GARO Saviors of Remnant
ESKK: With this the Grimm Eclipse arc concludes now then let's start this chapter people.
*Insert When it Falls RWBY OP 3
The song began with a slow piano score as from it a red rose petal began to fall from the sky where Remnant's moon could be seen. As it slowly but surely fell it landed on a blooming rose as it was peaceful but the night was not for the night the Horrors ruled.
-Maybe red's like roses?-
When the guitar hit an Ursa was seen as it ran across destroying the flower as it ran across the land with a Horror riding its back. With the Grimm and Horror was an army of them from creeps to even Beowolfs as they were all accompanied by Horrors.
-Maybe it's the pool of blood! The innocents will lay in When in the end you've failed to save them?-
The screen began to change between Team RWBY, GARO, SSSN, JNPR, CMEN, and KIBA as behind the teams with Makai Knights were the armors of said Knights before the screen focused on Nexus, Akane, and Cinder as their eyes were starting to glow to show their own power.
-Their dying eyes! Are wide and white like snow! And now they know the cost of trusting you is obliteration!-
The screen went back to the army of Grimm and Horrors as they entered Beacon as the Horrors stopped to either possess any stray humans or for a quick snack on said humans as soon the Grimm, Hybrids, Horrors were upon Beacon Tower itself.
-Mirrors will shatter! Crushed by the weight of the world!-
The screen showed the Grimm and Horrors were at the window itself where Ozpin and Glynda were looking at it. But as Ozpin looked to the mirror he saw the past, four Makai Knights clearly identified as Garo, Yaiba, Bolg in its silver form, and Lord as the Makai Priestess with them looked like Salem but in a human form as behind her with a hand on her shoulder like a father to his daughter was a fifth Knight known as Kiba. Then the Window like mirror shattered showing James with his Atlesian forces on his airship.
-The pillars collapse in shame-
The screen then showed Aron, Blake, and Weiss walking as the trio were in what looked like Forever Falls but as they walked they soon looked and saw Adam with the White Fang there before his form shattered to revealed Jacque Schnee there but his eyes were showing Horror Markings as behind him was the shadow of a large Horror glaring at them. The scene then shattered revealing Akane as she was sitting on a combo of the CEO desk for the SDC and the throne for the White Fang as on either side of her was the White Fang's symbol and the SDC symbol showing Akane controlled it all.
-There'll be no rest! There'll be no love! There'll be no hero in the end who will rise above-
The screen then showed the Beacon people as Team's GARO, RWBY, JNPR, and the Atlas Soldiers lead the charge against an army of Grimm and Horrors who were being led by Nexus and Team KIBA as Gold and Nexus glared at each other before sliding to a stop and trading a crimson red and shining gold punch at each other causing he scene to change.
The screen then began showing Team's RWBY and GARO going against Cinder, Mercury, Emerald, and Adam and Team KIBA as they were in a major battle. Raymond and Yang were fighting against Mercury and Blaze. Blake and Aron were talking on Adam and Ico as it was clear this was an intense battle. Then it came to Weiss and Ollette as they took on Akane and Emerald as Weiss was trying to desperately save her half-sister from the darkness she was in. Trying to show the human Faunus hybrid that there are those who care about her but Akane wasn't listening as it may be Akane was too far gone. Finally it was Gold, Ruby, and Jaune vs Nexus, Solomon, and Cinder
-And when it ends! The good will crawl! The shining light will sink in darkness victory for hate incarnate misery and pain for all!-
The scene then began showing Qrow and Winter as with them was Ruby and Weiss as they left as from Gold was Lockwood another Makai Knight who had a cigarette in his mouth as the one who taught Gold got between the two to split them up before a photo flew in. On the Photo was an image of Team STRQ as the image zoomed in on Qrow's weapon's gears as soon the scene changed.
-When it falls!-
The song began to come to an end as it showed Team GARO, RWBY, and JNPR holding hands while falling downward before they were forced to split apart as the teams were being divided. But Gold look downward as Ruby was worried as she then glared seeing Nexus, Cinder, and Solomon there as Jaune saw this as well as did the rest of Team GARO as with the evil trio was the rest of KIBA.
Gold then flew downward faster as he then summoned his armor becoming Garo as the same could be said for Ruby and Jaune becoming Yaiba and Gaia. Nexus, Solomon, and Cinder all saw this and returned the favor as they jumped upward as Nexus and Solomon summoned their own armors becoming Kiba and Bolg as the two went at Garo and Yaiba while Cinder went for Jaune as when their blades clashed there was a huge flash of light.
Soon the screen showed the Madou Rings, Amulets, Brooches, Bracelets, and a scroll with what may be Penny's head inside it. The screen then showed GARO and RWBY sitting in a circle as the image circled around them as it looked almost sad for some reason. Soon the song came to an end as the image of Garo and Kiba appeared glaring at each other as with it was Yaiba and Bolg doing the same as it was clear this was only the beginning of things.
"GARO SAVIORS OF REMNANT"
(Start Nexus)
Nexus sat in his cabin as he had taken a fresh shower and been fed some much needed food as he was sitting with one leg over the other and his arms crossed in his regular clothing as nearby his mask waited for him as he had his eyes closed. He saw the Ship had docked not too long ago as he also saw them unloading the crates which were filed with Grimm. But as he observed them he noticed something amiss as his eyes then changed color and hue as he began to look through different visions from heat, sound, and x-ray as he noticed a group of familiar shapes in one of the crates.
"I told them to stay behind and now they brought our foes here." Nexus growled but then calmed down a bit as he smirked. "Maybe I can use this." Nexus said as he saw a winning plan in the works. "But it begs to question what use does, Merlot have for the Grimm and Hybrids." Nexus said as he looked around before gasping in pain as he saw another visions.
"Nexus... remember... even if we're gone always keep the promise you made to us." The voice of Sapphire said as Nexus held his head in pain. As Nexus began to calm down he looked up and saw the area was unchanged.
"Promise? What Promise?" Nexus asked as the only thing he remembered when he first became aware were these images like a dream of sorts. Nexus then felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see it was one of Dr. Merlot's droids ready to escort him to Merlot. "Alright time to meet the man who aided in my creation." Nexus said as he got up and made his way to follow the Droid to meet with Dr. Merlot.
But as they made their way outside while Nexus put his mask back on he soon heard the familiar sound of tearing metal as he looked to a pair of offloaded containers that now had a curved 'X' cut into the opening, as well as frost forming on it. "Take me to Merlot immediately and have some security ready to keep them all busy." Nexus ordered as the Droid nodded before they sped off to find Merlot.
(With Teams GARO, RWBY, and FZZ (Froze))
The three teams got out of the containers once Gold punched his way through as Zex, Ruby, Aron, Ollette, and Blake all came out with their weapons on gun form searching around the area. "Clear!" Aron called out as they all offloaded their rides as they looked around.
"We have a problem." Frost said as she had her Scroll out. "It seems with the lack of communication stations in this area we can't get a good signal nor a map of the area." She said as they all heard this.
Aron then sent an Aura chain out as he got to the top of the Container and gave the area a quick look over. "I can see... three communication towers on this island." He called down as he looked down to the others.
"Ok good that means if we activate all three we can get a strong enough signal to be picked up by the CCT." Raymond said as Ollette agreed on this.
"Let's get going then. The sooner we get this done the sooner I can get this death scar off me." Ruby said as she had let everyone in on what was happening on their end which they in turn returned the favor.
"Yeah plus we can try and forget Aron and Weiss smexting each other earlier." Gold joked as Weiss glared at him.
"Shut up!" Weiss countered as it was clear by her blush that she thought no one was watching her when she was doing that.
"Oh can it already, let's just go." Ollette countered before Zaruba spoke.
"I'd exercise caution if I were you." Zaruba said as he looked to his partner from the motorcycle. "It seems this places serves as a sealing ground for a powerful Horror." Zaruba said as he looked to them while Zem placed his hands on the ground sensing the area.
"Plus Lord Kiba is here as well." Zem said as he could sense him on the island.
"Ok I got a plan then." Gold said as he looked to everyone. "We'll split into groups from each team, Yang you and Raymond hit it with Zex here, Aron you and Weiss rock it with Zem, and Ollette you and Blake got Psycho Frost." Gold said as Frost glared at him. "And Ruby you and me go find Kiba." Gold said as Frost glared at Gold.
"Who made you the leader?" Frost glared as she glared at him.
"Actually I think he has the right idea we divide and conquer will allow us all victory here." Zem said as Frost rolled her eyes.
"Find get on with it." Frost said as they looked around.
But as Gold and Ruby mounted up on their bikes a series of red droids holding double bladed staves were teleported in front of them all. "What are these guys?" Ollette asked as she saw them all here.
"Dunno. But they're probably came from the same guy who's been teleporting Grimm to us during our entire mission." Yang said as she had her gauntlets ready for use.
"Gold Ruby you two head on ahead we'll catch up to you when you find Kiba!" Raymond called out as Ruby saw this.
"Are you sure?" Ruby asked as Aron smirked.
"Hey trust us we got this." Aron said as he smirked at this.
"Alright don't die on me people!" Gold called as he and Ruby then revved their engines and in turns sped off as they headed to allow the chosen groups to get the three towers in question.
"Ok then... let's rumble." Aron said as Ollette smirked at the fun that was about to start here.
(With Nexus)
Nexus arrived at the room in question as he looked around and saw this place was a sealing ground for a powerful and ancient Horror. Once Nexus arrived he was met with none other than Dr. Merlot as he saw Nexus. "Ah Project Nexus it seems your, everything the data said you would be." Merlot said as Nexus glared at him under his mask.
"Yeah though I had figured you'd be in a bunker hoping and praying I'd never find you." Nexus said as he walked to the side as he looked around the room noticing the sealing ground was modified to a sort of server room.
"Well I was actually hoping I could do that long enough for my research to reach a certain point where you will be needed." Merlot said as he looked to him. "And I must confess I should thank you for bringing those Huntsman and Huntresses with you." Merlot said as he looked to Nexus.
"Oh? How come?" Nexus asked as he glared at Merlot.
"What I am doing here is not and evil end but a noble cause for both science and the life of one who is close to losing hers." Merlot said as he showed to Nexus the crystal like pod as Nexus looked to it and saw a little girl inside it. "Sapphire Merlot my beloved daughter." Merlot said as Nexus saw this and felt a familiar power rested inside her.
"You wish for me to save her then?" Nexus asked as he looked to Merlot.
"Yes and No I wish for her to consume you much like how you had consumed many others preserving your life to invincibility." Merlot said as Nexus was wide eyed under his mask.
"So you want me to in fact die so your daughter can live." Nexus said as Merlot saw this.
"Yes and No the Huntsman and Huntresses who followed you here will be used as sacrifices for my noble goal they each play an important role here to bring her back for if I remove her from this chamber she may very well die." Merlot said as Nexus glared at him.
"Now I should ask... why should I care?" Nexus asked as Merlot then smirked.
"Because Nexus... you may call yourself a Monster but the last bastion of humanity you have within are always children the children who are naïve to the world after all that time you had with Momo was proof of it." Merlot said as Nexus was wide eyed at this as he glared. "Don't worry I won't do anything to her even I have standards all I need you to do is to offer yourself up and we can all walk away freely." Merlot said as Nexus then glared at him.
"No... Not until you answer my questions Merlot... why." Nexus said as he looked to Merlot who was confused. "Why did you help create me the head scientist wanted something from me, James Ironwood wanted a weapon against a force of destruction out of me, and Dr. Pollendina wanted to further his studies of an artificial Semblance so tell me what about you?" Nexus asked as he glared at Merlot.
"I have time... but first allow me to tend to something." Merlot said as beeping was heard which he went to investigate.
(With Gold and Ruby)
The trio slashed their way through the Droids and Grimm as they had weapons drawn and were on their bikes as they drove in. Once they were in they started seeing Horrors become frequent as either mutant or regular hybrids. Once they took care of the major wave there they soon got a call on their Scrolls as they looked and saw the others had dealt with the problem of the towers. "Way to guy people." Gold said as he saw their auras were still strong.
But then their scrolls accepted a call automatically as it put them all on speaker and conference call. "Ahhh, that's better. Sorry, but the reception is always so bad all the way out here. I hope you're enjoying your stay on the island. You're the first visitors I've had in, well, you're the first." A new voice said as they saw who it was.
"Ok I think this guy has the wrong number." Gold joked as Ruby saw this as Zaruba then bucked to get Gold to focus.
"Oh, where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Merlot and you don't know me, but I most certainly know who you are. Nevertheless, I'm thrilled you're here. You might be exactly what I need for a very important... experiment." said the now named Dr. Merlot.
"The hell do you want from us?" Gold asked as he glared at the Scroll.
"For such terrific students as yourselves, this should be an easy test, right?" Merlot said as more Grimm started to enter the are the two were in as he heard the others getting ready as they had Grimm coming their way as well.
Ruby and Gold then drove off again as the Grimm they passed by were falling like flies, despite the fact they were getting reinforcements and within a few minutes another person joined the call, Professor Ozpin.
"So we meet again, Dr. Merlot." Ozpin said as they saw this.
(With Aron, Weiss, and Zex)
The trio were fighting off the Grimm as they hacked and slashed their way with Weiss providing cover for them with her Glyphs.
"Ozpin? Or should I call you Oz like old times, chum?" Merlot retorted as he looked to him while Aron shot a few more of the Hybrids while Zex used his Semblance to detonate them like bombs.
"I thought you perished in the Mountain Glenn disaster, a tragedy you played no small part in if your involvement with James horrific project is anything to go by." Ozpin argued as it was clear there was a history here.
"Well I feel left out." Aron called out as he saw this play out.
"Focus!" Weiss called as she then ducked as Aron shot another Hybrid behind her.
(Ollette, Blake, and Frost)
The trio were using a powerful combination as Ollette used her magic and weapons particularly her Makai Punisher Cross while Frost combo her Maiden power with her Semblance. "Dead end game... start!" Frost said as she began taking out her foes as fast as she could with Ollette and Blake helping as Blake saw the savagery Frost demonstrated.
"It was a mistake on my part! One that had nearly cost me my daughter if I had not acted as I did." Merlot argued as he tried to play the victim here but it was clear it hurt him as Frost roared skewering many Grimm with her Maiden Power. "But now you see the ramifications of my research." Merlot said as he was clearly boasting. Soon my daughter shall heal and all thanks to the aid of a little something I discovered.
"The world was a much safer place without you Merlot." Ozpin said as he knew what Merlot had discovered.
(Raymond, Yang, and Zex)
The trio finished up on their end as they saw this as Raymond looked up. "We best hurry before we're too late." Raymond said as Yang nodded before Zex spoke.
"Better move now." Zex said as they made a run for it.
(Gold and Ruby)
Ruby and Gold rode down the make shift road of this hide out as the two men continued their debate. "You're calling me the reckless one? Sending your students out on an excursion like this?" Merlot asked as Gold scoffed at that.
"These teams were sent to undo what you had begun Merlot if you do not stop now many more lives will be lost especially your daughters." Ozpin argued as Gold and Ruby heard this.
"His daughter?" Gold asked as he drove down to find Kiba.
"We're getting close hurry!" Zaruba called out.
"Give it all you got Eclipse!" Ruby called as the two sped up to hopefully catch up to Kiba.
"What you're doing here is Wrong Merlot." Ozpin said as the teams were triangulating his position to find him faster while Ozpin kept him talking.
"Trying to make the world a better place is wrong? Say what you will about me. It won't change the fact you're powerless to stop me." Merlot said as he was so drunk on his victory that he didn't realize where this was going.
"You'll botch this somehow. You always do." Ozpin said as he hoped he could buy the group enough time to make it to the end.
"Well, let's agree to disagree. I tell you Oz, it has truly been a pleasure catching up, but unfortunately it's time for my daughter to see this world outside her dream once more." Merlot said as Eclipse sensed it.
"We're almost there!" Eclipse as they saw this as Merlot hung up.
"That's not good." Gold said as he knew where this was going.
"Indeed but it seems Ollette had begun triangulating his position and with the Madou's help had located him if possible I need you all to explore the island more to help us find you." Ozpin said as Marcus saw this.
"That might not be an option." Marcus said as Zaruba heard this.
"Yes we believe he may be attempting to unseal a Horror who had given to him false promises to heal the injured girl." Zaruba said as they had to hurry.
"Good thing too I know where he is now!" Ollette called as they had to hurry.
"Ok guys make your way here fast!" Ruby called as Weiss then spoke up.
"With mine and Frost Time Dilution Glyphs we can be there in under 30 minutes." Weiss said giving a rough estimate.
"Or we can take the cars with the Glyph and some mods I set up and be there in under 10." Ollette spoke up as they had a plan now.
"Ok but hurry up!" Gold called as they were heading to the door.
"Here we go!" Ruby called as they arrived at the last door.
The duo rammed down the door and looked to see Merlot and Kiba there as Kiba saw them. "What but how!?" He called out in shock as Kiba glared.
"Dammit not now!" Kiba roared as he did not need these two here now.
"Merlot stop this shit right now!" Gold roared out as Kiba glared at Merlot.
"So wait are Kiba and Merlot allies?" Ruby asked as Kiba scoffed as this was not how he intended.
"Hardly." Kiba growled as he glared at the three in the room with him.
"So I'm guessing you're our mad doctor huh?" Gold asked as he saw Merlot who glared back at him.
"Yes but how did you make it this far?" Merlot asked as he glared to Gold who then grinned that cocky grin of his.
"Simple I got a tech savvy teammate in my corner so while you were off on a monologue she was triangulating your location." Gold called him out as he then smirked to him as Merlot saw where his cybernetic hand was resting. "But tell me why did you do it, why doom Mt. Glenn like you did." Gold asked as he glared at him.
"Yeah there was innocent people there none of them deserved to die like that!" Ruby countered as Kiba heard them in response.
"Why did I do it?" He asked as he glared at him as his hand went to the chamber nearby. "It was because of her... because I wanted to save her." Merlot said as Gold looked and saw the crystal like pod and inside saw a little girl inside.
"Merlot's daughter Ivory." Gold said as Ruby saw this and looked to him.
"But killing so many people and creating these Grimm neither of those will bring her out of that whatever she is and even if it doesn't she'll see a monster instead of her father!" Ruby yelled as Merlot glared at those who would judge him as they have.
"I see... Kiba was it? Do you still desire your answers?" Merlot asked as he began to edge torts a button area. "Well I do not have them but I can show them to you..." Merlot said as Kiba glared at Merlot.
Soon the room burst with power as Merlot saw that was the signal for the final seals being undone as he then pressed the button causing it to flash about just as the area began to change color and the door was entered by WBY, ARO, and FZZ. "Guys we're WOW!" Aron called out as the organic tree like being began to move in a grotesque way as everyone saw this. Soon the other entered as to their shock the glass floor below them began to open up as Merlot smirked to Kiba as they saw the room seal up.
"Kiba you fashion yourself a monster! Well prove it show me your power monster! Show me your true nature in the face of the just who seeks to save his family!" Merlot roared as soon the teams all fell into the water bellow as everyone one was wide eyed as Kiba saw Frost.
"No!" Kiba roared as he flung himself to Frost and held her close as everyone with the Madou fell into the water and then it glowed as they were all wide eyed at what was happening.
Once they vanished Merlot smirked as he sat down and knew what was next. "Now... awaken and heal her!" Merlot demanded as he looked to the creature of the tree as it began to move preparing for its awakening. But as it moved a demonic red eye appeared on it as it looked around as it was beginning its long awaited awakening.
(Scene Break Unknown Realm)
A little girl was atop the highest tower as she was dancing around smiling as nearby was a tablet of sorts as on it was a set of items such as a tablet with a stylist, and many thing as the entire room was made for a little girl as it was filled to the brim with fairy tale items and such. Nearby was what looked to be a creature straight out of such a tale as it was a large wolf that was with the girl as it was larger than any wolf known to man.
Soon the tablet began to go off as the girl saw this and smiled as the wolf saw it as well before the girl ran over to it revealing her dress and odd looking ring. She walked to it and opened it and saw an alert. She then opened it and smiled at what she saw. "No way. Papa sent more people to play with in." She smiled as she saw a second Alert. "And they will bring me to him." She smiled as the Wolf saw this and sat with the little girl.
She then waved her hand and soon a holographic screen appeared as she looked at the footage and saw GARO, RWBY, and the members of their enemies as she smiled. "Oh a lot of people are here." She said as then she looked closely with her silver eyes. "But... why do they seem scary somehow?" She asked as the Wolf saw this and walked to her.
"They may have actually broken in Princess. Shall I send them away Princess Iris?" The Wolf said as he looked to the girl now known as Iris looked and turned her head.
"No don't do that Fenrir." She said as she then smiled to Fenrir. "They look like Huntsman and Huntresses. I wanna be one also!" She called out as she then looked down sadly and shyly. "But I don't know if I can." she said as Fenrir then nodded to her.
"You can if that is what you wish Princess." Fenrir said as he was modeled after the wolf with silver Eyes who came to the world at the end and its beginning.
"Do you really think I can?" She asked as she then smiled even more so as she could already see it fighting Grimm even if there was none here and hearing the people cheering her on like they do Pyrrha Nikos as she then grabbed her tablet and began to draw images on it. As Fenrir saw it he then saw what his mistress wishes for and in turn went to carry it out. It didn't take her long as soon she was done and then smiled as the images became real around her as she then laid down before she kept going drawing the images as she saw fit.
Fenrir then began to walk away as he vanished into the floor to no doubt find the new arrivals as he already sent the invite.
(Team GARO, RWBY, and Villains)
The 12 began to get up as Yang cursed herself as she then saw her teammates, friends, and enemies get back up as Kiba growled a bit. "What happened?" Frost asked as she came to.
"It appears we're inside this Horrors world or maybe we're inside the girls dream." Kiba said as he looked around.
"A well placed theory even if it is from a foe." Zaruba said as Gold saw this.
"Well we're alive so that's lucky." Gold said as Zem and Zex saw this.
"So what shall we do?" Zem asked as Blake looked around.
"We need to get out of here but how." Blake said as she saw the sky which they all saw had floating crystals among it. Soon fire crackers, confetti, and streamers shot up as they all looked and saw a Jester.
"Ohh clown!" Ruby cheered as the Jester or Harlequin balanced himself upon a ball.
"Welcome weary travelers you have been humbly invited to participate in our Vytal Festival Tournament." He said with a smile as Ruby saw this.
"Vytal Festival Tournament?" Weiss asked as the Jester then jumped off as Frost was half temped to freeze him solid.
"Yes hosted by the esteemed Princess of this wonderful land Iris Merlot." He said with a bow as it was clear she was inviting them over. "Held at her lovely castle awaiting the opponent and winner who can reach the highest tower." The Jester said as he then pointed to said tower to the crystal like castle.
"Very well." Kiba said as Raymond saw this and was shocked. "At the castle correct?" Kiba asked as he and his team began to walk away.
"Why of course good sir Huntsman she awaits you there." He said before vanishing in a stream of ones and zeroes.
"What was that for?" Aron asked as Kiba looked to them.
"It's our best lead at getting out of this place." Kiba said as he began to make his way to the castle followed by his team.
"He is not wrong." Eclipse confirmed as Gold looked to them and got in the way.
"Wait we need to figure out how this truce will work." Gold said as Kiba glared and kept walking.
"It will work and remain as long as it remains mutually beneficial." Kiba said as Gold and Ruby saw this.
"Close enough I guess but I have my eyes on you all." Ollette growled as Zex scoffed.
"All the same we aren't friend's just partners with the same goal." Zex said as he meant to get out of here as they all began to make their way to the castle up ahead.
(With Fenrir)
Fenrir was running and jumping through the data stream as the real Iris was in her tower creating what was to come. Soon Iris appeared on his back as Fenrir saw the little girl who he had watched over for so long appear. "I'm really excited to be a Huntress Fenrir but... I don't think I'm old enough to be one." Iris said as Fenrir saw her worry and went to put them to rest.
"Princess all you must do is believe that you are." Fenrir said as Iris nodded as soon her body began to glow and change to numbers before she appeared as a 17 year old young woman in a combat outfit similar to Pyrrha's in many aspects.
"I do Fenrir and I'll make papa proud!" Iris called out as her silver eyes shined with the innocent of a child as she may be aware her father made this world for her she had no idea of the cruelty her father was doing for her sake.
(With the group)
They entered the castle and found that it was set up for the 'Festival,' as it seemed like something Ruby would love here. "Wow it's like nothing bad ever happens here." Ruby said as she looked around as Raymond saw this.
"Perhaps Merlot's own programming with the aid of the Horror." Raymond said as they saw the people acting like everything was at peace.
"Come on!" Gold called out as he then headed in as they left the bikes outside if they need them. AS they climbed the steps they soon arrived at the top and to their shock they found an endless field of flowers with a clearly dream made sky above as they looked back and saw the door into the castle but no castle.
"Ok this is strange." Weiss confessed as Frost had to agree.
"This must be the dream world Merlot gave to Iris." Aron said as Weiss saw how Aron saw this.
"We don't have time let's go!" Ruby called as they all headed in as Kiba rolled his eyes.
"Don't give me orders." Kiba said but followed after them anyway. Soon they saw crystal liked steps as from them Fenrir came down as Zaruba saw this.
"Wait that's Fenrir from the story of the wolf who saw the end and looked beyond!" Ruby called out as she saw it. "Some even call it the Beast of Dreams!" Ruby continued as Weiss saw something.
"Wait but who's that on his back." Weiss asked as Frost saw it as it was Iris.
"The 12 of you are Huntsman and Huntresses right?" Iris asked as she smiled down on them as she rode on Fenrir's back.
"Who are you?" Blake asked as then she and Fenrir jumped down and once Iris disembarked she smiled at them.
"I'm the girl who invited you all here for my Vytal Tournament." Iris said as Ollette saw this.
"Wait your Iris aren't you?" Ollette asked as Iris smiled.
"Yeap that's me." Iris smiled as Kiba saw this.
'The dream of this girl must clearly allow her near divine power here.' Kiba thought as he saw this. 'She must unknowingly be controlling Horrors fi that Ring is anything to go by and in turn the Horror who fuels this place uses her as a conduit to its power.' Kiba thought as it would make sense but decided not to voice it.
"Since we're all here let's have a Tournament battle." Iris said as she smiled to them.
"Depends on who you wish to face." Kiba said as Weiss saw this as well.
"Depends who you sending?" Iris smiled as Gold saw Kiba's idea.
"I'll send... Raymond here." Gold said as he knew she was a little girl so he wanted the stern person to get her to fix her act.
"Yang can you do this?" Ruby asked as she had the same idea as she knew how motherly Yang can be at times.
"You know it!" Yang grinned as she saw this.
"Zex you'll fight this battle." Kiba said as he saw this.
"Go ahead then I can take you all on." Iris smiled as Yang nodded.
"Ok then best two out of three wins it." Raymond said as Iris smiled.
"That's fine by me!" She called as soon she mounted Fenrir again as they then jumped away as the field became more akin to the Amity Stadium version of it.
The group of GAO, RWB, and KIA saw this as they began to ascend the steps as Weiss knew this wasn't going to look good as Iris had the home field advantage and boy does it put the odds against them.
"Well I'll go in." Yang said as she was ready as she may have to hold back here as Iris then smiled and in turn brought out her weapons which were battle gauntlets and grieves. "Need a handicap?" Yang asked as Iris smirked back.
"Nope." Iris said as it was very much like how Ruby would do it.
Soon the battle began as Yang began sending punches at Iris while firing off her shot gun attacks as Iris used her Aura to defend and used her weapons to punch and kick back. AS they attacked Raymond and Zex both saw Yang's aura was taking a major hit against Iris as it was clear they were in trouble.
"She's tougher here, but with this being her dream world this her power is no joke." Zex said as he adjusted his mask and saw no areas to exploit in this fight.
Soon Yang and Iris cross punched each other as Yang then gasped as she was then knocked back hard as she had ring out and aura depletion as Yang was shocked. "Ok she's strong." Yang said holding her bruised cheek as Raymond saw this.
"This is her dream world anything she wants it's hers." Raymond said as this place was like a five year old's story book thus she was basically the goddess here. "I'll handle this." Raymond said as he walked to the stage.
"Ok Ray rock and roll!" Yang called out as Raymond got ready.
"Oh your turn!" Iris called out as the 5 year old in a 17 year old body smiled before taking out her own spear weapon as it was chain based.
"Raymond be careful." Goruba urged as Raymond was hoping they can stall her long enough to regroup with the others. Through this Fenrir sense the others went on ahead and thus he knew Iris would meet them again up those steps.
(Up the stairs)
The group of 9 ran up the steps and found themselves at a beach area as they saw many flowers about as Frost saw this. "Ok now what?" Ollette asked as soon they saw the crystal form of Fenrir and Iris Age 17 appear as they looked and saw her take form as she smiled at them. "So which three of you will want to fight me this time?" She asked as Blake saw this place was very much like Menagerie's beaches.
"I guess the others got their asses kicked." Gold said as Aron agreed.
"We need to be careful." Kiba said as he may actually die here if he's not careful.
"Iris cannot be defeated." Fenrir said as Iris then looked.
"So which one of you Huntsman and Huntresses are the stronger three?" Iris asked as Ruby glared but was stopped by Blake as Gold was stopped by Ollette.
"No let us handle this one." Blake said as she glared at Iris.
"Yeah I'm gonna bend her over my knee and give her a rightful spanking." Ollette is as she held her gun at the ready.
"I can stall her after all my maiden power should keep her at bay." Frost said as Iris' Silver eyed didn't escape anyone's notice. 'That is if she doesn't have the power awakened yet.' Frost thought as she knew what those eyes power can do to her as a Maiden.
"And who are you three?" Iris asked as Blake glared but spoke up calmly.
"I'm Blake this is Ollette and that's Frost." Blake said as Iris saw their animal parts.
"You're both Faunus!" She called out as she smiled to them.
"Y-yes why do you ask?" Blake asked as Frost glared but kept her calm.
"I'm half Faunus so not complete." Frost said as Iris smiled at this.
"I wanna be a Faunus also." Iris said as soon her body glowed again and changed to have Faunus appendages of a tiger based Faunus.
"Wow." Blake said as she was impressed.
"And since Frosty is a Maiden." She began before snapping her fingers causing her eyes to glow the same power as a Maiden.
"She heard me... me and my big mouth." Frost said as she knew she may be pushing it here now.
"Now who's first?" Iris smiled as Blake gave the remaining six a silent signal to move it.
They nodded and began making their way to the stairs to continue on through this data dream world made for Iris. "I'll go first." Ollette said as she pulled out her Makai Punisher Cross ready for battle.
"Ok then let's go!" Iris called out as she smiled as Ollette then saw her summon forth a massive Naginata as she smiled and took a battle stance.
"Ok facing a little girl let's go!" Ollette roared as she charged forward as they began to battle each other with Ollette firing her rail gun at her as Iris ran around it keeping ahead of the assaulting guns.
(With GA, RW, and KI)
The six saw the battle go on as they run up the steps as they saw Ollette put her cross down and switched to her Bayonets as she then held them like a cross and charged in as the two got up close and personal. "We need to hurry." Kiba said as Gold saw this.
"For once we agree." Gold said as they ran up the steps.
(Battle)
As the two continued their battle Ollette blocked the Naginata with her bayonets and then to her shock the Naginata turned into a gun form as Ollette could not jump back in time as she was then knocked out of the ring. "Alright I got her!" Iris smiled as Blake saw this.
"I'll go next." Frost said as she began to walk to the battle. "This time it's not a Dead End Game so be ready." Frost said as she drew her blade as Iris smiled as both their eyes began to glow while they took a battle stance. The two then charged creating as tornados and weapons as Frost jumped to the ocean and froze it as Iris came in as the two were soon ice skating while fighting.
Iris smiled as Frost glared as she wasn't letting this little girl hurt her Nexus. Frost then roared as she was being pushed to her limit here as she wasn't planning to let Kiba down as she then roared out and attacked with more ferocity.
(With GA, RW, and KI)
The six climbed the steps further until they arrived at a winter wonderland with a log cabin as Weiss saw this and knew where it was. "We're in Atlas." Weiss said as she saw her home Kingdom here.
"Wow nice digs." Aron smirked as Weiss smiled a bit.
Soon the crystal formed once more as from it Fenrir and the 17 year old Faunus Iris came out as she smirked. "So who's next?" She asked as Ruby saw it.
"You took down Frost... impressive." Kiba said as he accepted this failure from his two subordinates mainly because they were in this girls dream world.
"Iris stop this you don't know what this world really is used for!" Ruby argued as Iris then saw her.
"Hey you're younger then all of them." Iris said as she looked down. "So... does that mean I don't need to be a grown up to be a Huntress." Iris wondered as Fenrir saw this.
"You can be whatever you wish Iris." Fenrir said as Iris nodded and in turn got ready.
"Ok Fenrir for Papa!" Iris said as she soon began to change form and soon she went from 17 to 14 the same age as Ruby.
"I'll take her on." Aron said as Weiss nodded.
"We need to keep her busy long enough for the others to arrive." Weiss said as Zem agreed.
"Ok good luck you three!" Gold called out as he, Ruby, and Kiba ran on ahead.
"So I'll be first." Aron said as he smirked to Iris.
"Ok this should be fun." Iris said as she got ready for a fight as Aron had his guns out.
"Good I'm hoping for a little excitement." Aron said as he got ready as he wasn't done. "Your next line is 'I hope your stronger than the others I faced,' and Go!" Aron called out as Iris continued.
"I hope you're stronger than the others I face!" She called out as she then went wide eyed as she looked at him. "Hey no fair how did you do that!" Iris called out as Aron smirked.
"My little secret." Aron said with a smirk as he looked to his foe.
"Well let's start!" Iris called out as she then summoned up twin sword guns as she then took a battle stance.
"Careful Zero it seems that Iris can summon and create anything here even more so if she wants any weapon she summons she's an instant master of it." Silva warned as Aron looked to her.
"Yeah I figured as much man Ruby would have been better here but she's gone ahead." Aron said as they had to hurry. Aron then charged in as he fired at her while sending his Aura Chains at Iris as she dodged and avoided them all while she got close doing what maybe ballerina like spins and moved. She then had her blade at Aron and her gun at his stomach as Aron saw this.
"Oh boy." Aron said as he then jumped back and avoided the attacks as he knew the plan. He wasn't going to openly attack just keep her distracted while they got to the real Iris upstairs in this crazy ass place.
(With Merlot)
"Yes soon... soon she'll awaken." Merlot said as he was on a computer watching his daughter and her new guests play but he saw they were being stubborn not allowing themselves to become part of this world no doubt keeping the focus on getting out and nothing else. "Why! Why won't this proceed?" Merlot roared as soon another demonic eye appeared on the organic tree as it looked at Merlot before a mouth was added to it.
"Because one more sacrifice will be needed." The Horror said as Merlot saw the two eyes and big toothy grin on the creature. "One more is needed to complete her recovery... blood for blood." The Horror said as Merlot saw there was no one else but himself as he then looked at his hands and knew through his veins his daughter's blood flowed. The Horror began to move once more as it was ready for Merlot's choice as he must make it now or risk losing his daughter forever.
(Gold, Ruby, and Kiba)
The trio arrived at the top of the steps as they looked and saw a little girl sleeping on the bed as they ran over to her as Ruby saw her. "Iris." Ruby said as it had to be her as they surrounded her.
"So the Horror and this entire world is connected to her if we die in here we die for real... but what about if she dies here?" Kiba wondered as he took out a curved dagger.
"Don't even think about it." Gold said pulling him away from Iris as Kiba put the dagger away.
"I'm just saying if we wish to escape then killing her is an option on the table." Kiba said as he looked to the duo.
"I got this." Ruby said as she then began to shake Iris who was deep in her dream world. "Iris... come on wake up." Ruby said as she opened her eyes still very tired but showing them all her Silver Eyes no doubt it may have come from her own mother.
"Huh? Who are you all?" She asked as Ruby wanted to gush at her cuteness as Gold then had his Madou Lighter ready before lighting it. Iris looked at it intently but there was no reaction from her. No doubt the Horror kept her human to use as blackmail against Merlot.
"I'm Ruby... that's Gold, and talk dark and evil over there is Kiba." Ruby said as she tried to be nice as Kiba kept his distance from such a pure creature as he'd rather not taint her with his Darkness like he nearly did with Momo.
"You have silver eyes... like mine." Iris said as she looked to Ruby.
"Iris... we need to leave this place right now none of this is real and your father needs you." Ruby said as Iris heard this. "He's doing something very bad and we have to stop him and also get you out of here." Ruby said as she looked to Iris.
"But... why?" Iris asked as Ruby sighed a bit trying to draw in what she could from Yang and her own mother.
"Because your father is doing something very bad and is about to hurt a whole lot of people if we don't stop him." Ruby said as they tried to approach but Iris stepped back.
"No..." She said as her hand touched her tablet as it began to glow. "You're lying." Iris said as she looked to the trio as Kiba saw what was about to happen. "I won't..." She said as it was he can feel the aura in this place starting to go wild. "NO!" She roared as soon spikes began to shoot from the ground around them as Kiba turned into shadows and avoided them as Gold jumped up as Ruby used her Semblance to avoid them as well.
The dream world was starting to turn nightmarish as Iris held her tablet which allowed her to control it through drawings but the truth was she controlled this world. Once the initial attack cleared up Gold looked around as Kiba reformed. "Rubes where are you!" Gold called as he looked for Ruby.
"Over here!" Ruby called as she appeared in a flurry of rose pedals.
"Where's Iris." Kiba asked as they all looked around as Ruby looked to Iris.
"Found her!" She called as they had to get Iris out they knew it wasn't there mission but only Iris could get them out of her dream.
"Iris!" Gold called as he looked to Iris and pictured her as his own sister who died years prior.
Soon Fenrir appeared as Iris looked afraid of the three approaching her. "What is wrong Iris?" Fenrir asked as he looked to Iris.
"Fenrir! These people are trying to take me away!" Iris called frantically as she was scared.
Fenrir glared at them as soon a crystal wall appeared between Iris and the trio. "Dammit!" Kiba growled as soon Fenrir jumped over the wall glaring at them all. "Leave Iris be!" Fenrir commanded as Gold glared at him.
"No Iris is coming with us!" Gold demanded as he glared at Fenrir.
"She will not leave her or suffer the consequences." Fenrir roared Kiba glared at him as Iris saw this.
"Why so she can be a prisoner of a Horror with you as her warden?!" Ruby roared as she was starting to get angry.
"No... You're all wrong." Iris said as soon more spikes appeared as well as a blizzard as they all shielded themselves from it as Kiba kept his glare up at them.
"I am no warden!" Fenrir roared out as he glared at them. "I am this girl's guardian and friend and I MUST protect her!" Fenrir called out at them as he then fired some sort of aura beam at them as they all dodged it. Ruby, Kiba, and Gold began working together to fight off Fenrir as they were out powered and out sized as Kiba had to be careful as he still remembered the battle with Zaji. If this girl knew of his regenerative capabilities she can easily stop it if she so desired.
The battle was not looking good as Ruby and Kiba fired their guns at Fenrir but Gold tried to get close to punch him which was not a good idea. As they did this Gold saw another energy blast coming at them as Gold then went to punch the attack with his own fist as this in turn caused an explosion to occur around them as Aura used his Aura to try and 'catch,' the attack.
"Impressive." Fenrir said as once the smoke cleared Gold was hurt but not down as he glared at this as Kiba was also impressed.
"Yeah well gotta save a little girl it's kind of Hero 101 on that." Gold said as he smirked at Fenrir.
"Well 'hero,' your justice ends here!" Fenrir called out as soon Kiba appeared and took the attack for Gold using his powers as he was then blasted back by it a bit as he, Ruby, and Gold nearly fell off the edge of the new hole in the wall. As they were about to tip over a familiar hand grabbed Ruby revealing it to be Weiss was being held by Blake, who was held by Yang and at the back was Frost as Zem.
For Gold it was Aron, followed by Raymond, then Ollette, and finally Zex. "We got ya!" Aron called as Ollette gasped.
"Damn you need to cut back on the stake Gold!" Ollette called as they were struggling to pull him back up.
"Guys!" Ruby cheered as she saw them as she and Gold were soon pulled back up as Kiba reformed on the ground.
"Good work you three." Kiba praised as he looked to them as he smirked. "I heard you all lost but it could not be helped inside this dream world." Kiba said as he looked to the three as Frost and Zem bowed a bit while Zex scoffed him off.
"See this Iris if you come with us you can have real friends, and become a real Huntress." Gold said as Iris stepped back away from them.
"I'm already a real huntress!" She argued as soon her other selves appeared as crystal forms as it was clear this girl didn't want to leave her father. "So go away!" She yelled as soon Fenrir attacked as everyone was forced to part from that attack.
"Let's go!" Gold called out as he, Kiba, and Ruby surrounded Fenrir. They then one after the other summoned their armor as in Gold's blade was Garo, in Kiba's place was the Dark Knight Kiba, and in Ruby's place as Yaiba as they all glared at Fenrir while avoiding another attack from him.
When Fenrir attacked Garo went for a stab but Fenrir dodged it with ease before Kiba and Yaiba jumped in with their halberd and scythe and struck down but Fenrir avoided it with ease. The trio and Fenrir were soon blasted outside as they used their weapons into the opposing tower which had become more nightmarish as Fenrir was standing on it. Fenrir began climbing upward as Garo, Kiba, and Yaiba then started climbing upward chasing after Fenrir by running up the towers side.
They soon got to the top as they roared out attacking Fenrir but he jumped away from them as he began to fall to the abyss.
(Iris)
"Fenrir no!" Iris called out as the ring on her finger made it so.
(Battle)
Fenrir soon landed on a new spike as he began to climb back up with the spikes making the way for him as he was intend on protecting Iris. Soon Garo, Yaiba, and Kiba were taking the battle at different points chasing after Fenrir who blasted at them and they avoided it as they landed on three different tower spots with the digital moon shining down on them. Fenrir came at them as they had to avoid his attack as they once more regrouped again as they saw this.
"I'm open to suggestions!" Yaiba called out as Kiba was about to speak but Garo stopped him.
"If it's killing Iris then don't even!" Garo countered but Kiba continued.
"No she wants to be a Huntress but the thing is even a Huntress needs to know when to quit." Kiba said as he looked to his allies.
"Ok and?" Yaiba asked as she looked to Kiba.
"She doesn't want to leave thus this place make it so but what if we make her want to leave by... taking a fall." Kiba said as Garo saw the idea.
"Huh even you can be reckless seems we're rubbing off on you." Garo joked as he looked to Kiba.
"Trust me it's a fact I'm not proud of." Kiba said as he looked to the duo.
The trio then went back in to rejoin the fight as Garo and Kiba saw Fenrir so with that Yaiba came from behind while Fenrir saw they were trying to attack him from all angles. He jumped up and avoided them as he roared at them and fired off his attack again as the trio avoided it to the best of their abilities. "Hey fur ball let Iris go!" Garo roared out as he glared at Fenrir.
"So long as she wishes it Iris will stay here!" Fenrir roared out as he began to fight them as he intended to end this. He then roared out as the Three Knights gathered near where Iris and the others were as they saw WBY and ARO were protecting her ass FZZ were nearby observing.
Fenrir then roared out and fired his strongest attack yet as the three Makai Knights charged in and used their blades, aura, and strength to try to block the attack. But the more they blocked the stronger it got as they roared out struggling with it before the attack in turn exploded in their faces before they were sent flying back from it. The three knights landed in Iris room with the others as their armor disengaged as they slid upon the floor before hitting something to stop them.
Fenrir appeared as he saw them and punned all three of them as they all struggled to get free as he was unaware they purposely threw the fight making a gamble on this. "This... ends NOW!" Fenrir roared as he began to charge his attack to kill them. Iris saw this as she began to panic as she wanted to stay here till her father came but Fenrir was about to kill them.
"Fenrir stop it!" Iris called out as Fenrir saw this and cut off his final attack as they all saw this as they also saw the tears threatening to trail down her face. She then ran over to Fenrir and hugged the large wolf's leg as she began to weep her tears as Fenrir saw this. "Please Fenrir no more fighting... no more." She begged as Fenrir saw Iris desire and pulled back from the trio as Frost and Zem then ran over to Kiba as ARO and WBY Ran over to Gold and Ruby.
"Gold you ok!?" Aron asked as he saw this.
"That was reckless of you Gold." Raymond said as Ollette was checking for injuries.
"Ruby what were you thinking!?" Yang called out as she looked to Ruby.
"That was very reckless of you never do that again dolt." Weiss scolded as Blake smiled.
"Still I think we won't this time." Blake said as she smiled to her teammates.
Iris then looked down as Ruby and Gold got up as they walked over to the little girl. Ruby then raised her hand up as Iris that she was going to get punished for what Fenrir did as she knew she deserved it. But instead Ruby simply placed her hand on top of Iris head much like how Yang did to her when she was a little girl. "You're a great Huntress Iris." Ruby praised as Gold then kneeled down to her and grinned big time.
"Yeah the major part about being a Huntress Iris is knowing when to quiet be it in the festival or in the field." Gold grinned as he then offered his fist to her as he smiled. "You have the right instincts just need to focus it a bit." Gold said as he smiled. "So let's make up ok." Gold said as Iris smiled and fist bumped Gold as Kiba began to walk past them.
"I do look forward to the day you become strong enough to face me in battle and end me Iris." Kiba said as he walked passed them as everyone glared at him for that one but also noted a deeper meaning to his words.
"So how about you come with us to the real world Iris." Yang offered as she smiled to them.
"Yes sure it may be bleak at times and even hard but the friends you make out there the allies and the bonds you form they will last a life time." Weiss said as Blake nodded to her.
"And out there you have a chance to make a difference in your own way." Blake offered as they hoped this would convince Iris to come with them.
"Yeah and who knows you might meet a cute boy or girl out there." Ollette said as she was going to continue but stopped herself from the tease since Iris was a little girl too young for that sort of thing.
"So what do you say?" Raymond asked as Iris looked around and then looked to Kiba who was off to the side waiting as he simply nodded as she looked and saw Ruby offering her hand to her.
Iris hesitant at first then took Ruby's hand before hugging the girl as Ruby was caught off guard by this as Yang smiled seeing that her sister was growing up. "I wanna go home." She said as Fenrir saw what she meant and began to walk away. Iris seeing this looked to Fenrir as she was confused. "Fenrir where are you going?" Iris asked as Fenrir stopped his movement.
"If Iris wishes it then it shall be so, she wishes to return to the real world thus it will be so I was created for her in this world." Fenrir said as he began to take his leave of them.
(With Dr. Merlot)
"Iris..." Merlot said as he saw the scene play out but the organic tree's crimson eyes then went wide eyed and bloodshot as they realized what was happening.
"NO!" The Horror roared as it was so close to freedom as it wasn't going to let Merlot or a little girl stop its chance at freedom. It then shot an organic tendrils at Merlot which then skewered him as he gasped in shock as he looked and saw the creature. "I will not let you end this!" The Horror roared out as soon Merlot acted fast and placed a program in and sent it to Iris as he knew she would need it.
"Be strong... Iris... your papa isn't going to be around anymore." Merlot said as he knew he had to protect Iris his life was nothing after all if she didn't live.
(Data Dream World)
Soon the entire place began to go silent as Fenrir was then wide eyed as Iris saw this. "Fenrir?" She asked before Fenrir began to roar out in pain as Iris saw this as everyone back to panic. "Fenrir!" Iris called before she gasped as she saw and felt the ring on her finger shatter as she went for her tablet as a message popped up for her.
"Run!" Fenrir roared in pain as he was trying to hold something back. "The power that fuels this world... its awakening and... attacking!" Fenrir roared as Iris saw this. "Iris go to the main server!" He roared as the pain was excruciating for him. "And delete this world there you can be freed!" Fenrir roared as soon his body began to bubble and convulse until a demonic humanoid shape took form as soon it roared out as it seemed like a demonic parody of the tale of the World Tree.
"The Horror." Kiba said as he and everyone else saw it appear at long last.
"My... it seems the little girl doesn't know how to wait and behave." The Horror said as it looked down upon them.
"Well this is a first not every day I see a Horror use VR and the CCT to its advantage." Gold said with a smirk as he looked to the Horror.
"Humorous but you've been chasing me down and yet do you even have a slight comprehension of who I am?" The Horror asked as Ruby glared at him.
"We don't need to know just need to cut you down!" Ruby called out as Kiba and Gold agreed.
"Third time I have to protect someone how dull." Kiba said as he really didn't want to make a habit out of this.
"I see well my name is Drasil the Horror of Dark Worlds and the seal you used upon me has been broken thanks to Dr. Merlot a useful pawn in my scheme I shall confess." Drasil said as Gold glared to him.
"Well we're going to take you down." Gold said as Ruby and Kiba agreed on this.
"I see then... well then Golden Knight, Scorching Heat Knight, and Dark Knight try and cut me away." Drasil said as he got ready to fight as Gold then looked to the others.
"The rest of you get Iris to this Main Server thing we'll keep big boy here occupied." Gold said as the others nodded in response and ran off.
Drasil then attacked as he vanished and soon giant beasts and tendrils shot out at them as the trio fell out the tower to the ground below. "ZARUBA!" Gold called out as he fell down.
"ECLIPSE COME ON OUT!" Ruby called out as Kiba smirked.
"Awaken ZARATHOS!" Kiba called out as he then snapped is fingers for his own ride to appear.
Soon from the tower below lights began to come on as soon the three Madou and Dark Motorcycles shot out and caught their riders as they landed on the bikes and drove down the other window which then changed to the town they entered now deserted as the intended to keep Drasil's focus on them.
(With FZZ, WBY, and ARO)
The trio of teams were floating through some odd place as Frost was providing them this with her Maiden Abilities as they were making their way to the Main Server while Iris was playing Guide with some help from Blake, Ollette, and Weiss. "So the reason Merlot did all this was for her?" Yang asked as she looked to Iris as Zem and Zex both heard her as he floated near her.
"Yes." Zem said as he looked to Yang who glared.
"But to go so far for her his own daughter it's..." Yang began only for Zex to cut her off.
"Many people will do the darkest of deeds for the sake of those they love and care most for." Zex said as he looked to Yang. "It's a powerful drive yet one that can be easily corrupted and warped." Zex said as Zem heard this.
"Yes and if one were to lose the drive for that power... they'd have nothing left to live for and nothing left to lose." Zem said as just by his tone it was clear he had personal experience with this.
"Oh..." Yang said as she saw for a moment the sadness Zem and Zex were both shouldering. For but a moment the figured these two had their reasons as then she sometime forget that at times the villains in the story are also victims just like the people they hurt.
"Loo there it is!" Frost called out as Blake saw it.
"Yeah looks like a giant brain with a terminal." Blake said as they arrived at it.
"Yes this has to be it." Iris said as they arrived at the spot as they stopped there. "Now we just need to figure out daddy's password for the shutdown thing." Iris said as she began to download the program her father sent but the main thing was the hint it had.
"So how do we do this?" Weiss asked as she looked to Iris.
"Papa left a hint, says the reason for everything The Meaning of Truth." Iris said as that made zero sense to them. Iris then placed her hand on the screen and to her shock it seeped in with a slime covering her hands in response as it in turn acquired her DNA and began to boot up.
(With Gold, Kiba, and Ruby)
"We got baddies!" Ruby called as they drove and saw the many spider like creatures with faces on their backs as they began to fight their way through them. Ruby found the Motorcycle was a bit difficult with the scythe but once she has her momentum it became the same as using her Crescent Yaiba on foot. Kiba was slashing and hacking his way through his foes with Void Gear Dark as he showed them, who was the boss before large serpent creatures, showed up. Kiba fired at one of his as Gold revved the engine going upward as he then sliced one's head off before cutting another in half.
Ruby did similar but went for cutting one in half down to the base as its black blood spewed out but vanished no doubt due to the data version of this world. Kiba then rode up and with his weapon in its Halberd form chopped one's head off as soon more portals appeared as they all saw it while they were in the sky.
While airborne Gold flipped forward summoning his armor as Ruby did a spin and summoned her own armor as Garo and Yaiba appeared. Kiba meanwhile blew upon his own amulet and in turned went to summoning his armor and in turn becoming he Dark Knight once more. The Three Knights Roared out as they burst their way through the three large serpents as they began to drive their way passed them to find Drasil.
"Dammit where is he." Garo cursed as Kiba then saw it.
"Look!" Kiba called as Yaiba gasped as they all saw Drasil and in turn they drove straight into his now opened maw which no doubt was made possible by this world he fuels.
(With the others)
Iris then gasped in pain as she reeled her hand back as the real around them changed to a dark red color as Iris looked. "What's going on?" Iris asked as she was confused.
"Drasil is starting to break through the seal!" Ollette called out as it was the only possible explanation.
(With Garo, Kiba, and Yaiba)
Their bikes lights turned on as they all looked around confused but saw it. "Wait this is..." Garo began as Kiba looked around.
"It has to be no other explanation." Kiba said as he looked around as well.
"What is this?" Ruby asked as they were in a shadow like world with grotesque imagery.
Soon they saw shadows move around as Kiba saw this and they all knew what this meant for them. "Here, humans and Faunus are sustenance, fated to sacrifice their lives in this void to become one with me as I continue forth upon this world." Drasil was heard as he his shadows began to grab their weapons as small humanoids began to wrap around them as they all gasped as they struggled to move about. "Inside this void everything loses its light not even darkness can sustain itself." Drasil said as the three Knights began to struggle greatly.
(With the others)
"So I'm guessing this is a security program to keep us busy then." Frost said as they soon heard movement and saw a huge amount of foes come at them from behind and above.
"Let's go!" Aron called out as the four remaining Knights charged in and summoned their armors as Zex, Zem, Dan, and Zero all appeared to face their foes as Ollette and Frost provided cover as WBY protected Iris as they had a promise to keep to her after all. They all began to fight their way through their foes as they were outnumbered but they all intended to hold the line until they can shut Drasil down as their plans kept getting sidetracked by one thing or another. Good thing their leaders were good at improve otherwise they'd be dead 10 times over already.
"Hold the line!" Zem called out as Zex nailed every foe he could find and caused them to explode with his semblance while Zero hit all of them with his Aura Chains.
Zem seemed to glare at them before swinging his arm to the side and smashing another as he then jumped atop of a group of one. His form then changed and gained violet veins no doubt being forced to cut loose as he glared at them all. Dan spun his spear around and used his abilities to stab and slash his foes with his spears blade. But all things considered they were very much outmatched here.
(With Garo, Yaiba, and Kiba)
The three were in some form of sleep as they were unmoving but still in their armor as they floated in the void with Zaruba, Eclipse, and Zarathos nearby. It seemed all was lost for them but as many know a Makai Knight keeps fighting until his life his extinguished.
(Gold)
Gold was sleeping in a white void as Drasil appeared looking upon Gold. "You never change... none of you do." Drasil said as soon the area changed to show the past foes he faced long ago. "No matter the era, you reject annihilation and in turn struggle." Drasil said as the area showed a young man with a green eyed young man that had a thunderbolt shaped scar on his forehead as this was a Garo from long ago. "No matter how many times I crush you, you pop up like pestilent insects." He continued as the image he showed changed to another Garo in a medieval setting but with silver eyes of a darker origin as he had a claymore on his back but the Garoken in hand summoning his armor.
(Ruby)
Ruby was asleep herself as she was in an endless field as Drasil appeared in it as well. "Even now you still struggle to defeat me in such a futile effort when humanity is doomed to fall." Drasil said as Ruby was asleep. "How many times have I seen your kind those of your armor and those silver eyes." Drasil said a she showed the image around him as the first was a young woman with blond hair in a combo of Madou Robes and Wizard like gear as she had a wand, a gun, and a chained sickle with a cat on her shoulder. "Yet time and time again you show your face to me in battle." Drasil said as the image then showed Garo, Yaiba, Lord, Edel, and Bolg's silver form as they stood side by side in battle before it showed the same image but with Garo, Yaiba, and Lord facing Edel and Bolg in what looked like a graveyard of Makai Weapons.
"And time and time again I crush you like the bugs you are." Drasil said as the image then showed Team STRQ with Summer Rose leading them against the Creatures of Grimm.
(Nexus)
"And for those of the darkness." Drasil began as Nexus was in a realm of fire and corpses as from Nexus point of view his world was burning and he was just resting till it burned him as well. "You claim yourself a monster yet those memories the elude you, those who wished to use you for their own gain yet you still rise but the question is what and who are you, a human, a monster, or something for worse?" Drasil taunted as Nexus slept as the images showed everything he's ever done the lives he's stolen the innocent he's slaughtered man, woman, young, and old he killed and consumed them all from training all the way to money.
"You who does not know even your own identity can never truly rise from what you have now become." Drasil said as he smirked at Nexus.
(With Iris)
Iris saw they were starting to lose as she looked to the terminal as they were on the verge of being overrun. "No..." Iris said as she saw this as everyone began to get worried. "No I..." Iris began as she then looked to the Terminal. "I don't wanna loose anyone else!" She cried out as she then slammed her hands back into the terminal and interfaced with it not caring how much pain it was causing her.
"No stop you're gonna hurt yourself!" Yang called out as but Iris ignored her.
"No I won't be a burden to you and I won't stand around while everyone is fighting for their lives!" Iris yelled out as she wanted to help and this was the only way she could.
(With Gold)
"Now Golden Knight fall." Drasil said as he smirked at Gold.
(Ruby)
"And see Scorching Heat Knight the truth of your weakness." Drasil said as it was clear things were not looking good.
(With Nexus)
"And upon your end Dark Knight know that the lack of your past's knowledge you will know defeat." Drasil said as soon Nexus began to groan from a headache of sorts.
(Gold)
"Damn you so freaking noisy." Gold said as he began to get up. "You monologue way to long asshole." Gold said as he began to get up.
"What?" Drasil asked as he saw Gold sit down.
"What are you stupid, that's what I means, to live." Gold said as he cracked his neck facing away from the Horror as Drasil was shocked that these three though in different locations were still moving.
(Ruby)
"Do you really think I'm stupid or something? I know that others went down the same path I did and not all of them made it to the end... but everyone has that thing that makes them live on, and that thing is a soul. A Soul that has endured hardships big and small, that has grown thanks to those closest to them. They don't lose to the pain when it forces them down they just bounce back up and face it head on and continue to live." Ruby said as she got up. "Even at this moment humans and Faunus keep living even as its painful because they smile they smile to show the pain it won't beat them." Ruby said as it was clear she wasn't going down without a fight. "It's proof that we are all alive." Ruby said as she began to get to her feet.
(Nexus)
"And even if I did cause all that pain all that suffering I choose to shoulder it with the path I had chosen to my goal." Nexus said as he was on his feet as his world was no longer burning as it became a black void. "After all I made a promise a long time ago one that I'm kicking myself for ever forgetting it." Nexus said as he got up. "I promised someone I'd see this world for everything it offers and when I do I'd find their souls the ones who were with me in that darkness until fate intervened." Nexus said as he remembered it as he saw them appear.
"Sapphire, Omega, Delta, Amethyst, Jasper, Rip, Luke, and Rouge those who lost their souls and those who I had struck down I made a silent promise to them all I'd find their souls and use their powers to complete our dream." Nexus said as he began to turn his body to face Drasil.
(Short Flashback)
"Please Nexus never forget the promise that we'd all see the outside world the real world together so never forget you are Nexus nothing more and nothing less then what you desire to be." Sapphire said as she hoped Nexus would choose whatever path he felt was his.
(End Flashback)
"I am Nexus Kite Sparrow Branwen I am a monster who seeks his path and is servant to no one by myself, I am the Prince of Darkness who will rule over the Grimm and terrorize this world as Demon till it begets a foe to strike me down... I am the Dark Knight KIBA!" Nexus roared as he glared at Drasil. "This is who I am!" Nexus roared out as he glared at his foe.
(Ruby)
"I want to protect everyone so they won't have to go through losing someone like I did even if it's just one person I'll protect them all, after all it's my duty as the Scorching Heat Knight Yaiba!" Ruby said grinning as she wasn't going to lose so easily.
(Gold)
"All of Remnant believes in the hope of tomorrow. We fight to protect that future." Gold said as he wasn't going to give up so easily. "That's why." Gold said as he knew his friends were fighting on.
(With the others)
Ollette and Frost were knocked down by a larger foe as they began to get back up as they glared at it as they were injured but not down yet as they both smirked at it clearly showing they can take much worse than that.
(Gold)
"We stand up as many times as it takes." Gold said as he glared at Drasil.
(Ruby)
"That's why." Ruby began as she glared at her foe.
(Knights)
The two Makai Knights and two Fallen Knights once more rose up they glared at their foes as they pointed their blades at the oncoming foes ready to keep fighting. The Makai Knights and Dark Knights were facing every foe coming their way as it was clear they would not give up so easily.
(Ruby)
"As many times as it takes... We swing our Blades." Ruby said as she wasn't out not yet and not by a long shot as even her silver eyes were starting to shine bright.
(Nexus)
"As long as our arms and legs still move... no as long as our soul itself keeps burning torts our ambition." Nexus said as he glared at is foe as he wasn't done not yet as he said it before he shall never be a memory. "I will keep fighting on no matter who my foe may be. Be the human, Faunus, Grimm, or Horror!" Nexus roared as he wasn't a protector not by a long shot. "For that is the power of the Dark Knight." Nexus said as he wasn't done with this battle himself.
(Iris)
Iris kept working as she wasn't going to surrender as long as she can still save and protect as many people as possible.
(Gold)
"We will protect mankind. That is one who protects." Gold said as he and Ruby had similar thoughts. "That is Golden Knight." Gold began as he
(Ruby)
"That is the Scorching Heat Knight!" Ruby yelled as she glared at Drasil with her Silver Eyes burning with justice.
(Garo, Yaiba, and Kiba)
"GARO/KIBA/YAIBA!" They all yelled as their eyes soon flashed to light as they in turn charged torts their foes as once more were they on their bikes. Soon more of Drasil began to come torts them as the trio of Knights began to fight their way through them all.
"Fine. Once I am free I shall erase you all, so that mouth may never smile again and so that soul may never go on to your destinations." Drasil said as they weren't going to give up so easily.
(With Iris)
"Wait this is." Iris said as she went wide eyed at what she found. "Everyone I think I can end this!" Iris called out as they all saw this.
"Ok then we'll take out the trash here!" Aron roared out as Ollette and Frost both nodded and used a special seal as the four Knights body's began to go ablaze as they then charged at all the creatures destroying them all in one fell swoop as their flames of blue, crimson, and violet all defeated the Horror made creatures like they were nothing.
Once their foes were gone Weiss smiled as Yang, Ollette, and Frost then all looked to where they knew their leaders were. "You three better make it back." Yang said as she was more worried for Gold and Ruby since she wanted to give Kiba the beat down he deserves.
(With Garo, Ruby, and Kiba)
The three rode and jumped over the spawns of Drasil as they hacked and slashed through them all as Kiba was using is abilities to give them all an edge as the familiars within him held their foes in placed before vanishing again to be cut down by the three Knights. As they rode Zaruba spoke up as he knew this was getting them nowhere as Yaiba broke out of a dogpile.
"Everyone this is getting us nowhere these things are just trash data! There's no end to them." Zaruba said as Eclipse then spoke.
"At this rate we'll die before we finish." Eclipse said as she looked to her allies.
"Then we go for the heart." Kiba said as Garo and Yaiba nodded.
"And I think I know where he is!" Yaiba called out as soon they had to avoid laser blasts from the tall creatures as Garo saw this and they swerved and drifted to avoid the blast.
"Shit!" Garo called out as they avoided the blasts. Garo then saw the beams following them as he then looked to the army of trash data as he had an idea.
"Guys on me!" Garo called out as they soon burst forward as both Yaiba and Kiba saw Garo's plan and went along with it as they drove torts the army. Soon they were able to get airborne thanks to the vents as the beams in turn hit the army only for Drasil to attack Garo as Yaiba used the chance to cut through the arm.
"A useless gesture a simple blade cannot cut me down who embodies this very world." Drasil taunted as the three drove away from Drasil as he gave chase.
"Then, we'll just have to destroy this very world!" Garo called out as it was now or never. "Zaruba!" Garo called out as Zaruba's eyes then flashed as he was ready.
"Got it!" Zaruba called out as soon Zaruba began to produce emerald flames from his vents.
"Eclipse let's go!" Yaiba called out as Eclipse nodded.
"Of course." Eclipse said as she began to produce crimson flames Kiba then came in
"Show me your power!" Kiba roared as soon Zarathos began to produce flames of his own as they began to pick up speed before doing a U-Turn.
The three Knights then charged at Drasil and in turn regained the color they lost and began to enter his inner sanctum as their veins began to glow the colors they were best known within their armor. "It's not enough!" Kiba roared as Drasil was throwing everything he had at them now.
"Come on just a little more horsepower!" Garo called out as Eclipse then spoke knowing what was needed.
"Flower Girl!" Eclipse called out as Yaiba looked. "Close your eyes and focus deep into your aura and go beyond that to yours, Reach into the deepest crevasse of your soul until a silver light shines on through and then grab it!" Eclipse roared out as she knew this was getting serious. "It's now or never!" Eclipse called out as Yaiba saw this as Ruby inside nodded.
Ruby found herself in a dark void as she knew the urgency was great and if they did not do so now they will all die. Soon Ruby saw it a silver light and in turn she reached for it and then her eyes snapped open but were now completely silver releasing the power.
Yaiba's eyes silver shine began to become great as Garo and Kiba all saw this as soon they entered what looked like a barrier area where Drasil was feeding once more for the final seal to break. Yaiba then took the lead and roared out as her power began to burst through to end their foes all together.
*Insert Meaning of Truth
The three Knights began to drive down the track Drasil made to protect himself but they kept going like a shooting star as the emerald flames mixed with the crimson ones and the silver light as they came in faster with each turn. Soon the comet began to change form as it began to latch to Garo and Kiba as their veins turned from violet and red to silver. Soon the comet began to turn silver, gold, and ebony as they drove down and got closer to Drasil.
"No impossible the unification of Light and Dark." Drasil said as the three knights were upon him.
"Your time has come to fall!" They all roared as Drasil began to panic.
"No stay back!" Drasil roared firing his tendrils at them out of fear for they were upon him.
The energy then formed into a dragon that was a combo of Garo, Yaiba, and Kiba as they soon were upon Drasil as they cut into him. Yaiba sliced his head off while Garo and Kiba cut him as a cross as he saw them all as it was clear... he was bested by these knights.
"Impossible... I've been bested." The Horror said before its body vanished and in turn was destroyed as it was sealed away into the three blades that had ended it as the three Knights stood tall and proud no doubt savoring their victory while Kiba had his first taste of wielding the power of the Silver Eyes.
(With Iris and the others)
Soon the area around them turned dark as they all saw the terminal was still active. "Drasil… must have vanished." Ollette said as Blake then looked to Iris.
"Come on Iris now's our chance to end this!" Blake called out as it was now or never.
"Right!" Iris said as she went to shutting down the main server. "I don't want anyone else to die because of my weakness. So please lend me power! Power I can use to be a protector too!" Iris cried out as her tears hit the keypad as soon the area around her turned dark as in this area she saw herself but with Dr. Merlot minus the cybernetics.
"Iris are you ok?" He asked as the younger Iris was crying as Iris saw her younger self had a scraped knee.
"I got hurt." She said as Dr. Merlot looked it over and smiled.
"Don't worry it may hurt right now but it will heal in no time just need to give it time to heal." He said as he already began to clean the scrape just in case. "But momma is already gone I don't want to see time take you away also papa." Iris said as Merlot smiled.
"Don't worry... just remember Iris the meaning of my truth... everything I do is for you." Merlot said as Iris saw this as Merlot gave his daughter a piggyback as the older Iris saw this as she realized what this meant.
(Terminal)
"Iris! Iris!" Weiss called as she tried to wake Iris up from her little nap.
"Iris you still with us?" Yang asked as Iris then smiled and began to type in the code needed for this.
Iris got up and began typing on the keyboard just like how she had seen her father do it as Weiss saw she was doing it like a pro. Iris saw she had administer statues as she got the part with the password. She then typed it in as it read the most heartfelt thing a father could say for his daughter.
"I do it all for my Daughter."
Once Iris had the password typed in she began to hesitated at the enter key. But then she entered it as soon the terminal burst out releasing a powerful light around them all. Everyone was awestruck at this as the area shattered as Iris smiled with tears of joy in her eyes. "Thank you, papa." Iris smiled as she smiled at the world.
Soon everyone saw a portal appear at their feet even Iris as it was clear they were being sent back to the real world as they all smiled at this.
(With Gold, Ruby, and Kiba)
The three were waiting as Kiba looked at his hand in shock of how he wielded the Silver Eyes power for but a moment as he then clenched his fist just as a portal appeared at their feet. "They did it." Ruby said as she was happy as they can finally get out of here.
"You do know once we're out we'll be at each other's throats again correct?" Kiba asked as Gold smirked at him.
"Well Kiba you better not hold back then." Gold smirked as Kiba then smirked as the two shared a fist bump.
"I can't tell if they are friends or enemies at times." Zaruba said as he saw this.
"Agreed." Eclipse said as Ruby was on the same boat.
"Men." Ruby said as she just assumed it was a guy thing.
Soon the group with their vehicles and such began to vanish as no doubt they were heading back to the real world. "See you all when our blades meet again." Kiba said as he vanished.
"Yeah you to." Gold said as he was looking forward to it.
(Scene Break Dr. Merlot Hideout)
Everyone began to come to as they heard the hissing sound of the pod as steam left it as they also heard foot movement and such around them. Gold got up and saw him and his teammates with Team RWBY coming to as Medical personnel gave them a look over. "Gold my good boy are you well?" Peter asked as he had arrived as well.
"Yeah it's just been a long day." Gold said as soon Ruby gasped.
"Iris!" Ruby gasped as Glynda was there as well.
"Don't worry Ms. Rose she'll be ok look." Glynda said as the doctors were already working on fixing the damage that was done to Iris that forced her into the pod. "A little birdie told us that there was a little girl here who needed immediate medical attention and left." Glynda said as Gold knew who it was.
'Kiba.' he said to himself as they saw Kiba and his crew must have gotten away again.
"So now what?" Ruby asked as Weiss then sighed.
"You two." She began pointing to the team leaders. "Have to write your reports on this now." Weiss said as Ruby and Gold both paled and cried out wanting to stay knocked out now.
"Wait what about Merlot!" Yang asked as Glynda sighed and pointed at the white sheet as they all saw it.
"Damn..." Aron said as Yang sighed knowing someone has to tell Iris she was an orphan now.
(Scene Break KIBA)
"You didn't have to let them go you know." Blaze said as Nexus saw this play out from a nearby peak.
"Perhaps... but it's better to keep our options opened don't you think." Nexus said as he was lying as he'd rather the girl make it to safety then die on an island alone.
"He's going to ruin our plans." Blaze said as Ico then looked to him.
"Don't worry have a little faith Lord Nexus has a plan for everything just have a bit of faith." Ico said as Akane smiled a bit.
"Yeah." Akane said as she remembered what she revealed to her half-sister about her past.
"Come on lets head back." Nexus said as he began to make his way to a portal he opened as they all followed him no doubt to get back to Beacon before suspicious rose up on them.
(Scene Break Ozpin's Office)
Ruby and Gold stood before Ozpin as with them was Blake and Ollette. "So you can confirm everything on this report is factual?" Ozpin asked as Gold nodded.
"Yeap." Gold said as he actually omitted the part with Ruby and Kiba's group as Ruby was happy Frost kept her end of the deal as the seal of destruction was now gone from her chest.
"I see." Ozpin said as he knew they were omitting stuff but nothing major. "And where is the rest of your teams?" Ozpin asked as Gold shrugged.
"Weiss and Aron went on a last minute date and Yang dragged off Raymond for something." Gold said as Ozpin nodded to this.
"I see I suppose I can let this slide for now." Ozpin said as Blake then spoke up.
"Um if I can ask... what's going to happen to Iris?" Blake asked as she looked to Ozpin as she was worried for the girl.
"Ms. Merlot would normally be placed as a ward of the state and put into the system... but I was able to pull a few strings and have an old friend foster her till she's ready for Signal and later Beacon if she so desires to attend." Ozpin said as Ollette saw this.
"Oh who?" Ollette asked as Ozpin smiled.
"I believe Ms. Rose knows him very well after all he did raise both you and her sister for your entire lives thus far." Ozpin said as Ruby knew who he meant.
"Wait I got another sister now!?" Ruby gasped as she heard this.
"Yes but right now Ms. Merlot is resting from her emergency surgery and from what Doctors have told me will make a rapid recovery with physical therapy to handle her lack of motor skills from her coma, and be able to continue her life as normal." Ozpin said as Ruby then began to laugh a bit.
"At last! At LAST Now I'm the older sister!" Ruby laughed as everyone saw her as now she can do all the stuff Yang did with her to a younger sibling as no doubt Ruby was waiting for this moment but thought it would never come.
"Uh-oh." Ollette said as they may need to warn Iris later.
(With Salem)
Salem was once more in her chambers as Watts walked in to deliver the report. "I have news." Watts said as Salem looked to him.
"Speak." Salem said as Watts showed the data.
"It seems Merlot had a Silver Eyed Warrior of his own which is now in Ozpin's grasp." Watts said as Salem saw this. "Shall I send Tyrion to kill her and the Scorching Heat Knight?" Watts asked as he knew Ruby Rose power was beginning to awaken which was very troubling news for them all.
"No." Salem said as she sat there. "Let Nexus deal with this as he sees fit." Salem said as she wanted to see what Nexus will due as she knew Nexus let the girl go so she assumed he must have a grand scheme in store.
"But milady." Watts said as Salem glared at him.
"Don't argue Watts and obey." Salem said as Watts then nodded and took his leave as Salem looked to the window. "Now that what is next on your scheme my son." Salem said as she was going to ensure Nexus succeeded as if anything only her son was allowed to succeed her no other was permitted to do so.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we go with this the Grimm Eclipse arc is over. Now we can really enter Volume 3. So until next time people be sure to review and as I always say ja-ne.
