Chapter 46 Prioritizing
Character Starkiller
It had been a month since the Didact was killed and the wreckage of the Encoder was pulled out of Remnant's orbit. Barry and Ellisa were in negotiations with the White Fang about a new leader since Gerald and his crew were locked away. The Serenity returned with an abundance of stories about their adventures, and a news article ran about Junior's club freeze exploding at two in the morning shortly after that. But all of that couldn't shake this feeling that something bad was looming on the horizon. Starkiller and Qui-gon had both been feeling it and had talked with Gandalf about it but even the wise wizard had no help to offer them. So now he paced back and forth in Ozpin's office waiting for K and the Headmaster to finish a conversation about the economics of producing food on the Ark and shipping it to parts of Remnant that would otherwise be uninhabitable due to supply issues.
K walked out of Ozpin's office and waved for Star to follow him. They walked a ways through the halls and stairs down to the main level of Beacon before K asked, "So what do you feel?"
"It is hard to pinpoint," Star replied, "Both Qui-gon and myself have tried to do so but the best we can get is that is is from our universe."
"But most of the Sith are here," K stated, "What else in you universe would threaten it so much?"
"Sith is an idea," Star said, "I'm guessing not all of them followed Cinder through her portal."
"Fair enough," K replied, "When did you last leave Juno to visit us?"
"13,573 third month tenth day," Star answered, "If we could go check on her I would appreciate that."
"Consider it done old friend," K replied, "Maybe we will be able to clarify this threat once we are there I'll get Ignitus and we can take a few of us along, who do you want to go with us?"
"Qui-gon of course," Star replied, "Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas, RAIM, Ezio, Leah, Beth and Lilith."
"Doug should probably take the Pestilence with us," K said, "That would make fifteen of us."
"It is a good ship," Star remarked, "Fine with me, I'll meet you on board when you are ready to leave."
"I'll leave you to gather the rest," K said, "I have to go check with Glynda about some logistics and talk with C so you should have time to gather them all."
"Right," Star said as he headed out from the spire that was the center of Beacon. He reached out with the Force to find Qui-gon. The elder Jedi was in the gardens near the construction of the new amphitheater. Star headed towards him since the gardens were close to the Spire, upon arrival Qui-gon settled back onto the ground and walked over to Star.
"I assume you got K to agree," Qui-gon asked.
"He did," Star replied, "We are to meet up on the Pestilence with Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, RAIM, Ezio, Leah, Beth and Lilith."
"My Middle Earth friends are at club RWBY I believe," Qui-gon said, "They were going to watch some competition between RWBY-JNPR and The Echoes."
"Might as well go see what the competition is about," Star replied as the two started moving towards the airfield. Almost an hour later they walked into the club. It was rather crowded compared to the times Starkiller had been in it before, but that was just good business he supposed.
It was readily apparent that the competition was a musical one, RWBY-JNPR was on one stage and The Echoes on the opposite one. Qui-gon spotted Gimli over by the bar with Junior and went to collect his friends while Star settled in to watch the show.
"Okay we've been swapping songs for the past couple of months," Soap was saying, "So here is the challenge we give you a song to preform and you give us one. Best band wins."
"Wins what," Jayne asked from Weiss' side.
"Prestige and the right to gloat until the next match," Reinhardt replied, "We challenge you to play Telegraph Road by the Dire Straights."
Star caught a grin spread across Weiss' face as Jayne out right laughed and Ruby fired up her electro-strings and went straight into the intro of the song. Over the years Star had picked up on the music that the Echoes now replayed for entertainment. While he never liked it as much as other diversions music could be enjoyable so he sat down to listen to the song. To his surprise Jayne actually sung most of the song with Sun, Jaune and Ren picking up background lines from time to time. Ruby kept the rifts going while Pyrrha was perfect on the keyboard and Nora's trumpet like instrument filled in the notes with its unique percussion – base sound. The rest of the team would throw in some ad-libed notes that seemed to be both seamless with the melody but also outstanding in their own right. By the end of the last note the whole club was roaring with cheers and applause.
"Right then our turn," Ren said, "Your song is Learning to Fly by Pink Floyd."
"What you're giving them one of their songs," Blake stated, "Well whatever."
Ghost started the rhythm up with Anjali and shortly Soap and Lucas started the Lyrics.
Into the distance, a ribbon of black
Stretched to the point of no turning back
A flight of fancy on a windswept field
Standing alone my senses reeled
A fatal attraction is holding me fast,
How can I escape this irresistible grasp?
Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted, just an earth-bound misfit, I
Ice is forming on the tips of my wings
Unheeded warnings, I thought, I thought of everything
No navigator to find my way home
Unladen, empty and turned to stone
A soul in tension - that's learning to fly
Condition grounded but determined to try
Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I
Above the planet on a wing and a prayer,
My grubby halo, a vapor trail in the empty air,
Across the clouds I see my shadow fly
Out of the corner of my watering eye
A dream unthreatened by the morning light
Could blow this soul right through the roof of the night
There's no sensation to compare with this
Suspended animation, a state of bliss
Can't keep my mind from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I
The club went wild again when the song finished, Star couldn't tell which band was better, but then again they hadn't played any songs he really liked. So when Price asked for a suggestion for a tie breaker Star took the opportunity.
"You got another thing coming by Judas Priest," Star yelled up at them.
"Hey Starkiller," Yang yelled back, "I didn't know you were a fan."
"I'm not yet lets see if you can change that," Star replied.
"I think this sounds like a challenge to the both of us don't you agree," Katarina remarked.
"Yeah," Ruby said, "Okay Star lets see if you like this, Sun, Soap hit it!" She punctuated her words with the intro rift to the song with Yang picking up the beat on the drums, Pyrrha on the keys, Reinhardt with his acoustic and Ghost with his electric guitar.
(Sun and Soap)
One life I'm gonna live it up
I'm takin' flight said I'll never get enough.
Stand tall I'm young and kinda proud
I'm on top as long as the music's loud.
(All)
If you think I'll sit around as the world goes by
You're thinkin' like a fool 'cause it's a case of do or die.
Out there is a fortune waitin' to be had
If you think I'll let it go you're mad
You've got another thing comin'.
(Jaune and Lucas)
That's right here's where the talkin' ends
Well listen this night there'll be some action spent.
Drive hard I'm callin' all the shots
I got an ace card comin' down on the rocks.
(All)
If you think I'll sit around while you chip away my brain
Listen I ain't foolin' and you'd better think again.
Out there is a fortune waitin' to be had
If you think I'll let it go you're mad
You've got another thing comin'.
(Price and Ren)
In this world we're livin' in we have our share of sorrow
Answer now is don't give in aim for a new tomorrow.
(Price, Ren, Sun, and Soap)
Oh so hot no time to take a rest yeah
Act tough ain't room for second best.
Real strong got me some security
Hey I'm a big smash I'm goin' for infinity yeah.
(All)
If you think I'll sit around while you chip away my brain
Listen I ain't foolin' and you'd better think again.
Out there is a fortune waitin' to be had
If you think I'll let it go you're mad
You've got another thing comin'.
Star literally couldn't hear anything for the next five minutes as the crowd screamed their approval, he even had to admit the two bands combined were much better than they were individually, or it could just have been he liked the song. Then again if they had messed it up he would have noticed it even more with a song he liked.
"Well I must admit," Star said once he could be heard above the crowd, "I'm a fan now, you two should sing as one more often."
"We should at that," Price remarked, "Looks like you need to go though, Qui-gon is waving you towards the exit."
"Yeah just try not to blow the club up while I'm gone," Star replied as he headed out to join up with Qui-gon, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf.
"Well that was quite something," Gandalf remarked, "But I understand there are still eight others for us to gather."
"There is," Star confirmed as he sent out a call to Cortana, "I'll bet Cortana could point us to four of them."
"Hey Star what do you need," Cortana answered a few moments later.
"Do you know where I can find Ezio, Leah, Beth and Lil, or RAIM," Star asked.
"See I knew you needed something," Cortana remarked, "No one ever calls just to see what is up or how the day has been... RAIM is out in Forever Fall clearing Grimm, and the other four are... huh it looks like they are in a meeting with Tyreal, Inarius, Lilith, and Auriel. I detect that Shepard is there as well."
"We'll go pick up RAIM first then let them finish their meeting, they all are from the same universe after all," Star said, "Thanks Cortana."
"Yeah, anytime," Cortana replied, "Seriously though maybe start off with a how are you doing every now and then."
"She sounded temperamental," Gimli commented.
"She usually is," Star stated, "Forever Fall... I think I know just who we can get to go pick up RAIM. Shelly."
The dwarf's countenance fell at the mention of the newest DC member. The semi-draconian creature know as Shelly was certainly not in Gimli's list of acceptable transports but she did know the forest better than any of the five currently gathered outside Club RWBY. Additionally she was easy to locate almost always being at the docks or near the water.
"Well what are we waiting for let's get this over with," Gimli stated with a huff as he marched off towards the docks. Star smiled at the stubborn dwarf's back as the rest followed their vertically challenged friend.
Character Tyreal
"I agree our universe could use some of our influence in its reconstruction," Inarius said. Inarius, Lilith, Tyreal, Auriel, Ezio, Leah, Beth, Lil, and Shepard were in one of the larger store rooms on the Infinity. What brought them together? Home.
"The Reapers are helping with the reconstruction," Lilith countered.
"With Shepard's worlds sure," Lil stated, "What about our world, what about Sanctuary?"
"Or my Earth," Ezio added, "David, Nikki, and I were warped to Sanctuary from there could there not have been dangers that warped backwards as well?"
"And what about the Vault Hunters," Shepard added, "One of them is the daughter of my best engineer, and they are missing a mother and wife. I at least need to be able to give them some information on her whereabouts."
"Well we might have different objectives but it would seem we all agree we need to return for a while to accomplish any of these goals," Tyreal said, "We should see about getting some help from K seeing as we want to be in so many different places at once, The Infinity would serve our purposes I believe."
"It is outfitted with a bay of frigate class vessels that are capable of hyper-drive jumps," Auriel said.
"So we could be working on several goals at once," Leah said, "Okay I like this idea but we would have a lot of ground to cover on just Sanctuary never mind the rest of the galaxy. We should see if other DC members want to go with us."
"True," Tyreal said, "The Primes, Tom, Blood-Raven, Xarle, Lyndon and Cain would go with us and the Vault Hunters. The Pillar II seems to have a good relation with the Infinity so we could probably get the Reds and Blues to go as well."
"I would like for K to go since he is in control of the Reapers," Shepard said.
"Understandable," Tyreal agreed, "I will get in touch with him and see what he has planned..." As Tyreal was speaking James walked in on their meeting muttering to himself. The Leviathan was seemingly unaware that they were even in the same room, so caught up he was in his thoughts. "Trouble James," Tyreal asked.
"Huh oh sorry, I was trying to remember someone," James replied, "I don't suppose you know of any dragons with feathers made of pure gold do you?"
"I once saw a chicken with feathers of pure gold," Beth said, "But that's cause sis threw a spell on it."
"Well it isn't helpful but it is slightly entertaining," James admitted with a chuckle. "Worried about your universe I take it? I see no other reason that would bring you all together like this."
"Right," Shepard said, "There are unanswered questions that lead us back home."
"Well that is life for you," James said, "Unanswered questions drive us all."
"Like your feathered friend," Lilith said, "Roland is one of your kind right maybe he could help."
"Indeed," James said, "Perhaps I shall seek him out but what of your universe. Is anything amiss?"
"We can't be sure," Inarius said, "Shepard is missing someone though and the Reapers are still of concern, as is our lost brother."
"Who," James asked.
"Maltheal," Tyreal said, "He was wisdom but he disappeared long ago when Sanctuary was discovered. We would like to try and seek him out as he may be the last angle beside us and Hadriel."
"And then there are the Vaults," Lil added, "From what Lilly says they contain immense power, I can think of several people I wouldn't want getting their hands on one of those."
"The potential for something to have been disturbed is high I will give you that," James said, "After I talk with Roland I'll ask him to come see you all."
"Appreciated," Tyreal said as their friend continued his walking and muttering.
"I worry about that one sometimes," Ezio said.
"Agreed," everyone added.
"Then again we worry about each other a lot," Leah continued.
"Shepard, seek out the Doctor or Ignitus," Tyreal said, "I could use their time shifting abilities to jump us back to just shortly after we left our universe."
"On it," Shepard said as he headed out of the room.
"I shall seek out K," Tyreal said, "He and Ozpin are probably planning something with Doug."
"We will talk with Del Rio then, see if he is open to flying us home," Auriel said.
"We'll be in town when you are ready," Ezio said, "The food planet side is much better than the food on the ship, no offense to the cook but it just isn't as fresh."
This caused Tyreal to chuckle a little as the parties left the room. Tyreal warped to the Library to see how Hadriel and Orthino were getting along before he went to find K.
"Tyreal," Hadriel greeted, "How are you doing?"
"Considering I'm the vessel for all the angles that Imperious ensnared, I guess things could be worse," Tyreal said.
"You're right you could also be sworn to fight against an ancient evil that never dies but is only delayed and moved from point to point," Orthino said as the elder dragon walked in from outside casting a shadow across the marble floor and stone walls.
"We are," Tyreal said, "your sarcasm does you no credit. Hadriel I am going back to Sanctuary I figured you would like to have the opportunity to join me."
"I have divorced myself from that world," Hadriel replied, "The Library is my home just like DC is yours... but there are unresolved events that I would like to see put to rest from Sanctuary, you have my spear in this."
"Harmp," Orthino snorted, "Well now its either stay behind and watch after this place or leave that to Malcolm and go with you. I sure don't want to dust bookcases so I'm in."
"The easy way out is to go into a possible war-zone," Hadriel said with a laugh, "You are an odd one Orthino."
"I know fighting, not housekeeping," Orthino replied, "Shall we go before Malcolm decides to come check up on us?"
"Of course," Tyreal said as he warped them to K. K was outside Grish's forge with C the three of them laughing about something and Lydia looking very cross.
"That is not funny," Lydia hissed.
"I'm sorry love but you did put wolfs-bane in my coffee this morning," Grish said through his bellowing laughter.
"Grish you are disturbing," C said, "a garlic air freshener for a forge?"
"I don't even want to know the back story," Hadriel commented.
"I do," Orthino countered, "hey Grish, good to see you and yours again."
"Orthino," Grish greeted, "Hadriel, Tyreal what brings you all here, considering you were on Avalar last I recall."
"They are going with me back to Sanctuary," Tyreal said, "K we would like you to accompany us, since you lead the Reapers."
"I take it those from the same universe are going with you," K said.
"They are it is Shepard's request that you accompany us," Tyreal added.
"When do you plan on leaving," C asked.
"As soon as we get Del Rio to agree to piloting us there," Tyreal answered.
"I've already promised Star that I would go with him to his universe to check on some things there," K said, "I could have Ignitus set up a loop to bring me back in time to go with you as well but you would have to get him to go with us."
"I can do that," Orthino said, "Come on lets go get the young one."
Character Ruby
"Yeah that was amazing," Ruby yelled with her arm in the air as the competition finished between RWBY-JNPR and The Echoes.
"Who do you think won," Price called over to her.
"How should I know," Ruby replied, "The crowd was just as loud for you as they were for us."
"Counting tips wouldn't help either," Blake said, "We are two of the most well known teams in Vale if not Remnant."
"Hey that was fun enough that I don't really care if there was a winner," Lucas said.
"I'll tell you who is the winner," Junior said, "Club RWBY, you all pulled in more in one night than I usually see in a month. Yang this was a great idea."
"I have my moments," Yang replied as she hoped down to give her husband a kiss. It was still weird to Ruby to see Yang and Junior together but they did seem to bring out a hidden side to each other. For Junior it was a caring side, for Yang it was a responsible one. Besides they seemed happy so Ruby wasn't going to argue it.
"Oh get a room you two," Katarina said.
"We have much more fun in our room," Yang replied with a smirk.
"Speak for yourself," Junior said, "I still don't see how you win so many times at Jinga."
"You just have to know how to tease the logs," Yang said.
"Oh the innuendos in that conversation," Jayne remarked.
"What don't believe us," Yang said, "Come on lets put up this gear and we'll show you."
Forty-five minutes later. They had all just watched Junior and Yang play a game of Jinga after putting up the band equipment. Everyone was watching as Yang sat back in her chair with a big grin and her arms crossed over her chest. Junior had only one move left and it was going to topple the tower no matter what.
"I... I don't, but, what" Weiss stammered.
"I have to admit I didn't see this coming," Anjali added.
"I brought popcorn," Jayne said.
"You should have brought cookies," Ruby reprimanded.
"I still don't understand why there is a house on top of the tower," Ghost said.
"To keep them from taking blocks off the top," Sun replied, "Duh."
"Well sure but why a house..." Ghost started.
"Just leave it," Soap said.
"See, see," Junior exclaimed, "That is the fifteenth time in a row!"
"Oh suck it up and lose already," Miltia exclaimed, "It's three am let go get some sleep!"
"Wow really," Ruby stated, "Yeah we probably should get some rest, you never know when something will come up." Just then RAIM, Star, Qui-gon, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf, Ezio, Leah, Beth and Lil came crashing into the now vacant club.
"Block the doors," Roman yelled.
"Got it," Imhotep replied as he pulled the crates that the bands' equipment came in in front of the doors.
"I could almost feel that coming just as you finished that sentence," Reinhardt stated.
"You all are a real pain sometimes you know that," Melanie added as she joined her sister by the bar. "Get me something strong and caffeinated, it looks like we are going to need it."
"I'll second that Molly," Miltia said using her sister's nick name as she poured two drinks for each other. "Any one else care for one?"
"Uhg no thanks," Ruby replied.
"I'll have one," Jayne said with Junior and Moroni as the rest declined.
"So what did you all get into now," Soap asked.
"We may have gone out into Forever Fall with Shelly to find RAIM here and gotten a lot of really big Grimm mad at us," Adam answered, "Sorry Blake seems I can't stay out of trouble." Blake just rolled her eyes and gave him a smirk.
"Well if you had Shelly with you why didn't she just fight off the Grimm," Ruby asked.
"She may have taken a few of the biggest underground to fight them in their own lairs," Gimli said, "The rest were up to us to finish off. We did too mind you but that seemed to make something even worse angry at us."
"Something worse than Grimm," Weiss asked.
"Much worse," Gandalf replied.
"What," everyone asked in unison. Then a slamming sound came from the doors as they rattled.
"That," Roman said, "Big nasty droid, an assassin style. Didn't think they made them anymore but we happened across one. Sicked it on the Grimm to help even the odds but then it turned on us too. Worse part about these things is they are almost impossible to kill."
"What about hack," Weiss asked.
"Arie," Ruby questioned,
"If it is content to beat on that door while he works sure," Adam said, "But these things don't have wireless connections just to keep that from happening, no we've got to take it down."
"It is fast, immune to my powers, and stronger than Moroni," Imhotep added, "The Force is just as useless when employed directly against it."
"Throw objects at it then," Ruby said, "It is a machine and can only keep up with so much at once. Imhotep you can do your sand storm to distort its vision, I could even add roses to the mix if you showed me how to. Weiss could layer the floor with glyphs to give it another added challenge and if we all are firing at it eventually something will get through."
"Good thinking girl," Gimli said, "I like you."
"I can throw illusions to give it fake targets," Lil added, "Beth can disappear into the shadows as well."
"So can I and Blake," Soap said.
"Would letting it in throw it off," Yang asked, "I mean how many targets does it go after that open the door for it?"
"Probably not," Gandalf said, "Seeing as that is its goal and it will get in eventually."
"Hey its stopped beating on the door," Jaune said.
"Probably going around back then," Junior said, "we might be needing that sand rose smoke screen sooner rather than later."
"Right," Ruby agreed, "Imhotep how could I generate a bunch of roses real fast, like you do with your sand?"
"I morph into the sand," Imhotep said, "Your roses seem to be a result of your Aura, I'd say just run around as fast as you can with your Aura active and I'll pick up the petals to cloud the air with."
"Can do," Ruby replied as she called Scooter on her omni-tool, "Scooter, get Mom and Dad and get to our club we've got an assassin bot outside and could use a little back up."
"I hear you flowery girl," Scooter said, "I'll gather 'em up and be right over there."
"Flower... can't you just stick with one nick name," Ruby exclaimed as she closed the call.
"I would guess not he is fairly creative," Legolas said, "Now this robot is probably already inside."
"Correct," a static voice answered as the sleek, blacked out, bot with orange and red lighting walked into the room. "Before you die I must know why you activated me. Surely not to kill a few Grimm?"
Roman and Adam just looked between each other before Roman replied, "Well it seemed like a good idea at the time."
"A flawed reason but a reason nevertheless," the robot stated as twin blades extended from its arms. At this Imhotep morphed into a sandstorm and Ruby dashed off around the room to add rose petals to the mix. She felt bullets and furniture bounce off her Aura as she ran but the projectiles didn't fatigue her. In fact many of the projectiles felt as if they barely touched her at all. Ruby could distinctly make out the flashes of gunfire from her friends but the sounds were muted as though they were coming from a thousand different directions and muddled together. Their attacks were about as effective against the bot as they were against Ruby however. Even Star and Qui-gon's light-sabers were blocked by the advanced shielding of the droid.
Then Soap appeared behind the droid and knocked it off balance with a swift kick followed by several bullets. This only seemed to aggravate the bot however as it got up and tried to press an attack against Soap. Soap had already vanished back into the shadows of the sandstorm and roses. Jaune, Gimli, Star, Pyrrha, Nora, and Qui-gon had now engaged the bot in melee combat where a solid stalemate was slowly turning into the bot having the upper hand. So when Blake jumped it out of the shadows not only had the bot taken into account that there were targets it couldn't see but it had the time to react to her appearance.
Time seemed to stop for Ruby as she saw Blake descending on the bot only to get stabbed in the chest and then flung across the room to slam into the bar and slump to the floor. Ruby screamed "No" and it seemed to fill the whole room as both Crescent Rose and the white spectral version of it were in her hands as she charged the bot. It didn't occur to Ruby that she shouldn't be able to chamber both weapons simultaneously as she laid into her onslaught. Or that they seemed to be floating on clouds of roses. All she knew was Blake was in a lot of trouble and this robot had to be put down. Yang was by her side in an instant and the two smashed battered and blasted the bot into a wall where it locked them into a stalemate once again. Sun and Qui-gon were over by Blake doing what they could for her until more appropriate help could arrive. Star was beside Ruby and Yang with his dual sabers, even though they were deflected by the shields. Glyphs, ice spikes, storm clouds and even fire was being poured out at the bot from Weiss as her fury took over. Leah was sending bolts infused with fire, thanks to her heritage, while Ezio was planting knife after knife into the droid. Gimli had gotten his ax out of the ground and was helping Jaune get his sword unstuck from where the bot had embedded the weapons in the floor. The rest of the team was continuing to place choice shots into the bot with the exception of Nora who was now adding Magnhild's blows to Ruby, Yang, and Star's attacks.
Then the wall behind the bot exploded as Scooter punched through it with his armor, sending everyone flying backwards as he grabbed the bot's head in his hand. With his other armored hand he smashed the bot's head into his palm before throwing the entire unit into the wall on the far side of the club where it crumpled to the floor. Lao and Summer were in the room in a heart beat and were wrapping Yang in a hug. Then Imhotep rematerialized and asked a question that Ruby would remember for a very long time. "Where is Ruby?"
"I'm right here," Ruby tried to say but she couldn't speak.
"She has to be here somewhere," Weiss said, "There are roses everywhere. Wait there are her weapons... floating on roses."
"Ruby is the roses," Star said, "She did a very similar transformation to what Imhotep here did. Hers was triggered it seems by Blake's injury."
"Well how do we untrigger it then," Yang said her hair still flickering with fire from the fight.
"That is up to Ruby," Imhotep said, "For me I just pull myself back together, it is a mental exercise but it also pulls my physical self back into one form."
"Ruby you need to calm down," Ezio said as came over after checking in with Sun on Blake's condition, "Blake needs your help right now and you can't be of any use as a bunch of rose petals. Focus on this it should help." He pulled out the Apple of Eden and bathed Ruby in its light. After a few moments her frantic thoughts about Blake and her own conditions were quieted and Ruby focused on one thought, her feet touching the ground. It worked too cause the next thing she knew was a crushing hug from Yang before they all headed over to Blake's side.
"Blake, oh lights," Ruby gasped as she saw the true extent of the wound. It was a three inch stab wound that went all the way through the right side of her chest. The lung on that side was definitely busted and blood was running down Blake's white shirt and black vest staining them with crimson. Sun was cradling Blake's head in his arms a look of utter helplessness and loss on his usually cheerful face.
"This type of damage is beyond my abilities," Qui-gon said, "I've done what I can but we need someone who is a very talented healer to fix this."
"Xavier," Star said, "He is the best healer in DC."
"You don't need the most skillful," Leah said, "You just need someone who is powerful enough to heal that... Dad's power is strong enough."
"Your power you mean," Gandalf said, "Diablo has his power and you inherited some of that but the power is yours to command."
"If you can do something hurry up and do it," Lil stated, "She doesn't have long."
Everyone looked at Leah, Leah looked at them her gaze lingered on Ezio for a bit but her eyes and Ruby's met for even longer. It was like Leah was asking approval to use her abilities.
"Please help her," Sun exclaimed.
"Go on," Ruby said, "I don't consider Diablo a demon nor do I consider you one."
"I... thank you," Leah said as she brought her hands together and channeled a stream of coppery energy into Blake before slumping over and being caught by Ezio. "I really should learn to wear lighter armor if I am going to be channeling that much power."
"Well what did you do," Melanie asked.
"Watch," Leah replied, "And get me a drink, dark whiskey preferably."
"So you like the strong stuff," Junior muttered as he poured the drink. Ruby was mostly ignoring the conversation at this point as she watched in awe as the hole in Blake's chest closed up and her breathing normalized as even the lung was healed.
"She will still be weak for a while," Leah said, "But she will be good as new when she gets her strength back."
"Thank you," Yang said for everyone there. Sun actually hugged Leah he was so happy.
"That was close wasn't it," Ruby asked Lil.
"Very," Lil replied, "I can read life force in people like your scrolls can read Aura. Blake's was well into the red if you get my meaning."
"I do," Ruby said, "Hey wait a minute where did the robot go?" They looked around but the robot had disappeared.
"Well," K should be told about this renegade bot," Soap said, "We can go tell him if you want to stay with Blake. Tell her we are thinking about her when she wakes up."
"We will," Ren said, "Alert the Vale PD as well."
"Can do," Anjali said as the Echoes left Club RWBY.
"Roman, Adam" Weiss hissed, "You two. I. If... Be glad Adam cares for Blake as much as I do or I'd be freezing both of you to a wall right now!"
"I still want to see that," Jayne said.
"I do have to ask why you thought activating one of the most powerful assassin units on Remnant was a good idea," Ruby asked with just as much terseness in her voice as Weiss. Which was impressive coming from Ruby.
"Look it is supposed to help the people who activate it," Roman said in their defense, "How could we have known it was going to be faulty.
"It isn't faulty," Weiss said, "That model was designed by some of the brightest Schnee scientists, it is supposed to destroy all who have contact with it until it's mission is complete. Now it has a never ending mission, to kill Grimm, so anyone who sees it will also be hunted. They were to be deployed as terrorist units against the White Fang but were quickly scrapped after one killed its programmer."
"The White Fang were really that much of a threat," Sun asked, "Well they did almost catch your father in the new mine. If it wasn't for Cortana..."
"I'm sure he would have been fine," Ruby said, "He would have been fine right Weiss?"
"Who Abrams Schnee," Summer said, "I'm sure he had something up his sleeve."
"Maybe," Weiss said as they walked back into Yang and Junior's room where Blake had been taken, even Adam and Roman followed them. "The White Fang had gotten a lot of new technology from the Sith. We really couldn't keep up with their advances, thus the bots."
"Hey," Beth greeted as they walked in, "She is sleeping nicely now, Leah did a good job fixing her up."
Along with Beth was Lil, Leah, Ezio, Lao, Junior and Yang. Now with Ruby and her gangs addition the room was getting crowded so Ezio waved for him, Leah, and the twins to leave.
"Come get us when she wakes up," Leah said, "I want to make sure she will be fine."
"Right," Ruby agreed as they passed each other. Sun slipped by and sat on the bed next to Blake. Junior was looking steamed and Yang was leaning into him and looking solemn. Lao came over and placed an arm around Ruby and Summer. Weiss and Jayne stood off in the corner by the door and folded their arms but the display didn't detract from the concern and anger on their faces. Roman slid over to Junior's side while Adam moved up to Sun's side and placed a hand on the younger Fanus' shoulder.
"Blake will be okay," Adam said, "She's been through plenty scrapes like this with me. Between those and her training and DC, well Blake is probably one of the most resilient ones here, myself included." The hours crept by as various people came in and out of the room, Ruby, Sun, Adam, Yang, Weiss, and oddly enough Roman remained in the room the whole time. It was Roman in fact that noticed the first signs of Blake waking up.
"Hey did her ears just twitch," Roman stated as he sat up straighter in the chair he had drug into the corner that was as far away from Weiss as he could get.
"Blake," Sun asked as he broke off a conversation he was having with Adam, "Kitty cat you there?"
"Hey monkey boy," Blake muttered as her eyes slowly opened, "I guess we got that robot then."
"Not exactly," Roman said, "Scooter smashed it pretty good but it managed to get away while we were looking after you."
"Roman," Weiss snapped.
"Weiss not now," Blake said, "I'd rather we didn't hold a grudge against former criminals, myself included in that bunch."
"How are you feeling," Yang asked.
"Hungry, and tired," Blake replied, "That stab went right through my Aura."
"I fixed you some tea and tuna," Sun said as he pulled the tray from a table that it was sitting on.
"Glad to have you back Blake," Ruby said, "Leah wanted to see you when you got up, I'll just go get her." Ruby headed out to the lobby to get Leah. When she arrived she found K, Burnie, Goodwitch and Abrams in the lobby with Ezio and Leah. "Leah, Blake is awake," Ruby said as the group turned towards her.
"Well I'm glad to hear that but your negligence let an assassin bot loose in Vale," Burnie said, "You claimed Adam and Roman as your charges so you are responsible for their actions."
"What," Ezio and K exclaimed.
"Guys Burnie is right," Ruby said, "It is my fault, I shouldn't have let RAIM go off without me."
"Nonsense," Glynda said much to Ruby's surprise, "RAIM is a fully recognized team of Hunters, their past is irrelevant as is your charge to oversee them.
"What," Ruby and K asked.
"I don't have to agree with the decision but I will uphold the laws," Glynda said, "Team RAIM was logged as an official team upon Imhotep's request almost a month ago, It is therefore Imhotep who is responsible for Roman and Adam's actions."
"And I am the one who told them to activate the droid," Imhotep said as he slid into the room from the back halls. "The Grimm were immune to our powers, so we needed something that didn't rely on powers to fight them."
"So that is why Gandalf stayed out of the fray for the most part," Ezio remarked.
"Exactly," Imhotep said, "Do I regret the decision, time will tell. Blake is okay now and if we get this bot fast enough then no one else will be harmed either."
"If time was not so critical I would have more words for you," Bernie stated in a very displeased tone, "But as it is you are right we have to find this robot before it targets anyone else. Mr. Schnee?"
"I should go see Blake make sure the healing was complete," Leah said.
"Ms. Rose you can leave as well," Burnie said, "Imhotep I will have questions for you until we find this robot."
"As will I," K added, "Ruby, Leah go see to Blake also tell Weiss her father is here, I believe she wanted to talk with him."
"I will," Ruby answered as she and Leah headed back to Blake's temporary room. When they got there Blake was standing up and giving Gambol Shroud a few swings.
"Hey, I am told you healed that stab," Blake asked Leah.
"Yeah, I did," Leah replied, "Everything feel okay?"
While Leah and Blake talked Ruby motioned for Weiss to follow her. The Heiress and Jayne followed Ruby out into the hall. "Weiss your Dad is out in the lobby he seems concerned."
"Good I need to talk with him," Weiss said, "Like I said earlier that bot was designed specifically to hunt the White Fang, to hunt Fanus. I just want to make sure there is nothing that it could have done to Blake that we wouldn't have noticed yet."
"She means she wants to make sure Blake isn't poisoned from the stab," Jayne clarified.
"Jayne," Weiss said exasperated.
"If it is a possibility then we need to know about it," Ruby said, "Where did Yang and Junior go?"
"They went to get breakfast for everyone," Jayne said, "They said they know a good bakery around here and would bring us some food."
Ruby's mouth started to water as she though of the cookies that she and Yang would get from the Middle Vale Bakery, so soft and warm... Ruby pulled her thought s back to the situation at hand before she could drool in front of Weiss and Jayne. "Okay well your Dad is out there as is Goodwitch, K, and Burnie."
"Right, notify us if... should... you know," Weiss said.
"If Blake shows signs of being poisoned," Jayne said as the two headed out.
Ruby was about to duck back into the room when K came down the hall. "Ruby hold up a second," K said.
"Yes K," Ruby asked.
"I'm going with Star to his universe to check on some things there," K said, "After that I am heading to Shepard's universe so I will be gone a while as will several of DC's ships. The Ark will stay here as will the Pillar II, but the Pestilence, the Infinity and Invention will be gone for a while. Harbinger is going with Shepard until I can get to his universe. I'm leaving Spyro in charge of DC operations until I get back but I think you are the best person to lead the hunt for this robot, RAIM is staying to help and Imhotep already knows your in charge of this hunt, Goodwitch agrees with me in this so you will have Beacon's backing to help you out. I don't know much about Qrow but Lao speaks highly of him so I would seek out his help as well. And of course any DC members that are not out in either of the other universes will be free to help you. Be careful from Abrams' description of this thing it sounds far to similar to a very nasty creation I ran across a long time ago, Omnius."
"What about you," Ruby asked, "what if something happens to you or C?"
"Well you always have Doug he knows me pretty well and is quite a competent leader to boot," K laughed, "Besides Lucifer is my brother even if something did happen to me God willing, I'd find a way back."
"Promise," Ruby asked.
"Promise," K answered. Then he shifted out of a physical form and went through the roof of the club.
"Hey Ruby what are you just standing here for," Blake asked as she, Sun, and Leah walked out into the hall.
"K is leaving," Ruby replied, "He's going to go help some of the other members with their worlds for a bit."
"You know I'm kind of glad," Blake said, "I want to put this renegade bot down myself."
"Yeah prioritizes right," Leah said, "Breakfast, revenge, that early late show on TV."
This caused them to laugh as the group moved towards the lobby.
Character Ghost
"So what now," Ghost asked Price as Legion 141 suited up in their Mantises.
"Now we hunt down that robot and crush it," Price replied with anger dripping in his voice, "That was too damn close back there. Blake is only twenty-one and just married at that. She is a skilled fighter and musician, so if that bot could have killed her think about what it can do to anyone else."
"I doubt just stomping around the town in the mechs will help us find it," Reinhardt said.
"Oh we won't be in the town," Soap replied, "We are taking them out to the Emerald Forest. If this robot want us badly enough it will try to find us, battered or not."
"You think it is really that dumb," Ghost asked. When a reply was not forthcoming he added, "Hopeful then?"
"Not really," Price said, "But at least we will get to kill some Grimm if nothing else. I sure need something to beat on right now."
"Look I know it was a close thing what happened to Blake but she is fine now and the robot has disappeared so let this anger go," Anjali said.
"It's not about that for him," Ghost told her, "Its about the fact that we were there and we didn't stop Blake from getting injured or the bot from escaping. We failed, let our guard down. TF 141 never would allow for that. Price still doesn't, we still don't."
"Aye hunting this robot is a matter of honor now," Lucas said, "We let our friends and ourselves down and now to regain our honor we must end this bot."
"Exactly," Price agreed, "I knew there was a reason I liked you."
"We don't have to hunt this bot alone," Ghost said, "There were plenty of others in the club that I'm sure would love to get their hands on it, Team RWBY to name a few."
"He's right," Anjali added, "Besides I don't think we can keep RWBY, JNPR or RAIM out of this hunt anyway."
"I didn't say we would," Price replied, "We are just going to tip the scale in our favor."
"Just how do you plan to do that," Katarina asked.
"Jensen," Price answered, "We'll use a robotic man to fight a robotic man."
Thirty minutes and one lengthy explanation later and Legion 141 had brought Jensen up to speed on what had happened. They were now at the edge of the Emerald Forest where they hopped some action would draw the bot to them, but it seemed the other teams had the same idea. RWBY and related parties were there when Legion 141 arrived and while they worked out how to draw the bot to them RAIM showed up with Shelly then JNPR. The Pestilence left orbit as the teams argued about the best way to draw the bot to them so that it didn't target civilians on its way, signaling K's departure. Soon after the Invention and Infinity departed thus dispersing DC back across three universes. It still amazed Ghost that DC could do that, but he wouldn't argue with it.
"We woke it up to kill Grimm," Moroni said, "That is what it will do."
"Father said it would start at the closest area that has Grimm," Weiss added, "This is the closest area with Grimm in it to Club RWBY."
"And since it needs to kill us to comply with its programming we make this area a very juicy target," Jensen said, "Okay I see where this is going now. We should probably gather some Grimm together to make sure it comes here."
"I second that," Ghost and Blake said.
"Lets just try not to get anyone stabbed this time," Yang said.
"Yeah Blake you gave us a real scare there for a minute," Scooter added.
"It was more like a few hours," Sun corrected, "Yes lets avoid getting hit this time."
"That will be somewhat more complicated if we are bringing Grimm into this equation but it will also add an extra element that the robot will have to compensate for," Summer stated.
"Yeah but we've got our own ace card this time," Ruby said, "Right Mom?"
"I managed to get a hold of Qrow," Summer confirmed, "He said he would be here."
"Is here," a light voice corrected her, "Rule number one of stalking don't let your prey see you." Then a middle aged man dropped out of a tree not far from Ghost. He had graying, somewhat spiky, hair that was complimented with streaks of black. Sparkling gray eyes, a short wide nose above thin lips and a rounded chin with angular jawline. He was dressed in green and brown to blend in with the environment of the forest, even his boots were camouflaged.
"Qrow how long have you been up there," Summer asked.
"About an hour," Qrow replied as he walked over and hugged the family. "I would have let you know sooner but my appearance might have delayed your coming to a decision on a course of action. Now that you have it let us endeavor to put it into action, I know of a huge Boarbatusk in the forest that it sounds like this robot would love to get its hands on."
"And that is why you have the nickname The Killer," Lao remarked, "Hunting implies the chance of failing."
"A title that you have helped me maintain if I recall," Qrow responded, "and Summer you're really back... You'll have to fill me in later. I can get to know the rest of you as we travel the Boar lives pretty deep in the forest, we had best get to it and lure it back here before night fall."
Ghost immediately took a liking to Qrow. He was a man who got things done. As they traveled Qrow came around and talked with each of the members, riding on their mechs when it was available and walking beside those who didn't use one. His conversation with Ghost lasted almost twenty minutes, the two of them sharing stories about their operations over the years and explaining to the other about various items and politics of each one's world.
"A most interesting person you are," Qrow said as he left to go talk with Katarina.
"And you," Ghost replied.
"What did you talk about," Anjali asked.
"Fighting mostly," Ghost replied, "My stories from before DC."
"Found someone new to tell them too," Anjali remarked, "You know I don't get tired of hearing them."
"Nonsense," Ghost retorted, which caused them to laugh. Their jovial mood was cut short as Jensen went invisible and Shelly bent down to brace herself against the ground with all of her leg... arm... uh limbs. Qrow deployed two mini-guns from his sleeves that spun up as the thundering of hooves could be heard coming their way.
"It sounds like the boar is out and about today," Ren remarked.
"Something would have had to disturb it," Qrow stated, "No I think our mechanical friend might have recovered faster than you had thought."
"Hey I'll just punch it again," Scooter said as he slammed his metal fists together.
"I wouldn't count on it," Weiss said, "This assassin model is designed to learn as it fights, I doubt we can take it down with the same tactics as before."
"Well those didn't really work that well," Reinhardt said, "Maybe it got confused and became easier to fight."
"I wouldn't count on that," the robot said as it entered their patch of woods, the blood of the giant boar still dripping from it's bladed arms. "The Fanus lived, unexpected. I shall take the head off this time." With that the blades extended to their full length and it charged right at them. Scooter ran to intercept the robot when it disappeared.
"Where did it go," Ghost yelled.
"It's on the radar still," Price replied follow it with that.
"Weiss look out," Katarina yelled. Ghost turned towards Weiss at that comment and started moving towards her flamethrower ready to burn the robot when it showed up. Weiss had a glyph on the ground the moment Kat yelled but instead of the robot showing up Ruby appeared out of a cloud of roses with a metal on metal and metal in flesh sound ringing out. The assassin bot sparked as it decloaked to reveal that it was impaled on both Crescent Rose and Jensen's arm blades. Then Ghost saw what the metal in flesh sound came from, both of the bot's blades were in Ruby's gut. Despite the wounds Ruby pulled Crescent Rose out of the bot and decapitated it before Jensen flung the body away.
Ghost popped the cover on his mantis and put it in AI mode to guard the area as he slid down and ran over to Ruby. Weiss had caught Ruby as she fell after killing the robot. Now as everyone converged on the two, Jensen kept most of the DC members at bay while Qrow immediately went to work with a medical kit. Ghost however went over to the robot's head while the others were seeing to Ruby. He passed the body as it tried to crawl over to the head. Ghost morphed into his Archon form and melted the body so that it couldn't move anymore. His fire wasn't hot enough to fully destroy it but he knew Yang's could especially after this.
"Another assassin bot," the head said as Ghost approached him, "and a selfless one... I did not predict these variables."
"Yeah I bet you didn't calculate me giving you to Yang to let her do with you as she sees fit either," Ghost replied as he picked the head up and headed back to the group, "You stabbed her team mate and her sister in the same day... I am really glad I am not you right now. Yang catch." He threw the head to Yang who caught it and stared.
"It's still active," Yang exclaimed before she stormed off into the woods and a massive explosion was both felt and heard from the rest of the DC members. "There nothing but a puddle now."
"I really wish I had gotten a hold of it," Blake said.
"Well the body is still over there," Ghost remarked as he pointed to the body. "What does it look like with Ruby."
"I got one blade through the chest, she got two through the gut," Blake replied slowly, "It's pretty bad we really need a healer, a good one."
"Xavier is the best there is and we should be able to get a call to him from the Mantis," Soap said, "I'll try one now."
Ghost headed over to Qrow. "Need a hand, I've treated my share of wounds before."
"I don't rightly know what you can do," Qrow said as he turned to face Ghost. All the spark was gone from his eyes leaving them just lifeless, gray orbs. "I spent so long teaching her after Summer died, she worked so hard at Beacon, was finally reunited with Summer and now..."
Ghost looked around to see about Summer and Lao, oddly he found them sitting with Summer reassuring Lao that Ruby would be alright. After thinking about it though it made sense since Summer had been dead before and Lao hadn't. He then saw Yang silently crying into Junior's chest as he awkwardly tried to comfort her. Then he saw Blake and Weiss. Weiss was still on her knees where she had caught Ruby after Ruby had pushed her down to knock Weiss out of harm's way. Blake was sitting beside her and Sun was over by them. The Fanus were trying to get through to Weiss but she seemed unresponsive to their ploddings. Jayne just sat down next to the three and folded one of Weiss' hands in his own.
Then Ghost saw Scooter. The ragged mechanic was out of his truck-armor suit and was holding Ruby's head in his lap and chanting, almost demanding, "Don't die, don't die, don't die, please don't die."
"Soap where is Xavier," Ghost asked.
"On his way," Soap replied, "With Ignitus and the Doctor back off on different mission again we don't really have a time traveling member to warp him here."
"Maybe not," Storm said as she appeared above them with her Electrosphere, "But you do have on who can suspend time for a while at least."
"Storm," Anjali whispered, "She has seemed so normal since her visions have stopped, I forgot she still can manipulate time."
"Move out of the way and let me stasis her," Storm said as a spiral of sparking gold mist formed in front of her jaws. Ghost pulled Scooter away with Qrow's help allowing Storm to Stasis Ruby before she landed. "I do hope you got the son of a bitch who did this," Storm hissed after she landed.
"We did at that," Blake said as she and Sun walked past. Weiss headed over to Ruby and placed a hand on her cheek.
"She saved me," Weiss stated simply, "I have the weakest Aura of the four of us due to using the glyphs. Those blades would have ripped me in half... Why... how did she know, how did she get there that fast?"
"Roses," Ghost said as he picked on up, "She used her rose semblance to appear on the blades."
"That must be how they got through her Aura," Yang said, "If she can stop a planet destroying laser I can't see how two blades would bother her otherwise."
"How long can you keep her stasised," Ghost asked.
"Long enough I'd wager," Xavier said as he knocked over some trees to make room for his landing. "Two stab wounds should only take a few moments to heal. Can't say how fast she will come back to you though. That varies from patient to patient."
"It won't matter if you can save her," Lao said firmly.
Xavier just nodded his large head once and looked to Storm to remove the stasis so he could work. Ghost had watched K heal many times, Spyro too, but Xavier made the two of them look like children when compared to how he could heal. The silver breath that Xavier used would flow and work its way across the wounds like a master sculptor would work with a block of clay. Forming and graphing back together the damaged parts and producing a renewed whole. When he had finished his work, Xavier gave it one look of approval before backing up and saying, "Well she is a resilient one here she comes already."
Ruby shook herself awake a moment later to sighs of relief from everyone there. "Uh, wow am I hungry," Ruby said, "Is Weiss okay?"
Weiss hugged Ruby at that comment and most of the members laughed, glad to see Ruby was still her old self. Scooter, Yang, Blake, Summer, Lao and Qrow joined the hug before everyone got ready to head back.
"So," Ghost said as he got back into his Mantis, "Next time RAIM goes into the forest they bring us, got it?"
"Got it," Adam said.
"I like that thinking," Price radioed to Ghost as they headed for Beacon.
Character James
"Coris," James muttered as he watched the Hunter depart with the Invention, Infinity, and Torgue HQ. "Of course... I need to find him."
"Need to find who," Riza asked as she walked up to him.
"An old friend," James replied, "So you stayed with us too?"
"Well Ivan went with K and Griffen went with Tyreal," Riza said, "I figured someone had to stick around to keep an eye on you all."
"Humm I'm thinking it is more likely because you and Jensen have hit it off and you two plus Anders, Marion and Jinx form a very cohesive unit."
"You can't prove that," Riza replied with a wink and a smirk. "And if you did I would deny it. I'm the radical one who doesn't trust robots or AIs remember. I have an image to maintain."
"You're heading to finish up the construction outside the city I take it," James said.
"Yeah Cortana is already out there and believes we can finish it tonight," Riza replied.
"That is good," James said, "the farmers will be safer now and that means the city is safer. Do you know where Spyro is?"
"I saw him and Cynder over by the reconstructed amphitheater with Cinder and Bartholomew just a little while ago," Riza said as she started to walk over to her ACU. "You can probably still find them there."
"Okay thanks," James said, "God's speed with your construction." "I wonder what brought those four together and why isn't Cinder on the Invention?" James left the questions for when he found his friends as he took to the air and headed towards Beacon. He arrived to find the four looking over the rebuilt amphitheater.
"Well hello there," Bartholomew greeted as James landed beside him, "What brings you here?"
"I need to talk with Spyro and curiosity as to why Cinder is not on the Invention," James answered.
"I'm not on the Invention because Church didn't need me now that his AI buddies are back," Cinder said, "Besides I've had all of spaceships that I can stand for the time being."
"I'm sure you have," Spyro stated with a laugh, "Now what did you want to talk to me about?"
"I need to find an old friend," James said, "His name is Coris, he and Roland have a history and I remember him well enough. Recently though he has been in my thoughts, my dreams. I think he needs our help."
"So we have a name and we know he is probably Leviathan," Cynder said.
"No not Leviathan," James said, "He is unique, feathers of pure gold instead of scales, an adaptability with magic that is almost unmatched, quick witted and agile, Coris is many things but I don't believe he is Leviathan. This also makes it all the more concerning that he needs our help."
"Feathers of pure gold you say," Bartholomew remarked, "I seem to recall an old legend about a creature with golden feathers. If you would indulge me?"
"Why not, you all have been nice enough to let me wander about the theater for a while," Cinder said, "I'm glad it is back, I trained for a while at Beacon you know. There were more than a few fond memories of that amphitheater."
"This legend," James asked, "What does it say?"
"It was an oral tradition that was passed down by the inhabitants of Atlas," Bartholomew said, "Best I can tell it comes from the time before we discovered Dust. It tells of a creature much like this Coris fellow that used its powers to defend man long enough for us to discover Dust. Once we had Dust and could fight against the Grimm well enough to build civilizations this creature simply disappeared. Many from the remote parts of Atlas still look forward to the time when he will return and wipe the Grimm out for good."
"So this creature, Coris possibly, fought the Grimm off until your kind were able to do so then just left you," Cynder said, "That seems..."
"Odd," Cinder finished, "Why would it have left something it worked so hard to achieve. Even with Dust mankind would still have been outnumbered and I am sure that this Coris' help would have been greatly appreciated."
"Did the creature in the legend disappear after dust was weaponized or when Dust was discovered," James asked.
"It is unclear," Bartholomew replied, "But most accounts seem to indicate it was upon Dust's discovery."
"I'll need samples of all the types of Dust on Remnant," James said, "and a well equipped lab, but I might have an idea about your legend if nothing else."
"Beacon has the best labs in Vale," Bartholomew said, "I'm sure you could use one, if you could fit in it without breaking anything."
"Well I wouldn't want to risk that," James said, "Who is the most competent scientist on Dust?"
"Abrams Schnee," Cinder replied, "He is in town at the moment. Abrams is waiting for his daughter and the rest of team RWBY at their club, you may have trouble convincing him to help though."
"Why is that," James asked.
"Because Blake and Ruby were both critically injured earlier today," Spyro said, "Xavier went out not long ago to treat Ruby. I would guess Abrams is waiting to see what he can do to help them when they get back."
"Would he not also have access to all the Dust types on Remnant," James countered, "I am sorry to hear that Blake and Ruby were harmed but if my theory is correct then there may be a lot more people in danger of being hurt, Dust users especially."
"What is your theory," Cynder asked.
"I think that the reason Coris, if the legend is about him, seemingly left when Dust appeared is because he was instrumental in the working of Dust, maybe even creating it," James replied, "I'll go to Club RWBY and meet the team there, maybe Weiss will see the logic of my theory if Abrams will not."
"I think Mr. Schnee will be willing to listen to your proposal at least," Cinder said, "I for one would be most interested in the results of this test."
"Then I shall have you help as well," James said, "I will need someone who uses Dust to assist and I am sure Weiss will want to be near Ruby for a while. She probably wont admit it but I can tell Weiss cares a great deal about Ruby, about all of them." He then launched himself into the air before Cinder could object, working with the owner of the company she had been stealing from would no doubt be one of the last things Cinder would want to do but James would rather her and Abrams work past their differences then to pull Weiss away from her team right then. He arrived at the club before the successful, if somewhat battered, teams.
"Hey James," Melanie said as she opened the skylight to let him land inside. He was careful to avoid landing on anyone as the club seemed to harbor patrons even in the slow hours of early afternoon. The patrons all gave him looks of respect but not the awe that they used to display when one of DC's draconic members entered the club.
"Hey Molly," James greeted, "I hear Abrams Schnee is here. I have an idea I'd like to run by him."
"Well you can run it by me then," Abrams said as he turned around on his bar stool. He was a tall man with gray hair that was whitening and a matching close shaved beard on his chin. His eyes were a hard gray-blue behind his sleek glasses, his nose was slender and his lips were flat making his chin stick out more. He was in a white suit with the Schnee emblem stitched on the lapel in blue and gray slacks and shoes. "You're Dragon Company I assume, unless any other alien races have visited our skies."
"You disapprove," James asked.
"Not at all," Abrams replied, "It is simply not everyday one gets to say that."
"A sense of humor," James stated, "I... that is... huh."
"Not what you expected," Abrams finished, "I wouldn't have believed it either if you told me four years ago. But with Weiss as a Huntress, your DC showing up, the restructuring of Cinder's crime circuit and with the White Fang undergoing management changes... a lot has changed and I've changed some with it. So what is your idea?"
"I'm looking for a friend of mine," James said, "I believe he may be tied to Dust in some way and would like you to help me see if there is any truth to this assumption."
"Let me guess a spiky haired, overly energetic professor gave you this idea," Abrams said, "Oh don't give that look, I've know Bartholomew for a long time, we went to training academy together. He has suspected for some time that Dust was brought or created by some outside being and with you all showing up I'm sure he is very eager to see if his idea is correct. If you wait for me outside I will fly with you to Beacon once I have had a chance to speak with my daughter."
"He can stay inside you know," Miltia said from the other side of the bar, "We remade the club with the intention of serving dragons."
"Well if you have a place for Weiss and I to go to talk in private when she gets here that would work too," Abrams said.
"Well we certainly will not clear out the patrons just so you two can have some alone time," Melanie said, "You can use Junior's office."
"Thank you," Abrams said.
"James you having anything today," Melanie asked.
"Just water," James said, "I don't drink alcohol remember?"
"Oh right," Melanie commented with a roll of her eyes, "You're the nightmare customer, only ordering the lowest margin items..."
"It a principles thing," Abrams added, "I'm sure he has nothing against the club. I know many executives who have adopted the idea to make better decisions."
"Glad to see someone who understands at least," James said, "How many times have any of you been drunk and done something you regretted?"
"Never," Miltia said, "We don't get drunk, doesn't mean we don't drink... Yang on the other hand, lets just say Junior has some very interesting pictures."
"I heard she was trying to be more self controlled," James said, "Though I have to admit even in the short time I've know her Yang and self control don't always seem to go together."
"Wait Yang is allowed in the club," Abrams asked, "I know she and Weiss are on the same Huntress team but I didn't know you let her back in."
"Junior can't really keep his own wife out can he," Melanie remarked.
"Wait his wife," Abrams asked surprised.
"It sounds like someone needs to be caught up on events," James said, "I'll tell you what I know while we wait."
"And we will definitely fill in what you don't," Miltia added.