RWBY and ASSN are eating dinner together at a restaurant. Aiden and Blake silently speak to each other, blushing as they enjoy each other's company, while Yang and Ruby speak with Neptune and Sun. Ruby would notice Aiden from the corner of her eye, and see that her teammate and best friend seem very close to each other, especially since they came back from their little walk. Weiss was outside, taking in some air.
Ruby would approach and would speak up to her two friends. "Hey uh, Yang and I were thinking… What were you guys talking about?" She was genuinely confused, while Yang couldn't stop smirking.
Aiden blushes a bit, scratching his head, "U-uh... You know... Stuff..." He looked to Blake for help.
Yang laughs. "Ha ha! Stuff, huh? Like rubbing the pus-"
Blake then points at her, "Don't you dare go there, Yang. I'm serious!" She threatens Yang.
"Alright alright, I can take a hint!" Yang raises her arms defensively.
Aiden grew beet red, and just looked down beside Blake to hide his face from the others.
Meanwhile with Weiss, she was looking out at the sky while her friends were inside. She felt like she needed it at this moment, with everything going on, and she sighs. She would then hear a man call her name, but when she turned, no one was there. She'd hear the voice call to her again.
She turns around to see who said her name. "Who's there?" She sees nothing. "Show yourself already!"
When Weiss looked back in front of her, she found herself in a strange landscape that seemed almost dreamlike. A bit in front of her, there was a table with two chairs, and a man, sitting in one of the seats, said, "Weiss, I've been waiting to speak with you..." The top part of his face was covered by what appeared to be a shadow to conceal his identity. The clothes he wore were lavish, a dark creamy blue, with a light gray button up shirt, a dark grayish-blue overcoat, black pants, and black loafers. On his shoulders were silver padding, and resting around his neck, was a silver cross necklace. He had an aura of friendliness around him, and the atmosphere seemed to lift Weiss' spirits a bit as she got closer. Weiss still stayed on her guard, as she didn't want to get too comfortable.
"Who are you?" Weiss demanded, with a hand over Myrtenaster's handle.
"You've nothing to be weary of, I am a friend... Come, sit awhile. I'll explain as much as I possibly can. It's important that I brought you here, and the information I have to share." He says in a friendly tone, gesturing to the seat in front of him.
She would feel weirded out by this. "Well… Fine." A lot of her being would tell her this is not a good idea, but she goes along with it. She has her team closeby to fall back to anyways. She sits with him.
"I'd like to put this aside and say; I've been watching you all for a long while now, not creepily, just certain events that are important in your growth as people... It's complicated uh... Ah I shouldn't say that part yet... So much to say, so little time..." He said, thinking, "Just know I've been keeping my eye on you and your team for some time. I'm not of your world... And you, being the more logically balanced of the team, I decided to turn to you… And well- this situation relates to you entirely, anyways... Truly, I apologize for my suddenness... I know it must seem very suspicious and strange of me to do this and come out of the blue." He says, gesturing about the dreamlike plain. He'd place a hand on the table that separated them, "And trust me, I'd be there in person, but I can't show my face until it's the right time... Hence, please keep this meeting a secret, as what I'm going to say is for your ears only, and is a warning of an imminent threat." The man said. As Weiss observed further, she noted the man was around her age, and seemed sincere.
She still wasn't sure what to feel. "Um… Okay? What threat is this? Also, who are you exactly? Not exactly a fan of mystery men."
He sighs, "You can call me Irad... But the threat, is the demon you know of. Recently, he was able to kidnap the boy named Olmotack... No doubt he'll go for Aiden next... But these break-ins... The corruption... It's all leading to an end goal. Nightmaratack, based on some intel I gathered, plans to brainwash all the White Fang into his servants, and create a corrupted army... He's also building something, but I wasn't able to find out what..." He said in deep thought. "Another reason I came to you... Was because one of the factories Schnee Co. owns was attacked... And is now a source of Nightmare's corruption... And a family member of yours, who came after some hunters disappeared, went missing..." He slumped back, a bit tired from the looks, "I... Wanted to jump in and help... But at the moment I cannot... And I thought the only way I could help was at least come here to warn you.."
This shocks Weiss as she stands up. "Schnee Co.?! S-someone should do something about this!"
"They already tried. But whatever is in the factory... No one came out... I want you to take you and your team to the factory, along with ASSN, and investigate, and neutralize the threat, before it spreads to more locations... You are all the only hope left."
"B-But we're in the middle of the Vytal Festival! We can't just..." She feels these acts of attack against her family's companies need to be dealt with. But she feels stuck in the tournament everyone has prepared for, and it wouldn't help her reputation if she left in the middle of this important event.
"It's times like these you need to ask... Which is more important: a mere title? A trophy? Fame and pride? Or the protection of those you love and care for." He said, leaning forwards, "I know, this is hard on you... But I know with someone as wonderful and intelligent as you, you can make the right choice..." He says in encouragement. "Again, I'd help if I could... But I have my hands tied for the time..." He looks down in defeat, then raises his head, "Ah... Seems your phone is ringing, assumably it should be your father to deliver the news. Ask him where the factory is, then get there asap. Remember, don't tell anyone about me, not Aiden, not even Ozpin... And please... Don't die..." He says looking down, before looking at Weiss' eyes again, smiling warmly, "We will meet again soon. I wish you the best." The dreamscape began to fade slowly.
"Wai-'' He was gone, leaving her baffled. She would look at the phone. As much as she would not like this, she would finally answer her Fathers call.
"Well, about time you came to your senses and decided to answer your phone."
Weiss sighs. "Father, someone has been sabotaging Schnee factories! I need to know where they are."
After some silence, "…What?"
He couldn't believe his daughter already knew about the situation
Weiss continues. "Please tell me the location and… I'll do whatever you want..." She would sorrowfully make this deal, knowing how serious things got.
"Oh? Finally coming to your senses child?" There was silence, "Why do you even want to learn about the factories' locations? Your sister has already gone to solve it."
Weiss tries not to imply her stopping it personally. "Someone has to fix this mess. And you can't have your factories at the hands of terrorists right?"
"Who even gave you this confidential information?"
"It's… Look. People are gonna get hurt or worse. And I can prevent any more harm as long as you give me their locations."
There was another form of silence. "I'll give it to you, and you will give this information to General James Ironwood and his army. They can handle this. And once that's done, I want you back in Atlas as soon as possible, ASAP."
Weiss couldn't believe this. "What?! But Father! Couldn't you let me play out the Vytal Festival first and then I can come back to you at least?!" Trying to bargain with her Father.
"Tsk tsk, Weiss. If I tell you something to do, you follow. No exceptions. Now, do you want the locations or not?" He coldly said.
Weiss grits her teeth in anger. She wrestles in her mind on what to do. All she wanted to do is branch off her Father. Be nothing like him. Yet, is she no better than him if she just thinks about her? But then she will abandon her team when they need her the most. And after spending time with them, she doesn't want to leave them in such a sour note. Yet… If she stay with them… People will die. And it will be in her family name. After some silence, Weiss sighs.
"... Yes… Father..."
"Good girl." This man sounded pleased with himself. She gets the locations and would stand alone for a few seconds. She would just shake her head and stomps her way out. She never said to her Father that she would get involved, and she will use this chance to be defiant. At least as long as she could. This could be the last time she'll be with her friends, so she might as well make the most of it.
Weiss would then stumble back, as she saw Aiden standing there leaning against the wall, "Hey there… The others were worried, so I'd thought I'd check on you… Quite the spectacle I saw with your pops." Aiden said, as he went in front of her.
Weiss was about to object, but Aiden continued, "You ARE bringing us with you, right? Whatever is going on, we do it together. I may be on a different team… But I still wanna help. You're all my family, despite our differences."
She almost jumped. "Um! Uhhh… How long have you..." She heard him loud and clear and all she could do was groan. "As if I was gonna do this on my own. Having you was a bit in question, but if you insist on inserting yourself into this." She would show off her phone, showing the location of the Schnee factories. "I might know where the criminals we were chasing around might be hiding."
Aiden takes a look, "Seems like the exact hiding spots those freaks would take… Very bold of them to make a move like this…" He said, observing. He'd then put his hands on his hips, "Well? What are we waiting for?"
She would be nervous about this, which isn't common for her. "Um… I know time is of the essence, but I don't know if we should be careless here."
Aiden thinks, "Well we should come up with a plan, yes... But I am not so sure how much time we have. If the threat you speak of is as bad as it is, we better act fast."
She begins to stutter a bit. "I… Of course! Let's get the others then!" She rushes out in a fuss.
They go inside, and approach the group
Yang waves to them. "Hey! What have you been talking about Weiss? Aiden?"
Aiden looks to Weiss to explain the situation.
Weiss clears her throat. "'Ahem!' We might have a lead on those criminals we've been following."
This gets the rest of the team to almost jump. "What?!" Ruby was on the verge of freaking out.
"There was an attack on a Schnee Company factory… And they really made themselves known." Aiden says, crossing his arms.
They would look at each other for a bit. Blake would speak. "Now of all times?" After everything that happened, she hoped she could relax at a time like this.
Yang sighs as she rubs her head. "Figures. But now that we know there is something up, we can bag them before they can do some damage right?"
Aiden nods, agreeing. "Weiss has the location. She will help us get there, and we can neutralize the threat." He'd look to Weiss and Ruby, "Team ASSN is at your service. We'll follow whatever plan you cook up. Ain't that right, boys?" Aiden says, looking at his team.
Sun, Neptune, and Scarlet nods, "Hey, who am I to leave something unresolved?"
Scarlet would sway his red hair. "These criminals haven't seen real excellency through us. If anything, we'll do them a favor."
Yang smirks. "Looks to me we are rearing a go!" Ready to beat some bad guys.
Blake would keep her calm. "Lets try to be careful on this. We got the tournament to worry about."
Aiden smirks, as they all go to set out towards the factory that was marked.
Meanwhile in the factory, wiring and scrapped machinery littered the floor, along with roots that were made of a black substance, sprawling out through the factory, through the walls. Deep within the factory, in one of the basements, lay a giant nest. All around, the bodies of those who have attempted to slay the beast were encapsulated in cocoons, as each person was in a state of slumber. One of these cocoons, the body of Winter Schnee lay, her arms crossed, as she floated within, fast asleep. A growling is heard from the darkness, as the beast senses more lifeforms... More food. It scurries away, screeching, shaking the earth with every step.
Later on, the whole team would look down on the factory up top of a nearby building. "This is the place." Weiss said with tiny hints of an anxious tone.
The factory looked a bit normal on the outside… However, they notice some of the windows are blocked. They cautiously approach… Suddenly, a guard attacked, but he wasn't alive… No, this guard's body was covered in purple veins, and they were bulging. The guard zombie didn't get too close, before it was cut down by Aiden.
Aiden, feeling the darkness of the atmosphere around the factory when they came here, began to feel lightheaded the closer they came… He knew something was up… But this is a new level of sick for Aiden. Blake could tell Aiden didn't seem well.
Blake was horrified. "What… Is this?!"
They continue to approach more cautiously, feeling unnerved. They enter the factory, and the power is out, and it's eerily quiet.
(Theme: Tourian - Metroid Zero Mission OST [Extended] /watch?v=4a8EaZWeO50)
All around, purple like roots sprawled. Electrical wiring hung, sparking every so often, the lights flickering on every so often. Rubble lay scattered, as the roots had made itself at home in the structure of the factory.
"It's like one big organism…" Aiden stated, as he looked around, still having an uneasy feeling. When they looked up, they could see that many of the guards, employees, and even soldier's bodies that were here were stuck to the ceiling, all dead with horrified looks, and they looked drained of life, their skin withering. The factory smelled of death, and grimy water.
Blake would sweat a bit, trying to keep her composure. Ruby is barely keeping it together. Along with everyone else slowly walking through the dark area. They come to a big room where dust is supposed to be made, but find that it is trashed, with dust scattered, and the roots twisting everywhere. As they progress, Ruby, who is not aware of her surroundings due to her fear, would bump into something, and it would make a loud sound as it crashed, making everyone jump.
Ruby moves her eyes to see what she bumped into. Although she dares not to look, and just say what's in her mind. "What was that?" Which was a lie.
Weiss groans. "Oh my gosh..." As she facepalms.
They hear growling, and Aiden whispers, "HIDE!" and they all hide, as they saw a mutated staff member shuffle by, with large bumps across his body, mostly his back. So big, it has to hunch over. It stalked slowly, surveying the scene. It got close to where they were, and they all held their breaths, but the creature shuffled past, not noticing them, and returned to the darkness. They all silently breathe a sigh of relief.
Sun would whisper loud enough for the rest to hear him. "Am I the only one who saw that?"
"Obviously." Weiss sassed.
Blake would let out more of her anxious tone. "Just what are we getting ourselves into?" Her breath is more ragged and unstable.
Aiden would hold Blake's hand in comfort. He felt bad at that moment… And at least wanted to help her calm down a little, "We should split up into two groups. We should find the source of these roots, and destroy them. The other team will search for any survivors… These zombies… They aren't human. Lethal action is authorized… Blake, Weiss, Sun, you are with me. Ruby, you will be with Yang, Neptune, and Scarlet. We will go down, and you will go up. Any objections?" Aiden says, looking at everyone.
They shake their heads. They completely have faith in his plan.
"Great… Move with caution, if my gut feeling is right, it's all a hive-mind. Once we destroy the heart, it will all fall apart… Stay alive, guys. And be strong." With that, he, Blake, and Weiss leave, as Ruby and her group prepare to go higher into the factory.
Ruby would lead her team. "Okay guys, stay together." She said, trying to sound brave.
They continue through, avoiding some of the beasts, as they traverse through the factory.
Meanwhile, Aiden and his team are delving deeper into the factory, soon coming across a lift. Aiden attempted to turn the display on, but it wasn't working. "Seems this one needs hotwiring..." He'd state.
Weiss would turn around to check their backs while he works. "Didn't think you knew how to hotwire. Then again, we don't know much about you."
"Sun taught me." Aiden states, as Sun grinned, and waved nonchalantly at Weiss when she looked at him.
She just scoffs in response. Blake would be on guard like Weiss and Sun. "Best hurry before we're found out."
Aiden quickly rewires some things, then takes two wires and touches them, and the panel activates, and they go down, the doors closing. Aiden would pop his back after being crouched for a bit, and would look at Blake, smiling warmly, hoping that he'd at least ease her worries a bit. It did a little, judging from her smiling back. The elevator would suddenly come to an abrupt stop, and they were trapped in the elevator.
"Now what, Mr. Know it all?" Weiss said snarkily.
"Now..." Aiden broke a piece of the ceiling part of the elevator, "We go up and climb down." He said, as he got out, and held out his hand to help out Blake, which she took.
She would climb up, as she does the same with the rest. "Come on guys." She pulls Weiss up.
"This is not what I expect to do today. Scouring this dark and damp place during the Vytal Festival." Weiss said in a backhanded tone.
"If you wanna wait here and be devoured or zombified, be my guest, Weiss… Better yet, if you wanna let this corruption spread throughout the world, then you can go. Otherwise, get a move on." Aiden states as he was climbing down the utility ladder.
Weiss would be baffled for a second, only to just groan and follow through. "As if I'd let it happen!"
The deeper they went, they realized the corruption became more and more prevalent, "We must be getting close to the source... I only hope Ruby and them are alright." Aiden says while climbing down to the bottom-most basement. They still had to cover a couple more floors to get to the very bottom.
Meanwhile with Ruby and her team, they stealthily crept, and killed the zombies, being careful not to alarm the horde, as they do not wish to be swarmed. Soon they would spot a door covered in roots, and strange bugs guarding it, crawling along the walls. They were very large, and crept about. A group of them were feasting on a corpse of a fallen employee. Ruby deduced that the room they were guarding seemed important. They just needed to get rid of the bugs, and remove the roots, which would be a job for Yang, since they looked tough.
Yang would rush in to blast them one at a time. Ruby and rest bring out their guns to start shooting. Eventually Ruby would get enough breathing room to slice up the roots as much as she can.
Yang would then charge in full power, and punch through, burning the roots away into smoldering dust. The insects all screeched as they were all killed. From far away, activity could be heard. When they reached inside the room, their hearts stopped, as every hunter that came across here, were stored in what appeared to be see-through cocoons. Their skin slowly started to sink into itself, as their energy was slowly sapped. In the middle, was Winter Schnee... Everyone in the cocoons seemed alive for now, and they knew they had to act fast in order to save them, as they heard shuffling and scurrying of the monsters coming towards them.
Yang would be baffled by the images of these helpless people captured in these gross looking cocoons. "Okay… No." Showing her disgust. They knew they had to bust the people within the cocoons, as they were still alive.
Ruby would walk up to Winter and try to help her out. "We got to help them!" As she tries to free her, only to see her carefully. "Huh."
"What is it, Ruby?" Yang asks.
"She kinda reminds me of Weiss somehow…"
They begin to try busting the people out quickly...
Back down in the depths, Aiden stepped onto the bottom-most floor, and opened the elevator shaft. Everyone would pile in, as the room was pitch black, with the bugs being the only source of light occasionally. Aiden would make out a terminal, and would activate it. "There seems to be something going on with the core generator... The main power line was cut, so the generator was its last line... But even that seems to be failing. The generator should be a bit ahead from here..." He'd close the terminal, as he looked ahead. They begin walking, looking around the desolate scape. Blake stood close to Aiden, as a feeling of despair hung in the air, and the sounds of the parasitic bugs echoed. Below the catwalk they were walking on, bugs could be seen scattering about, not minding them. Aiden and the others kept going forwards. Soon they'd reach a door at the end of the catwalk, and it seemed to be the core. Aiden turned to his group, "Alright... This must be the source. With the abundance of these bugs, it's safe to assume... Be ready for anything." Aiden states with determination, as he pulled his weapon from his back, loading a vial of dust into its chamber.
Blake does the same while the others brings out their weapons for an all out attack. "So just blow this thing to kingdom come?"
"Just kill the damn thing... But be careful to not blow up the generator I guess... Unless you all prefer to be blown to kingdom come as well." Aiden states, as he gets the door open. When they step inside, they see a giant parasite bug the size of a small building. It seemed to be absorbing the energy of the generator. On its back, it had many roots connected, also giving it energy. Aiden aimed his gun, and fired at its back, severing the connection. It rolled its head back and roared, its body covered in electricity. The room became electrified, the purple glow becoming a bit brighter. It clung onto the generator, and was about to regurgitate a lightning attack.
(Battle theme: VS. Parasite Queen - Metroid Prime OST [Extended] /watch?v=1e2AsN4oAHc)
Weiss then swings her rapier around, with a charged amount of energy and converts them into ice pillars to stab it.
The attacks hit the beast, and it reels, but it seemed almost ineffective against it, as it seemed to have a strong exoskeleton. It would then crawl on top of the generator, and would roar, as bugs came in, and zombies started to arrive, and started to attack.
Blake and Weiss would combine their powers to take on the zombies, using Weiss' time glyphs to slow down the monsters, and hack and slash their way. While Sun uses his clones to attack the beast in all directions.
Back with Ruby and the gang, they were busy getting people out, when they felt the building shake, and heard a distant roar that came from the basement. They knew they had to hurry
"What was that?" Ruby asks.
Yang notices this too. "Sounds like Aiden and his team found something." This gets her little sister to worry.
"We better hurry and get everyone out of here then!" Neptune said, carrying to people
This gets everyone to speed things up, with Ruby wanting to help the others. But these people take top priority.
Back underground, the creature could sense its food was escaping, and it roared, but its attention returned as Weiss and Aiden fused their shots to create a big explosion. Blake and Sun would look for openings, finding that the floor around the generator was slowly giving out by the sheer weight. They had the idea of blowing the floor to collapse the generator, and would go relay the message to Aiden and Weiss.
Sun would jump around, while having his clones take the hits, as he points to the ceiling then moves it towards the beast. Blake and Aiden understood what he meant as Blake brings out her ice dust to freeze the ceiling, making it perfect for Aiden to shatter it, as the crumbling pieces fall all over the beast.
The floor begins to crumble from the debris, and the generator begins to sink and spark, the beast screeching and clawing, before the floor gives way, and the beast begins to fall. The generator would fall deep into the hole, and would explode, as the beast clung on desperately. The zombies would hold their heads, and the bugs whimpered, as the beast would lose its grip and fall into the flames. The building began to shake, and fall apart,
"WE NEED TO GO, NOW! THIS PLACE IS GONNA BLOW!" Aiden states, as they all ran for the exit.
Ruby and her team, while they succeeded in getting everyone out, would feel the ground tremble, and notice the factory was collapsing. She didn't see Aiden and his team exit yet, which worried her.
Yang would grab her arm. "I'm sure they got out! We gotta get out of here!" As Yang pulls her to keep up with their already running team, Ruby would still be very worried if they are still here, but Yang is not giving her a choice.
In the basement, the room crumbles, as the bugs scramble to get out. The exit is covered by debris, but Aiden loaded and fired a dust cartridge, blowing away the debris, and they continued onward. They began quickly scaling up in the shaft, as it began to smoke and small explosions occurred around them as they scaled. The elevator line would snap, and the elevator would fall. Aiden would grab Weiss and tackle her out of the way, as they were in midair and she wouldn't have moved in time, and he bridal carried her the rest of the way up the shaft, setting her on her feet when they reached the floor they desired. They had reached the main floor, and they felt another rumble, and a hole was created, and the beast, burning alive, roared and was crawling towards them. Some of its spidery legs were missing, and part of its body was destroyed, its armor weakened.
"Gosh damn it, doesn't this thing know how to die?!" Aiden retorted, as the beast roared and charged at a desperate attempt to end their lives.
Blake would look to see the remaining legs and rushes forward, much to Weiss's worry. She would clone herself and scatter all over it and slash in all directions. Mostly on the remaining legs to make it completely unable to stand up to them. The clones then become filled with the various elemental dust that blows up the beast's lower body, whether with fire and wind. With ice or earth keeping it on the ground.
The beast would whimper, and would be finished off by Aiden, with a clean chop of the head, finally killing the beast. The building shook once more from more explosions, as alarms would blare to evacuate once more.
"GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE!" Aiden says, pointing, and they would exit the factory. Ruby and her team, who was a safe distance away, would catch sight of Aiden and his team, as they ran for their lives towards Ruby, and after a bit of running, the factory made a huge explosion that launched Aiden, Blake, Weiss, and Sun at Ruby and her team.
Yang would cheer. "Yeah!" Everyone was a bit too tired or exhausted to celebrate, but they did share relief that it was over.
"Blake? You ok?" Aiden says after recovering, holding her shoulders and inspecting for wounds, with a concerned look on his face, as she did put herself at risk, long enough for Aiden to finish the job.
She would be wincing, but would smile at him. "I'm fine. Thank you."
He'd smile warmly, before turning his head to Sun, "Sun?"
"All good." He says, catching his breath.
"I'm fine too." Weiss said, as she reconnected with her team, to which Aiden sighed in relief. Suddenly, they noticed police all around the factory, and JNPR came running towards them
Jaune would rush in. "What happened?!"
Aiden would feel light headed, "Ugh… I'm not doing so…" Before falling in Blake's arms, unconscious.
Blake panics. "Aiden?!" Ruby and her team rush to his side. She would sigh after feeling his pulse. "He's fine."
Winter Schnee, after waking up and being checked on by medical personnel, would feel very weak and drained... Weiss would approach.
"Wait...Winter?!" She was absolutely shocked to see her older sister here.
She gained her bearings quickly. "Weiss? What's happening here? Where is the monster…?" Winter asks, bewildered. She'd then see the factory burning down, and firemen putting out the flames.
Winter would also notice a substance on her that was a bit sticky. "And what is this?"
Weiss would almost freak out. "She needs to be freshened up! Don't worry sis! We have the best showers of Vale in Beacon! Well… Close enough! Eeeeh..." Trying desperately to appease her older sister and help her as much as she can.
"No Weiss! What I need is to talk to Grandmaster Ozpin!" She demands.
Winter would try to get up, but she was so weak, she fell flat onto her stomach.
"Winter!" Weiss would help her. "Don't you stand there! Help me!" Her team would jolt out of their baffled states and do as she said.
Ruby would let out. "I never knew you had a sister Weiss!"
"Lotta things we don't know." Aiden said, putting a hand to his hip, as he watched.
Ozpin would come over, wanting to see RWBY, and ASSN, as he had arrived from his ride "Well this is peculiar…" He mentions.
Winter would try to stand but Weiss helps her stand. "Headmaster Ozpin..."
"Winter Schnee. Are you well?"
"Doesn't matter. There is something you have to know." There was an awkward silence. "In private."
"I understand." Ozpin said bluntly.
Weiss would hear a man say her name in her mind, the same voice that spoke to her, and warned her of the factory… She knew she had to go somewhere private at some point… She could tell he sounded… Desperate?
"What? What is this?" She wondered what is going on, and how he is able to pull this off.
After she was able to get a distance from the others, she'd be transported into that dreamlike realm again, where the man, pacing, would suddenly come forward and embrace her.
"Oh I thought you were…" He stopped himself, let go and stepped back, and adjusted his collared shirt and cloak, as he collected himself, "I mean… Good work. I knew you could do it." He said, trying to act formally, "I wanted to hear the story of what happened… I was… Held up while you were gone, and I wanted to ensure you were fine." He states, sitting on the same table from last time, "Come, sit awhile." He offers.
She was still confused, but would accept it since she is tired. "You know what? Why not?" She shrugs and takes a seat.
He would sigh, "I had sent a drone to keep tabs on you all, but it got destroyed by one of those bugs… Least I think. It just went offline…" He looks off. "Anyways… Your sister, is she alive?" He asks, with a hint of concern.
"She's fine, thank you. Of course she isn't one to easily go down." She said with pride.
He chuckles, "Of course. And it runs in the family, it seems…" He says with a sigh. "Now… I would ask for you to tell me all the details, but we don't have much time… Since your team is most likely wondering where you wandered off to suddenly, and I think they'd be weirded out seeing you standing in one place with a blank expression…" The man would sip some tea, "So I will likely just just contact you later… Here." He'd reach into his coat pocket, and hand over an emblem. It looked like a fox with horns… "This will be plenty of evidence for you that I am real… Again, I urge you not to inform anyone of my existence, and keep that safe." He says, as Weiss took it and inspected the silver emblem. "Be weary, Weiss… For, if my intuition is correct… Things are only going to get more messy from here. Worry not… Eventually, I will reach your world, and I'll help you all…"
She would still be a bit suspicious, but seeing how things were hectic lately, she feels this might be the salvation they need. Just a gut feeling. "Well… I'll take your word for it. For now..."
He sighs, "As for your father… I'll see if I can finigle something for you as an excuse for you to remain…" He smiles, "We will meet again at some point Weiss… Do take care. And get strong… And… I'm so happy you are ok." He smiles warmly, as the scene begins to fade, and Weiss would come back to reality with a jolt, standing in where she was before Ruby would step up to check on her teammate.
"Weiss! Weiss! Are you there? Weeeeeeeeeeiss?"
"Ugh!" Weiss would push Ruby off of her face. "What do you think you're doing?"
Ruby would muffle a bit from Weiss's palm. "Phank goodnish Viess!"
Ruby stepped back, "You were just standing there, with a blank stare. You wouldn't respond to anything I did." Ruby said
Weiss would feel a little embarrassed. "You've got to be kidding..."
We cut to a room where a machine is being created, as Nightmaratack watches the news about the destruction of the factory. Nightmaratack laughs, amused.
Roman walks in with Neo, noticing him laughing. "So… Anything funny going on, boss?"
"Just my little 'present'." They would see the news of the Schnee company factory burning, as they try to put it out.
"Ooooh. Heh. That is a little funny I'll admit." Roman chuckles to himself.
Nightmaratack would switch the screen off, "One step closer to our climax… That disaster was merely a distraction to leave other factories open. I had sent other White Fang members to other factory locations to collect parts… All were successful in their missions." He'd state.
"Oh, so that's why there were so many…"
"Yes, it took lots of waiting and meticulous planning. Luckily, it worked in my favor… Now then… I will soon deploy our special little soldier for a mission… This will lure Aiden in, and eventually, he will be ours." Nightmaratack said with a grin.
"Can't hardly wait." Roman said with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, while Aiden is knocked out, he would open his eyes to a void. He'd hear something behind him, and he'd look to see a burning Beacon. Before his feet lay the corpses of RWBY, ASSN, and JNPR. Aiden gasped, as he saw a figure step forward… It was himself. And beside him was Olmotack, but he was being controlled.
"I'm coming, vessel." Nightmaratack said, as he charged for Aiden, and he gasped awake with a sweat. He frantically looked around, and noticed he was in the medical room of Beacon, the moonlight cascading in. Beside him, sitting in a chair and leaning on his bed, lay Blake, sleeping and holding his hand. Aiden would look at her hand, and sigh in relief. He'd wonder if that dream would come into fruition… "Probably just another bad vision from his dark thoughts…" Aiden would state quietly to himself. He'd then smile at Blake's sleeping form, before reaching over and gently rubbing her head.
She would quietly pur a bit from his rub.
Aiden would blush, and think silently, "Soo cuute~." And would squeal inside, before Blake would slowly come awake and raise her head, peering at Aiden, who retracted his hand, and was looking at her with his face rosy.
She smiled. "Hey." She said in a tired tone. Before she sits up and stretches herself.
"How long was I out?" Aiden asked, looking out the moonlit window, more so to distract himself because he was getting flustered by Blake's cuteness
She sighed in relief after that nap. "A few hours. The tournament came back up, but we're not competing today due to the events. The others went on ahead while I stayed."
Aiden would grow worried, "Oh no- Please, if it isn't too late-" Blake would put a finger on Aiden's mouth,
"It's fine. Let's just stay like this for a bit, okay?" She asks.
Aiden would think for a moment, but would sink back.
"I'm… Sorry for scaring you…" Aiden said regretfully.
"It's okay. You're fine now." She assures him.
He smiles at her, as he puts a hand on top of hers, "That, I am… How are the others?" Aiden asked.
"Fine. Everyone wasn't hurt from… Whatever the hell we were fighting." Still feeling a little dread from the experience they've been through.
He looks down, "It was the work of that demon once again… I could sense it… I felt so uneasy when we entered… And my senses were overcome after being in such an environment for so long…"
She shows worry about those words. "That sounds bad."
He held his head, then breathed a sigh, "Luckily it's over… And luckily…" He smiles at her warmly, "We all made it out."
She would sigh. "I second that. So now what?"
He looks at the ceiling, "Now... I guess we just proceed as usual... The tournament shouldn't be over, right?"
She nods. "As far as I know, the worst of it should be done." Feeling a bit more comfortable. Something she would never be a while ago before the tournament.
He sighs, "I'm really bummed my team was disqualified…" He sighs in defeat.
Blake shakes her head, "It doesn't really matter to us. At least we were able to do a good thing at the factory."
"Yeah…" Aiden nods, "Well... I guess I just need to get some more shut eye..." He'd peek around, "Um..." He'd put his index fingers together, and blushed, "Are you... Wanting to uh... Sleep here maybe... Since you are here? O-or do you..." Aiden nervously says.
"Sure." She said, smiling warmly. Blake would get out of her chair and would lay on the bed next to him. She went onto his chest, and she could feel his heart beating fast from her being so close, as Aiden got comfortable... In his mind, Aiden said, "She smells so nice..."
She quietly purrs, thinking the same thing as him. They cuddle close together, as they sleep, Aiden hoping this would last forever...
Meanwhile, Cinder would be looking at the device she has that controls the brackets. Looking at it makes her smile. Because with it, she controls everyone's fate in her own hands. The sense of power makes her feel all kinds of dominant. Power is everything to her, and she needs this feeling lately.
Suddenly, her scroll would start ringing, and she groans, only to see it's Nightmaratack. She accepts the call, and he would look at her through his cloak, "Having fun?" He asks with mock enthusiasm.
"What is it? Kinda in the middle of the plan." She said dismissively.
"The plans have changed… While the plan will mostly remain indifferent… I want you to prepare for an unexpected guest…" He would move aside, and Cinder would see the mind controlled Olmotack. "I will personally let you use my little toy to aid you in this plan while you kill the one who has claim to the Fall Maiden… But your mission is to break Aiden Green. Make him unleash his fury… I know you and your little team are going against RWBY… So instead of getting them disqualified as you planned… Strike Aiden where it hurts. The heart." Nightmaratack says with a sinister smile, "The one who is donned in black. I've seen how he is towards her, as I've sensed their connection. Do not kill the black one, as that would ruin everything… But do something to make him lash out. Test his skills, his power. Then afterwards, he and his team will be disqualified, that is, if all goes well, and it will break him further. My vessel has so much of my dark power stored, he wouldn't be able to help himself… Once he sees what he has done, it will shatter him. You will get what you want, and I will get what I want… A winning situation for the both of us, and a great progression in our plans… Don't you agree?" Nightmaratack says, grinning from ear to ear.
"And of course… Make hurting the black donned one look like an accident. I don't wish you to be disqualified, yourself."
She grimaced on this. Her plans were changed again, but she was nevertheless impressed, "It is impressive, I'll admit…"
He smiled, "Two birds with one stone… Quite the spectacle it shall be. I'll be eagerly watching your progress. Good luck, Cinder… Do not fail me." He said, before cutting the communication, leaving Cinder to her thoughts.
She would try to hold her emotions, only to slam the device on her bed and growled. "Who does he think he is?!" She would stand up after that. She tries to restrain herself. "I would have easily crushed this whole school without him! Salem must be working in favors with him..." She would calm down. "I'll just have to endure it… Once I get the Fall Maiden's full power… He will see how powerful I really am..."
She would hear the next match is coming, so she would leave her room and into the tournament. She has high hopes everything will go her way.
That night in Ozpin's office, he sips his coffee, as Winter comes in, feeling good as new after some rest.
"Are you better, Winter?"
The pure white clad soldier would sip her own hot tea with an annoyed look. "Put it simply? Yes. I am better." Although from the sounds of it, it doesn't mean she's in a good mood.
Ozpin would lean closer to the table. "I was worried about what could have happened to you."
Winter would only glare. "I did say I was fine. But I'm guessing you're wondering what even happened."
"Please." Ozpin would lean back to give her space.
Winter would look away in thought. Just then General Ironwood enters the room. "Winter! Are you okay?! What happened?!"
The white clad soldier would slouch. "Applicable timing General. But I'm fine. I was just about to explain it to Ozpin."
Winter breaths in, then out. "So I-"
Someone then enters the room through the elevator. "Hey! Guess who's back...?" It was a man in a messy white shirt and dark pants. Spiky black hair and five o clock shadow around his jaw. He would then take a swig on a flask. Everyone would glare at him in silence. He would notice the stares. "What? Something on my face?"
"Qrow..." The white clad General sighs, pinching her nose in frustration.
"Yeah, that's my name." He chuckles.
"Good to see you're alright, Qrow." Ozpin said.
"Yeah, not too great to see you." Qrow replied.
Ironwood would be annoyed. "And what are you doing here?"
"Ouch. You had any idea what I was going through? To tell you what I learned?" He pauses to take his drink, which has Winter roll her eyes.
Ironwood would then sigh. "It seems your explanation will have to wait Winter. You may wait outside and inform me after we're done."
"B-But General!" His glare would have her relent. "Y-Yes sir..."
She walks off, with Qrow winking at her. Him interfering really riles her up. Once she leaves, Qrow explains himself. But just outside, Winter would walk on her own. She is clearly pissed considering she went through hell. Although she notices Weiss sitting alone down below. As she waits, she might as well catch up with her little sister. Something to keep her mind off of things.
Weiss would sit alone, waiting to see her sister again. Just then she sees her approach her. "Winter!" She doesn't look happy. Although it's a default look for her, Weiss knows something is up. "Are you… Okay?"
"I'm fine." She groans as she sits, relaxing a little.
After some awkward silence, Weiss thinks on what to say. "So… How was yo-"
"Are you keeping up with your training?"
Weiss would be startled and would nod. "Oh of course!"
"Hm." Winter sips her tea as she shows some skepticism.
Weiss would still be curious about what happened, but would ask in a less direct manner. "So… How was the missions going on with General Iro-"
"Show me your Glyphs."
This startles Weiss again, which she would bow in acknowledgement. "Of course."
Weiss would show off her glyphs to her older sister. The young Schnee tried her best to maintain her construct like how Winter did, but wouldn't keep it together for long. "I can't!"
Winter then smacks her head. "Stop doubting yourself!"
"I'm trying!"
"If this is what you call trying, then you have no hope in winning the tournament. Let alone succeeding as a huntress. Why don't you move back home? I'm sure father would give you a job as a receptionist." Winter said with sarcasm.
Weiss would scoff. "I don't need his charity."
Winter then smirked. "But you do need his money, don't you?"
"What?!" Weiss was surprised. "How did you know about that?!"
Winter would feel a bit nostalgic thinking about this. "Lucky guess. I may have been in a similar situation when I joined the military." Weiss is reminded of her previous call with her father, which saddens her. Winter see's her little sister's mood just changed. Her deducing would tell her that Weiss is at a crossroads. "Sounds to me like you have two choices in front of you. You can call him, and tell him why you'd rather learn in Beacon than Atlas, or you continue exploring Remnant. Discovering more about the world, and yourself." This gets the heiress thinking long and hard. The big sister has one more thing to say. "Before… You saw me in that… Precarious position… I was overseeing the cargo where you had a run in. It's fortunate those Paladins were still on the prototype stage, otherwise your team might have not fared well." Didn't make Weiss feel good. "With that said… Weiss… You've done well… Out here on your own." She hesitated a little, but smiled when she finally complimented her little sister. "You should be proud." This made Weiss smile in happiness to hear those words coming from her strict older sibling. Needless to say, Winter feels better now.
Meanwhile with Cinder and her team, they are preparing for their fight with RWBY. Cinder would go on to explain the plan.
This wasn't HER plan, but she tries to salvage it. "This was meant to happen in the semi-finals. To create negative energy and leave them perfect to be affected by our finale."
Emerald would see Cinder clearly frustrated by the plans changing. "Don't worry! I'm sure we can still pull it off!"
Cinder would then think for a moment... If everyone saw Aiden lash out due to an "accident", it would surely make people gasp and question things, and cause an uproar. So maybe the plan wasn't a total fluke... And Nightmaratack also said that the "special guest" would come in at that time and aid... Perhaps she could use him to instill more negative energy. The more she thought, the more she hated to admit, but Nightmaratack's plan seemed to work in her favor as well. Even if it still irks her that it wasn't her plan. But she can always find a way to get Nightmaratack get caught in the chaos and take the credit herself. This would have her swallow her pride and get ready. Mercury would roll his arms around in preparation.
"Dibs on the blonde one."
Emerald grips her weapons hard. "I've waited to shut their stupid faces!" She never liked Team RWBY.