A/N: Here are some notes for the whole story and this chapter.
This story takes place during Volume 4 of RWBY and after Halo 3, without any of the consequences of a rampancy narrative. I just don't want to deal with that mess.
A commenter inquired as to whether there will be a romantic entanglement between Chief and Weiss, or if Chief will have a harem - the answer is no to both questions. No romance elements are planned for this story; if any such scenes appear, they will solely involve minor characters.
And the focus of the relationship between Chief and Weiss will be more akin to that of father and daughter.
This story is a straight Isekai, as Chief and Cortana find themselves in an alternate Universe far removed from the UNSC and the Covenant.
Given that Chief and Cortana are by themselves, the story won't be like the ones that have him, Nobel six, or an OC Spartan arriving in Remnant and beating up everyone indiscriminately, good or bad. I don't want it to be that kind of story. The narrative follows them collaborating with right-minded individuals to take down the villains. This doesn't mean that there won't be clashing opinions between our heroes though, but ultimately both Chief and Weiss are striving towards one goal: saving the world.
When it comes to how strong Chief will be he'll make short work of Grimm and White Fang grunts, but I'm trying to improve my writing skills when it comes to fight scenes. So I hope fellow fans won't be too disappointed if he faces more of a challenge from opponents like Tyrian and Hazel and other huntsmen.
If you'd like a more realistic take on a Halo and Rwby crossover on my profile I wrote a short story about the Covenant finding Remnant.
When it comes to Constructive Criticism I welcome it and I would like to thank Australian Dealer and Just a lazy nobody for their input. I'll try my best to implement your advice as best I can.
Now about the Chapter you're about to read: when I thought about this story I knew this chapter would give me a difficult time. It's about Chief and Cortana explaining their origins of being from a different universe. After rewriting it multiple times, I wasn't pleased with the outcome of the conversations until I finally settled on something just to move on with my story. I know this is a big no-no and I'd like to say that it won't happen again.
I've already started on the next two chapters and they aren't nearly as difficult as this chapter.
And that's it for the author notes if you have any questions or advice on how I could improve feel free to comment.
General Ironwood sat in his office, confusion darkening his features as he listened to Clover's report over the scroll. He shook his head slightly and murmured, "Say again, Clover? What's going on?"
Clover replied calmly, "It's just like I said, sir. There appears to be some kind of armored man down there engaged in combat with the Grimm. Swiftly taking them out like a pro."
Ironwood swept his gaze to Winter's side. She met the commander's eyes, her brow creased almost imperceptibly as if she could feel his concern even without him speaking aloud. She shook her head, tight-lipped and determined. "No sir," she said firmly. "The only other huntsmen on location are from Mantle and none of them fit the description Clover just gave."
Ironwood turned back to the phone and voiced his question. "Clover... Is this armored man merely defending himself from the Grimm?"
"No sir," Clover replied, his voice more serious than before. "It looks like he's actively hunting them down. He appears to be trying to save the people down there."
Ironwood sat in his chair, lost in thought for a few moments before finally speaking up with authority. "Clover. I want you to send out The Atlesian Knights and have them sweep through town dealing with the Grimm."
Through the scroll, James looked around at the rest of the Ace-ops assembled and continued. "In the meantime, I want all of you on high alert monitoring this man; when an opportunity arises take him into custody so that we can question him further."
With an affirmative "Yes sir!" the transmission ceased. Ironwood leaned forward in his chair, deeply contemplating their next move while Winter watched with bated breath; all that was left to do was await the arriving report.
Forty-five minutes later, Clover connected with General Ironwood on a video call using his scroll. "General sir," he said, saluting.
Ironwood nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Clover, judging by the fact you don't have a scratch on you I take it our mysterious friend didn't prove too much of a challenge?"
Clover glanced to one side and continued more slowly this time; "No sir... things took a different turn of events; it's somewhat complicated."
James furrowed his brow, puzzled. "Complicated?" He said flatly, thinking back on the mission he had dispatched them to complete.
Clover nodded thoughtfully. "Yes sir," he began slowly as if selecting his words carefully. "Once we engaged the target he just gave up."
He paused for a moment before continuing, his gaze never wavering. "And he made one single request… to see you."
"Me?"
Ironwood leaned back in his chair, his thoughts racing and colliding as he tried to think over the request. It wasn't every day a mysterious armored warrior showed up at your doorstep and only wanted to talk with you. He had expected a fight--or at least a chase through the streets like something out of an epic tale--but instead he just gave up.
"Did he say anything else?"
Clover shook his head. "Any attempts to question him have been either met with silence or reiteration of his desires to see you."
Ironwood's brow furrowed from confusion and concentration as he tried desperately to make sense of it all.
Giving James some time to think, Clover glanced away from Ironwood, eyes briefly shifting to Winter. He forced a smile as he changed the conversation.
"I should also mention Winter that we found your sister down here in all the chaos as well."
The words hung between them and met with silence by both Ironwood and Winter on the scroll. Then came a loud panic-stricken shriek from Winter that echoed through their ears like lightning bolts.
"What!"
Clover winced at the sudden outburst before quickly regaining his composure, offering reassuring assurances that her sister was safe now.
Clover glanced over his shoulder and took a glimpse at Weiss, the annoyance clear on her face as she stood by the Manta. "She's fine Winter," he reported.
"It seems she was one of the first to arrive when the attack happened." he recounted Weiss' intrepidness in fighting off Grimm while managing to save several people from peril."She did it all while in a dress and heels…I'm impressed."
Winter breathed a sigh of relief as she heard her sister was safe, and the knowledge that Weiss had stood up to the Grimm and saved lives caused a proud smile to grace her lips.
James nodded his head, relieved that one of the problems he had been facing was seemingly dealt with. Ironwood cleared his throat in a way that gave him pause; it seemed as though he still needed one more piece of information before making a final decision. James stiffened slightly and leaned forward to make sure he didn't miss any detail during this conversation, knowing full well how important the next few moments could be for all involved.
"Clover, where is our 'friend' right now?"
"He's standing like a statute over there, waiting for your decision." He gestured to the side off-screen, where their 'friend' was being watched intently by the rest of Ace Ops in case he tried anything.
"Very well Clover before I make my decision I need to know what you think of this man.."
Clover hesitated for a moment before looking up and meeting Ironwood's gaze. He thoughtfully pursed his lips then spoke quietly and slowly, as if forming a careful opinion on the matter rather than giving an immediate reply.
"Sir…I think we can trust him," he began hesitantly, then seemed to gain confidence in his assessment of the situation. "He showed no aggression towards us, and fighting Grimm and saving innocent lives certainly gained some bonus points in my book." He finished confidently, looking directly into Ironwood
Ironwood closed his eyes and took a measured breath. Finally, he opened them again and spoke to Clover. "Very well Clover, you've got the go-ahead to transport the man here for questioning. But if at any point you feel like he might try something untoward…you take him down. Understand?"
Clover gave a crisp "Yes sir" before cutting off their connection
With the talk done with Ironwood rose from his desk, pushing back the chair and standing tall. Winter trailed one step behind, as they made their way to the exit of Ironwood's office.
"Have three squads of Atlesian Knights meet us at the designated landing pad," Ironwood said over his shoulder as he descended down a flight of stairs.
Winter leans in "Sir do you think this man has ties with what well from space?"
James strode through the halls with a purpose. "A strange unknown object crashes followed by a mysterious man none of us have ever seen? I'd be more surprised if he didn't have a connection to the object. But mark my words, Winter at the end of tonight will have our answers."
Weiss sighed heavily as the manta took off. All of her sneakiness, all of the work she had done to bribe a pilot to get her away from Atlas was for nothing. Her plan had failed miserably and now here she was, heading straight back into the hands of her father…
Looking down the darkened hall of the Manta Weiss' eyes fell upon the ominous golden visor of the green armored warrior. Her earlier assumptions had been proven wrong; this stranger was no new model of Atlesian Knight, and judging by how the Ace-Ops squad responded, he wasn't a fellow huntsmen either. He seemed to be something else entirely.
Weiss pondered, if he was neither huntsmen nor machine, then where did he come from? He certainly couldn't have arrived on the metal structure; that meant space travel and aliens weren't real…right? Weiss nodded her head. Right. He's probably from Mistral or Vacuo
She looked at the team of huntsmen surrounding him. Whatever he was, the Ace Ops seemed to be on edge as they all just stood and watched the emerald-clad warrior. Each of them tense with faces masked by unreadable expressions.
The tension in the air hung so thickly that Weiss could almost reach out and touch it with her hands. She wondered silently what would happen upon their arrival.
General Ironwood and Special Operative Winter stood ready on the landing pad, flanked by a handful of Atlesian Knights, their white armor gleaming in the bright lights of the air pad.
As soon as the Manta landed Weiss was the first one to exit, her hair whipping in the wind. When she descended from its hold and stepped into view, Winter's gaze snapped towards her sister before flicking over to Ironwood for his silent permission; upon receiving it she dashed forward with an outstretched hand and wrapped Weiss up into a tight embrace.
Winter pulled back from the hug and looked at her sister sternly. "Weiss, what were you thinking?!" Her voice quivered with frustration. "Sneaking away from father is one thing, but going into a town besieged by Grimm alone! How could you be so foolish?" Her voice was soft yet firm as she searched Weiss's face for an answer that would make sense of her reckless behavior.
Weiss looked down, a hint of guilt in her expression. "I know it wasn't the wisest decision," she admitted softly, the words tinged with resignation. "But when I heard those cries for help...well, I couldn't just stand there and do nothing!"
Winter shook her head. "I know but you really should have-" Her words died on her lips when she laid eyes on the next occupant to set foot off the Manta. The green-armored warrior with the Ace Ops close behind him. He was colossal, at least a full head taller than any of those aboard.
Winter and Weiss quickly stepped back, almost in unison, making way for General Ironwood as he moved up to confront the stranger. The General stood tall and unflinching, his eyes never leaving the warrior's visor.
The Ace Ops for their part formed a semi-circle around the stranger on guard in case he tried anything.
The air was thick with tension that seemed to stretch on forever until finally. Ironwood spoke. "Well, you wanted to meet with me…here I am."
The behemoth, sheathed in battle damage green armor, slowly turned his head away from the General before surveying the air pad with a vigilant eye. He then slowly stretched out his hand and all those around him tensed in anticipation of what he was planning. His arm extended fully in front of him. Each person present waited anxiously for whatever it was that would come next.
He opened his palm, and the air shimmered as a small blue light appeared. It seemed to coalesce into a figure, slowly materializing before them like smoke in the wind. The digital light formed into what appeared to be a woman.
Finally, she stood there in all her glory, with no clothes but her own skin of bright digital blues that extended from her body like liquid raindrops. She stretched out both arms and cast an appraising eye at each of them individually before speaking-- introducing herself as if she had always been here
Greetings, I am CTN 0452-9 pleased to meet you, oh but you can call me Cortana. "
James glanced between the small blue digital lady and then at the Green Behemoth confusion plan on his face. His brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of what was before him; his mouth a thin line in concentration. He raised an eyebrow, scratching his chin in bewilderment, feeling out of sorts and perplexed by this sudden surge of new information that had been thrust upon him without warning or explanation. "What?" He asked uncertainty, not sure how best to proceed but determined to get some answers now that he'd found himself staring into the abyss of unknowns before him.
With a smirk, Cortana snapped her fingers, and the Atlesian Knights behind the General fell limp like lifeless puppets with their strings cut. In an instant, The Ace ops had unsheathed their weapons; Winter stepped in front of Weiss protectively while Ironwood took a step back out of caution. A light chuckle escaped from Cortana as she surveyed those around her. "My apologies General, but I thought a demonstration would help clear things up about what I am." She declared coldly yet calmly.
With a sudden realization, the pieces of Ironwood's ponderings quickly fell into place. He looked at the digital woman and to his amazement slowly uttered in surprise, "You…you're an Artificial Intelligence?" His eyes then darted to her companion."And he must be some kind of heavy-armored robot…right?"
Cortana shook her head, a sad smile on her face. "While the big guy here may act like a machine sometimes, beneath the surface he's one hundred percent human. Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan 117 or Master Chief for short.
Ironwood's mind spun as these words registered
If he were human, then he could not have originated from the crash site. It seemed far more likely that they had come from another kingdom, yet this too was impossible.
Ironwood eyed the digital woman again. Vale had been in shambles since the fall from Beacon, and Vacuro and Mistra lacked the technology to produce an Artificial Intelligence of this caliber.
No all paths lead to them arriving on that ship but if what this A.I. Said was true then the warrior in front of him was human, and of military origin. How could that be…?
Ironwood's gaze steadied on the dazzling emerald figure before him. He finally spoke, in a low rumble that seemed to rattle all the way down his chest and up into her ears. "Just where exactly did you come from?"
Cortana returned his stare with a twinkle in her eye, resting one hand casually upon her hip as if she had expected such an inquiry all along. Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "We are from a different universe."
Harriet Bree's long strides chewed up the floor as she paced back and forth in front of Ironwood's office, her frustration mounting. Her fists clenched at her sides, shoulders tense and chin held high.
"I can't believe we're actually taking them seriously!" she shouted out into the empty hallway, still pacing.
The other Ace Ops members shared a quick look amongst themselves before their newest member Marrow Amin spoke up hesitantly "Why- why shouldn't we if they really are from a different universe then we-" He started to say but was quickly interrupted by an angry cut from Harriet.
"Of course, a rookie like you would believe that nonsense!" Marrow's tail drooped slightly at Harriet's words."It's clearly a lie!", she added.
Vine Zeki let out a deep exhale and shook his head. "Clover, Winter, and General Ironwood are more than capable of piecing together the facts if they haven't already." He said in an even yet stern tone. "You have to stay calm Harriet; we just have to wait for their judgment."
Harriet's voice rose with anger and indignation, her eyes blazing. "Don't tell me what to do, Vine!" she spat. Soon the hall erupted in a chorus of bickering as the Ace Ops team turned their ire towards each other.
Weiss sat by a nearby chair, her gaze oddly distant as the group bickered. Her mind was somewhere else, no doubt reflecting on all that had transpired just moments before. She was deep in thought, seemingly unaware of the people around her, and unable to tear herself away from whatever story she had been piecing together in her head. See eyed the door to the general's office wondering just what was happening in there.
Dozens of Holographic screens circled the Atlas military officers, each one showing a glimpse into the world that their two guests arrived from.
Flourishing civilizations and breathtaking utopias
Technology that allowed for quick travel across the stars.
A military with their backs against the wall who would do anything to protect their homes.
Alien armies that brought nothing but death and destruction.
Weapons of mass destruction that could annihilate all life.
"I've seen enough." A pale-faced Ironwood closed his eyes, drawing a deep breath as the holographic screens that hovered over him dissipated into thin air. He felt worn out and exhausted from what he had just witnessed on the displays of light. His companions, Clover and Winter stood at his side with a similar expression of shock plastered on their faces;
"So you believe us?"
Ironwood gazed at the green warrior and their a.i. friend with interest, nodding to himself. "You've revealed technology I never thought possible and entire worlds full of life, but also horrors that exceed my wildest imaginings." he mused as he stood up from his desk to face them. "Given everything you've told me and shown me, plus the ship that crashed...Yes, I believe you."
Ironwood extends his hand. "Chief, Cortana let me be the first to welcome you to Remnant."
Chief takes his hands and shakes it. "Sir."
Folding his hands behind his back he glances at the two. "But I take it that a welcome wasn't the only thing you wanted when you came to meet me."
Cortana nodded her head. "You'd be correct general we were hoping you could help us get back home."
Ironwood shook his head. "I'm sorry to say we've yet to reach space-faring technology let alone the ability to travel through slipspace. But something tells me you knew that already."
Cortana shrugs her shoulders. "True. When we crashed down I wasted no time in connecting to your kingdom's network. After piecing together that we were in a different universe. I searched your database for anything that could get us off the planet. When I found nothing regarding space travel I was hoping that maybe you had kept technology like that off record."
"Sorry to disappoint."
Cortana folds her arms and stares at Chief. "I guess Plan B is our only option now, huh?"
Ironwood arches an eyebrow in surprise. "Plan B?"
Cortana grins. "General Ironwood, until we can find a way home if you'll allow us to help, we'd like to join you in the fight against the Grimm."
Winter and Clover shared a look of astonishment as Ironwood's eyebrows shot up. "Are you serious!? This isn't your reality, this isn't the United Nations Space Command and our adversaries aren't the Covenant. You both don't have any reason to help us out."
The Master Chief spoke up. "That's where you're wrong sir. Although this is not our world, our mission is to protect humanity at all costs, and we can't sit back idly knowing that people are getting hurt every day."
As Ironwood listened to the Chief's words, his mind filled with ideas on what to do. Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he surveyed the room. "We have to keep your origins a secret. If people were to find out about the existence of other universes, there could be mass hysteria." He looked pointedly at Clover. "Bring in Ace Ops...and Weiss Schnee."
Clover strides out of the office as Winter whips her head towards Ironwood. "My sister, sir? Why?"
Ironwood's gaze pierces into Winter's eyes. "She was on the air pad when Cortana dropped the bombshell that they came from a different Universe - meaning she is now part of this top-secret operation." He pauses. "Do you think your sister can keep this situation securely under wraps?"
Winter takes a deep breath and nods her head firmly. "Yes sir. Weiss always takes things seriously and knows how critical it is to maintain confidentiality."
"Good."
The doors to General Ironwood's office open, and the Ace ops and Weiss file in. A few stray glances land on Master Chief and Cortana before refocusing on the general.
James stares at the assembled group and nods his head. "From this day forward, you are all sworn to secrecy. The events that transpired today will not be discussed with anyone outside this room. Understood."
The Ace ops reply with a collected "Yes sir!" as they nod their heads in agreement.
Weiss scanned the room, her gaze halting when she saw Chief and Cortana. She raised her hand timidly. "Umm excuse me General Ironwood, sir."
Ironwood shifted his gaze to her, his expression serious. "Yes, Ms. Schnee."
Weiss cleared her throat nervously. "Does this mean what they said is true? Are they really from a different universe?" She looked toward the potential multiversal travelers before turning back to Ironwood for an answer.
Ironwood glanced at the multiversal travelers before turning back to Weiss. His face softened as he said, "Yes…it does."
Weiss' eyes widened in awe as the Ace Ops group erupted in hushed conversations. Clover and Ironwood were quick to restore order before the general started speaking again."I understand that you all have questions, but for now, it is enough to know that Chief and Cortana have agreed to add us in the fight against the Grimm."
Elm raised his hand."Excuse me, sir. I understand you said our questions would be answered later, but if Chief is from another universe and not Remnant, does that mean he doesn't possess any Aura?"
James nodded slowly, his blue eyes darting around the room in thought. "It does," he said. "But as you all saw at the crash site and from what we've learned here in my office, he is more than capable."
"Now with that out of the way let's discuss the secrecy of the subject." Ironwood's voice faded away as Weiss focused her attention on the two figures in front of her. She couldn't believe it--the armored warrior and his artificial intelligence companion weren't from another kingdom or even aliens. They were from an entirely different universe! Because she had decided to help a village in need, Weiss was now part of a select few who knew this secret.
She momentarily allowed herself to forget her worries about returning to her father and smiled. She thought about what Ruby and the others would think if they were here now. Her lips curved upwards in a gentle smile, eyes softening with reminiscence as she imagined their reactions.
Weiss soon snapped from her thoughts as Ironwood finished."So that about sums it up," he said finally. "Only the eight of us will know Chief and Cortana's true origins unless I saw otherwise."
As the group considered their next course of action, Ironwood paused, his eyes scanning the faces in front of him before settling on Weiss."Ah, that reminds me…we'll need to contact your father and inform him that we've found you."
Weiss felt her stomach lurch as she realized there was no escape this time. She could feel the others looking at her as she composed herself and tried not to give away her inner panic.
Her mind was racing for any way she could avoid returning to her father's custody. She racked her brain trying desperately to find a way out, but nothing seemed like it would be enough. She thought of every possible excuse, every promising plan, but each one fell short. Was there really no way out?
Unaware of Weiss' inner struggle, Ironwood went on. "We'll have a Manta aircraft prepped and ready to take you home."
General Ironwood ended his address and the gathered group seemed ready to disperse. But before they could, Weiss stepped forward with a quake in her voice. "No!" She proclaimed. Her outburst caught everyone off guard and all eyes turned to her.
Ironwood narrowed his gaze in confusion as he slowly asked, "Is something wrong?"
Weiss looked around the room, mouth agape, then finally replied, "I… I wish to join Atlas Academy." Her hands trembled with emotion as she stood tall.
Winter advanced a bit, about to speak, when Ironwood placed a hand on her shoulder. He gave Weiss a questioning glance. "Is that right?"
"Y-yes!"
Folding his hands behind his back and gazing directly into her eyes, James spoke with a sincere, steady tone. "I hope you understand the gravity of what you're asking. By joining our academy, you would be committing to the military as well. And I'd need to speak with your father and attempt to win his approval."
She was desperate for an escape from her oppressive father, and this seemed like the only way. "I understand," she whispered
James looked from Chief to Weiss, his mind spinning with ideas. Clover had spoken about both of their abilities when it came to dealing with the Grimm, and Cortana had shown footage of Chief as a formidable fighter in another universe - but James needed to witness it himself. An
idea formed in James' mind; he could take Weiss up on her offer in order to see what they were really capable of. "I accept your proposal," he said.
Weiss smiled briefly before the general's next statement erased it. "But only if you can pass a test."
"A test?"
James nodded at Weiss, then peered at Chief. "No offense intended, Spartan, but would you be willing to showcase your skills in an exhibition?"
Chief exchanged a look with Cortana before turning back to James. "Not at all, sir."
James clasped his hands together. "Splendid!"
Winter took a step closer to James, their eyes locking as she spoke. "Sir?"
James exhaled heavily, his gaze measured and serious. "Your sister wants me to bat for her. If I'm to do that, I need to know she's worth the effort."
Focus on back on Weiss he smiles." Ms. Schnee, you and our universal friend here shall work together in a sparring match with some of our best." He gestured towards the Ace Ops standing behind him, their gear gleaming in the half-light.
"If you win I promise you I'll get your father to agree to you joining Atlas."
James glanced around the room, his gaze coming to rest on the Ace ops. "Now let's keep things fair; I need two volunteers."
Harriet immediately stepped forward, her face a mix of excitement and determination. "Me sir!" she said, her voice ringing with confidence.
"Very good Harriet and who else-"
However before James could get the rest of his words out, Harriet stepped forward and cleared her throat. "Sir, may I be frank?"
Ironwood glanced up from the papers on his desk and crossed his arms. "Yes, of course."
Harriet gave him a smug smile. "I am more than capable of handling these two myself, sir," she said with conviction.
Ironwood raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Your confidence is admirable."
"It's not confidence, Sir," Harriet continued. "I just know I'm more than capable of handling a spoiled drop-out and some guy in a metal suit."
Cortana and Weiss were both affronted by her statement and shouted in unison, "What!?"
Ironwood slowly raised his hand and the motley group gradually quieted. He spoke with an air of finality, "Alright then it's settled tomorrow Harriet will spar against Chief and Weiss." Ironwood glanced at his office table in the room and sighed. "I still have matters that need attending due to the crash site. Clover," he said as he turned to face him, "Please escort Chief and Cortana to a guest room." He shifted his gaze to Winter. "And Winter please do the same with your sister Weiss."
Harriet's eyes glinted As her colleagues walked out of the room, her lips curling into a smirk. "Get some rest," she called out, her voice dripping with anticipation of the beatdown that would greet them come morning. "You'll need it."
James Ironwood sank back in his chair, exhausted. The destruction of Beacon and Vale's CCT tower was still fresh in his mind and the death of Ozpin seemed to hang heavily in the air. He had been feeling like Atlas was on the brink of destruction ever since, but as he watched the last of the Ace Ops depart his office, a strange sense of hope seemed to fill him—could it be that things were finally going to start looking up?