Chapter 17: Atlas

Location: Beacon Academy, Vale Year: Unknown

The students from Atlas arrived, but not what I was expecting. From what it looks like, Atlas brought an army to Vale, which gave me a little discomfort.

'Damn... is Atlas expecting war or something?' I thought to myself.

Then Ruby came out of nowhere and asked me, "Hey, Edward!"

I jumped a little and responded, "Oh, hey, Ruby. Uhm... next time, don't sneak up behind me like that. I'm a little on edge right at this moment."

Ruby raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why?"

"It's just that I feel very uncomfortable, seeing Atlas bringing an army, like they're expecting a war soon." I replied back.

She then glanced at the Atlas ships and such, then replied, "Yeah... I can see why. Don't worry, though. I heard General Ironwood is a close friend to Ozpin."

"That's not what I'm worried about."

Ruby then glanced at me, and I continued, "I'm more worried about what they're expecting to happen, like a terrorist attack or something."

Ruby stood there in silence as I turned to her, "Remember this, Ruby. Don't always trust what the government or any political leaders say, 'cause not everything they say is true. Trust me, I know. Most factions like the NCR and others always lie to people, the innocent, and hide the truth, if they can, whether it's to protect them or not."

Ruby only responded by nodding and we continued to watch the ships.

XXXXXX

'3rd POV; in Ozpin's Office...'

Ozpin and Glynda watched out the window as they witness Atlas bringing their army to Beacon.

"Ironwood certainly loves bringing his work wherever he travels." Glynda quoted, with a slight annoyance.

"Well... running an academy and a military makes him a busy man, but yes, those are a bit of an eyesore." Ozpin replied.

Then Glynda turned to Ozpin and asks, "Ozpin, does Ironwood know about Edward? Does he know that he's from an alternate world and the like?"

Ozpin nodded and answered, "Yes, he's fully aware on the subject. Of course, he suggested that he might be working for the White Fang, but I assured him that Edward's not quite fond of them in some way. Plus, when he meets Edward himself, then he'll definitely have second thoughts."

Glynda raised an eyebrow and asks, "Are you sure it will?"

Ozpin chuckled and replied, "Of course, with that Pipboy on his wrist and the outfit, or outfits, that he wears, there's no doubt he will."

Glynda nodded and replied back, "Right... of course, Ozpin."

Then a message came up on Ozpin's desk that notified him that Ironwood is waiting.

"Come in." Ozpin said.

Then the elevator opens up and Ironwood came out, "Ozpin."

"Hello general." Ozpin replied.

"Please, drop the formalities." Ironwood said. Then he and Ozpin walked up to each other, shook hands, and Ironwood replies, "It's been too long!"

Then he turned to Glynda, "And Glynda! It has certainly been too long since we last met."

"Oh James..." then she turns to Ozpin, "I'll be outside."

Then Glynda walks out and Ironwood comments, "Well, she hasn't change a bit."

Then Ozpin began, "So... what in the world has brought you all the way down from Atlas? Headmasters don't typically travel with their students for the Vytal Festival."

"Well, you know how much I love Vale this time of year. Besides you hosting, I would like to keep an eye on this 'Edward' character. Also, it's a good opportunity for us to catch up." Ironwood answered.

Ozpin sighed and said, "How many times do I have to say this? Edward is not a spy for the White Fang. So far, he's been a great help, especially to teams RWBY and JNPR. He makes quite a mentor."

"I'll believe it when I see it." Ironwood says.

"Oh? Then this recording of his initiation day would say otherwise."Ozpin said as he brings up the recording of Edward, after landing.

Ironwood watched as he saw a figure, which he figured is Edward, falling from the sky, cursing. Then in a flash, something starts to form around him and Edward crash-landed, creating a small crater. Then, when Edward came out, it surprised Ironwood. He saw Edward, who was wearing his duster and strange helmet, was now wearing an armored, winterized mech suit. He was holding a weapon of sorts and he looks up to the sky, as Edward heard a girl screaming, which Ironwood heard as well, "Birdy, nooo!"

Then Ironwood saw that Edward turned towards a pack of Beowolves. Then something shocked Ironwood even more, is that Edward somehow switched from his current weapon to a hand-held pistol of such and a bowie knife. That's when Ironwood was stunned at this point; Edward was eliminating the Beowolves, without any effort. Also at the fact that he is in a possession of an energy-based weapon. Then an Alpha Beowolf showed up and more Beowolves attacked. But before they can do so, Edward switched to another energy weapon and a Molotov and swiftly eliminated all of the Beowolves. Then the Alpha charged and Edward switched to a non-energy-based pistol and shot a decent-size hole into the Alpha's chest.

Then Edward ran up to the Alpha and shoved the Molotov, which is light up, and shoves the Alpha away. Then he aimed his pistol, and Ironwood heard Edward quote, "Burn in Hell."

Then he shot the Molotov, bursting the Alpha into flames and Edward began to walk away as he pulls out an energy axe, quoting, "Again, not impressed."

As the footage ended, Ironwood looks up at Ozpin with a shock expression, and asks, "Tha-that's Edward?"

Ozpin nodded and answered, "Yes, indeed, it is him. He has also blew up a Death Stalker with an over-powered weapon in one shot. But since in his world has large, mutated scorpions that always come out of nowhere and attack him, he's not very fond of any scorpion-related creatures. So, the Death Stalker was one of those on his list."

Ironwood nodded and asks, "He's quite the Veteran, for a 15-year-old."

Ozpin sighed and said, "Oh, I forgot to mention this, but the theory of the possibility of someone de-aging while being transported has been proven true."

Ironwood raised an eyebrow and asks, "Really?"

"Yes, and the source is him, Edward. He was accidently teleported here, but also de-aged. He may look 15, but, in reality, he's 23." Ozpin replied.

This shock Ironwood even more, but nodded at Ozpin and replied, "That makes sense. He's way too young to be a Veteran, and I guess we now know that the theory is proven."

Then a moment of silence came, and Ironwood asks, "Do you know his reputation, Ozpin?"

Ozpin nodded and answered, "Yes. Even though, he still considers himself a vigilante, his reputation has earned him the alias, 'Messiah'."

Ironwood was surprised at this and commented, "I see... well, it's good to know that he's not the enemy. I shouldn't have never doubted your judgement, Ozpin."

XXXXXX

'Back to Edward's POV, in the library...'

I was researching on Remnant's history while Blake, Weiss, Yang, and Ruby played a board game.

'Huh, the humans and Faunus were actually made from Dust, and that Dust was the key to their survival against the Grimm. Now THAT is interesting...' I though to myself. But then I came to a section about legends and stories. None of them were any interest to me, except one particular legend, which is about the Four Maidans. How one of each represents each season, though I didn't get to read more about it, because my attention was now focused on Ruby...

"Yang Xiao Long, prepare your kingdom for battle!"

"Dafuq?" I muttered to myself.

Then Yang shouted, "Bring it on!"

I made a face palm and muttered, "Oh lord..."

The Ruby said, "I deploy the Atlesian Air Fleet!"

Yang gasped as Ruby continues, "Looks like I get to fly right over your Ursai and attack your walls directly!" as she then made air plane noises and explosion sounds.

Again, Yang gasped and replied, "You fiend!"

And Ruby continued, "And since Atlas is part of Mantle, my repair time only lasts one turn."

Then Yang chuckled and said, "Pretty sneaky sis, but you've just activated my trap card! Giant Nevermore! If I roll a seven or higher, Fatal Feathers will slice your fleet in two."

But then Ruby countered, "But, if you roll a six or lower, the Nvermore will turn on your own forces!"

"That's just a chance I'm willing to take." Yang replied.

I then looked towards team JNPR and they were more mellow. Ren looks like he's studying, Nora is asleep, Pyrrha is also studying, and Jaune was reading a comic book, but Pyrrha suggeted him to study.

After Ruby's complaining, Yang then says, "Well Weiss, it's your turn!"

Then Weiss replied, "I... have absolutely no idea what's going on."

I muttered, "Your not the only one, Weiss..."

Yang says to Weiss, "Look, it's easy! Your playing as Vacuo, which means all Vacuo-based cards comes with a bonus!"

"That sounds dumb." Weiss commented.

Then Yang pointed out, "See... you've got Sandstorm, Dessert Scavenge-Oh! Oh! Resourceful Raider! See, now you can take Ruby's discarded air fleet-"

Ruby interrupts, "Nooooo..."

"-and put it in your hand!"

"Okay?" Weiss replies.

"And since Vacuo warriors have an endurance boost against natural hazards, you can use Sandstorm to disable my ground forces and simultaneously infiltrate my knigdom!" Yang said.

But then Yang added, "Just know, that I will not forget this declaration of war."

"And that means?" Weiss asks innocently.

Ruby answers, still weeping, "You're just three moves away from conquering Remnant!"

Then Weiss realizes this and stood up and made an evil laugh, while also ranting, until...

"Trap card." Yang said.

"Huh?" Weiss asked in confusion.

"Your armies have been destroyed." Yang said.

Then Weiss sat down, began to weep, and said, "I hate this game of emotions we play!"

Then Ruby hugged Weiss and said, "Stay strong, Weiss. We'll make it through this together."

"Shut up! Don't touch me!" Weiss commented.

Then Yang turned to Blake and said, "Alright Blake, you're up!"

"Huh? Oh! Umm... sorry, what am I doing?" Blake asks tiringly.

"You're playing as Vale, trying to conquer the kingdoms of Remnant!" Yang answered.

"Right..." Blake replies.

Then Jaune comes over and asks, "Hey! Can I play?"

Ruby answers, "Sorry, Jaune, we've already got four people."

Then Weiss added, "Besides, this game requires a certain level of tactical cunning that I seriously doubt you possess."

Then Yang added, "Uhh... you attacked your own naval fleet, two turns ago."

I said to them, "To let you guys know, Jaune, here, is actually a great stragetist. Afterall, Pyrrha and I train him after class and we found out the he makes up his lack of skills in combat with his intellegence. Seriously, he does. That's how he became a team leader in the first place."

They all look at me and Weiss commented, "Oh."

Then we saw Sun and Neptune coming towards us and Sun said, while holding up a peace sign, "'Sup, losers?"

Ruby greeted, "Hey Sun!"

I then greeted while giving a two-finger salute, "Hey Sun! Hey Neptune!"

Sun acknowledges, "Ruby, Yang, Blake, Edward, and Ice Queen."

Then Weiss complained, "Why does everyone keep calling me that?!"

The Sun said, "I never got a chance to formally introduce you to my old friend."

Neptune asks, "Uh... aren't libraries for reading?"

Then we overheard Ren, "Thank you!"

Then Nora woke up and shouted, "Pancakes!"

Sun said to Neptune, "Shut up. Don't be a nerd."

"Upupupup! Intellectual. Okay. Thank you." Neptune corrected.

I commented, "Thank you!"

Then Neptune turned to us, "I'm Neptune."

Then Weiss asks, "So, Neptune, where are you from?"

"Haven." Neptune said, then walks towards Weiss.

I then thought, 'Please, don't tell me that Neptune is going to start hitting on her...'

"... And I don't believe I've caught your name, snow angel." Neptune finished.

I sighed and thought, 'And there he goes-wait, snow angel? That's a new one...'

"Um... I'm Weiss.

"Pleasure to meet you." Neptune complemented.

Then Sun said to Blake, "I never took you as the board-game-playing type!"

Blake replied said, "Right... well, I think I'm done playing, actually. I'll see you guys later."

After a few seconds, Nora simply said, "Women..."

I then became worried about Blake's behavior and decided to check on her later.

XXXXXX

'Moments after...'

I came to check on Blake in RWBY's dorm to see how she's feeling. I knocked...

"Yeah, who is it?"

"It's me, Edward. I just want to talk, if it's okay with you."

After a brief moment of silence, Blake replied, "Sure, come in."

I opened the door and saw Blake on her bed, hugging her legs, and almost deep in thought.

I sat on her bed and Blake asks, "What is that you want to talk about?"

I sighed, took a deep breath, and asked, "Blake, is there something wrong? You seem more... unaware, uhm... lost in thought; depressed. And I want to know what's up."

After a brief moment of silence, she sighed and answered, "It's-it's about back at the shipping yard, Edward."

"Really?" I responded.

She nodded and said, "Yes."

"Does it have to do with Roman Torchwick?" I asked.

"Yes." she answered, but with anger within her tone.

I nodded and replied, "I see... and you want to see him behind bars, do you?"

Blake nodded and replied, "Positive. That scum deserves it."

After a brief moment of silence, I then said, "Usually, back at the Wasteland, there were no true justice, no jail, no nothing. But, there is still some justice, but only solved by shooting the criminals in the head. But... I agree with you, Blake. He deserves to rot in a jail cell. Afterward, we'll figure out what to do with the White Fang."

She looks up at me, and I continued, "BUT, you must not let it get to you. Don't become to obsess with it. We will bring Torchwick to justice, but you must need sleep, because I can tell you haven't slept, hang out and have fun. Otherwise, you'll be too weak to take him on, alright?"

Blake nodded and smiled a little, then Yang, Weiss, and Ruby came in...

"Ugh! We should have never let him play!" Yang complained.

Then Ruby teased, "You're just mad 'cause the new guy beat you. See, if you had just attacked when I told you, none of this would have happened.

Then they saw me and Blake, and Yang asks, "Uh... did we intrude on anything?"

Before Blake could answer, I replied, "I came here to check on Blake, since she seemed to be depressed; lost in thought. We just finished talking."

All three of them replied, "Oh."

Then Ruby asks, "So... about what?"

I turned to Blake, who nodded, and I turned back and replied, "It's about Torchwich and the White Fang-"

Then Blake said, "I-I just can't focus! I have this feeling that they are up to something big, and not in the good way."

They all nodded and Ruby began, "Okay! All in favor or being the youngest huntresses and Huntsman to single-handedly bring down a corrupt organization conspiring against the kingdom of Vale... say 'Aye'!"

"Yes! I love it when you're feisty!" Yang shouted.

"Well, I suppose it could be fun." Weiss said.

Blake and I stood up, and I replied, "Let's give them Hell!"

Blake only nodded as her response and Ruby muttered, "None of you said 'Aye'..."

"It's close enough, Ruby! Just think of it as our way of saying 'Aye'." I replied.

Then Blake said, "Alright then... we're in this together."

The Ruby said, "Let's hatch a plan!"

Yang commented, "Yeah!"

Then Ruby gasped and said, "I left my board game in the library!"

Weiss face-palmed and shook her head, and said, "We're doomed."

Then Ruby rushed out of their dorm and into the hallway and shouted, "I'll be right back!"

But then, I heard Ruby running into someone and came to investigate. I then saw three students that I've never seen before: a girl with a dark tan skin, mint green hair, and red eyes, a guy with grey hair and grey eyes(?), and the last one... seems familiar. The last one had long, back hair and fiery orange eyes that seems to glow. I tried to think on where I seen her before, but nothing came to mind.

I then overheard Ruby, "Sorry... Are... you okay?"

Then the mint hair girl replied, "I'm fine. Just watch where you're going." as she offered a hand.

"Oh... right... sorry... Um... I'm Ruby! Are you... new?" Ruby asked hesitantly.

Then the fiery eyed girl answers, "Visiting from Haven, actually."

None of them haven't noticed me yet, so I took the opportunity to use one of my Stealthboys and cloaked myself. 'I can't let them see me... yet.'

Then I heard Ruby said, "Ooooooh! You're here for the festival! Oh, but exchange students have their own dormitory."

Then the guy with grey hair responds, "I guess we just got turned around."

Ruby replies back, "Don't worry, happens all the time! Uh, your building is just east of here!"

Then the fiery eye girl replies back, "Thanks. Maybe we'll see you around."

"Yeah, maybe! Oh! And welcome to Beacon!" Ruby said before she continued to run towards the library.

As they walked past me, none of them knew I was there. When they left out of sight, I quietly entered my dorm and I thought to myself, 'I felt something unholy about them three, especially the fiery-eyed girl. One thing is for sure though, is that they're going to cause trouble.'

To be Continued...