"MONSTER!"
"You see," Roman explained, "Bruce Banner has been a pain in my backside...and yours. Hell, didn't he kill hundreds of your brothers and sisters at the dock?" Roman asked as he leaned on his cane.
"KILL ON SIGHT," the recruits began to chant. Blake and Sun began to feel extremely uncomfortable.
"We also have to worry about the ones in control, the ones who pull the strings," Roman continued, "the dirty rotten humans who run our Kingdoms. Government, military and even the schools are to blame for your lot in life!" Faunus began to cheer. "They're nothing but pests who need to be dealt with. Fortunately," Roman smiled, "I'm the best exterminator around. No offense to any rodents in the room," he quickly added. Roman snapped his fingers.
Blake and Sun's eyes shot open as the curtains behind Roman fell to the floor. On the stage, stood a fully working Atlesian Paladin. The crowd cheered even more.
"That's a big robot," Sun gulped.
"Those things are new. How did he get one?" Blake asked.
Roman continued his speech, "As some of you heard, this right here," he knocked on the hard metal of the war machine, "is Atlas's newest line of defense against all the scary things in the world! Grimm, Huntsmen and Huntresses, Hulks," Roman chuckled. "but thanks to my...'employer,' we've managed to snag a few before they hit the shelves across the Kingdoms! Now, many of your brothers have already moved down to our new operation in the Southeast. If you'd rather stay within the city...that's fine," Roman shrugged. "But if you're truly ready to fight for what you believe in, this is the arsenal I can provide you." Roman nodded his hat toward the huge mech.
"Let's get out of here," Blake insisted as the huge crowd of Faunus continued to cheer.
"Yeah," Sun quickly agreed.
"New recruits, come forward if you'd love to join," Roman ordered.
"Welp," Sun said as he and Blake were shoved forward by the other Faunus. "What are we gonna do?" Sun quickly asked.
"I'm thinking," Blake responded. She surreptitiously looked around for escape routes.
Roman's little assistant, Neo, stood by his side. She nudged him.
"Yes, Neo?" Roman asked looked down at her. She pointed at Sun and Blake. "What are you pointing..." he crushed his cigar as soon as he laid eyes on the two Faunus.
"He sees us," Sun stated the obvious. He waved playfully at Roman with a silly smirk.
"He can't see in the dark," Blake shrugged. She quickly brought out Gambol Shroud and shot the power box. The enter room went dark. Gunfire began to ring in everyone's ears.
"DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY!"
"THE WINDOW!"
"STOP THEM!"
Glass shattered onto the street as Blake and Sun busted through a window. They exploded up a building and ran for their lives.
"That wasn't so bad," Sun smiled as they ran. His hope was crushed as a huge explosion was heard behind them. The Atlesian Paladin was gaining on them. "MOTHER..." Sun was cut off by gunfire.
"GET BACK HERE," Roman yelled from inside the Mech.
"So," Sun said trying to keep his cool, "you wouldn't have any type of, I don't know, BACKUP?" He barely avoided the incoming bullets.
Blake yelled, "ON IT!"
Everyone got a message.
Penny closed her palms in shame.
"Penny, I-I don't understand," Ruby told her.
"Most girls are born, but I was made," Penny said recalling the first time she was programmed. "I'm the world's first synthetic person capable of producing an aura. So, that means I'm not real..." Penny looked at the ground clenching her fists.
Ruby took her hand, "Yes, you are. Just because you've got nuts and bolts instead of squishy guts doesn't make you any less real than me!"
"I don't...hmm," Penny tried to question. She got right up into Ruby's face, "You're taking this extremely well."
"Well, I knew you were 'different,'" Ruby admitted. "The swords, the amazing speed and strength you have and being able to take on the Hulk! But most importantly, you're not like those things we saw at the Atlas rally. You've got a heart and a soul. I can feel it!"
Penny grabbed Ruby's shoulders in excitement, "OH, Oh Ruby!" She hugged Ruby deeply, "YOU'RE THE BEST FRIEND ANYONE COULD HAVE!"
"I can see why your father wanted to protect such a wonderful flower," Ruby said as Penny squeezed the air out of her.
Penny let go. "He's very sweet. My father's the one who built me! I'm sure you would just love him!"
"Wow," Ruby said amazed, "he built you all by himself?"
"Well, almost," Penny admitted. "He had help from Mr. Ironwood!"
"The General?" Ruby questioned. "Wait," she realized, "is that why those soldiers were after you?"
Penny smiled, "They like to protect me too!"
"Pfft," Ruby laughed, "they don't think you can protect yourself?"
"They're not sure if I'm ready yet," Penny said. She looked at the ground.
"Penny," Ruby said grabbing her shoulders, "you were able to keep the Hulk controlled. Granted, it was for a bad reason, but you were able to hold him off. I think you can protect yourself."
Penny looked up and smiled, "One day, it will be my job to protect Remnant. But I still have a lot to learn. That's why my father let me join the Vytal Festival. I want to see what it's like in the outside world and test myself in the tournament."
"Penny," Ruby said in confusion, "save the world from what? We're in a time of peace!"
"That's not what Ironwood said," Penny stated. She was just as confused as her friend Ruby.
"CHECK DOWN HERE," Ruby and Penny heard come from the end of the alleyway. It was the two Atlas soldiers.
"You have to hide," Penny said picking up Ruby.
"NO, PENNY," Ruby squirmed as she was held the air. "What are you doing? You don't have to go with them. I could help you!" Ruby was thrown in a dumpster.
"It's okay, Ruby," Penny assured. "They're not bad people. I just don't want you to get in trouble. Just," Penny said looking into Ruby's silver eyes, "promise me you won't tell anyone about my secret?"
"I promise," Ruby nodded. Penny pushed her friend down into the dumpster and closed the lid.
"Salutations, officers," Penny waved.
"Why were you running? Where is the other girl?" They questioned. Ruby sneakily peeked her head out to watch.
"What girl?" Penny asked tilting her head. "I've been by myself all day!" She hiccuped.
"You shouldn't cause a scene like that. Are you okay?"
"Yes just a scratch," Penny said opening her palms.
"Your father isn't going to be happy about this."
"Just come with us."
"Yes sir," Penny smiled. The soldiers led the way.
Once the coast was clear, Ruby jumped out of the dumpster. She brushed herself off and looked at the jet-black sky, "Wow! I didn't notice how late it got!" She felt vibration and pulled out her scroll. "I am not missing this!" Ruby morphed into rose petals, and dashed to the highway.
"EVERYONE," Blake screamed through the scrolls of many, "IF YOU CAN HEAR ME WE..."
"THEY'VE GOT A ROBOT, and it's big! Like, REALLY, REALLY BIG," Sun screamed next to Blake. "That Torchwick guy is in it, but like, it didn't eat him! He's controlling it somehow!"
"Where are you guys?" Yang asked. She and Neptune had just gotten onto Bumblebee. They turned to find Blake and Sun running down the street with the Atlesain Paladin not far behind.
"I think that was them," Neptune pointed.
"YEAH, I got it," Yang yelled back. Tires screeched as they made a quick u-turn and raced toward their friends.
"I don't think I can make it," Weiss said as she dashed toward the docking bay. A trip to Vale from Beacon would be at least ten minutes. She didn't have time to waste. "Come on, come on," Weiss said as she quickly tapped her foot on the ground, waiting for a ship to Vale.
"Need a ride?" Weiss heard someone ask.
"Banner?" Weiss asked when she turned. "How will we get there?"
Banner sighed as he set his glasses on the ground, "I've got an idea."
"W-what are you doing?" Weiss asked as Banner picked her up in his arms.
"Don't worry," Banner said in sudden pain. Weiss wasn't in the care of Banner anymore...it was THE HULK. Weiss screamed as she and Hulk flew through the air.
As the rest of Team RWBY hurried to help, Blake and Sun still had a huge Atlesian Paladin on their tail!
"GET OVER HERE," Roman yelled through the Paladin's speakers. He continued to shoot at the two Faunus with the newest in Atlas weaponry.
Blake and Sun jumped from a building to the top of moving cars. They were able to catch their breath as the cars they were riding entered the highway.
"WAS THIS PART OF THE PLAN?" Sun yelled at Blake.
"WATCH OUT," Blake screamed. She pointed behind Sun. The Paladin was about to land on him. Sun jumped onto another speeding car as Roman punched through the previous car like paper. He relentlessly pursued his two most hated Faunus.
"IS HE TRYING TO KILL US?" Sun asked car-hopping beside Blake.
Roman gritted his teeth in anger and pushed the Mech to its limit, "Damn kids." The Atleasian Paladin began picking up massive speed.
"We've got to slow it down," Yang ordered Neptune. Her motorcycle slowly gained on the huge running Mech.
"Got it," Neptune nodded. He stood on the seat and held out his trident. It morphed into a gun as he aimed down the sights.
The monitor flashed in front of Roman's face to reveal Neptune and Yang advancing from behind, "MORE?" The Paladin swung out his arms and crashed into oncoming cars.
"WATCH OUT," Yang yelled. The bike swerved to avoid the cars that were being thrown toward her. Neptune began shooting the backside of the Mech with bolts of electricity.
"Taking damage from the back," The Paladin alerted Roman.
"I'm going in," Neptune announced. His gun changed back into his trident as he catapulted off Bumblebee. He stabbed into the back of the Roman's Mech. "I GOT HIM!"
"Huge damage to left shoulder," the Paladin alerted its user.
"Goddamn it," Roman groaned.
"NO, I DON'T GOT IT! HELP," Neptune cried as he held onto his impaled trident for support. The Mech began to spin like crazy as it continued its chase after Blake and Sun.
Sun landed on a truck and turned to face Roman. "Neptune, hold on!" Two golden clones appeared as Sun closed his eyes and slammed his palms together. In a flash, the clones rushed at Roman. They vanished into thin air as they slammed against the armor of the Mech.
"HURRY," Neptune yelled out as his grip slipped. Sun jumped from the truck, extended his bow-staff and aimed at the head of the Paladin.
"ENOUGH," Roman yelled in annoyance. A metal hand wrapped around the blue-haired teen. Neptune was flung through the air and collided with Sun. Both fell over the highway bridge.
"Blake," Weiss yelled through her scroll, "I'm in position!" Weiss landed in the middle of the highway in advance of the group.
Roman smiled as he ran right at Weiss. He hadn't ever killed a Schnee before.
"Take this," Weiss shouted. Myrtenaster was stabbed into the ground as the Ice Dust chamber was activated. Ice formed across the highway before Roman could crush Weiss. The Atlesian Paladin slipped and rolled across the highway and almost fell off the edge.
"These kids just keep getting weirder and weirder," Roman said to himself as he stood back up. Before him, stood all of team RWBY.
"Give up," Ruby ordered.
"And you won't get hurt," Yang added, "much."
"Roman Torchwick," Blake said aiming Gambol Shroud at the Paladin, "we will stop you!"
"Well, isn't this sweet," Roman said as he aimed the machine guns along his arms. "I get to kill you all in one fell swoop! Say goodnight..."
"HULK," a huge, angry roar stabbed through the air. For once, team RWBY was happy to hear that monstrous voice. "SMASH!" In a split second, something huge landed the Atlesian Paladin and both of them tumbled through the highway and fell to ground level. Team RWBY jumped through the hole to witness the huge battle.
"You," Roman growled. The Mech stood back to his feet. "I've waited for this a long time." The Atlesian Paladin popped its knuckles.
Hulk remembered this familiar voice, back at the docks. The man who almost killed Blake and Sun, Hulk's friends! "HULK WILL SMASH YOU, CANE MAN!"
"Let's get this over with," Roman snorted. The Mech held out his hand, taunting Hulk to come forward.
"SMASH YOU," Hulk charged toward Roman. His gigantic fist threw an anger-filled overhand. Rockets formed on the side of the Mech and blasted Roman to safety, completely avoiding the massive attack. Hulk's fist tore into concrete, shaking the entire area.
"Too easy," Roman mocked in surprise at how powerful the Paladin actually was. Rockets formed on the back of the Mech's arm as Roman held it high. He chopped and his forearm snapped Hulk's neck from the back.
"OWW," Hulk roared in pain.
Through the Paladin, Roman grabbed Hulk by the head and slammed him into a concrete pillar supporting the entire highway. Hulk was held by the throat against the huge pillar. "You still think you deserve all this power?" Roman asked Hulk face to face. "Let me tell you something," Roman yelled as the Paladin beat Hulk's face into the pillar. The concrete began to crack and break under the force. "YOU ARE NOTHING!" Hulk flew through dozens of tons of concrete from a powerful knee to the face.
Hulk dented the ground as he slid back. He stood up, blood pouring from his broken nose. "CANE MAN...MAKE HULK ANGRY!" Hulk delivered a devastating uppercut to the Mech.
"Taking critical damage," the suit monitor read to Roman. Hulk lunged and threw another green fist at the Paladin's front.
Hulk's fist was caught in a metal hand, "Got you!" The Mech brought its knee down on Hulk's elbow. Roman turned the Paladin's right hand into a saw blade and began to slice into Hulk's gut before the green giant could even scream. The saw blade was coated in green as Hulk's blood splashed everywhere. Hulk was brought to his knees from a metal elbow to the face. Roman jumped back and drop-kicked Hulk through more pillars.
"FREEZER BURN," Roman heard Ruby scream behind him. Mist covered the Paladin's field of view. Roman activated the lazer sights and began slowly aiming in the mist, trying to pick a target. Rose petals flashed around the entire Mech and one of the many heavy weapons were sliced off. Roman quickly turned the Atlesian Paladin and slapped Ruby out of the air.
"RUBY," Weiss yelled after her leader. She summoned a Glyph under Ruby's body and softened her landing. "Checkmate," Weiss ordered. Blake nodded and both charged at Roman, slicing and dicing the huge armored-covered legs.
The Paladin stomped hard. Concrete and debris were blasted everywhere. Weiss and Blake were pushed back. "Got you," Roman smiled from inside the Paladin. He pressed a big red button and dozens of missiles blasted toward Blake.
"SMASH," Hulk roared as he reentered the fight. Blake was shielded as Hulk took all of the deadly missiles in the face, only making him stronger. He pulled back his arms and clapped his palms together. The Mech was pushed back from the explosion of air.
"Give me a lift?" Blake asked her giant green friend. Blake extended her weapon as she was thrown through the air. She stabbed deep in the Mech's armor and swung in circles. The Paladin's legs were wrapped up.
"EVERYONE, NOW," Ruby yelled.
"THIS HULK FIGHT, STAY OUT OF IT," Hulk screamed as he charged in. The girls watched as Hulk fought without Banner holding him back. He came in quick and swift delivering three devastating, anger-filled swings right into the Mech's gut.
"Twenty percent of shield's left and going down rapidly," appeared on the monitor. Roman had to make space. The Atlesian cocked back its saw hand. Hulk and the Mech's fists connected and sent out a huge shock wave.
"Impossible," Roman said backing up. The Paladin's arm began to fall off.
"HULK JUST STARTED!" He wrapped his arms around the huge Mech and squeezed with all his might. The Atlesian Paladin was no more as it split in half. Hulk grabbed onto the top half and headbutted it.
The frail Roman rolled across the ground as the top half of the Mech shattered into a billion metal shards. Roman used his cane to help him up and looked at the destroyed machine, "I just got this thing cleaned!"
Hulk grabbed the Paladin remains, and slammed them together. They shattered like glass and blew away in the wind. Hulk panted hard and looked into the sky and roared, "HULK IS STRONGEST THERE IS!" No one beats Hulk! He looked back at Roman and clenched his giant fists.
"MINE," Yang yelled. She cocked back her arm and took a shot at Romans's stupid smirk. Neo fell from the sky and her umbrella tanked the shotgun blast.
"Ladies," Roman said addressing team RWBY, "Monster," he chuckled at Hulk, "always a pleasure. But, it's time for me to go. Neo, if you would," Roman smiled. Neo smiled back at Roman. She turned back to Team Rwby and bowed. She squeezed a cheeky wink toward Yang.
"OH NO YOU DON'T," Blake screamed. They weren't going to escape this time!
"ANGRY CAT," Ruby yelled. Hulk caught on to Ruby's team attacks, grabbed Blake and launched her toward the little pink girl. Neo and Roman shattered like glass when Blake crashed into them.
"Damnit...," Blake almost sobbed when she landed. This was the second time Roman Torchwick had escaped.
"Looks like he got a new henchmen," Yang said in anger. She didn't know why, but Roman's little accomplice made her furious.
"You could say..." Weiss began, "she made our plans fall apart?" Ruby chuckled.
"No," Yang said shaking her head in disappointment.
"WHY?" Weiss asked. "You make jokes and puns all the time!"
"There's a time and a place for jokes," Yang informed.
"Is this not it?" Weiss asked.
"Yours just wasn't very good," Yang shrugged. The flames in her golden hair vanished in the air as she calmed down.
"Come on, guys," Blake said standing to her feet. "Let's just go..."
"Blake, you okay?" Ruby asked. Blake didn't respond.
"Guys...," Weiss said worried, "What about Banner." Everyone turned to face Hulk. He just stood there and watched Team RWBY.
"Hulk...," Ruby said walking up to him, "It's okay. You don't have to fight anymore." She touched his giant green hand in hopes of calming him.
"Hulk...Hulk need time," he said to his little red friend. "Hulk need to fix broken things." He planted his hands in the ground and pulled up a huge piece of concrete. He held it over his head and jumped back onto the highway and filled in the hole he had made. On the highway, stood Ironwood and Atlas's military. Hulk recognized one person, Lisa Lavender and her news crew. "Hulk, sorry," he said to everyone. He squatted and jumped away into the night. Ozpin and Glynda arrived in a police car along with Sun and Neptune in the backseat.
"Come on, girls," Glynda said to team RWBY, "it's time to go back."
"What about about Banner?" Ruby asked. She was genuinely worried about her friend.
"He..." Glynda tried to say.
"He needs time to himself," Ozpin finished for her. In the next hour, everyone boarded a ship and headed back to Beacon.