A/N: Hello everyone I am here with the second chapter to Season 3 of the OOO Saga. As you may have noticed, Volume 9 had recently aired its second episode and it has caught my curiosity but I won't say it here because it will create spoilers for those who haven't seen the newest episode yet. That being said, I will occasionally update this story every two weeks on sundays to provide myself some time to work on the other chapters of my stories while being busy with work in real life so please be patient with the updates. Especially with how things are nowadays. I also have an important announcement that will be said in the author notes at the bottom upon yourselves finish reading this chapter. Enjoy!

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ REMNANT OF DESIRES AND REMNANTS OF DESIRES: AFTER THE FALL, READ THEM BEFORE YOU START READING THIS STORY. THANK YOU.

"Third Person View"

'Thought'

Greeed/Yummies


Gamel wasn't sure how he felt regarding his situation. Scared? Nervous? Maybe all of the odd emotions he was experiencing? He wasn't sure. The Beast Greeed could only wait as he was stuck in the police airship that was heading to Atlas.

Though he wasn't alone.

There was a man sitting across from him. The human sported dirty blonde hair that was tied back to a loose ponytail with strands hanging over his forehead. He had a goatee which faded into a stubble on his cheeks and wore a green scarf combined with a dusty brown jacket and old clothes.

The man was most recent not too long ago after he was placed in the transport. It was somewhat silent as all he could head was the humming of the ship's aerial engines.

"Hey buddy you alright?"

The gray-haired homunculus raised his head to notice the blonde with a curious look. "I'm… just waiting." He answered the human. "Who are you?"

The man jabbed a thumb to himself with a grin. "The name is Forest, what's yours?"

"I'm Gamel." The human-disguised Beast Greeed replied to the fellow man in handcuffs.

The now named Forest looked Gamel over, noticing not just the cuffs but also the gravity boleros around the forearms and links by the ankles. "Why did they put you in so many restraints?"

"I wanted to protect my friends but the meanies in white didn't believe them. I hurt the robots but… my best friends didn't want me to hurt people."

While Forest found Gamel's wordings a little off, he responded to him. "That's what Ironwood's personal attack dogs do to ya. Never believe a thing."

"Why are you in mean metal bracelets?" Gamel asked back.

"I'm here because I've been speaking out against Atlas' exploitation of Mantle, and General Ironwood is trying to silence me."

"You threw a brick at their ship!" One of the pilots yelled from the front.

"It's worth it if it gets people talking about our cause!" Forest proudly boasted.

The pilot sighed in annoyance.

The man sat back down and looked at Gamel. "See what I mean?"

"… Maybe?"

"If I have to say anything about what you were doing, I say you did the right thing to show Atlas what it means to protect your friends! Especially when they don't do anything right with General Ironwood's tyranny!"

Gamel frowned slightly. If there was tyranny… he would know it. He was familiar with it all too well. The mean OOO from nearly 802 years ago. That was a man who was called a tyrant amongst tyrants for his atrocities and conquest. A meanie he didn't want to remember.

The Beast Greeed looked down at the floor of the aerial transport. He hopes his nice friends will free him from this...


Remnants of Desires: Edge of Avarice


Chapter 2: General Ironwood, New Approach, An Understanding

The situation earlier in Mantle was settled but it didn't change the fact they had to escort Gamel into a damn transport alone after the minor hiccup. Winter managed to clear us for entry, but it still upset me about Gamel's problem. Pyrrha also showed concern knowing she was also Gamel's caretaker since we brought him back and placed him under her care.

Now, we were in an airship that was hovering to Atlas. The interior was somewhat quiet whereas Winter was in the middle of speaking to communications the pilot provided her.

"I hope Gamel is okay…" Ruby murmured.

"You and I both…" I grunted.

"Gamel's an idiot but he can take care of himself," Ankh commented.

"Must you always be so blunt? Your words don't help make things better." Weiss crossed her arms.

"It's called the truth and life, ever heard of that?" The red Greeed ignored the small glare Weiss sent to him.

"L-Let's not start fighting you guys!" Ruby intervened.

"If you say so." Ankh snorted.

Now it became awkward silence until Winter turned over to us. "We are within Atlas everyone." She informed everyone.

Looking out the glass, Winter was right as we were within the City of Atlas. Ruby looked at the city in awe of the spectacle. I wouldn't blame her. Even I was left speechless when I first came to Atlas with Kougami to retrieve the BuraKaWani Medals.

"It's gorgeous up here!" The scythe wielder beamed.

Ruby's comment caused Jaune, Oscar, and Nora to leave their seats and look out the window with her.

Weiss however furrowed her brows at the scenery. "Don't let that fool you…" she murmured. I was in earshot distance upon hearing her comment. I was slightly puzzled at her comment but held back a question for the time being.

My eyes divert from Weiss to the sight my friends saw as we begin to notice we were nearing the building Winter wanted us to go to.

Its towering structure being more advanced than Beacon but retained its symbol as the pillar of the military.

Atlas Academy.


Upon entering Atlas Academy, it felt surreal that we were within the school that also served as a military headquarters from what Winter told us. After we were cleared to enter the school grounds, we followed the Atlesian Specialist across the halls of the school.

Ankh looked at the school with disinterest but a part of me wondered if he was reminiscing about his days in the Lost Kingdom due to its grand design. I wouldn't know.

"This way. The general will be expecting us after we use the elevator." instructed Winter.

Entering it, it seemed to be large enough to house all of us which was a plus. At least we weren't being squeezed from it being overcrowded.

"Anything we should be aware of when we see him?" Ankh inquired.

"Several things…"

"For example?"

"He'll explain it." The specialist answered.

That didn't seem to satisfy the Bird Greeed but he huffed nonetheless.

When the ding echoed and felt the elevator briefly come to a halt, the doors slid open which allowed us to enter what is to be the highest floor of the academy. But upon exiting we saw who we were hoping to see.

General James Ironwood.

Oh and we saw Penny too beside him. We briefly noticed Penny waving to us while Winter and Rouge approached the general.

"General Ironwood." Winter acknowledged her superior with a salute.

"Winter," Ironwood saluted back. "Good to have you back."

"I apologize for my late arrival. It… wasn't easy finding my son after recent events."

"Mr. Ironwood," the general looked down to notice Rouge. Alas what was surprising was his eyes was no longer red and purple but instead full bright red colors.

"Rouge?" His eyes were different.

"Mn." The boy nodded.

The general looked at the specialist. "Is there something you are not telling me?"

"As much I want to clarify about it sir, Rouge isn't the only one who I brought back with me." Winter confessed before she stepped aside, gesturing to us.

Ironwood's eyes widened upon seeing each of us. "By the Brothers…."

"H-Hey, General Ironwood," Ruby waved. "You… uh… changed a bit?"

Winter cleared her throat, "I'm sure there is much to discuss with them."

The general closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "If you all may follow me." He insisted.

All of us complied and followed him, Winter, and Penny. It didn't take long but it also gave me more insight into the school's grounds, which is Atlas Academy. Much like the uniforms of the military, it was pristine with its intricate design and sleek architecture as the interior had cold white and gray walls and floors and dark gray pillars. They were repetitive making them easy to get lost in were it not for the guidance of Ironwood. We walked up the small flight of stairs and reached what is to be Ironwood's office.

"It is so good to see you all," The general gestured to us to enter the office.

"Our reception didn't really convey that." Yang drawled, remembering how we all nearly got arrested by the operatives. It made her uncomfortably rub her wrists at the recent memory.

Ironwood sighed tiredly. I caught the tone given I knew the state of mind he was in. It was how my dad was at times after coming home from deployment. Tired and exhausted. Even seeing the general in person again after almost two years, the look in his eyes gave it all away.

"I sincerely regret how my team approached you with misunderstanding." Ankh and Qrow rolled their eyes, both sharing the same thought in mind. "When a rogue airship entered our airspace, it raised some red flags. We assumed the ship was stolen."

"Actually…" Winter took a deep breath. "We… did steal the airship."

Now the General looked at the Atlas Specialist. "You stole an Atlas ship?"

"T-To clarify sir, it was Arc's idea." Winter tried to reason to the best of her ability. "I didn't have anything to do with it. I tried to ask Cordovin back at Argus but she wouldn't let us pass."

"You still let that happen." The General frowned slightly. "I can let it slide that you left Atlas to chase after Rouge, Schnee, but that doesn't excuse that kind of action. You're a Specialist for Brothers' sake."

"Sorry for that, sir..."

Ankh scoffed in amusement to see Winter receive harsh criticism from her superior. "Finally, I get to see her get knocked down a peg."

The Bird Greeed winced when he felt a harsh kick to his shin, making him look down at Rouge who glared. Crafty little bird to suddenly flank him to do that. "Don't say anything bad about mama."

"I tell it like it is." Ankh retorted to the young redhead. Again, he felt the kick to his leg by Rouge. "Stupid little bird." He was certainly glad to not have to deal with the voices should he have kept the ninth Core Medal.

"Ahem." Qrow coughed to change the subject. "Aside from that… we have some important information for you that's… confidential."

"Oh, is it about the Relics?" Penny chirped. "Or the Winter Maiden?"

We were surprised Penny was aware of the existence of the Maidens and Relics.

"The general told us about them, Qrow." Winter confessed.

Wait, even Winter knew of the existence of the Maidens and Relics? I remember she told us she knew of Salem from the general but we didn't expect her to also be aware of the existence of the Four Maidens and the relics.

The Huntsman looked at Winter before looking at Ironwood. "You told them?!" The older scythe wielder exclaimed.

"Including the history regarding what occurred almost 800 years ago."

"You mean the Multi-King and the Lost Kingdom." Ankh frowned. "Why tell them about it?"

The Atlesian massaged his knuckles in brief discomfort. "You must understand the great lengths many have hid in regards to the late Multi-King's atrocities. With the grim consequences and reality that was brought upon the entirety of the world caused by one lone man with such greed, history wanted nothing more than to wipe it off the face of the whole planet. After the incident at Vale when the Beast Greeed demonstrated his capabilities…" the general grimaced bitterly at the memory. It was something myself and Team RWBY couldn't forget. "It left the first stain and a lot of words. Adding to the other Greeed, there was no point in hiding it from anyone anymore."

We all knew what the general meant. Solaris had done so many things in his campaign of conquest. Upon using the power of OOO, he brought many lives into ruin. Many lives he conquered…

Many lives that Solaris killed that would put the kill count from any human on Remnant to shame.

The actions he committed gave every right that many wanted to destroy the remnants of the king's presence. Alas not everything of his involvement was destroyed as Kougami's collection, the hidden archives in the Lost Kingdom, the journal we have, and the King's beloved relics were evidence that Solaris' tyranny still remained etched on the grounds across the globe - forever reminding everyone that one man nearly ruled them all.

"O-Oh…" We were eerily reminded of what Jinn revealed to us during Ozma's history of his time when Solaris unleashed his power to conquer Remnant.

"With that said, I happen to notice an unfamiliar person with you." We stiffened and briefly glanced at Pyrrha as she still kept her disguise up. "And you are…?"

We gave nervous glances at one another which the general noticed. "What is it?" Ironwood asked.

Jaune was nervous to explain but Pyrrha placed her hand on his shoulder to assure him and made herself known to the leader of the Atlas military. She dismissed her faux colored (both hair and eyes) disguise, revealing her true identity much to Ironwood's disbelief.

"Hello, General Ironwood." Pyrrha did her best to greet the man.

The man was shocked upon seeing the redhead. "Nikos…? How is she…"

"It's...quite a long story." I tried to tell the story. "She isn't an imposter. She's still the same Pyrrha we know."

"Just a homunculus like us Greeed." Ankh stated bluntly. "Things have changed for some of us, Ironwood."

"Officially, Pyrrha Nikos was listed as a casualty during the Fall of Beacon. However, as her body was never found, it would be easy to spin a story of how she survived," I said.

"Case in point, what I want to know is why the hell you told the two about the Relics and Four Maidens?" Qrow questioned.

Ironwood briefly exhaled for a second, setting the Relic of Knowledge onto the desk. "Did you really think you were the only one who got to work on a new plan after Beacon? With Ozpin gone, I needed my own team of people I could trust. So yes, I told them. The Ace-Ops too. Which is why I'm so glad you're here… with this." gesturing to the Relic, he continued, "Until now, I believed it was impossible to truly turn the tide against Salem. Oz has pushed her back, has kept victory out of her claws, but she will keep returning stronger and stronger… unless we destroy her."

'Easier said than done…' I saw how the others briefly reacted by the last few words Ironwood said. We (minus Winter) knew upon Jinn's revelation that Salem was immortal.

Ruby looked deep in thought. Her brows knit in concern and raised her head slightly, "But… what about the Atlas Relic?"

Ironwood cocked an eyebrow, "You mean the Staff of Creation?"

Penny was next to answer to Ruby, "It's safe inside the Vault!"

"And the Winter Maiden?" It was Qrow who asked.

"She is secure and in stable condition."

"Stable condition? What does that–" Yang asked

"She's, uh, not exactly a spring chicken." Qrow answered to Yang.

"In other words, she's old." Ankh guessed bluntly, earning a jab from Qrow's elbow. "Lemme guess, you are keeping watch on her until she dies and you've already got someone in mind to inherit her powers."

His crimson eyes scanned between Penny and Winter before focusing critically on Ironwood who returned the gaze with his own.

The general took a brief exhale. "Correct." There was no point hiding it from Ankh who held the sharpest mind amongst everyone here.

"Figures." The Bird Greeed snorted.

"I know how this all looks. Recalling my military? The embargo? I probably don't seem the most trustworthy right now."

Blake was the first to speak up about it. "Then why continue it?" She questioned. "It's not exactly helpful for them."

"The people of Mantle are hurting!" Nora agreed with Blake's rebuttal.

"I needed to ensure Salem couldn't infiltrate Atlas. And I wanted my military here, protecting my people." replied the older Atlesian.

Yang however spoke in disapproval, voicing the others' concerns. "But it's not protecting them! It's making everyone hate you."

Ironwood closed his eyes. "It's a price I'm willing to pay." The general then reached over to a glowing panel of buttons on his desk and tapped a button that resembled a table emitting light from its surface. "Just as you all have been entrusted with the knowledge of Salem's existence, I need you all to trust me. I have a plan."

Shutters suddenly came down outside the windows, darkening the room. A circle in the center of the floor bearing Atlas' emblem began to rise up, prompting Ruby and Oscar to step off of it. Ironwood made his way over to it, the circle continued to rise and transformed into a table.

"Ozpin believed the best way to fight Salem was to do so in secret. Whether that was the right choice or not isn't for me to say. But we find ourselves in a position of needing, well, a new approach."

Qrow sighed heavily, rubbing his neck slightly. He then asked, "And what do you suggest?"

As if the general was waiting for that question, he brought out a remote to press a button. Upon the key being pressed, a hologram was projected from the table. The hologram displayed a familiar structure we knew.

"Isn't that… the Amity Coliseum?" Jaune recognized.

Oscar perked up slightly. "Isn't that where the Vytal Festival is held?" He remembered watching it during his time at home before the disastrous round that led to the Fall of Beacon.

"Indeed." The general confirmed. "When Beacon fell and everyone on Remnant lost contact with one another, I knew our current system was outdated. Amity was built to bring the nations together." Ankh snorted briefly but the Atlesian continued regardless of what Ankh thought about it given the Bird Greeed's history. "And it will serve that purpose once again."

With the second press of a button, Ironwood allowed the projection of Amity to change. The only difference of the change is having an antenna.

Penny clasped her hands together, giving us her joyful yet excited look. "Isn't it great? We're not going to just replace Beacon Tower. Building a new tower on top of Amity Colosseum will re-establish global communications!" She announced.

"By launching the tower high into the atmosphere, our scientists believe we can create a sort of… satellite out of reach of the Grimm and capable of maintaining global communications even if we were to lose another tower."

"You plan to launch the coliseum into the atmosphere?" I noticed in surprise. It was similar to a satellite launch back on Earth.

"You make it sound like you are familiar with this." Ironwood noted the tone in my voice.

"Er, well…" I tried to explain. Crap, how do I explain this? Ironwood doesn't know I come from another world. Winter was the most recent person I told but I begged her to not tell anyone else about it, ESPECIALLY not to Ironwood. It wasn't easy but she promised to keep my origins a secret. "It just... sounds almost unbelievable to do something like that. Launching something into the atmosphere? How would that work?"

Given how Remnant's sole fuel source is Dust, it made me wonder how the plan would even work. On Earth, it was through aerodynamics, space-engineering, years of work, navigation, and even fuel to launch a rocket into space. That is also to count having it remain stationary in the atmosphere.

Qrow's brows furrowed upon realizing his friend's intentions of Amity. While it did seem to be a good idea, it didn't change the fact of what was happening locally. "If that's possible as Kid says." My brow twitched at the nickname. Damn it Qrow, I hate it when you call me that when I am not a kid! "You don't need the entire military for this."

"I will for the next part: where I finally tell the people about Salem." The revelation surprised us. He was going to tell the whole world about Salem? If that were the case it would… of course.

"The revelation would cause panic." I realized. "That was why you withdrew your troops, isn't it?"

"Yes, panic is inevitable, and panic brings Grimm. But I believe we are ready. Once Atlas has come to grips with the fight ahead, I'll use Amity Tower to spread the message to all of Remnant." replied Ironwood. Weiss however disagreed with the idea, "But everything will fall apart. Grimm will be everywhere!"

Weiss wasn't wrong. Given the Grimm are attracted by negative emotions, they would immediately stampede their way straight to not just Atlas but also Mantle.

Winter sighed bitterly, "You're not wrong, Weiss. But Atlas is willing and prepared to assist."

"Trying to hide the truth from the world will eventually kill us all. I was bitterly reminded of it after the Greeed awakened." Ironwood pressed a button on his remote again, allowing the hologram to disappear. The table transformed and receded into the flood, granting the shutters to pull away from the windows.

"Oz spent his whole life, many lives, keeping this secret." Qrow grunted.

Ironwood eased slightly and turned around, "I know. But since Beacon fell, since the Greeed's reawakening, things have changed. Without him here to guide us, all I can do is use my best judgment."

Behind him, Oscar audibly shifted uncomfortably. As if the Atlesian had a sixth sense, Ironwood stopped and looked back "What is it?" He asked.

Oscar swallowed, "Actually, Oz isn't completely gone."

"Uh, Oscar here is… is the next Ozpin." Qrow revealed to the headmaster.

"Oz?" Smiling, Ironwood quickly and eagerly proceeded toward Oscar, who looked nervous upon the approach. "I'm so glad you're here. I didn't think you-"

Oscar raised his hands up and interrupted Ironwood, as the latter crouched to Oscar's level, "Not quite. He's kind of, um, gone... at the moment."

Ironwood's smile faded. The man lowered his head. "That's not normal. How did he-"

"We don't know." answered Ruby.

Now Ironwood, Qrow and Oscar look at Ruby who pursed her lip. "We were in a train crash, and ever since, well… suddenly, Oz wasn't there anymore." She continued.

Ironwood showed a discouraged look by the information. "That's the worst news yet." He rose to his feet, "Did you learn anything from him about the Relics before…?

Ruby shook her head. "He told us the lamp can answer three questions. But all the questions were used up already."

I looked at Ruby for a second. Why didn't she…?

I have to talk to her when I have the chance.

Ironwood suspired slightly, "Right, right." and walked back behind his desk and stared out the window. "Ozpin told us that too, once upon a time." So Ozpin lied to Ironwood to about the Relic. "At least we have you, Oscar. You're safe here in Atlas. Maybe together we can figure out how to bring Ozpin back."

"Thank you, sir. I mean, uh, general. Uh, Ironwood?" Oscar did his best to stand at attention but gave an awkward smile.

Ironwood picked up the Relic of Knowledge and walked over to Ruby, offering it to her.

The former Beacon student was taken aback upon the general proffer the Relic to her. "You're giving it back to me?"

"After what happened with the Ace-Ops, I don't want you to think I'm keeping anything from you, especially something as important as this. For the time being, I think it's safest with the people who brought it here." He handed her the Relic.

"Um, thank you." The young Huntress-in-training thanked.

She shrunk the Relic and hooked it onto her belt, exchanging a look with Oscar.

"We must work together if we're going to fight Salem and win. Now, if you're all on board."

Ruby thought it over for a few seconds, then looked up at Ironwood. "What do you need us to do?" She asked the general.

Ironwood's lips curled upward at her response - one he wanted to hear. "Good, because getting the Amity Tower ready to launch won't be easy." Walking back to his desk again, he added, "But first, I think we need to get those weapons of yours up to our standards."

A different hologram screen appeared before us, showing footage of our fight against the Grimm in Mantle. "Remember, this is Atlas. While assisting the military, we will provide you with the best equipment our scientists can devise." Winter reminded us.

Yang pumped her fist in the air in excitement. "Yeah!"

Even I couldn't help but feel some jubilations upon Winter's statement. It meant our weapons will be upgraded with Atlesian technology. Alas there was one thing we needed to do before that could happen.

"Excuse me, General Ironwood," I earned the attention of the Atlesian in question. "There's one other thing we need before we get prepared."

The general raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"


"You must be joking…"

What Ironwood didn't expect was the fact in the digital cell was the familiar gray-haired man. The said man being the Beast Greeed in disguise. The very same Greeed who demolished his military forces in Vale in the past. Cameras were aimed at Gamel due to his Greeed form he can assume and being extremely dangerous. Well, the problem would have been Gamel could have freed himself from it but it would cause serious trouble. Mostly for the military personnel.

When we explained to him about Gamel's problem, he was shocked to learn Gamel was alive. Myself being responsible for his rebirth via Cell Medals. Yeah he was upset to learn Gamel is still standing but we had to clarify Gamel's allegiance to us. With Gamel on our side, he was helpful to us if we are to ever encounter the Grimm-Yummy or Yummies.

"This is…"

"Yeah, it's hard to grasp but Gamel is 100% on our side." Jaune replied sheepishly.

Ironwood looked at us for a moment then at the cell Gamel was in. "Release this Greeed out of the cell." He ordered.

"But sir!"

"Now."

Immediately, the guards moved to the energized cell door and deactivated it upon the general's order. The moment the digital wall vanished, Gamel immediately ran up to me and Pyrrha. "I don't want to be caged again! It was scary!" Gamel whined fearfully.

Pyrrha gently patted and rubbed Gamel's head to comfort him. "You won't." She assured.

Gamel smiled as Pyrrha gently patted his head. It felt nice.

Ironwood sighed heavily. "I hope you all made the right choice regarding this Greeed."'

"Gamel's been great!" Ruby defended. "And he's helped us up until now, just like Ankh."

Ankh wanted to say something but held it back. He did not trust Gamel. The only reason Gamel was on their side now was because he had imprinted on Pyrrha like he had Mezool. The way she treated him also reminded him of how motherly Mezool used to be. But if Mezool were to come back, who would the Beast Greeed choose? That is the big question that lingered in his mind.

"I can vouch for that." Pyrrha raised her hand slightly while handing Gamel a snack. "I have been watching over him."

"Pyrrha and friends are nice people!" Gamel muffled through the meal. Weiss blanched at eating manners Gamel held. She really can't get over that.

"See?"

The general pinched the bridge of his nose. "Of course…" He understood fully of the assurance we gave him. I couldn't help but chuckle slightly.

"Enrique." Ironwood called, earning my awareness. "Before you go with the others, I need to have a word with you. Ankh and Gamel are to come along as well."

I looked at my friends then at the general. I nodded in agreement before motioning Gamel and Ankh to follow. "Come on you two."

Ankh snorted while Gamel cheered and the two followed us along with Penny.


I uncomfortably walked with the General as Penny, Gamel, and Ankh followed not too far behind. I glanced behind at Ankh who merely walked in silence while Gamel and Penny were talking to each other in excitement. Already the two became friends. Turning my attention back to Ironwood, I asked, "What is it you wanted to speak to me about, General Ironwood?"

The general took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. "Ozpin saw something within you the day he enrolled you into Beacon academy. Your origins are still unknown and your presence is what made me cautious at first."

Figured he would say that. Given Ozpin, Glynda, Ankh, Qrow, Maria, Winter, my friends and Blake's parents are the only people who knew I was from Earth. No one else was aware of it.

"However… with each given moment you faced the Greeed, you were gaining what the late Multi-King had - The power of the Full Combos." He continued. "You must understand the immense caution I held regarding you being OOO."

"I can understand what you are saying, general." I raised my hand. "The previous Multi-King nearly changed the world with the power of OOO. It would make sense."

"But." I glanced at him. "To learn you still haven't gone mad with power through nearly two years that passed, I was wrong the moment I saw you with Ruby and the others." Ironwood stole a glance at Gamel. "And having an enemy turn into an ally."

"Unlike Kazari and Uva, Gamel deserved to have an opportunity to help." I explained. "Yeah, he did damage back at Vale. But now? He helped us. Saved our necks a few times during our trip here."

"And the Medals?"

"I… have all of the Combos but…"

"What is it?"

"It's about Gara." The man frowned at the mention of the late alchemist. "He is dead but his new armor, it is being used by a Grimm Greeed, a monster born like Grimm but also as a Greeed."

James grimaced bitterly at the revelation. While Salem and the Greeed were one thing to worry about, it was the fact that a hybrid was now walking on the face of the planet.

"Then the problem will be worse later on…"

"I'm afraid so." I admitted, pausing to take in a brief inhale. "But I do know that when I face the Grimm Greeed again, I'll be ready."

The General looked at me as he noticed how serious I was. I may have been given a scar by the Grimm Greeed, I wasn't going to give up as before. His eyes trailed slightly a bit to the sheathed sword on my hip and the armament that was kept close to the other side, wrapped in cloth. "The Multi-King's Relics. So you found two of them."

My hand rested on the gauntlet and sword. I clicked my tongue slightly. "Yeah… only one is left. The cloak." It was funny. Much like the four Maidens and the Relics, the Multi-King possessed four items of power: Phoenix Gauntlet, a cloak, O-Driver, and O-Calibur. "I don't know where it is, though...but I'm guessing Salem doesn't even know where it is either."

While the O-Calibur was found when we had to locate the origins of the Grimm Greeed, we found the gauntlet from a stroke of luck after Kazari tried to stop us from getting to Argus. The cloak though, it seemed to be much more difficult than it seemed. Solaris' presumed followers hid his treasures zealously, even after death.

The general sighed tiredly to ease his posture. "Young man, what you hold may help turn the tides against Salem." Ironwood stated. "I know the power is dangerous but you have prevented its effect from taking hold of you for this long. I know this is a lot to ask but I need your help alongside Ankh, and Gamel's to support Ruby and the others in the plan. If we can't send the coliseum into the atmosphere to stop Salem… then it would be her victory."

"I understand, General." I understood. "I'll do whatever I can."

"Your power will definitely change the world. Sooner or later, you will have to make a decision." He advised. "About whether what purpose you will use the power that the Multi-King once held."

"I won't be alone on this. As long as I stand by my family, I will fight for the sake of others and our future. Not for my needs but for everyone's life to be safe."

"Spoken like a soldier."

"… My dad was."

Ironwood paused and glanced at me and his brows furrowed, "I don't recall a man with an identical surname to yours in my military."

"That's because he wasn't." I had to hide the bitter truth about my origins from him. "And… he died in the line of duty years ago." My hand briefly grasped the locket around my neck. I had accepted and moved on from the death of my family back at Menagerie. Regardless, there were still cherished memories I have with them.

"My condolences."

It wasn't the first time I heard that. Back then I didn't give any acknowledgement to it. "I… appreciate your words, Ironwood."

"Now…" Ironwood cleared his throat. "I am sure your friends are awaiting you. Penny can escort you to them and from there guide all of you around the academy."

"Thanks, General." I smiled thinly before Ankh, Gamel, and I followed Penny.


"So, your adopted son is a Greeed," Ironwood summarized.

"I was only made aware of this recently, sir," Winter said, her eyes focused on Rouge who was reading a book.

"You would've known sooner if you had given him a medical checkup."

"I wanted to have Rouge acclimated but since there was nothing wrong with him, I thought there was no need to. I apologize."

The general frowned slightly. "He stole Atlas equipment, Schnee. Are you sure you can control him?"

"He promises he will never do such a thing again."

"I am not trying to tell you how to raise your son but you should discipline him then so he learns his lesson properly."

"I will, sir."

The general looked at the boy who had just finished the book. But not before picking up another to read. "You're lucky nobody else knows about this, Schnee. People will panic once they learn of his true nature."

Not even Jacques Schnee knew of the redhead being part of a monster's body. With the Core Medals containing the consciousness of the Greeed, Rouge was considered as such. But unlike the others, Rouge no longer had a Greeed form since Ankh took back what was rightfully his. However the boy could still retain some power due to the red Core in his body.

"I believe Rouge would do well in the academy someday," Winter claimed. Rouge was frighteningly skilled and cunning, able to come up with a plan and take advantage of Atlas resources so he could reclaim all his Core Medals. Although he failed in the end, it was still an impressive effort.

Come to think of it… do homunculus age? Since the Greeed could shapeshift, perhaps Rouge could gradually age himself up like a normal child.


Penny escorted Ankh, Gamel, and I to rejoin the others and found myself noticing they were talking to the Atlesians who originally arrested us down at Mantle. Ruby was the first to see me in which her expression brightened considerably.

"There you are!" Ruby beamed upon my approach. "Did everything go alright with Mr. Ironwood?"

"Yeah, he just needed to talk. Nothing major," I assured. My head peered over to notice the operatives who had arrested us earlier. "I take it you guys became acquainted with them?"

"Oh we did!" Ruby chirped.

"Like the kid said," The lead man mused. "I'm Clover. This is Elm, Marrow, Vine, and Harriet."

"Please to meet you," The Faunus, who is Marrow, grinned upon introducing himself.

"Likewise." I smiled. The operatives (minus Clover) tensed while I followed their gaze to Gamel.

"You sure it's a good idea having that guy?"

"Don't worry! He's really helpful!" Ruby rubbed Gamel's head, making the Beast Greeed smile bashfully, "I help friends smash Grimm! Smash, play, and eat!"

"Uh…"

"He may look tough but he's…" my lips pursed, trying to find the right word to describe Gamel in the friendliest way without insulting the gray Greeed.

"Childish?" Harriet guessed.

"That's one way-okay yeah he is."

Penny clasped her hands together, earning our attention. "Now that everyone is here, I can give you a tour of the campus! Follow me!"

Ruby and I chuckled softly. "We'll see you guys later." After we gave the Atlas Operatives our partings, we followed the enthusiastic android.

The Atlesian began to explain to us much of the school; including its history, the architecture, etc.

Though it didn't take long after she continued to guide us around I was starting to notice my friends were slowly becoming more tired. I was feeling the effects too. My body was feeling weary and exhausted. Guess after the long travel and fighting the Grimm earlier we never had a chance of proper rest.

"So that way's the cafeteria, and that way is the training rooms. Oh, and over there are the classrooms!"

Ruby stretched, yawning loudly. We briefly came to a stop, allowing me to notice everyone else looking exhausted. Nora was leaning against Ren as support, asleep on her feet. Ankh had his arms crossed but his crimson eyes were slowly filled with frustration and impatience. Gamel… Well, he was simply fiddling with a toy Pyrrha gave him to remain close.

"This all looks great, Penny. But where are we staying?" Ruby yawned.

"Remember, you're in Atlas now. As the most well-funded school on Remnant, every teen at Atlas Academy gets their own room! And if that wasn't enough-"

"So we're staying in the dorms?" Ren interrupted the Atlesian.

With an excited dance and hop, Penny gave a bright smile upon the oriental-clothed teen's inquiry, "It'll be just like Beacon again!" Nora nearly fell were it not for Ankh to prevent it. Though from the look on his face, it contorted with frustration.

"For fuck's sake just give them their dorms so they can sleep before I deal with any more headaches from these exhausted brats and wring their necks!" Ankh yelled.

It was eerie silence but it did awaken us albeit slightly. Penny blinked once. She then blinked twice. "O-Oh… u-um… o-of course! This way!" Sheesh, did Ankh really have to say that in such a harsh way to her?

The android guided us further and thankfully it wasn't that much of a walk upon seeing what is to be the dorms. Thank god.

"These are the dorms. You guys can occupy them according to the teams you are in!" Penny clapped happily, earning faint smiles. "Though, regarding Oscar, I am not ensure the proper-"

"Oscar can stick with me, Ankh, and Gamel in the dorm we will be in." I suggested it and looked at the said teen. "Is that alright with you, Oscar?"

"Yeah. I don't mind it." The farm boy nodded with a smile.

"Excellent! I'll tell the General of your assigned dorms! Oh and one more thing!" she beamed. "Be sure to wake up very early! Mission briefing is at 5am sharp which is approximately 4 hours from now!"

Everyone except me whined in dismay.

Just as we have an opportunity to sleep, it will only be a short one as tomorrow will be a mission for all of us.


CURRENT MEDALS:

Blazing: Taka (x2), Kujaku (x3), Condor (x3)

Scorching: Lion (x1), Tora (x2), Cheetah (x1)

Strongest: Kuwagata (x1), Kamakiri (x1), Batta (x1)

Legendary: Kobura (x1), Kame (x1), Wani (x1)

Water: Shachi (x2), Unagi (x1), Tako (x1)

Gravity: Sai (x3), Gorilla (x1), Zou (x2)

Invincible: Ptera (x1), Tricera (x1), Tyranno (x1)

Unidentified Combo: Seiuchi (x1), Shirokuma (x1), Penguin (x1)

Ultimate King: Super Taka (x1), Super Tora (x1), Super Batta (x1)


(NEXT TIME)

Jaune, Ruby, and I were gathered given we were leaders of our respective teams. We looked at the holo screens as we began to listen to the mission we were about to be briefed on.

"I have reviewed your combat footage and it was… quite complex given your armor's various combinations." Pietro explained to me.

"Team Infinite, ready."

Next Time: New Mission, New Look, Ace Ops


A/N: Things will take an interesting turn for our characters as they have spoken to Ironwood and making preparations for their first task. Plus you guys will be seeing his new attire next chapter! As to my special announcement or rather announcements, I will be applying the Arrowfell game since it is canon to the RWBY series so rest assured the decision had been set.

Furthermore I also will be publishing a colored image of my protagonist's volume 9 appearance on my DeviantArt page but that will be published the day I publish the next chapter!

I hope you guys look forward to it and have enjoyed this chapter. Until then don't forget to leave a review, favorite and follow this story! See you guys next time!