Salem stopped her walk through the devastated streets of Vale before looking around. Her face showed nothing but internally she fell a bit bad for allowing such a chaos to be. Sure it was all for summoning the Gods and to save Humanity (and Faunuskind) from another great extinction by the hands of the Gods, but the citizens didn't deserved that.
If all of this had happened a decade ago, Salem wouldn't have cared for the lives of others but thanks to Thanatos… she felt human again. He had been a great help during all those years and she will never be able to thank him properly for that.
Shaking her head to focus back on the present, the Queen of Grimm then resumed her walk, followed by her escort loyally following her. As she walked, she couldn't help but being excited as soon, everything she had worked for will happen.
The Gods will be back and she will finally have her revenge against them !
The thought of seeing the Twin Gods dying made her smirk darkly in pleasure.
She couldn't wait for it !
Elsewhere, Harry was also walking in the streets of Vale, helping some citizens from time to time or killing a Grimm for pleasure. Then he paused when he felt a strong presence a bit far away from his position. He recognized it as Salem's and quickly he decided to head toward her, knowing that his presence will be needed… for the better or worse.
Meanwhile, the battle was terrible and merciless as our heroes were killing the Creatures of Grimm like no tomorrow. They were fighting like Tigers and with the courage of Lions. They showed no pity as they killed any Creatures of Grimm unfortunate enough to be in their paths. They were soon joined by Professor Oobleck and Port along with many other Atlesian Soldiers and Mechs.
Everyone was watching the others' back, protecting each other while engaging the Dark Creatures. It was no easy feat but so far, they were doing good. Even Ozpin was being protected ! While everyone hated him now, they didn't want him to die so soon as he had a lot of things to answer for !
Glynda, Ironwood, Qrow, Peter, Oobleck and some of the other adults hadn't stopped glaring at him whenever they had the chance to and not chance did he tried to say anything, knowing that if he does, things would be even worse for him.
The teenagers, for their parts, were also glaring at him but their attention were more focused on the Creatures of Grimm attacking them from all sides…
Regardless of the tensions, they were courageously holding their grounds against countless of enemies. Why were they so many Grimm heading their ways ? Because of the dark emotions radiating from them : mainly Anger and distrust.
However, despite their bravery, they were still out-numbered on some of them clearly were showing exhaustion because of all the fighting.
"It is the end isn't it ?" Amber asked her comrades in a soft tone.
"It seems so..." Emerald responded to her lover with the same tone as they stood side by side.
"It was a pleasure to meet you guys !" Ruby said to everyone present as she held Crescent Rose in her hands.
"We know !" the teenagers all responded to her as themselves were tightening their hold on their weapons.
"Children ! Don't start being pessimistic ! We can still win this !" Qrow admonished them while using his scythe to kill a charging Beowolf.
"But Uncle ! We are clearly outnumbered !" Yang retorted to him before punching an Apathy in the face.
"She is right ! We won't be able to hold our ground forever !" Blake hissed in agreement to the blond's words.
"And some of us are starting to feel tired here !" Jaune declared as he panted a bit which caused Pyrrha to shoot him a look of concern.
"Have faith young ones ! Surely something will happen !" Ghira told the children in a kind tone.
Barely a few seconds after he said those words, battle-cries and sounds of shot could be heard echoing in the air and they all turned their heads toward the docks (that where the sounds came from).
Much to their shocks and delight, a small army of Atlesian Soldiers along with soldiers from the White Fang charged the Creatures of Grimm ! The Defenders felt hope entering their chests : here was reinforcement !
"By Oum ! Where did they came from ?!" Jaune cried out in shock at the newcomers who started killing Grimm left and right.
"I don't know but I'm happy to see them !" Weiss responded to the blond leader of Team JNPR.
"Let's hope they will leave some Grimm for us !" Yang said to her comrades with a little grumble.
Before anyone could answer the Brawler, someone approached them.
"General !" one of the Atlesian soldiers approached Ironwood before bowing at him.
"Captain what are you doing here ?!" The General asked him, unable to hide his surprise and happiness at seeing them.
"Mrs. Schnee sent us out to help you against the Grimm !"
"Thank you Mom..." Weiss whispered with relief and happiness when she heard this.
"And we were sent by Sienna Khan to help as well !" A Fox Faunus added as he went to stand next to the Atlesian Captain.
"I will have to thank Sienna for her unexpected help..." Ghira said to himself but his wife heard him
"We will..." Kali whispered to him gently and her husband shot her a warm smile.
Suddenly a chorus of growl caught everyone's attention and they turned their heads to see a large horde of Grimm heading straight to them. Quickly regaining his composure, Ironwood reunited what remained of his army who stood side by side with the White Fang soldiers of Sienna before he and Ghira ordered loudly at the same time
"FIRE !"
At those words, all soldiers fired their weapons at the incoming Grimm who fell under the bullets and fire-balls. The students also joined in and then Ironwood rose an arm before bellowing loudly
" CHARGE !"
With a battle cry, the Atlas Soldiers and what remained of his Androids charged forward engaging the Grimm just as Ghira ordered his own troops to attack .
"FOR VALE !" Blanche screamed loudly before rushing forward, followed by the rest of her comrades and the Beacon STAFF.
Despite their numbers, the fight was not easier but they were gaining grounds ! The Creatures of Grimm were falling under their blows like flies ! In the middle of the fight, Professor Port and Oobleck could be seen laughing while stating that it was the Greatest Battle they ever knew.
"We are taking back the city !" Ozpin shouted as he shot at an incoming Griffon as around him it was nothing but chaos.
"SHUT UP OZPIN !" Qrow snarled at the Headmaster before Ironwood took over by saying sternly
"Once we deal with the Grimm, we will deal with you !"
Ozpin sighed deeply but then focused back on present as a Boarbatusk charged him from his right. No words were exchanged afterwards and the only things you could hear in the air were the cries of agony, pain, anger from the fighters (both Grimm or not).
The next few minutes were in short, not only intense but long… or appeared to be. Many of the Defenders thought they had been fighting for hours now because each time a Creature of Grimm died, two more took its place !
It seemed endless… an infernal loop !
Atlesian Soldiers and White Fang members were shooting again and again against the waves of Grimm charging them? The Androids were among the first ones to fall because of the sheer number of Dark Creatures.
Even with the reinforcements Willow Schnee and Sienna Khan sent to help them, they were still being outnumbered… it was a two against 12 fight type.
Because of that, many were quickly showing signs of exhaustion and some could be seen having sweats pouring down their faces or taking deep breath.
"If only Harry was with us !" Ruby said as she used Crescent Rose to behead a pouncing Beowolf.
"Yes ! We are in great need of his Semblance right now !" Yang added while nodding in agreement to her sister's words as she punched a Griffon on the head.
"Hate to say it but he is not here !" Emerald cried out as she killed a Boarbatusk.
"I have to agree with her on that !" Qrow retorted as he was fighting a feet or two away from the green haired thief.
Many had seen Qrow shooting suspicious looks at Emerald for several days… even now but they brushed it aside as unimportant. He clearly distrusted her for some reasons so to hear him saying that was… shocking.
"I just hope he is alright… Wherever he is now..." Blanche said loudly at first before her soft softened in the end.
Amber shot her friend a look of sympathy before she had to focus back on the fight as a Deathstalker entered the fray. It didn't take long for Professor Port, Glynda and Oobleck to kill it but it was an exhausting task… even for them.
Suddenly, as if the Universe took pity of them or answered their silent plea, the air suddenly felt a bit colder… but enough to make everyone pause a bit. The Creatures of Grimm all stopped moving when the feeling of coldness first appeared which caused both Humans and Faunus to stop what they were doing as well.
"Guys can it be ?" Blake loudly asked her comrade with a bit of hope in her eyes.
"It must be him !" Ruby and Yang both said at the same time with joy on her face.
"No one else could make the air turn so cold !" Weiss added with a tiny smile on her face, her hand still wrapped around the hilt of her rapier.
Blanche, her, suddenly looked like she was about to cry out in happiness as she looked around to find the source of the cold feeling in the air… only to pause after she noticed a shadow standing at the top of a building.
The figure belonged to a young man with middle-long black hair, shining emerald green eyes and a well-built figure who was wearing wearing a sleeveless turtleneck dark gray top, white long sleeves underneath, long black fingerless gloves on, and black leather boots. His attire was topped by a black hooded cloak fastened to his shoulders by cross-shaped pins. Dangling at his sides were a pair of sharp dual swords.
She recognized him instantly : Harry James Potter, the love of her life.
"HARRY !" She cried out in joy as she looked at him and hearing this, everyone stared at where she was looking at.
"HARRY !" Team JNPR and Team RWBY both cried out in relief and happiness at the same time.
Glynda Goodwitch released a deep sigh of relief at seeing her student fine and relatively unharmed. Ozpin looked just as relieved… Ironwood, him, had a stern look on his face. Ghira and Kali Belladonna seemed happy to see him well, knowing that their daughter was friend with him.
"Well… If I knew I would be welcomed this way, I would disappear more often !" Harry cried out with a cheeky grin on his face.
"YOU TOOK YOU SWEET TIME !" Amber shouted loudly with a hint of frustration on her face while beside her, Emerald nodded in pure agreement.
"Its good to see you Amber… Sorry about that, I had to deal with Taurus and some of his goons on the way there..." Harry replied with a shrug as if it was no big deal.
Many Faunus blinked at those words before Ghira asked him "And where are they now ?"
"Dead… Killed by Grimm… It was fun to see Taurus being gutted by a Sabyr though..." Harry's casual response caused many to think of his sanity.
"Harry ?"
"Yes Blakey ?"
Blake Belladonna's left eye twitched slightly at the nickname but ignored both him and the snickers behind her to ask him "How do you know Taurus ?"
Blinking, Harry then internally groaned as he accidentally let it slip.
"A little birdie told me ?" he replied with a hesitant grin.
Many stared blankly at him but then they realized that the Grimm were now growling at them because Harry had accidentally stopped using his Semblance !
"A little help here maybe ?!" Pyrrha cried out as a Manticore roared at her.
"I don't know… Its pretty fun to watch you all fight...Wish I had some popcorns though..." Harry answered in mock consideration at first before sighing deeply in fake sadness.
"HARRY/MR. POTTER !" Team RWBY, JNPR, Amber, Emerald and Blanche cried out at the same time just as Glynda, Port, Oobleck, Ozpin and Ironwoord called out to him as well.
"Alrigth alright I'm coming I'm coming ! Jeez last time I tried to joke !" Harry said loudly at first before muttering the last time to himself.
Our hero then surprised everyone by tossing his swords into the air while he kneeled down. Suddenly, he jumped as high as he could, grabbing each swords in his hands before twirling around in a tornado of blades just as he stood right above a group of Beowolves. The second he came down, the shere impact of his landing creating a shockwave that sent the Werewolves-like Grimm flying across the grounds.
Harry then casually straightened up before using a hand to brush his left shoulder as if he was getting rid of some dirt on it. Once it was done, he looked back at his friends, teacher and love of his life… only to see them staring at him in shock.
"What ?" he asked them with a curious raisebrow.
"THAT WAS COOL !" Ruby cried out with stars in her eyes.
"That was rather impressive..." Pyrrha and Weiss both commented at the same time which caused them to stare at each other in surprise.
"How did you call this move ?" Yang asked him with a smirk as her hands were on her hips.
"I call it the 'Dancing Blades' ! Pretty nice up ?" Harry asked with a cheeky grin that caused Glynda's left eye to twitch in annoyance.
How she hated that expression of his…
"While this is rather impressive Mr. Potter, we have to focus on the Grimm..." Ozpin began to say in his professional tone… only to be interrupted by our hero who sneered at him in response.
A sneer Severus Snape would be proud of now that he thought about it…
"Grimm created by your own ex-wife if what we heard earlier is any indications..."
At those words, many started to glare at Ozpin who had the decency of looking down in shame, trying his best to avoid looking at anyone in the eyes.
"And speaking of the Grimm, they are not moving anymore..." Harry's new words caused everyone to blink in surprise before looking around.
Sure enough, the Creatures of Grimm were still there… but weren't moving anymore, their red eyes looking at them, following their movements but made no move to attack.
What was going on here ?!
"Why aren't they moving ?" Jaune asked his comrade as he looked at a Beowolf that was standing three feet away from him.
"I don't know… I never saw such a thing before..." Pyrrha answered to him as she eyed the other Grimm with her hand still wrapped around her weapons.
"They were attacking us a moment ago and now… they are doing nothing..." Ghira commented the obvious as his eyes scanned their enemies with suspicion.
"Soldiers ! Keep your weapons at the ready in case they move again !" Ironwood ordered his men who all pointed their riffles at the Dark Creatures crying loudly
"SIR YES SIR !"
Harry rolled his eyes at this but then yelped when a rather angry looking White Wolf Faunus slapped the back of his head.
"OW ! JEEZ WHAT WAS THAT FOR ?!" He asked her with pain and slight anger as he rubbed the spot where she slapped him.
"THAT was for make more worry about you… and THIS !" Blanche began to say with narrowed eyes and barred teeth before lunging forward… to kiss him passionately on the lips.
"This is for keeping your promise~" Blanche whispered the last part as she briefly pulled her lips away from his. Of course once she finished talking, she kissed him again full force which he WHOLEHEARTEDLY returned.
At the sight, many turned their heads away, either to give them their privacy or because they were disgusted by it.
"COME ON GET A ROOM YOU TWO !" Jaune cried out with a groan while Yang quickly hid Ruby's eyes with her hands, much to the latter's annoyance.
"SERIOUSLY ?! NOW OF ALL TIMES !?" Amber cried out with some annoyance while beside her Emerald voiced her agreement.
There were places and times for such kisses or display of affection !
Blanche and Harry maintained the kiss for a few seconds before pulling away, smiling at one another. Then in perfect synchronization, they faced the others… before sticking their tongues out at them.
Ruby snickered a bit at the sight while the others either rolled their eyes at the childish acts or chuckled in amusement. But sadly, the moment was kinda broken when a familiar voice echoed from nearby.
"I hope I am not interrupting anything important ?"
Turning their heads, everyone stared in shock and horror (except Amber, Emerald and Harry for known reasons) as stepping out of a line of Grimm, appeared the Dark Queen : Salem. She had an amused smile on her face as she gazed at them with her red eyes. As she stood in front of a large Manticore, the Defenders (minus Harry and Emerald) pulled out their weapons before pointing them at the newcomer.
"Salem !" Ozpin snarled out in a hostile tone as he took a step forward, glaring daggers at the Queen of Grimm whose red eyes landed on the old man.
"Ozpin… How lovely to see you again after so long… " Salem began to say in a sweet tone filled with slight sarcasm before adding with a smirk
"Or maybe I should call you by your true name… Ozma~"
Hearing this, Ozpin snarled at her with a face twisted with anger
"You have some nerves coming here, you monster ! Because of you, Humanity had been at the brick of extinction, you killed our daughters in cold blood and YOU slaughtered thousands of people in your stupid quest for power !"
Salem's calm face darkened a bit at those words and Harry could see a faint tear falling down one of her cheeks
"Humanity had been wiped out because of the GODS ! They didn't supported seeing their Creations turning against them ! Yes I killed our daughters but it was an ACCIDENT ! You tried to take my babies away from me ! And I did slaughtered people… but it was YOU who sent them to kill ME despite KNOWING they stood no chance against me !"
Hearing, many people stared at Ozpin with anger and fury. The Creatures of Grimm growled and roared as they felt the dark emotions coming from the Defenders. But neither Ozpin nor Salem, nor everyone else present cared about it…
"If I remember correctly, YOU were the one who brainwashed everyone so they oppose the Gods ! If you hadn't none of this would have happened !" the Headmaster of Beacon snarled at his ex-wife with anger and hatred.
"Those Gods are nothing more than TYRANTS Ozma ! They want to CONTROL us not GUIDE us ! The second you step out of line, they will destroy everyone in sight !" Salem hissed back in anger while gesturing for the Grimm to not move from their position.
"We MUST respect our Creators ! They are GODS ! Immortal and Powerful Beings beyond measures !" Ozpin said back with a glare that caused many to step a step back.
Harry snorted from his place and Blanche shot him a questioning glance.
"Nothing is immortal…and I'm gonna prove it… right here and now !" Salem said coldly as she used her powers to summon the Artifacts everyone saw on the screens earlier.
Ironwood, Glynda and Qrow all gasped while the others were all watching the artifacts with confusion clear on their faces.
"For those who don't know what they are : I present you artifacts... Relics by the God of Light himself ! Their purpose ? Once united, they would summon the Gods back on Remnant !" Salem declared loudly to everyone whose eyes widened (especially the youngsters') at those words.
"Salem ! Listen to me : if you summon the Gods now, Remnant will known another Great Extinction !" Ozpin told his wife with worry now and Harry noticed that the Headmaster was slowly reaching out for his cane, causing him to narrow his eyes at the man.
The people present (minus Amber, Emerald and Harry) were wondering what the old man meant by this statement and looked back and forth between the Headmaster of Beacon and the Queen of Grimm.
They all flinched when Salem allowed a dark smirk to grew on her face as her red eyes looked at her former love.
"Oh… They won't be able too… because I have a little surprise for them~"
"What surprise ?" Ozpin asked her with narrowed eyes.
"No no no it would be telling~" was her answer with a mischievous grin on her face.
Harry retained himself from chuckling in amusement at the annoyance visible on Ozpin's face but then looked back at the Queen of Grimm. Turning her back to the man she once loved, Salem's attention was now on the Relics who was now levitating before her very eyes. Soon she started talking to a language even Harry didn't recognized and they all saw the Relics slowly being covered in a bright aura-like light.
Seeing this, Ozpin seemed to turn more and more pale as he was now holding his cane as if it was a sword, his eyes looking at Salem with an expression of alarm, fear, determination and gravity. Harry, seeing this, also prepared his swords while keeping his eyes on the man.
"I WILL NOT LET YOU DESTROY HUMANITY AGAIN !" The Headmaster of Beacon shouted loudly in alarm and fear as he lunged forward with his cane at the ready.
Salem lazily looked above her right shoulder to stare at him with a calm expression on her face, as if unaffected by the fact Ozpin was charging her. She watched as the Headmaster of Beacon's cane looked ready to reach her…
'CLANK'
… only for something to prevent it from touching her.
Many gasped at what they saw and even Ozpin looked absolutely stunned when he saw one of his own students blocking his cane with a stern expression on his face.
"Mr. Potter ?!" he cried out in surprise and shock as he stared at the young man with same expressions.
Harry, however, didn't respond as he effortlessly pushed the Headmaster back. Now standing right in front of Salem in a protective manner, Harry now looked at everyone with a cold expression on his face. Glancing over his shoulder, he met Salem's eyes before the two of them nodded at one another… much to the shock of everyone's watching (minus Amber of course).
"HARRY WHAT ARE YOU DOING ?!" Yang asked him with anger as her lilac eyes turned red.
"WHY ARE YOU HELPING HER ?!" Weiss asked him, equally angry but also stunned beyond relief.
Blanche was looking at him with betrayal, denial and horror as her yellow eyes were locked on him. Harry looked at her for a second, his expression showed nothing but pain and resignation before his gaze hardened.
Using a bit of his power, his body soon found itself covered in a darkish aura, giving the others the impression that he was a living shadow with only his eyes shining brightly in a emerald green light. In addition, he clanked his blades together and the sound echoed in the air.
Right now he looked like a Demon, ready to fight.
Ozpin was unable to move as he looked at the young man with shock ; he had not expected one of his own students to ally himself with his nemesis.
But then everyone looked away from Harry as the Relics started to spin madly in the air, forming what looked like a circle before they shot toward an open space. Everyone watched with fascination as the circle turned into what looked like a door made of light !
"It is over… We are doomed..." Ozpin whispered to himself in defeat when two figures appeared out of the portal.
The first one was yellow in color and was pretty a tall and muscular appearance with deer antlers on his head while the second figure was purple and had a much leaner and slender build then the othe and possessed ram horns on his head instead of antlers.
Everyone looked at the two with shock and amazement even Amber (internally she was also filled with resignation and anticipation). Salem's eyes shined in triumph for finally having achieved her goal while Harry allowed a dark smirk to grew on his face.
The Twin Gods were back on Remnant…
(To be continue…)