"Santa...what is this?" asked Carolina.
"Ah, it's obviously the North Pole." said Caboose.
"Caboose, it's not the North Pole. This isn't even Earth!"
"Tucker. All you have to do. Is believe."
"I believe alright! I believe that you're an idiot."
"Can it both of you!" yelled Carolina.
"Okay mean lady who is sometimes nice."
"Santa. What is this place?"
"This is the construct 'Well of Penitence'."
"What does it do?"
"My creators used it to repent their sins. I am unsure of how it works, but they either came back content and satisfied that they had atoned for their sins, or they never came back at all."
Wash had to clarify, "This machine. It gives people a second chance?"
"In a way, yes. I am unsure how the machine works, as each of my creators spoke of vastly different experiences."
To say that the freelancers were intrigued was an understatement. They wanted to wash away the the blood that stained their armor and begin a new life.
The Reds and Blues didn't really care, but if their friends wanted to use this, then they should go with them. Because if there was one thing their adventures had told them, it was that they were all family. Family is everything.
Before the silence that signaled brooding and contemplation smothered everyone in the room, Dr. Grey asked, "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking we use it." was the immediate reply from Carolina.
"I second that."
Tucker looked at Wash in surprise.
"I thought you'd be a bit more wary of unexplained alien tech that even the aliens don't know much about. Especially after blowing up one of their death machines."
"That was different. Besides, Santa said that this was a device that his creators used to help them deal with their problems. I think it's safe to say that we've got a lot of problems."
"Can't argue with that."
"What problems? No problem can't be solved with a shotgun." said Sarge.
"A lot of them." That was from Wash.
"Emotional ones." That was Carolina.
"Tucker." That was Caboose.
"Grif." That was Simmons.
"Huh. Those first two, unless you're planning suicide, I guess there are problems that a shotgun can't solve. Well, at least those last two can be dealt with with a little help from my trusty companion."
"In all seriousness though. Are you two really going to-?"
"Yes."
"Okay then. Then we're going to go with you." said Tucker.
There was a brief moment of shock and surprise at Tucker's instant pledge of help, and then an expected exclamation of "WHAT?!" from the two freelancers.
"I said we're going with you."
"We-we are?" asked Simmons
"Yes."
"Of course we are" said Doc. "They're friends."
"I, personally think that this is a good idea. Carolina and Washington both have PTSD, and I believe that they would benefit greatly from learning how to deal with their problems. And, as they are my patients, it is my duty to stay with them." interjected Dr. Grey.
"Okay, but I still don't know how that involves us." said Simmons.
And then, in one of those completely unexpected occurrences where Caboose actually said something helpful, they were convinced. All it took was one sentence, six words, thirty letters and one apostrophe.
"Because Church would've wanted to go."
With that, they were in.
"Santa, could you turn this thing up?" asked Carolina.
"With pleasure." said Santa.
There was a buildup of noise, as machinery that had lain dormant for millennia began to work again, power was drawn from recently reawakened supplies, and the Well of Penitence began to work its magic. There was a flash of blinding light.
And the crew was gone.
_-=/On Remnant\=-_
In the middle of a ruined city, a once proud expanse of land that formerly belonged to Vale, an explosion not unlike a massive flashbang grenade scorched the retinas of anyone watching. Had there been anyone alive to watch.
Immediately after the light faded, a chorus of groans and complaints could be heard.
"Ugh. Why is it that these aliens can build huge floating things and laser guns, but not make their teleporters want to make me throw up?" asked Tucker.
"Hey, at least you're not covered in black stuff that won't come off your armor." said Grif.
Little did they know that Grimm essence would replace soot very soon.
"Guys, give me a sitrep." said Carolina.
"What?" asked Doc.
"I'm not doing a situp. Those things are hard." said Grif.
"Bow Chicka Bow Wow!" said Tucker.
"Shotgun is ready to kill something. And so am I." said Sarge.
"Green light Carolina." said Wash.
"Red light." said Caboose.
"I'm fine." said Dr. Grey.
"I don't think I can do a sit up." said Simmons.
"I wanna hurl." said Donut.
"Don't throw up in your helmet. I'm pretty sure it will kill you." said Wash.
"Okay, good to see that everyone's fine." said Carolina. "Now, where are we?"
"That's the million dollar question, isn't it?" asked Tucker.
"Santa, where are we?" asked Carolina.
No response.
"Seriously, where are we?" asked Simmons.
"I've got a better question."
Everyone looked at Dr. Grey.
"What could have done this?"
Everyone looked at the ruined and foreboding remnants of the once-proud city.
"And is whatever it could be still here?"
Everyone looked around frantically, as small traces of fear, uncertainty, and panic emerged. All negative emotions. Emotions that would draw the perpetrators of the crime they now stood in. Emotions that would draw the Grimm.
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of malice filled eyes stared at them. Red, crimson eyes the color of blood. It searched the oddly dressed group, settling on one teal armored female who seemed to have more negativity than the others, save for the grey-and-yellow one. Its mind made up, it leapt forward...
...and struck.