"In the end, Miss Belladonna convinced the Chieftain to not sign the contract with Seido Industries, halting the construction of the Guardsman Academy for now. I am scheduled to talk with Mr. Belladonna later in the day and explain the situation to him. There is, however, the problem of the faunus population of Menagerie discovering he will not sign it" Ozpin summarized the events of the previous day to all other headmasters, Glynda and the Branwen twins.
"Which will lead to either protest or removing him from office" Ironwood concluded, to which Ozpin nodded. "I don't think there is much we can do but wait until Seido does the next move".
"Indeed. And that is where we are with the whole Seido situation. I think we are ready to move on to other matters" Ozpin said while Glynda reached for information they had on whatever small number of movements Salem's group made; all else, however, remained quiet while looking at Raven.
"What?" the woman asked soon after.
"Would you mind, Raven?" General Ironwood asked bluntly. "I believe that by your request mind you, this conversation does not concern you," Ironwood said with hostility.
They might be allies against Seido, but they both still had vastly different opinions on Salem. Nonetheless, she still felt offended by the way she was being addressed. "Do you really think I am going to blabber about this to anyone? Or worry about you wasting your breath?".
"I have to agree with James, Raven. I am, however, asking you politely to leave".
Raven turned to look at her brother to back her up. His silence and the fact that he then looked away from her was not something she then took nicely. Understanding the message, Raven stood up and left with her anger more than obvious.
Deciding to rest on a tree next to the Emerald Forest while perfectly covered by the leaves at the treetop was her best option now. In the late afternoon, there were not many students around and she wanted to be left alone. Her peace and quiet were disturbed, however, when she heard someone walking towards her hiding spot. At first, she thought it was just a lone student walking by, but then the steps stopped once the person was right next to the base of her tree.
"So… which one of you psychos is it?" she asked before looking down and finding Kuai Liang. "Great. Scarface". She said and then jumped down from her branch and gracefully landed next to the ninja. "Cut to the chase, what do you want?".
"The Atlas team believes they found a place where Seido is preemptively building the machines needed for the GCI" he explained.
"Don't tell me. Your bosses and Ozpin want me and Qrow to check on it" she said and Kuai Liang nodded. "Fine; whatever," she told him before walking away.
"Is there something troubling you?".
Raven stopped immediately before turning around and facing the ninja again. "What do you care!?".
He did not react with hostility, however. "You are clearly upset. My guess would be that you feel like this because of your brother and the headmaster".
"Well, aren't you a clever boy!" she said sarcastically. "Why do you even care!? It's not about Seido anyway!".
"Ah. It's about the witch then; Salem I believe?" Sub Zero deducted. That made Raven stop immediately, both out of the shock of him knowing that and the idea itself of the madwoman who could control Grimm at will. "A witch named Salem; a most ironic coincidence, if I do say so" Sub Zero then added.
He was the one to show shock, however, when Raven quickly turned around to face him. "How do you know about her! It was Ozpin, wasn't he!?" she asked threateningly before feeling a little bit of cold around her.
"First of all: Be cool. Second, yes, the headmaster told us about her; and third, we must know about Seido, their allies in this world and their enemies as well. It's only logical".
She hated to admit it, but the boy made a point, an obvious point. "Sorry… I just… don't particularly like to talk about her…" Raven said while massaging her head. "But yes… it is about her".
"You fear her" Zero then said bluntly. That, in turn, made Raven turn defensive again.
"Oh, and you wouldn't!?" she asked, almost screaming.
"Yes," he stated in the same tone as before. "Even now, back home, Shao Kahn has returned, and he is most likely thinking on how to take over Earth as soon as he is done with Kotal. Shinnok cannot be killed, and I fear every day that his fanatics manage to release him from his prison" he said while looking at the setting sun. "But I also know that evil can and must be stopped, and I am willing to fight until my last breath to make sure they fail. I already did once, and I would gladly do it again, like my allies and even… even like Bi Han once did".
"I'm sorry, but you are gonna need more than cheap altruism and a heavy code of honor to convince me" she answered. "If they want to waste their time trying to stop her, then go ahead; but they don't have to be dicks about it and throw me out! Can't hurt that I am in the loop; I could even give them an outsider's perspective!".
"I know you believe she is unstoppable. I also know you will not help the headmaster against her when this is over, so why would you feel betrayed by him fulfilling your wishes to not be involved?".
She never considered asking herself that question, but it made sense. Why was she angry to be kept out of their plans to fight Salem if that is what she asked for?
Sub Zero followed up his question with an immediate answer then. "I believe that after all that you've seen, after hearing our story, that you have renewed hope. Somewhere deep within you, you believe that if we were able to stop an immortal, a warmonger, and an ancient monster then you can stop her. Maybe, you seek our help to do so?".
"Heh… you have a big brain for your age kid," Raven said in response.
"I've already told you: It is an aging spell".
"Yeah, yeah, I'll believe it when I see it," she said before beginning to walk.
Sub Zero, however, seemed offended by her words. He looked around to see if they were alone before beginning to remove his blazer, vest, and then his shirt.
When Raven noticed she was walking alone, she looked back in horror and disgust. "What the-! What are you trying to prove, kid!?".
"I don't want to break my uniform. Hold this!" he said before throwing his medallion her way.
"And what am I supposed to do… with…?" she tried to question but stopped when she saw the former seventeen-year-old grow both in size and build while also spawning a beard and goatee in seconds. Truth be told, she liked what she saw. "Huh… not bad, you got me there. Don't tell the others I said this, but you are a fine DILF" she said before throwing the medallion towards him again.
There was only one question on Sub Zero's head, but he was both too proud and ashamed to ask it. 'What is a DILF?'.
"Twenty-four-seven surveillance of their main stores in both Atlas and Mantle reveals that the zaphyres are not being restocked yet the number of scrolls sent to recycle grows every day" Sonya explained to General Ironwood.
"The only logical conclusion we have reached is that they are being sold as 'second hand' from other kingdoms in prime conditions by members of their smuggling rings on street markets. Unfortunately, we have not been able to gain access to their inner circle yet" continued WInter.
Ironwood sighed in frustration before massaging his temple. "Very well. Keep up the surveillance. Dismissed!" he ordered as both women left the room, Sonya looking somewhat concerned before the door closed.
Ironwood was no fool. He felt a presence in the room long ago. Then again, he also knew his 'guest' was not trying to be subtle about it. "What do you want, Mr. Vrbada?" he asked as the smoke cloud coming from his ventilation took form.
"Outside school hours is 'Smoke', James" the ninja replied wanting to prove a point.
"Understood. What do you want then Smoke?" Ironwood then asked with a hint of annoyance.
"A few weeks ago, a certain student at Beacon made a request. A request that you have not given a proper answer to even".
As Smoke explained, Ironwood merely returned to his paperwork. "Penny did what she did for the good of Atlas and the world. If Miss Rose fails to see that then I am sorry, but there is nothing I can do".
"You and I both know that is not true," Smoke said while crossing his arms.
"The last thing I need is for Penny to be distracted in these dire times!".
"And having a conflict with her only close friend is not distracting enough?".
Ironwood could not answer. Truth be told, Penny's development seemed to have hit a slope.
"I don't know that girl, I get it. But from what I've heard she is more than just a robot; she is special. She is a living being trapped inside a machine, and you know it. The fact that you hid her true self from the others doesn't help the situation either".
"And what would you suggest then?".
"Treat her like a girl" Smoke said while resting his hands on Ironwood's desk. "Whether you like it or not, she doesn't think she is a teenager she believes it, and a friend is something she needs". He told the other man before standing up straight. "Anyway, that Is all I came here to say. Yes, Jax and the others did me a favor, don't be too harsh on them. I know the way out and no one will see me".
With that said, Smoke turned into a cloud again and went into the ventilation system. Ironwood, in the meanwhile, was left thinking about what the ninja told him. Thinking that maybe, just maybe, he could be… right?
"You called for me, Miss Goodwitch?" Ruby asked as she entered the teacher's office; but before she could close the door, Glynda stood up and walked towards her.
"Indeed, Miss Rose. Please come with me" the teacher told her as she left the room.
Ruby was confused, but going against Glynda's orders was not something she would do or even consider doing. "What is happening?" she asked, nonetheless.
Miss Goodwitch did not answer. She just took Ruby to the entrance of a classroom guarded by some Altesean soldiers and… 'Penny's teammate!?' Ruby wondered in her head, recognizing Ciel.
"Miss Soliel, I brought Ruby Rose with me," Glynda said to the girl.
Ciel saluted and the soldiers began to walk away. The girl then gave Goodwitch a tablet-sized scroll. "The General is waiting" was all she said before leaving as well.
"The General?" Ruby then asked the older woman. "As in General Ironwood?".
Her answer came when Glynda opened the scroll, and it showed a video call with General Ironwood on the other end. "Miss Rose, Glynda" he greeted.
"You called for me… sir?" Ruby then asked, growing more worried by the second.
"Do not worry. I am calling you because… I want you to understand… Penny did what she did because her programming led her to that conclusion". When hearing that, Ruby panicked. "I know you know, Miss Rose; Penny told me, and don't worry I trust you. Just… know she feels guilty over what she did".
Ruby did feel calm after that, but her expression showed pain. "With all due respect, it should be her saying that".
It was now General Ironwood who felt uncomfortable. "I know. Glynda, if you could be so kind?" he said as Miss Goodwitch opened the doors to the classroom, revealing Penny looking at the window. When she heard the doors open, Penny then quickly turned around and seemed shocked and ashamed when seeing Ruby. "You have five minutes," General Ironwood said shortly after.
"James!" Glynda reprehended him.
General Ironwood sighed. "… take your time, but make it quick".
"Better" Glynda said, closing the door after Ruby entered.
The silence that followed felt eternal, but just as Ruby was about to say something, she was tackled to the ground by the other girl.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry, I'm so sorry" Penny repeated while also hugging Ruby.
"Penny. Penny! Stop!" the other girl almost yelled, and Penny let her go, allowing both girls to stand up. "Ok… go on".
"I… I was afraid… I understood what the procedure was but… I just never saw something like it. I trusted you, I really did; but when my fear grew it alerted my father who picked up on it and he told the General, and I just didn't want to disappoint my father and, and then we understood the code and they convinced me to…" she explained and then stopped suddenly.
The anger Ruby felt began to slowly fade. With each word the robot girl said, she saw how Penny seemed to grow sadder yet unable to cry. In her book, Penny felt sorry. Ruby just placed a hand over the other's shoulder. "Apology accepted".
With that said, both girls shared a normal hug once again.
Pyrrha fell on her knees after crossing the finish line for the fifth time and was followed by the other fighters and athletes that had signed up with Seido. But this wasn't just any other batch of celebrities; former regional combat champions, just like her, renowned martial artists, and even known shooters and marksmen were now living on a secret bunker with her while also being blackmailed by Seido Industries. Some had bastard children, others forbidden lovers, drug overdosing scandals, tax evasion, and more. All that mattered, however, was that they were being trained for something big, they all had figured that out some time ago.
An elevator then arrived and from it emerged their least favorite person for the time being.
"So… Mr. Taakoizu has the guts to kidnap us but not the decency to show up… again?". The burly and old combat champion of Vacuo from ten years ago asked the white armored and blue-haired woman, Frost.
"Zip it, geezer. I don't like talking to you either, but he is busy with other things". She then looked at all present. "Hit the showers or go to bed. Food time is at nineteen hundred, sharp. And for the record: You either eat, or you will be fed by force! Plus, the lucky rebel will have to go through the course five more times!" she said that last part with a hint of sadistic satisfaction.
As much as Pyrrha wanted to hurt Frost – she had grown to actually hate the woman that much – she also knew there was no clear way out of the complex safely. She also noticed how Hotaru had stopped showing up to see how his 'pet project' was going. Most of the time, it was Frost while other less frequent times it was Mr. Ko, who by now everyone knew was the blue monstrosity called Kollector. Frost's identity as a cyborg and ice powers were also no longer secrets either, as some regretfully discovered their first day.
"What do you want from us!? Where is Hotaru!?" Pyrrha demanded to know.
Frost just gave her a condescending look before a panel popped up from her wrist. She then pressed a button and Pyrrha felt a surge of pain run across her body, making her fall on one knee. All the redhead could think for the moment was how she despised the metal thing they installed on her back.
"None of your business, lover girl. Now do as you are told, or the punishment can begin right now!".
They both exchanged murderous looks, but Pyrrha just stood up again in complete silence and allowed Frost to lead the way. Still, the question remained, what was keeping Hotaru. The few times they just saw him through a window he did seem more… unhinged?
Up in Onaga's room, the dragon king and the three members of his council were considering options and the best course of action. While Onaga, Hotaru, and Kollector were listing variables, Sektor was eliminating plans that did not meet their needs.
Kollector was holding a thick report in his hands while also reading the results out loud. "In short, all polls are reaching the same level. Within some weeks the whole world's trust will be divided in two: those who trust us and those who trust the academies".
"Number of options: reduced" Sektor said without looking at anyone.
Hotaru continued soon after. "Infiltrating the councils will take time. Even now, Sleet has sided himself with General Ironwood. We don't have enough time to create a candidate of our own. Mystral's election is the closest one after, but even that is two years away".
"Number of options: reduced".
"Protests in Menagerie have just started, but no one seems to be both charismatic and smart enough to challenge Ghira Belladonna's rule" Kollector added. "The island remains our best and only option to build the factory in peace".
"Number of options: reduced".
Onaga then spoke. "We still do not know what the witch and her followers will do. We are also not sure if Earthrealm will somehow help the academies with its armies".
"Number of options: reduced".
Silence fell upon the room, broken only when Hotaru spoke. "Even if we infiltrate the councils, Ozpin and the headmasters can turn our puppets against us. We need to take care of the academies first".
"Number of options: reduced… one option remains" Sektor finally said, making all others look at him. "Plan five-zero-zero-nine-eight-eight-one-three: The new guard".
Immediately after, Sektor projected all the information about the plan, and when he was done, none dared to speak. The risks were just too high.
Onaga then began to move with his hands behind his back, making all others look at him. "If we do this… there is no way back. We either succeed, or we fail".
Hotaru considered his response for a moment. "There are many parts to consider. The syndicates will need to be convinced, those who reject it will have to be turned into cyborgs without a second thought, if we are not careful, they will notice something is happening".
"Preparations from Orderrealm will have to start as soon as we end this meeting. We will need for the Ministry of Communications to hide our movements and even then, the risk of being discovered is too high" Kollector added.
Onaga then looked at the three men before talking again. "The future for our confederation lies on our mandatory success. I need to know all parties agree with this final move. If we win, Remnant will be ours. If we fail, we lose everything".
Hotaru Sektor and Kollector considered it for a moment. It was Sektor the first who stood up. "Logic dictates this is our only path to victory. On behalf of the Tekunin clan, I approve".
Hotaru followed soon after. "If we take down the academies and the forces of Raiden, then the witch and her Grimm army will follow soon after. On behalf of the Seidan Guard, I approve".
Kollector was the last to stand. "The more we wait, the more we allow our enemies grow stronger, the more people from other realms will learn of our actions and act against us. On behalf of the Naknada, I approve".
"Understood," Onaga said. "Then prepare yourselves, our war will come to an end!"
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Slow chapter, but it was mostly to set up the final chapters. Yes, stuff is about to go down.