(Author's Note: Hello my readers, and welcome to a new one-shot of mine that came to me VERY recently.
Let me start by giving you guys my full opinion on Ironwood himself, as that will help you understand my mindset as I wrote this one-shot: from his introduction up to just before Volume 7, I didn't have a particularly strong opinion about the man one way or another. He wasn't one of my favorites but I also didn't hate him either. Funnily enough, I was actually one of the fans at the time who suspected that Ironwood (and Atlas as a whole) could become an antagonist later on down the line.
Once Volume 7 commenced, however? He became one of my favorite characters in the entire FRANCHISE (easily top ten, if not top five)! And, I'll admit…a large portion of it was due to sympathy.
This wasn't the Ironwood of Volumes 2 & 3, who was in his "prime" from a personal and professional standpoint. This wasn't even the Ironwood of Volume 4, who seemed to hint at his declining mental state. This was an EXHAUSTED man who was truly trying to do his best by everyone while having to deal with constant shit from nearly EVERY possible angle (even from people who were supposed to be his allies). He was the leader of the most powerful military force on Remnant, which stood the best chance of beating Salem's forces in an all-out war (the stress and what he had to carry made it certainly fitting that he leads a nation titled "Atlas"). He was just…trying so hard to do what was right while dealing with problem after problem. I think it's almost impossible to not at least sympathize with the man (even if you don't like him).
And yes…I THOROUGHLY disagree with how he was treated in the show (if that wasn't already obvious). The weird part for me is that the show consistently gave him shit for his actions…even though they also gave him PERFECTLY justifiable reasons for said actions:/
The Dust Embargo? He knew that Salem would be coming for Atlas and he wanted his army to be at its strongest when that happens.
Closing Atlas' borders? He was trying to make it as difficult as possible for agents of Salem to enter the kingdom.
Focusing on Amity Arena instead of fixing Mantle's wall (even though you'll never convince me that he didn't have defenses near that opening)? He was trying to unite the entire planet against a common enemy that would destroy them all.
Not telling Mantle's people about Tyrian? He had no idea where he was, what he wanted, or where he would strike next, so telling his existence would only cause panic and chaos (drawing the Grimm and making the whole situation even worse).
And now…the big one: Ironwood's decision to raise Atlas into the heavens, abandoning Mantle in the process. Let me address this first: Ironwood did NOT choose to abandon Mantle out of any sense of "malice" or "disinterest" for its fate. His army had been exhausted holding off a recent Grimm attack, and he just found out that an even LARGER force was on its way…being led by Salem herself (the most powerful being on Remnant who's immortal to boot. Basically a goddess:/). He likely knows that he can't win head-to-head, and he understands that he needs to keep the Lamp and the Staff out of Salem's grasp (who was already on her way and could arrive at any moment). Combined with the fact that he found out probably an hour ago that a large portion of the people who he truly trusted have been abusing his trust and even BETRAYED his trust (in the case of Blake and Yang)? When you really consider EVERYTHING, it makes sense that Ironwood would feel like his only viable option was to use the Staff to keep the kingdom out of Salem's grasp. Mantle being left to fend for itself was an unfortunate side-effect of what needed to be done. Given how empathic Ironwood was shown to be in Volume 7 alone, there's nothing anyone can say that will convince me that he would abandon an entire city of innocents to die unless he truly believed that he had no other (viable) alternative.
Let's compare this to the finale of "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (and forgive me if I get a detail or two wrong, I haven't seen the movie in a while but I should still be able to get my point across): the Avengers are on Sokovia trying to stop Ultron from using Vibranium to raise the country into the air and turning it into a giant meteor (which would cause global extinction). Iron Man and Black Widow believe that they'll have to destroy Sokovia while people are still on it to prevent it from reaching Earth since they can't risk the billions of lives down there for the couple hundred or thousand left up there. But here's the thing…neither hero is "vilified" for thinking this way. They TRULY don't know if they can save the day in time, so they're considering that the heroes may have to take the difficult option to save the planet. You can have your good guys consider, or even do, something like this without demonizing them. It's like CRWBY never heard of the phrase "grey morality":/
Here's my problem with Ironwood leaving Mantle behind and the whole "Civil War" storyline they did in Volume 8: if you writing a storyline where your heroes are turned against each other due to ideological differences, you can't. Take. SIDES! Everyone involved is still a HERO, and they shouldn't be fighting about something that has an easy answer.
For my superhero fans, let's use another Marvel movie as an example: "Captain America: Civil War" (same apology in advance).
After the death and destruction caused by superhero battles, the countries of the world agree to create the "Sokovia Accords"…which would put the Avengers firmly under the control of the United Nations, which would determine whether or not they're necessary in any given situation. Now…I'm not here to argue about whether the Sokovia Accords are "practical" or not, I just need to make a point.
Captain America and Iron Man (the main "voices" of the debate) each make good points, but neither is demonized or pushed to the side for their opinions.
Tony is correct that the Avengers are too powerful to not be held accountable and that they have to hold themselves to the very laws they claim to protect (or else they're no better than the very criminals and villains that they fight). But Steve is also correct that the Accords have too much of a risk of going wrong, whether it be the Avengers being sent somewhere they don't need to go or kept from somewhere where they need to go. What makes this better is that both men are also more than a little biased based on past situations (Tony still feels guilty for creating Ultron and the destruction that the robot caused, while Steve has a lingering distrust of the government due to HYDRA having infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D). Even though the men come into conflict with one another, there was no point during the movie where it felt like either side was being "demonized" as "obviously being in the wrong". You genuinely could take either side during the conflict. It was all based on your personal beliefs.
That's my problem with Volume 8: the writers didn't want to let the viewers decide for themselves who they thought was right in the events they watched. They just told us "Team RWBY is right and Ironwood is wrong BECAUSE REASONS!", even if that wasn't the case:/
Now, I know that was a LOT…but I needed you guys to under my stance on Ironwood to understand this story. I'm positive that someone will still give me shit for it, but at least I made my opinions known. I'll deal with people giving me shit for my opinions as long as it's my ACTUAL opinion.
Anyway, hope you guys enjoy:)
It was over. It…was all over.
His army was decimated. The Relics were gone. Team RWBY and their allies had aligned with Salem (1)! Even Winter, his most-trusted soldier and someone whom he had cared for like she was his own child, had betrayed him.
He…He had failed. James knew this. Perhaps that's why he didn't bother trying to shoot Salem or Cinder when they were leaving. He always said that he would prefer to die on his feet, fighting with all his might to protect the people of Remnant. But, when the moment actually came, he couldn't be bothered.
What would be the point, when he had failed so completely?
"Are you going to stand up, or do you intend to just kneel there for the rest of eternity?" James opened his eyes at the sudden voice, only NOW realizing his surroundings. It wasn't the dark, metallic colors of the Staff's vault…but white. A pure white void that seemed to stretch on for eternity. "Over here, James." The (former) General of Atlas turned to the sound of the strange voice…and saw perhaps the strangest being that he had ever laid eyes on.
It was a humanoid wolf, not unlike the "Werewolves" that James used to read about he was a kid (even before he met Ozpin, he was always interested in the myths and legends of Remnant). His fur was grey (a mix of dark and light), and he wore a black cloak with brown pants, as well as bladed weapons visible on his sides.
The part that REALLY caught James' attention? The creature's eyes. Those pure, red eyes. A part of him thought that this being could be some form of Grimm or a new "agent" of Salem because of those eyes…but he quickly thought otherwise. Those eyes weren't the savage orbs of ordinary Grimm or even the intelligent and arrogant gaze of Salem herself.
Those eyes felt…ancient. Primordial.
"W-Who are you?" James stood up, reaching for a gun only to realize that there was nothing there.
The wolf before him chuckled, "Your tools didn't follow you here, James. And, even if they did, it's not like they would help you much anyway."
The general held up his hands in a fighting stance, glaring at the creature who stood before him, "Who. Are. You?"
"Death," the wolf spoke simply with a smirk, before he quickly held up a hand as he started walking forward, "And, before you comment, no…I don't mean that metaphorically, or rhetorically, or poetically, or theoretically, or in any other fancy way your mind can come up with to excuse what's happening." The wolf stopped in front of the human, leaning closer to his face, "I'm. Death. Straight. UP.
James was mature enough to admit that he took a step back in fear, sweat beginning to break out. How else is a man supposed to react when coming face-to-face with the actual Grim Reaper?
"I-," James spoke after a few moments of silence, "-wasn't aware of your existence." Despite the confusion and frustration he had been feeling for weeks now, James was doing his best to be to remain calm. If he truly WAS speaking to Death himself, getting too emotional wasn't going to do him any good.
Death smirked (baring his fangs to the general), slowly walking around the human, "You don't seem quite as…surprised as many would be."
"You aren't the first "legend" that I've discovered to be true. Though, I suppose that "death" isn't exactly a legend." Death chuckled, close enough to send goosebumps down Ironwood's…skin?
The general's eyes widened considerably as he raced to pull up his sleeves. Instead of dull grey and pitch-black metal, James was met with a sight he hadn't seen in more than a decade: two organic arms. He then pulled apart his shirt and was "graced" by the sight of a (fully) human chest.
Something that he hadn't seen on him in a long time.
"Artificial parts don't follow you into the afterlife," Death answered the unasked question, putting some distance between him and the human.
James' eyes widened further as reality came crashing down around him. The afterlife.
"Then it's true," the general spoke in a low tone, slowly lowering his arms to his sides. "I'm-."
"-dead?" Death finished, looking at the human with a raised eyebrow, "Si. Completely obliterated when the kingdom went "BOOM" (2)." James' eyes shut as it all washed over him. Death simply stared on impassively as the human collapsed to his knees, clutching his head in his hands.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" James slammed his fists into the "ground". He began slamming his fists down over and over and over again, his yells of frustration growing louder with each passing moment.
After what felt like an eternity (but, really, couldn't have been more than about a minute), however…he finally stopped.
"Are you quite finished, James?" Death asked, moving to step in front of the kneeling man.
"It would seem I am," the general replied through his sore throat. "So…Atlas? Mantle? My soldiers? The citizens?"
"The entire kingdom was wiped off of the face of Remnant. Those who were left behind went with it and you." Wait a minute…
"What do you mean "left behind"?"
"Those girls, Team RWBY, used the staff of the Brother of Light to create numerous gateways to transport a portion of the population to the kingdom of Vacuo. Those who weren't gathered were left behind and perished along with their kingdom (3)," Death replied, scratching the side of his face.
Using the Staff of Creation to create gateways to transport the population of the kingdom to another continent, far away from Salem's (current) reach? Even after everything those girls had done to him, James had to admit that plan was pretty impressive. He actually couldn't help but beat himself up over the fact that he hadn't considered that before.
Though he CERTAINLY wouldn't have sent the people to Vacuo. How they thought that was a good idea was beyond him (4).
"So," the general, after a few moments of silence, spoke in a monotone voice, "What happens now? Is this the part where you drag me off to Hell?"
"Do you believe that you deserve Hell, general?"
"What I believe doesn't matter."
"Humor me. Do you believe yours is a soul deserving of eternal damnation? What kind of life have you lived, James Ironwood ?" That's the kind of question that every person has wondered on at least one occasion.
What kind of life have I lived?
If the life of James Ironwood had to be described in one word, it would be "determination". James has always had a strong sense of justice ever since he was a kid and he was determined to be a Huntsman for as long as he could remember. To ensure that he would be able to bring justice to and protect the people of the world. No matter what challenges life threw his way, he refused to let himself be deterred or convinced to find a "safer" line of work (which had been the fate of many who tried, and failed, to become a Hunter). He had always been resolute in protecting the innocents of Remnant.
Hell, he lost both arms and half of his torso in doing just that.
But…James had even self-awareness to know that he was far from a "perfect man". That determination of his was very easy to turn into stubbornness. When he believes that he has the right (or at least best) solution to move forward, it's almost like he's blind to even considering other alternatives (5). Perhaps that's why the situation in his kingdom had gotten so bad. As much as he would love to blame everything on the ones who betrayed him, things had fallen LONG before they showed up. Maybe if he had been more flexible…more careful…more willing to consider every possibility, no matter how foolish or unlikely it seemed…maybe if he were just-
"I've made my fair share of mistakes-," James spoke up, "-as everyone has. I've tried to live my life in service to the people…for better or worse."
"Do you believe yourself deserving of punishment?" Death asked, in a tone that seemed…like a contradiction. Emotionless, yet having some semblance of curiosity hidden within.
"I don't know how the afterlife is structured. How much a person's actions and intentions are considered for their eternal fates. I've made more than my share of mistakes, as everyone has. I can't say that I wouldn't change things if I had a chance to go back, especially with the benefit of hindsight. But…I've lived my life trying to do what I believed was right. If nothing else, regardless of my fate, I can't regret that."
"Hmph…is that so?" Death spoke, stepping in front of the general, "Well then-," SNAP! At the entity's snap, a door comprised of dark purple energy suddenly materialized out of nowhere. When James looked on, a solid blue line appeared vertically along the door's middle, "-it's fortunate that there won't be any hellfire where you're going." The door opened, shining a blue light so bright that James had to cover his eyes.
"W-What do you mean?" Death held out a hand and, after a moment of hesitation, James allowed himself to be pulled up.
"Your life is known quite well, James," Death began walking to the door, "It's kind of the whole point of the afterlife. You are correct, though…yours IS a life of mistakes. I've existed long enough to know that mistakes are as inevitable as the passage of time, or…well, me. Even those such as myself aren't immune to them, believe it or not," Death chuckled, "And, if there's one thing that I've learned from my eons…it's that one who can acknowledge their mistakes are those who are truly deserving of respect. Even from those such as myself."
Memories of the general's mistakes suddenly flashed through his mind. Closing off from the world, his handling of Mantle, Sleet, Marrow, the bomb (6)…
"Many would disagree with that statement."
"Then it's a good thing that those "many" aren't the ones who decide your ultimate fate." Death stopped at the front of the door, turning towards the general with a serious expression on his face, "Despite your mistakes, you've always tried to do right by Remnant and her people. You dedicated most of your life to the protection of the innocent, forgoing a family or personal happiness of your own." Family. That's something James hasn't truly had in a long time. He was the only child of two only children, both of whom had died in an accident during his academy days. He became so focused on his duty to protect the people that he never really considered starting a family of his own.
Well, that's not true, now is it? A small voice spoke in the back of his head as images of blonde hair and green eyes flashed through his mind.
"I simply did my job, as anyone else would," James quickly brushed aside the words.
Death, however, simply chuckled, "Right…and you simply dedicated your life to a cause of protection and service." Death stepped to the side of the "door", "You've been fighting your entire life so that others wouldn't have to…it's time to rest, soldier." Rest. Even hearing the word made his body feel better.
James stood in front of the "door", fully willing to admit that the light that shone through was…phenomenal. He began slowly walking forward as if being pulled by an outside force.
But then…he stopped.
"If this is my last moments before entering into eternity, could you answer me one question? Please." Death seemed a bit surprised by the words but nodded his head, "Is it possible for Salem to be defeated? Do Remnant's people stand a chance?"
The entity stared the general in the eye for a few moments before letting out a sigh, running his hand through his fur. Even though his job is simply to guide souls to the afterlife and that's it, even he could tell that the general wouldn't be able to rest in peace without SOMETHING to hold onto.
"All I can tell you-," Death began, "-is that the Grimm Queen's defeat is not an impossibility. There are still players in the game who can bring about her end." Even those girls, Team RWBY, aren't useless in the war…for now, at least. It had been EONS since the first (and last) time he had broken the rule of his existence to serve as a guide of souls to travel to the living realm to take a life himself. The four "Huntresses" still have the potential to turn themselves around like the legendary hero Puss 'n Boots (7).
He hopes that they do...for their sake.
"I see," James' posture relaxed almost immediately after Death's words. The concern would always remain, but the idea that there was still a chance of victory against Salem did well to put his mind at ease. "Thank you." Death gave the man a nod before motioning towards the "door". James looked towards his "destination", taking in a deep breath to try and calm the nerves that were creeping up again (the same nerves that he always had when faced with the "unknown"). The general, however, didn't let those nerves keep him back as he crossed that threshold.
For the first time in DECADES…James Ironwood felt at peace.
(Author's Note: Annnnnnnnd scene!
(1): This is something that I've never seen discussed by anyone. Ironwood couldn't have known of Emerald joining the others (which was horribly handled, but that's not the focus of today's story). When he saw Emerald with JN(P)R, he HAD to have thought that they had joined Salem's faction.
(2): I know that Atlas didn't ACTUALLY explode, but that was the only way I could think of to make Ironwood's death feel "real" to me.
I'm gonna be honest: I don't buy that Ironwood is dead in canon. I know what RoosterTeeth claims, but my point stands. Atlas colliding with Mantle was (surprisingly) pretty gentle overall, so I doubt that killed him. And even if/when the water got to the Vault, it goes SO deep that it feels like it'd take FOREVER to fill up. I suppose that he would have likely either drowned or shot himself eventually, but I'm just saying: if you're going to definitively kill off a character in your story (leaving no room open for doubt), you CAN'T leave it that ambiguous to their death. I shouldn't have to think that much about how they'd be dead:/
(3): Sorry not sorry, but you will NOT convince me that those kids actually gathered Atlas' entire population in those gateways. We're talking about a population anywhere from the hundreds of thousands to the MILLIONS. Especially in Vacuo? I give you two hundred survivors TOPS.
(4): Realistically, there's no doubt in my mind that they ONLY sent everyone to Vacuo because we haven't been there yet in the show. Transporting countless refugees used to the cold to a desert land? In a kingdom that doesn't have a true government and runs on a "survival of the fittest" mentality? Even ignoring the fact that they were literally dropped in the middle of a desert (with no supplies and barely anyone left to protect them), that was pretty stupid from an in-universe perspective:/
(5): No, that's not me talking about his semblance of "Mettle"…which is not a FUCKING Semblance in the first place!
(6): I imagine that the very fact that he is DEAD would cause Ironwood to examine his actions without any possible excuse or covering.
(7): I love the idea that Death actually gained IMMENSE respect for Puss after the movie (especially after when the cat's final death would occur).
-So…yeah. That just happened:/
I know that Ironwood is SUPPOSED to be dead (even though I like to believe that he isn't), so this idea just came to me one day after thinking about the 2nd Puss 'n Boots movie.
One of the biggest mistakes that I believe a fanfiction writer can make is speaking through a character. Basically, just using that character as a "mouthpiece" to lecture the readers on their own beliefs (even if it makes NO sense for the character to have those kinds of thoughts). I try not to do that, so I had to really research and think about Death from the "Shrek" franchise.
How would someone like him interact with someone like James Ironwood?
Here's how my thought process goes: Death in the "Shrek" franchise is a character that (somewhat ironically) deeply respects and appreciates life itself. Puss 'n Boots was born blessed. Cats in that universe literally have nine lives, basically eight "Get Out of Death" free cards from most events (I haven't seen this stated but I believe that they would still die from old age even if they have multiple lives left, since Puss aged to an adult before he lost his first life). When Puss shows a complete and utter lack of care for life and death, he's not only disrespecting Death himself but actively insulting the thing that Death respects the most!
With all of that in mind, I TRULY don't believe that Death would have any particularly strong dislike of Ironwood. He IS someone who values and appreciates not only his life but the lives of others. And before ANY of you go off screaming "hE aBANdoneD tHe peoPLE!", I've already explained that the truth is far more complex than that. And if I can understand that (not to mention dozens, if not hundreds, of others online), then I'm PRETTY sure that the literal Grim Reaper can as well:/
Sorry if Death was a little OOC. There's not much personality/behavior to go on when he's not actively trying to kill someone:/
Anyway, yeah…there we go. This idea came to me, and I wanted to write it. I'm POSITIVE that I'll get someone who wants to give me shit for this, but I'll deal with it just as long as you actually read my thoughts above. I don't mind you sharing your opinion of this story…all I ask is that you do so in a respectful manner. Criticism that's not respectful and intended to help the writer improve is just complaining and, frankly, I don't have the time nor patience to deal with that. Asking that you guys be respectful to me and each other shouldn't be that big of a deal to ask, don't you think?
Like I said, constructive criticism ONLY…no flames, please.
Review, Favorite, Follow, and I'll see you guys in the next story:)