"Hey, Mom. So… uh a lot of things happened."
Atop a lone cliff and at the fringe of a forest lay where Summer Rose rests. Ruby didn't pay their respects alone and was joined by who she considered part of herself. Many of her tanks and planes were in their enlarged form, not speaking as Ruby continued.
"Dad is here with us, I think he's still watching over Yamato. I think he spends more time talking to her than actually doing his job standing guard, so that's nothing new."
…
"Oh right! Mom, meet my… family? We had a discussion about it. I think they're my semblance, so that means they're a representation of… something in my soul. They came out of me, so I guess they are family."
…
Ruby nodded to herself before turning around and pointing at each parked vehicle.
"This is Tiger, he's a bit… quirky, well all of them are. Iosif is attached to the idea of communism. Sherman screams about America sometimes, which is kind of like Pershing but Pershing only does it when you reject his niceness… or if you mention oil. Centurion is a gentleman but whenever he speaks to the other tanks, he's a bit mean. Maus is quiet but he says some weird stuff once in a while. Veltro and Sagittario are very talkative, they're kinda like dad whenever he talks about you - I think he misses you."
…
"Yeah, now that I have them I can understand how you felt when you took care of us. Me being the hyperactive child and Yang was the one who kept destroying things... or punching people."
…
"Mhm! I started keeping them away from trouble; like them constantly wanting to kill each other, stop their destruction of property… or keeping the Germans from invading Poland."
…
The tanks part of the Allies started chortling at it, Ruby kept her sour smile away before stifling a laugh at her own comment. "Heh… that was a joke."
…
"Ah! You probably don't know about it but there's another world out there and sometimes I think you found yourself in another world too. If you are… I miss you. If you are… really gone… then I miss you even more."
…
"Don't worry, I'm still doing well in Beacon. Ozpin is great and I've been talking with General Ironwood too. The teachers are weird but I got used to them. Blake and Weiss were hard to be with at the beginning but they are good to be with now. Oh uh… they're my friends. …I guess I do have a lot of friends now."
…
"Yep. I did get in some trouble but my tanks have helped out a lot in stopping the bad guys… I'm a hero of Vale, that's what the people are saying… but I prefer you call me that, a hero, but I can't hear you anymore."
…
A bark from Zwei snaps her out. Ruby turned back to see her father leaning on one of the tanks. "Dad's coming to pick me up, he's gonna drop me off at Beacon for the tournament. I'll see you again, Mom… it was nice talking to you."
It was in the middle of the day, early in the morning and the dew in the grass had yet to evaporate. But amongst the ground of green, a towering structure high above the sky brings its shadow over Vale.
Amity Colosseum
It was at a young hour, yet people began to fill the seats all the more enthusiastically. Within them are people from around the world capable of buying tickets for a front-row seat.
Their cheers would deafen the world as an event so large would be a major hallmark of the Vytal Festival. Everyone knew it would be important, all eyes were on the fight.
…Which is why Team RWBY, more specifically Ruby herself, was so focused on the aspect of being watched.
"Ruby, you're gonna be okay. We fought terrorists, criminals and monsters." Yang tried to soothe her little sister's rampant anxiety. "A little more attention than what you already have is not that bad!"
They were inside a room full of lockers, a place where contestants could prepare their items used for the competition. Anything they would need would be placed here until the match started and ended.
Blake saw Ruby further shrivel up like a raisin. "Yang, I think that's exactly why she's going to start having a panic attack. People are gonna start screaming her name because of her reputation."
It was exactly as she said, their fight would still be an hour away but Ruby could already hear her name being chanted like a mantra. "Team… can we just… I don't know… not go?"
With this, Weiss picked up Ruby like a stray cat and forcefully shoved her cape away before pinching Ruby's nose until she cried out in mild pain. "Weiscchh lesh go opphh mhay nouuhssh!" Ruby yelped, roughly translating her words, 'Weiss, let go of my nose'.
"No, Ruby. We are going to participate in this no matter what. If you like, you may sit out on the doubles and singles after the team fight but I'll be disappointed if you don't even make it out there. Remember that because we are meant to fight Haven, although they might have lost one team, we still have to go through SSSN eventually after we beat ABRN."
More lectures from Weiss. Great joy for the team.
"I reckon she's got a point, Ruby." Pershing adds in. "Ain't no need to get all riled up just yet. Just take a deep breath and let that thought simmer for a while. We've still got a whole hour before we need to make a move. And hey, we could lend a hand, no harm in that."
Ruby did as told as she gets released from the vices of Weiss' finger clamping down on her nub of an extremity. "Haaaa." She exhales before taking a deep breath. "You're right, it's just the whole world looking at every mistake I make! Ahahahahaha…"
"Might I suggest a course of action, your majesty?" Centurion spoke, to the curiosity of the other members of Team RWBY. Though, the other tanks had some inkling of knowledge of what he was going to suggest. "Perhaps it would be prudent to engage in some pre-fight preparations. After all, one must always be well-prepared for any endeavour."
Weiss agreed, nodding her head in response "Well at least someone knows what to do. If only you take after your tanks, Ruby. So, what do you all think?" She asks the tanks in return.
In a flash, the arguably well-mannered Brit started to change his tone to that of a crazed imperialist. "Well, Lady Weiss, I prefer if we break the enemy's resolve before the fight has started! Incite some bitterness and negativity toward these interlopers from Team ABRN! Let them fight themselves while we sweep the floor! Divide and Conquer, I say!"
"…That is a good idea." Weiss mused, receiving surprised looks from Blake and Yang.
Ruby quickly ran to slam herself onto Weiss. "No, Weiss! Don't encourage them! We are going to get disqualified!"
Centurion continued. "Ah, your majesty. But there are no rules regarding talking and interacting with the enemy! Sabotage in the rule books refers only to physical violence, tampering with weapons or using your semblance outside combat! There's nothing about sowing discontent and mistrust!"
"Damn Brits!" Sherman yelled, rolling up from his idle state to confront Centurion. "That's cowardly as hell, I don't think Ruby or anyone else for that matter would like to see an unfair fight!"
"You misunderstand, you bellend! We are here for victory, no matter the cost! We shall fight on the proving grounds! We shall fight in the classrooms and in the halls! We shall fight in this very arena! We shall never surrender!"
"Seriously? Intrigue? At least make it a fight! I propose something else instead… to bomb the everliving soul out of the enemy! The rules say that fighters can bring their weapons, there's nothing about bringing a B-29 Superfortress! If we manage to pass weapons inspection, the land itself will be moulded by our bombs!"
"That's a bit overkill, don't ya think? But he does have a point, can we just bring bombs? I like to see a lot of explosions!" Yang pumped her fist together, receiving a grateful nod from Sherman.
This comment resulted in Ruby covering Yang's mouth and warning her of encouraging bad behaviour, which Yang was always doing anyway. Even the Soviet tank started weighing in his opinion, although the Allies did not care or chose not to care as they continued to bicker.
Tiger sighed at the sight, with more of the tanks apart from the Axis taking part in it. "I agree on having a strategy but most of these idiots are way too over their heads, right Maus?"
"Not exactly."
The comment removed everyone from what they were doing, staring at Maus, who for once in the week started speaking. Ren from JNPR probably would do well as friends with the super heavy tank for how quiet they both were.
"The final victory can only be achieved when this competition turns to war. And that is to humiliate, eviscerate and demolish the enemy without mercy and compassion. Brutalize the enemy in front of spectators and see how the other contestant will cower under our might. Blood must be spilt and bones must be crushed for us to be crowned as winners."
Utter silence.
"…I would probably agree but that's even worse than them!" Tiger was startled, even when they were in the same faction.
"But it is efficient."
Ah, that explains it, everyone thought.
Yang clapped her hands as loudly as possible. "Okay! Will everyone chill out before we start another world war here between everyone? I thought you all were supposed to be friends!"
'Friends' was stretching it.
Quickly before anyone else spoke, Veltro raised his voice. "May I suggest something?"
They all started to say no but when they realized it was the Italian plane, everyone stopped and thought about it. What else could the Italians even suggest? They were practically not the most adept at planning. So in their curiosity, they let him speak.
"Can we invite them for breakfast?"
…
"Genius!" Sherman exclaimed.
"Indeed!" It was followed by Centurion.
"Not bad!" Even the Soviet had to agree.
As for Tiger, "That's stupid. How in the world is inviting the enemy for food going to help us win the war- I mean the competition?"
The tanks weren't particularly interested in the event itself, but due to the fact that their beloved Ruby was in a fight everyone's pride skyrocketed to insurmountable heights. Leading to most of them acting out of line for a simple and friendly match.
Instead of letting Veltro continue, Sherman, Centurion and Iosif answered for him respectively.
"We can plant a grenade under their seats while they eat! None of them will be the wiser! If we even scream that there is a bomb under their chair and nobody believes it, then it'll be a fair fight since we warned them 3 seconds in!"
"So we can poison them before the match starts! If we pick our poison well, none of the judges would know! Perhaps cyanide is the best option, our spies had the same thing when they got caught!"
"If the food is made out of wheat chaffs and dirt, they could starve in the middle of the battle! I can't believe controlled famines as an idea could come from you!"
"But I just wanted to invite them for some pasta?" Veltro finally finished his idea. "What is wrong with you all?"
"That reminds me. Tactics aside, we should probably eat breakfast before we start." Weiss controls the conversation with a tap of her heels as she goes straight to the door. "Now, before this goes any further out of hand, let's head for the- oomph!"
"Whoops! Sorry about that Weiss, guess I could've knocked but that wouldn't be fun."
Everyone stopped to see the familiar 2nd-year leader of another team. Coco walked in without minding bumping into Weiss, the door swung inward so it had knocked the heiress back with a thud.
"Coco? Velvet? Why are you here?" Ruby asked.
"Aww, guess the little strawberry didn't want company. Velvet and I are here to pick up Centurion for an hour or so. Oh and to give you good luck in the fight… so good luck!"
"Centurion?" Ruby repeated, she looked toward Centurion and back to Coco with… was that jealousy? "Uhh… what are you all going to do?"
"Have you not noticed?" Blake answered Ruby's question with another question. "Centurion has been meeting with Velvet ever so often since they met, he even met up three days ago."
Coco walked up to Centurion and offered a hand, Centurion climbed over as she walked back out of the room with a confident stride. "He's been a good help in giving opinions to what I wear, we're going to Vale, so tata for now, Ruby. Don't worry, I'll give him back~"
As Coco left the room, leaving a surprised Ruby, Velvet sighed and walked to the stunned leader. "Sorry about Coco. When Centurion recommended a 30 mm auto-cannon handbag, we couldn't stop her from taking Centurion out for his ideas ever since."
Ruby snapped out of her daze and focused on the 20 mm auto-cannon handbag. "What? How does she even find the materials for that?"
Velvet looked guilty as she closed in on Ruby for a whisper. "Actually, she's been blackmailing Ironwood for the handbag, she's threatening to spread around your tank's sentience since we are quite knowledgeable on their consciousness, sorry!"
Velvet gave a wave before leaving. The rest of the tanks knew what was going on and they were getting used to it since they met Coco personally in their own time.
"Huh… guess we can start theorizing on strategies."
"Right now?" Yang asked.
"Yes!" Ruby yelled, her dimly lit enthusiasm suddenly bursting into an endless amount of determination. "We're gonna make sure we win until the end! I'm gonna be in the singles!"
"What's this about… oh…" Yang realized what was going on, perhaps it was unexpected for her since it was Ruby of all people but she could tell what overcame her little sister. "You're jealous."
"No… I just want to win is all."
Yang was understanding, putting a hand over Ruby's head and ruffling her hair. "You're cute, you know that? Beating Coco in doubles or singles is hopeful, if not brave, Rubes."
"Don't coddle meeeee..."
Huntsmen. Huntresses. Glorious Battle. Gore.
Probably not the last part but if you were Maus, you'd be cheering for it nonetheless.
All of these were what was expected of the tournament hailed as the most bombastic and it showed through all the fans waiting with bated breaths. As soon as the speakers emitted their high-pitched wail, the crowd rose their volumes to an extreme.
"Welcome to the Vytal Festival Tournament! As I can see, there are many of you waiting for our first match of the day!"
Professor Port's voice resounded in the stadium high above the sky. More cheers overwhelm the atmosphere as he commentates.
"Representatives from all over Remnant have come here to compete for glory! …and employment! Many of those who win their rounds or prove themselves in the fights will find themselves having a secure future! Why back in my day I had to-"
The stadium began to snore.
"Professor!" Oobleck's voice came next. "While I assure you that your stories can be enjoyed. Perhaps it's time for me to take the reins! I am Doctor Oobleck, one of two commentators for this wonderful event! As Professor Port has mentioned, we are at the cusp of the first round for today!"
"Yes, yes!" Port continued. "One of the more anticipated lineups for this event is the first years from team RWBY!"
It was the best kind of opening fight for the event, their status as the ones who practically dealt with the White Fang had come with attention from everyone close to the first-year team.
Oobleck's face appeared back from the display as he raised his hands to explain the rules. "To explain the rules, there are team battles where class year is completely irrelevant to who you fight. It is only through skill. After winning a team battle, they elect two contestants to compete again. Finally, after winning, the duo will vote on a single representative to fight in a bracket and bring home the win for their kingdom and team! Ah, but for those who lose the first round of team fights, you will fight in the loser's bracket and still have the chance to participate in the doubles and eventually fight in the singles… but the catch is only two individuals can be part of the final bracket, so even if you lose the first round, you can climb back if you are determined enough!"
"Well said, Doctor! This arena is special in that the environment is determined by chance, so better watch out for how you fight! Elimination is by ring-out or if your aura plummets below 15%, contestants get ready! Now onto what we are all waiting for, Team RWBY from Vale vs. Team ABRN from Haven!"
The two teams exited from openings within the stage below, it was a blank slate, metallic plates lay cold on the ground unmoving for now as both teams waved their arms and greeted the roaring crowds.
Arslan Altan, leader of ABRN approached with a firm stance, eyeing the smaller and younger leader. "Let's have a good match."
When the multiple displays of terrain started scrolling through the different types, the two teams had different reactions. Team RWBY was unusually serious about it while ABRN looked around them as the terrain switched.
On ABRN's side was a forest!
On RWBY's side was… also a forest?
"Amazing!" Exclaimed Oobleck, "The chances of the same terrain type are rare but not impossible, it has happened before during the previous years! It will be an interesting fight on how the teams manage to use it to their advantage!"
"Hehe." Ruby chuckles. "On ne passe pas."
Yang turned to the leader while still keeping a vigilant focus on the enemy. "What does that mean?"
"3!"
Port's voice was accompanied by the crowd's cheers.
Ruby had learned the phrase from the allies whenever they were talking about the last person missing in their massive alliance, the French. It was fitting for the terrain… and what they had planned.
"2!"
Just as the match was counting down, the enemy team saw something concerning. Ruby's normal innocent-looking face suddenly contorts into a smile full of malice. As the count went to the last second, Ruby answered Yang.
"1!"
"They shall not pass!"
"Begin-"
The moment they heard the climax of the count, Ruby dashed backwards along with Blake as Ruby yelled, "Freezerburn!"
ABRN didn't know what the code names meant and as Yang leapt to the skies while firing her gauntlets at them, they neglected to realize that she wasn't the threat. Ice spread from the centre and team ABRN dodged it by jumping up to avoid it or in Reese's case, floating using her board, while the others tried to wave the smoke entering the peripherals.
But that wasn't the point of the ice, Yang barreled down with her fist cocked back and her breaches loaded with fire, as soon as her fist met the frozen platform, a plume of steam covered the centre of the field.
ABRN recomposed themselves after a short while, as what sounded like Yang's gauntlets fired seemingly at random. Stray shots moved with smoke, trailing as all of them tried to find out what to do next.
"Smoke!" Bolin yelled. "We need to get out of it- gah!" Tripping on seemingly nothing, his head slams to the ground. "Owowow… ghh!" Just as he thought he was out of the fray, he felt a bullet hit his legs, enveloping him in ice.
Reese of ABRN had an advantage over her fellow teammates, her weapon was a hoverboard she could easily use to quickly find out what was happening. Fleeing to the outskirts of the smokes, she realized that those stray shots weren't meant to hit them.
What they thought was Yang suppressing them by blindly firing into the smoke but in actuality, Yang was using Blake's bow to sweep the entire area through their tactic 'Bumblebee'.
*BANG!*
*BANG!*
While that, Reese could hear her teammates getting pelted by sniper fire. As she swung to look for Ruby, she heard one of her teammates get out of the smoke, breathing heavily.
"Arslan! We need to clear the-"
*BANG!*
A bullet whizzes past them, obscured by the smoke, they could only see a fraction of a second's worth through a gap made by the bullet to see Ruby crouching down with her rifle popping out another casing as she aimed straight at them.
They move as a pair trying to flank whoever and whatever plan Team RWBY has on them. "How can she see through the smoke!" Reese quickly manoeuvres around, trying to find a way to get the others in their team while avoiding sniper fire.
"I don't know but I'm going to find them and stop it, here it'll give more oomph to your board." Arslan picks out a small dust crystal from her back pockets and tosses it towards Reese who boosts her board with more wind than usual. "Get the smoke out and move!"
"Yessir, I'll be quick-"
"Oh no you don't!" In one surprising move, Yang comes back around after using Blake's ribbon to launch herself back, seemingly accurate to their position.
*BOOM!*
Reese barely makes it out, using her hoverboard to block in the last second as Arslan follows up, landing a solid punch to Yang as she skids a few meters from their spot. "Not bad, I actually felt that one!" Yang taunts.
"It's two against one, Arslan, we can take her!"
"Wait!"
Reese, headstrong in her confidence as a trained individual, puts a burst of speed from her hoverboard's additional power. Seeing the strike, Yang lets Reese's board hit her guard as she tries to retaliate only for Reese to quickly dart out.
"See! I need just a little help!" Reese calls for Arslan who looks back at the smoke, making a hard decision about what to do.
With a firm stomp she heads for Reese and takes her dagger out while trying to outflank Yang who keeps backpedalling while trying to counter-attack, Yang absorbs bludgeon after bludgeon until Arslan comes to her aid and comes within close combat range.
That is… until Yang kept launching herself back with her gauntlets, not even trying to fight them. That is when Arslan finally realized what Yang was doing she turned to Reese in a slight panic, "Reese! Get back to the smoke and clear it!"
"I won't let you!"
Suddenly Yang came back, even when her aura had taken blow after blow yet it remained high just from the reserves she was packing. She struck in the middle of the two after launching herself with the gauntlets, tying the two down and wasting time until a dreaded announcement arrived.
"A double elimination by aura! Bolin Hori and Nadir Shiko are out!"
"What?!" It came as a massive surprise to the tunnel-visioned Reese, she took a moment to check the board for Team RWBY's aura levels.
Ruby Rose - 100%
Weiss Schnee - 93%
Blake Belladonna - 89%
Yang Xiao Long - 19%
"Hey, I'm right here you know!" Yang yelled, pushing herself back to her own team as she smiled, she was a bit peeved that she wasn't allowed to actually fight but the results showed themselves. "A little delayed retreat works wonders, they said, I still wanna punch you later though!"
Ruby, Weiss and Blake had been relatively unscathed during Yang's 2v1, it was a hard way to delay the enemy, Yang had barely even made a large difference to their aura but it didn't matter, in practical terms, it was now a 4v2 with Team ABRN severely outnumbered.
Their plan was very much influenced by the tanks and their respective doctrines. Ruby just applied most of it to smaller-scale battles. She separated it into distinct phases;
Shock and Awe, overwhelm the enemy with a big attack, forcing them to respond.
Divide and Conquer, cut communication between the team while maintaining control over yours.
Defeat in Detail, concentrate the majority of your attacks, a 4v4 turn into a 3v2 and a 1v2. Yang has the most reserves and could distract and threaten, forcing the enemy to make hard choices.
Finally, the last, Overwhelming Firepower.
Ultimately, it was left up to the most glaring issue that Team RWBY exploited, the centre and the fact that they have access to the scoreboard.
Using the smoke as a cover and coordinating with Blake who has her superior hearing to pick out where the voices are. Leading to Ruby shooting blindly, while supported by Weiss, who was looking at the board to check if it was a hit. It was a simple trick, without needing to see, they had limited the options for the enemy to attack their position.
But the most important lynchpin of the strategy was for Yang not to fight without reason. Every blow she dealt in return was to make the enemy react, would they risk turning their back to a mobile and deadly threat? Or would they stand and fight?
It was then the team stood face to face, racking their guns and reloading their weapons as Ruby was giddy from their total success. You could say she was feeling the final victory getting closer.
"Girls!" The excited red reaper announces. "WOLLT IHR DEN TOTALEN KRIEG?!"
Yang was enthusiastic but Blake was getting concerned as she nudged Weiss. "Is this what you wanted when you said 'If only you take after your tanks?' to Ruby?"
"If it gets results, then I can tolerate our leader acting this way, besides… I think I can get behind what she said. Ja, Ruby!" Weiss responds, earning a thankful tear from Ruby who finally gets approval from Weiss.
"Whatever that means, I wanna punch them!" Yang slams her fists together, her semblance taking form as her eyes switch to red and her strength increases from the damage she took.
Blake sighed at the sight but also chuckled. "Hm, well, a little fun wouldn't hurt."
The rest of the fight was completely won without much difficulty, Ruby taking centre stage as the nimble but deadly fighter supported by dozens of glyphs. Blake and Yang fought Arslan, combining Blake's dexterity with Yang's strength.
In the end, the crowds could see the little prodigy earn her title in the most glorious of manners, winning a fight with close to 100% for three members and not losing one even when they were low.
"Reese Chloris is eliminated by aura! What amazing cohesion from Weiss Schnee and Ruby Rose, an excellent pair don't you think, Professor Oobleck?"
"Doctor! But I do agree, Weiss Schnee's mastery over that time dilation glyph and Ruby's semblance for speed is a terror to fight against! With Reese Chloris specializing in her manoeuvring with her board, it was bound to be an uneven fight due to the sheer difference in agility!"
"Heh, sorry about beating you so thoroughly. Good luck in the loser's bracket." Yang said in a playful tone before punching with all her might against Arslan who was restrained by ice and had her hands tied by Blake.
*BOOM!*
"And that's a match! Arslan Altan is out from both aura and ring out! Uh… do you think we need a medic for that, doctor?"
"She'll walk it off, Port! Moving on, we have the first winner of the tournament. Give a round of applause for Team RWBY of Vale!"
Ruby smiled and burst into a fit of joy. "Ha! We won! We're coming for you next, Coco!"
"I knew you were jealous." Yang teased.
"Uhh… I think I'm hungry again, let's go eat!"
"We just ate breakfast an hour ago-" Weiss tried to complain before yet again getting dragged from the wrist, it was a common sight nowadays so Weiss just let it happen.
From what you could gather, it was a time for enjoyment, more people came to see the event. Within that veil of celebration, a shadow of concern looms over Ozpin as he sat through an ongoing conversation.
"We need to tell her Oz," Ironwood responded, the tone in his voice is that of sternness, it would be hard for Ozpin to convince the steel-faced general away from this decision.
With an empty huff, Ozpin picks up his scroll from the side. "I would rather see children enjoying their time but if Jacques keeps doing this, we cannot let it affect her directly. It seems like their match is done."
The holographic television set up in front for the occasion showed the announcement, team RWBY had one, as to be expected from Ozpin, he was betting on their win after all.
"Let's hope Miss Rose doesn't take the news so harshly…"
