Original concept by Korra
Written by MechaG11
Part One: The World of Remnant Arc
-Chapter 5: Going Forward
Glynda and Qrow linger in an office at Beacon while public news broadcasts memorialized those lost during the Battle of Beacon. One individual of note was Pyrrha Nikos, the brave huntress that stood against Cinder Fall during the fated day. News of Professor Ozpin's death was also made known alongside her. Students attending Beacon were saddened at the news of their deaths. With Ozpin gone, Glynda Goodwitch was to be appointed the new acting Headmaster once all functions at the school were restored. It was largely unknown if her place there was only temporary, or if there even was anyone else who fit for the position.
Times were already tough for the Huntress, since she had lost friend and student alike. With the attack having occurred so close to the school there was no doubt that the mere thought of attending again would be met with strong hesitation. Glynda rested her hand upon a desk, thinking of Ozpin and what he would have done in her place. Across the room from her sat Qrow, drinking away as he listened to the live broadcast. Onscreen, General Ironwood approached a podium to speak of recent events.
"To say that Vale was hit hard would be no less than accurate to all of you. Some may even claim it's an outright understatement. The school was attacked by a cunning foe. She exploited our weaknesses, and tried to turn us against one another. Many stood to face this threat head on during that night. Professor Ozpin himself, even the brave Pyrrha Nikos, gave their lives to stop this monster. Cinder Fall has taken much from us, but in the end? She failed. We, the brave and determined of Vale and Atlas, rallied against her. She sought to weaken and divide us, but we emerged even stronger than ever.
Even now you can bear witness to our growth. Our workers, communities, and even huntsmen united to rebuild what once was. We're putting our differences aside because we strive to protect one another and be better. Standing here now, I wish my old friend could see what we've accomplished. I can promise you that Ozpin would have smiled seeing what we have become today. To I'd be lying if I said that I'm not proud to have had the privilege to be a part of all this, to be with all of you."
The crowd briefly applauds him, accompanied by several cheers of agreement.
"If I may add, I'm sure you're all aware that Professor Goodwitch will be taking Ozpin's place as Beacon's headmaster. Much like Ozpin, she is a friend of mine. She is well known and respected by her students and the faculty. I trust in her ability to lead our students into the future, and I hope you do to. As a headmaster myself, it is my wish to continue our working relationship with Beacon by rebuilding and working to protect our people. Together we will foster a brighter future not unlike the unity we see today, but with those from all over Remnant as well. It starts with us, so let us see it through. Thank you."
Ironwood gives a parting wave and leaves the podium, his departure accompanied by the roar of applause from those attending. Oncoming New footage shows Ironwood meeting once again with Superman and the heroes. Conversing and shaking hands with many a powerful figure, including the likes of Jacques Schnee. Qrow squints disapprovingly at the bunch. The Huntsman lightly shakes his flask at the realization that he was out of liquor. "Hmph. What a load of crap." he said disgruntled.
Glynda replied, slightly annoyed "If you need more there's a bar a couple blocks down. You can drink there."
"You know that's not what I mean." replied Qrow. He tucks his flask away. "You and I were there Glynda. We fought in the thick of it, everything was falling apart, and he was right there with us trying to salvage it all. Then suddenly some heroes from right out of a children's comic book swoop in to the save the day and now he's taking credit for it?"
Glynda held her chin ponderingly "Well…When that man called the Flash helped us James didn't appear to have known him initially."
"Exactly what I was thinking." said Qrow. "Something's up. These people fall conveniently into his hands and now he's spinning them off as some kind of new Atlesian force for good. We don't even know where they're from or what they want."
Glynda turns away and looks out a nearby window with her arms crossed. "It's true but…"
Qrow raises a brow at Glynda "But what?
She turns to face Qrow "This could be what we need."
"C'mon Glynda." Qrow groaned.
"I mean it." she replies. "What if they can help us? Could we potentially stop Salem? Stop this entire war?"
Qrow leans in "At what cost Glynda? Think about where this puts James. Sure he's rallying the people together now, but with this kind of power Atlas might just become the strongest of the Kingdoms. Nobody could stand against them, against him."
"James wouldn't do that." Glynda quickly opposed.
"Hmph…" Qrow grunted. He leans back thinking on it. Ironwood had always fought for good, that much was certain. He may not have liked the guy, but the man's heart was in the right place. The General wasn't one to act on self-interest, and that's what made him a good leader. Qrow only disapproved of his methods: Shows of force, military strength, and intimidation. Effective means, but when pushed too far it skirts the line between security and tyranny. He spoke up "Don't get me wrong. Believe it or not, I'm afraid for him too. We can't know for sure if these "heroes" are trustworthy. I just fear that if they have any reason to turn on him…well, it's not like he could stop them."
"Then let's hope it never comes to that. Right now we can only observe them." said Glynda.
"We can only hope. Oh, and one other thing…" Qrow adds.
The Professor looks to Qrow curiously.
"I don't like that guy's haircut." Qrow states as he points to Superman on screen.
Glynda looks to the screen and then back at Qrow "That's the same haircut that James has."
Qrow shoots her a smug look. Glynda rolls her eyes and leaves the room.
Yang slowly opened her eyes. She was in a bit of haze having just woken up. As things came into focus she found herself still in her hospital bed. She only had to stay couple more days before she was free to go. When the week went by she grew tired of being here. To her this place of healing made her feel isolated and confined. She looks to her left to see Blake napping in a chair. It was comforting knowing that Blake was around, at least when visiting hours allowed. She reached out to Blake, attempting to wake her, placing her hand on her friends arm and shaking it lightly. Blake wriggled a bit from the nudging. "H-hey…Blake?" Yang said quietly.
As Blakes eyes slowly began to open a piercing red light flashed before Yang. Blake gasped painfully as the room darkened. Protruding from her chest was a crimson blade. "BLAKE!" Yang screamed in horror. Behind her stood Adam, grinning as he raised his former partner into the air with his sword. Blake choked as she grasped desperately at the blade impaling her. With one swing of his arm Adam effortlessly flung Blake to the other side of the room. He shakes the blood off of the blade before eerily creeping his head in Yang's direction.
With a mighty cry, Yang threw herself at Adam with a swing of her right arm. He was too fast for her, and cleanly severed her limb with a slash she couldn't even see. Yang fell forward, but was too blinded by rage to be phased from losing her arm. She shoots up, and swings with her left. She uselessly stumbles as she hears her other arm thud to the floor. Adam's sword hovers behind Yang after cleanly dismembering her. He turns to her as she faces him in kind.
"You're done." Adam states before suddenly kicking Yang.
Yang winces in pain after crashing into the floor. She struggles to open her eyes, but sees Adam slowly walking away with his back to her. She catches sight of Weiss and Ruby running towards him, preparing to fight him. Adam readies his sword to meet them in combat. Yang could only hear the sounds of blades clashing as red flashes and blood eclipsed her vision. She lay armless and screaming as she was helpless to save any of them.
"Ms. Xiao Long, you're having a nightmare." explained a disembodied voice.
Yang grunted in her panic. She scrambled to an upright position and opened her eyes, frantically scanning her surroundings. "Where is he?!" Yang shouted.
The nurse maintained an unthreatening posture. "Ms. Xiao Long, we're in your room at Beacon General. It's the afternoon. I'm afraid you were having nightmares again. Please know that you're safe here."
Yang was sweaty and breathing rapidly. She held her head trying to make sense of what was happening. She could see that she is in the hospital, but the sensation of fear was all too real. She was in a state of high alert, and struggled to bring herself down from it.
The nurse continues "It was only a nightmare, Ms. Xiao Long. If you need water or anything else to comfort you, I can help you."
"H-hand." Yang uttered.
The nurse offers his hand and allowed Yang to clasp it. Having some experience with tending to Huntsmen, the nurse was trained to activate his aura for interactions such as this. Despite him being more than prepared, Yang tried her best not to crush his hand outright due to the stress. She tightened her grip slightly, trying to affirm her sense of touch. Squeezing his hand and confirming the physical feeling slowly allowed her to restore her sense of reality. Minutes passed as her breathing and mood steadied. Eventually she let go of his hand and was able to steady herself somewhat. Soon afterwards the nurse had brought her some water and a small wet cloth. She was steady, albeit still a bit shaken. A feeling of embarrassment washed over her as she sat in her hospital room.
She was Yang Xiao Long: Radiant huntress-in-training and one of the toughest members of Team RWBY. A proud woman known to be strong, dependable, and fearless in the face of danger…or so she thought. Her time here saw her causing commotion thanks to the vivid nightmares that ceaselessly haunted her. Constantly reliving the events of the attack left her panicked and confused. One night, one man, one single event, reduced Yang to a frightened and brittle mess. She couldn't help but doubt her integrity, her strength, and even her identity. Who was she if she was not brave? What happens to those relying on her if she wasn't dependable? Was she Yang Xiao Long anymore? She didn't know. She only felt powerless knowing fear could once again take control of her at any time.
The most likely guess from the staff was that she suffers from PTSD following the incident with Adam. Not an uncommon occurrence for those in the profession she trained for. She may be out of the hospital soon, but she would also have to be admitted elsewhere for a psychological evaluation. As far as family was concerned, only her father was informed of her possible condition. Neither Ruby nor their friends knew about the night terrors, and right now she didn't want them to. She knew it was wrong to omit something important like that from those who loved her, but she didn't know what to make of it herself. She knew better than to think her friends would judge her, but still feared the change that sort of revelation can bring.
In the back of her mind, what she dreaded most of all was telling Blake. She had already avoided speaking of it days earlier when she visited. How could she tell Blake? She outright confirmed during her visit that she felt responsible for Yang's dismemberment. Yang couldn't allow her trauma to weigh on her friend's conscience as well. Blake already felt guilty enough, and may even attempt to leave once more if the truth of Yang's condition was discovered. As much as she wanted to be honest and share the weight of her pain, Yang decided that it couldn't happen. Blake needed to stay. That much she could control. To Yang, silence was the only thing that could keep her world from completely falling apart.
The sound of metallic clangs echo as Weiss and Wonder Woman clash swords. Ruby giddily watches from the sidelines as the two swordswomen spar. The two huntresses in training could hardly believe that they would be sparring with one of the heroes themselves. Wonder Woman was pleased to do so, as it was something she enjoyed. It was better than simply meeting with Remnant's media and figureheads. Through sparring she could learn of Remnant's fighting styles, and get to know the local warriors better.
Weiss lunges with three consecutive strikes, demonstrating her fencing prowess. Wonder Woman blocks each attack, executing expert footwork in distancing herself from Weiss' advance. "Very good!" Wonder Woman exclaimed. She lowered her weapon, signifying the end of their training session. "Your offensive form has improved considerably since our last match."
Ruby looked to Weiss. The heiress met Ruby's grinning face, her friend excitedly made a fist pump. Weiss smiled back at Ruby, and then bowed to Diana respectfully for mentoring her. "It was a pleasure, Diana."
"Truly a remarkable display." stated a voice.
Weiss and Wonder Woman turned towards the individual entering the courtyard. Standing before them was none other than Winter Schnee, Atlesian Specialist and Weiss' older sister. She stepped forward to place her hand on her younger sister's shoulder. "It pleases me to see you've made such progress…and that I simply have the chance to see you once again sister." Weiss smiles before hugging her older sister. Winter would not normally permit such familial displays of affection in front of others. For this instance she had decided to allow it, but did not reciprocate seeing as they were in the presence of others. "I was worried for you after hearing of the attack, but I see now that you're more than capable of handling yourself."
"I missed you too Winter." Weiss says before she released her sister.
Diana addresses Winter "You must be the famed Winter Schnee. I have heard much about you from the General, as well as your sister here."
"Indeed I am." affirms Winter. "I understand that there is some business we must discuss, Wonder Woman. Where shall we convene?"
"Right here is fine." Diana answers. "Our business may be of your sister and Miss Rose's interests as well." She briefly gestures to Weiss and Ruby.
Discussing such a matter this way was unusual for Winter, but she supposed there was no harm in it. "Very well then. What exactly do you require of me?" she asked.
Diana explains "You must know of General Ironwood and Kal El's plans somewhat. Our interest is in creating a more secure, united, Remnant. To do this, they aspire to create a grand force. Consisting not only of soldiers from Atlas, but from those of all the Kingdoms. A United Regime of Remnant. I was hoping you three would choose to work alongside us. You would have the honor to be among its first members."
The three exchange glances after that proposition. Winter knew that what Diana had suggested was of worldly importance, something significant enough to change the entire course of their history. She figured that it was perhaps too big for even Ruby or Weiss to understand. To her surprise though, the two Huntresses in training did not appear deterred. Ruby even began to look enthusiastic after processing it all.
"I will gladly accept such an honor." answered Winter. "However, Weiss and Ruby Rose are merely Huntresses in training. I would be remiss if I didn't raise some concerns over recruiting them."
The two girls in question were not exactly fans of Winter's assessment of them. Still, Diana gave Winter a look of assurance. "They have more than proved themselves in the heat of battle, as Kal and I witnessed firsthand. Though perhaps you would feel more comfortable for them to serve under my watch and tutelage?"
Ruby and Weiss excitedly looked to each other, then to Winter. Diana not only recognized them, but suggested that they'd even be working directly under her. A far more favorable outcome than what they might've expected from a request like this. They hoped that this suggestion would satisfy Winter.
The specialist paused for a moment, before responding "Very well. I look forward to working with you Wonder Woman." She and Diana shook hands, confirming their arrangement. "I must say, I am surprised that you didn't come to our father in regards to Weiss' involvement."
Weiss responded to her "Father is already in full support of Superman and Ironwood. He's not going to let this opportunity slip, even if he has to use me to do so."
Diana informed Winter "I thought it best to inquire you here. He may be her father, but I doubt he is as astutely knowledgeable of combat as you are."
"A fair point." Winter replied.
Weiss wasn't the biggest fan of her two role models discussing her fate as if she was a child needing permission to do something. Her discomfort in being indirectly condescended to was silent, though somewhat visible in her expression. Noticing her younger sister, Winter spoke up "Do not misunderstand, sister." Weiss' gaze rose to meet Winter's. "You do not need my permission should you choose to take this upon yourself. You'll be a legal adult in the coming weeks after all. I simply want you to be ready when you do make your decision."
Wonder Woman chimed in "You already have my support. With Winter's knowledge I thought it best to seek her counsel first. And we know I wouldn't seek out your father's word because, if I may speak freely, your father is quite the fool."
The Schnee sisters almost appeared frozen in place. Ruby giggled as she whispered "Oh my gosh! She just said that out loud!" She stated exactly what the two sisters were thinking.
Diana hears Ruby, and remarks "It's the truth as I believe it. You should have witnessed when I appeared before him as he attempted to move Weiss out of the Kingdom. He was so frightened that he immediately allowed Weiss to stay in Vale by my request!"
Winter couldn't control herself any longer. She attempted to cover her mouth, but failed to contain the laughter bursting out from within. Her guffaw had forced her to break posture. Any impression of professionalism she intended to keep before Wonder Woman was more than dissolved by now. It was rare for Weiss to see her sister like this, and like every other time it warmed her heart. "I-I almost wish I could've been there! To think all it took was one such as you." Her laughter died down before she wiped a tear from out of her eye. "Perhaps Wonder Woman is as fitting a title as any. Diana was it?"
"Indeed." answered Wonder Woman.
Winter smiled. "Then well met Diana. This meeting was rather pleasing, but for now I must convene with General Ironwood. So I will be taking my leave. If you will excuse me." Winter turns to Weiss "Goodbye sister." Weiss gives a small curtsy in response. Winter starts to leave the courtyard, but suddenly turns and addresses the hero once more."And Diana, please…take care of the girls."
"You have my word." promised Wonder Woman.
End of Chapter Five