RWBY Remastered: Echoes of Darkness

by DFO627

The world of Remnant is quite a treacherous place… With Grimm around every corner, and villains whom wish harm upon the beautiful realm, this will surely be a challenge for RWBY, and their friends. And with a new villain aiding Salem; the demon Nightmaratack, and with the rise of "Dark Grimm", they'll need all the help they can get… Even help from some not of their world.

15. Chapter 14

Ruby walks up to them with a smile, although there is a hint of nervousness she is hiding through her smile.

"Doing alright?" Yang asks her with a raised brow.

Ruby would nod, "Yeah. So… Is everyone here?"

Jaune and Pyrrha then enter the room, "Yeah, we're all here."

Nora cheers on, "Alright!"

Ren remains calm, "Looks like that's everyone."

Ruby would sigh. "Okay. I might have an idea. But bare wi-Where's Uncle Qrow?"

They notice him leaving, Yang could have sworn he was sleeping on the couch.

"Where are you going now?" Ruby asked in annoyance.

"I didn't want to get in the way of your little thing going on." Qrow said.

"You've been gone all day. Just sit with us!" Ruby said with a more serious tone.

Qrow sighs, "Look Ruby, I'm glad you kids are all happy and stuff, but the fact is we're not any closer to Atlas."

Ruby would look at him, "I have a plan." This gets him to pause. Everyone was listening, wondering what she had to say, "Well… Earlier, I had a talk with Jaune's sister. I heard that Atlas airships have clearance to move out of the city once Caroline is on watch. So… I thought… What if we steal one of the ships?" Ruby said with a shrug.

Weiss and Yang were shocked, "That's not just breaking the law Ruby, that's… A whole lot worse!"

"How do we even get on the air field?" Yang asked, baffled.

Ruby nervously replied. "That… I haven't figured out yet. But I'm sure we-"

"Okay, stop kid. Just stop!" Qrow shouted. "Look if this whole thing goes south, it's not something we can fight our way out of. This is the Atlas army we're talking about! Look..." He looks worried. "...for all of your sakes, just drop it."

Everyone would be silent, thinking about the implications of this act.

"Well... I have cloaking devices, as I've mentioned."

Qrow groans. "I know you're like a big deal where you come from, but Atlas is not something you can mess with and come out of it unscathed. They're not some mindless monsters or whatever. They have ties everywhere, and if they don't hunt you down, they'll sap all of your sources for what its worth. Any wrong move, then it's all ov-"

Ruby interrupts. "I want to hear him out."

This gets Qrow more worried. "Ruby I-"

"I want to hear him out!" Ruby shouted. Even Irad was caught off guard. "Just because you don't have an idea, doesn't mean we're out of options! We've been in bad situations before and I think we're ready now to make the hard decisions." Everyone begins to gain more confidence through Ruby's speech. "And if you're ready to keep up with us kids, we'll be happy to have you." She said with a smirk, as Qrow really felt the burn from Ruby's tone on that last part.

Irad clears his throat, "If we use the cloaking devices my ships have, we will become invisible to the naked eye, and sneak past any eyes. The only thing it doesn't conceal is sound, smell, radar signals, and aura. I'd lend you one of my cargo ships instead to spare the trouble, but I don't think they'll take kindly to seeing any more of my ships in the sky, especially around Atlas. That would cause a cry for war…"

Ruby then adds on, "I think I know how we can use one of your ships."

He raises a brow, "I'm listening"

Weiss would be escorted on the ship, much to Caroline's delight. Saphron assists, so that the guards don't get handsy on Weiss's briefcase. Which holds Maria inside. Meanwhile, Blake would go out to turn off Atlas communications so that they wouldn't be detected, with Saphron's husband's help.

Olmo will assist Blake during her mission. Ruby waits along with Irad for them to use Irads cloaked ship to move out once their tower is off.

Qrow still looks skeptical though. Much to Ruby's sorrow.

"He'll see eventually." Irad had assured Ruby at that time. Ruby would smile at his support. Irad would be pressing buttons on his ship, the controls being foreign to what Ruby has seen. Irad would then push a button, and the ship would be cloaked soon after, fading from view from the naked eye.

"Ok, we are dark. I put the ship's engines on stealth so the sounds of the engine won't be too-too loud, at the cost of a bit of our speed."

Ruby was optimistic. "Good, now we wait for Blake. We can't risk being caught with it on."

Irad nods, as he sits back, his hands resting atop his cane sword that is between his legs.

Weiss' part of the plan starts as she would beat up the guards escorting her and she and Maria, who was hiding in her briefcase, would hijack the ship. They plan to pick up half of the crew while the coms are down. However, the coms are not down. Ruby begins to worry. "Yang? What's going on?"

She was relaxing, waiting for Olmo and Blake. However, once Ruby called her, she began to put the pieces together and show worry. "I don't know..." She immediately drives there.

Meanwhile, Caroline's men inform her of a ship heading their way. "And what pretail would be foolish enough to head towards us?"

"... One of us." He said. Now the elder leader is baffled. Now she knows something is up.

It wouldn't take long for Caroline to figure out Maria is piloting the ship. "Caravera! You and those insolent children are up to something aren't you?! If you don't return my ship this INSTANT I'll make an example out of you! I'll show you the true might of Atlas!"

But the response is a crunching sound. Which she knows what it is, and it's making her seethe in pure rage. As she eats the dreaded Cashews mentioned before. "Ya hear that? That's the sound of me not caring! HAHAHAHAHA!"

As Maria laughs historically, Weiss calls Ruby. "Ruby, we're in trouble. Cordovin is onto us, and Maria isn't helping! Why isn't the radar off?"

"We don't know! Blake hasn't responded yet!" Ruby said in a panic.

Irad grumbles, "What the hell are Blake and Olmo doing!?" Irad angrily says while pinching his nose. He was starting to become worried for Weiss' safety.

"Keep the ship up." Yang can be heard, as she drives full speed to where Blake and Olmo are.

Nora begins to panic. "How did this even happen?!"

"It's all my fault…" Qrow said in sadness.

Irad would be confused, "What do you mean?"

"My semblance… I never told you. It's bad luck. Every choice I make led me here, and I dragged you all along with me… I shouldn't have come. What was I thinking?" He said to himself.

Ruby would then walk up to him. "We're all in this together, and we're all doing the best we can. That's all anyone could do, and I know it's what you always aimed for. We would have come whether or not you let us, so stop talking like we're your responsibility. We're not. But we could use Qrow Branwen on our side."

This would surprise the dusty crow himself. "Heh… How did you grow up so fast?"

Ruby smirked. "I have good role models."

Irad would yell, "LESS TALKY, MORE WORKY! IF YOU REALLY ARE SORRY, THEN GET THEM THE FUCK OUTTA THERE, AND LET'S FINISH THIS SHIT!"

Just then they hear Maria from the comms. "Guys. They are bringing in the big guns!"

Qrow would reply. "It's only ships guys. They are tough bu-"

"Actually… They aren't bringing in ships this time..."

Just then they hear a large booming sound as a huge door opens, revealing a large robot mech with what looks like a buster for a hand as everyone watches in shock.

Irad grits his teeth, "Fuck... I swear, I'll..." Ruby would put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. She knew what Irad wanted to do to the robot, and couldn't allow that, but he would brush her off.

Weiss can be heard on the comms, "You must be joking! You want to fight this thing?!"

Ruby would assure. "Don't worry. We fought giant monsters before. It's just a tiny old lady."

The robot walks closer, showing its size. "With a very big robot..."

"You roaches think you can creep your way to Atlas?! Well, lets see if your resolve pans out against the Elysium Military!" She activates one of the robot's missile launchers and aims it at the ship Weiss is on, but is off target as a large blast hits the mech. Irad storms in, being the one that sent the large blue fireball, looking pissed that she just targeted Weiss and Maria, and he lands on top of Weiss' ship. Caroline was mad as well, "So be it!" She then turns on the buster hand and raises it, and charges a huge blast.

Weiss see's this, "Dive!" She rushes out of the ship, reaches the others and Weiss and Irad create a huge ice wall that blocks the blast. She turns to Irad with a smirk.

He nods, as he jumps to higher ground. He sheaths his sword in the air, flipping horizontally, avoiding a missile, narrowing his eyes as he gathers energy, then as he flipped, he unsheathed fast and strikes decisively, cutting off the arm of the mech cleanly, with Weiss following up with her own attack, Irad aiding her by holding his hand out after he lands on his feet, and powering her glyphs with his magic, making her faster, and create a blue fiery trail behind her.

Ruby could tell they were going at them head on, "We have to make sure there is no damage on the ships." She knows Irad might make things messy.

Jaune chimes in, "We can give her tons of distractions. It looks like it's only meant for large Grimm on the ocean, not small targets."

Meanwhile, Weiss and Irad fly around thanks to Weiss's upgraded Glyphs. "That's some heavy armor, yet you sliced one of its arms?" Weiss exclaimed, a bit shocked.

"My flames can become hotter than the sun, anyone who gets encased in the fiery ice, will instantly start to melt like a popsicle on a hot summer's day, a grueling fate for any sad soul, I know. I can control how hot it is too... The metals of your world are weaker anyways in comparison to the metals we use in mine, so I just exerted enough to be able to cut through like butter." He explained as he maneuvered around.

Weiss chuckles, amused and impressed, "Have to show off, huh?"

Then they hear Caroline screaming in anger. "HOW DARE YOU! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!" The arm that isn't sliced off was the buster arm, which she uses to shoot a giant electric laser beam.

"My turn to protect you." He says as he had grabbed Weiss bridal style out of the way from the blast, using his wings, and soon setting her down when they were a safe distance, as Caroline begins another attack. She would fire her laser beam again, this time, Irad facing the blast, and he grew wings and horns, and a tail, as he began absorbing the electric energy, before releasing it back at Caroline's mech, making it short circuit and stumble back, as Caroline struggles to take back control, and Irad, catching his breath from his feat, would say to Weiss, "Subdue her!" To which, Weiss would happily oblige, and go in and would go for the legs, freezing them.

Caroline was baffled. "How?! How are you doing this?!" She can't fathom how this young heiress is single handedly dent her greatest robot.

"I have some friends from higher places, and I'm not talking about anyone from Atlas." Weiss said with confidence.

Caroline managed to make some control to her buster arm and aimed at Irad and Weiss. "You underestimate Atlas's greatest!"

The Heiress then dashes forward much to Irad's confusion. "Stay behind me." She then charges her dust, fire, ice, and lightning all together and forms them in a beam of light that hits through the cannon itself, causing it to burst out ice and earth, causing it to kneel down due to its massive weight.

"What?! No! NOOO!" With that, Caroline couldn't fight anymore.

Weiss was blown away for a bit, until Irad caught her, "Did Ruby rub off on you or something?"

"Oh hush..." Weiss said with a sly smile.

He lands and sets her down, his horns, wings, and tail disappearing, as they look at the scene, "Impressive, nonetheless." He states with his own grin, before pointing at the mech, "Should I go in and...?" He asks her, trying to hint if she wants him to go in and scoop her out of the destroyed mech, or they should take their leave.

Weiss thinks on it. "We shouldn't bother. I doubt she's in a good mood." Putting Caroline's situation lightly.

"You! You're never going to Atlas, do you hear me?! NEVER! All forces! Converge to my position and eliminate these pests at once!"

Back in the comms, the men keep on trying to communicate with their commanding officer.

"Ma'am! Ma'am? Please respond! Argus is in danger!"

Just then Ruby's team hears a rumbling. Caroline also heard it. "... What...?"

Everyone begins to look with wide eyes and see a tiny speck in their point of view, but they can hear it loud and clear. A huge monster Grimm known as a Leviathan marches their way along with more Griffon Grimm flying everywhere.

"Damn it!" Irad states, looking at the scene, "Just our day."

Meanwhile, Blake and Olmo were blasting away dark shadows that could be mistaken for Grimm swarm around them. But they are all too humanoid to be Grimm. They would then jump away to avoid a large one with a chainsaw, "Olmo!" Blake shouts in a panic, finding herself surrounded with a lot more animalistic and feral faunus that is about.

Olmotack flips in the air to where Blake is, and would come down, striking the ground with his blade a yell, and the area around Blake would start growing ice spikes, impaling many of the creatures around and giving space to Blake and Olmotack.

Blake would breathe heavily after dealing with them for a long time now. "Where did… They come from?"

"I don't know... But all I know is, we gotta do something." Olmotack says, also breathing heavily, surveying the scene.

Then more swarm in, beginning to strategically separate them both as one they swarm all over Olmo, while the others surround Blake. "No! Olmo!"

Just then they jab the ground with their sword scabs in a rhythm. This is where they reveal their leader marching in. Adam walks in with a monstrous form. "Blake..."

"... ADAM?! H-How did..." Blake was shocked, and baffled on what she was even looking at.

The monster of a man grins and relishes in her surprise, "Surprised to see me, I see? You thought that little prison could hold me… But I got out. And now… Now I will have my revenge, and make way for the demon…" He states, before chuckling, "You see, I was busy rotting in that prison for some time… At that moment, I felt at my lowest to be defeated… By mere humans, even! And then I thought about HIM. And suddenly, I heard HIM. HE guided me, HE gave me a gift… Now I have become more powerful than you could ever imagine. And with MY POWER, I WILL END HUMANITY AS A WHOLE, AND BRING ORDER FOR THE FAUNUS!" He said as he maniacally laughed, and so did his minions. "Join me, Blake! We can destroy humanity, the source of ALL our suffering! Join, and you can be given power you cannot even fathom! The darkness calls you! It welcomes you!"

Olmotack gets into position, as the minions repeat "Join us".

She was in shock, of how things turned out like this as she backed away in fear "Adam… This… This can't be you… You can't… Even you can't stoop this low..."

"Well… Desperate times, comes for desperate measures. I realized that humans are better off dead. All they do is hate on those who are different! They spit on us! The Schnees, they have committed so many crimes! Blake! This- is TRUE justice! Through fear, death and despair, we will reshape this world with an iron fist! And if you won't join me…" His minions begin to grow rowdy, "Then you are against me! If you believe so much in these 'humans', then you can DIE with them!" He says, as the minions prepare to pounce.

Blake gets up on her feet, trying to look brave. "Are you still trying to rely on others to feed your own ego Adam? I'm not gonna let you control my life… I… I won't let you destroy what we've been trying to build for so long! Peace is not gonna come from this! Why don't you see that?! You're only looking for revenge and it already consumed you!"

He grins, raising a hand, and so begins the attack, which Olmotack and Blake masterfully would defend against. Blake would backflip as they start shooting spikes and tendrils from their bodies, as she clones herself mid flips so they would get hit, as she jumps to Olmotack's side. He can tell that she is shaken from it. Olmotack loads in fire dust, and would deliver burning strikes that slowly drove them back, as they hissed, and were trying to kill them. Adam growls as he notices his men diminishing. He feels now is a good time to reveal more of his power. He lets out a roar as he reveals his sword and stabs the ground, cracking the ground revealing red lightning that destroys the environment around Olmo and Blake. Olmotack is struck and flung back.

"Olmo!" Blake screams. Just then Adam dashes towards her to grab her, but only grabs a clone as Blake jumps through the forest, as Adam cuts every tree on sight. Blake tries to use her environment, Adam destroys it in hopes Blake is the collateral damage. Eventually, she goes to a cliffside with a waterfall in the background. She thinks she's safe for now, until the last of his minions were waiting for her. She fights them, slashing one of them dead, until Adam explodes out, destroying the trees.

"I wouldn't have to do this if you just behaved!" Adam then rushes in, and grabs her by the neck. "But you're selfish!" He throws her to the ground, completely stunning her senses. "You're a coward!" He walks up to her with a minion grabbing her arms.

Blake looks at him in anger, groaning in pain. "... You're delusional..."

He then raises his sword. Blake widens her eyes, knowing the next blow will be fatal, she acts fast and stomps minions' feet, causing him to loosen his grip on her and uses him as a shield, having Adam kill him. She backs away, trying to keep her balance. She gasps seeing him quickly attacking again. She shields herself with her Gambel Shroud instinctively, only for it to shatter in two. "People hurt me… But you left me… So what is it like to feel alone… Blake...?" He said with a semi-human tone, only to succumb to his demon side and raise his sword to stab her. Only to be hit by a motorcycle straight to the face with blasts coming afterwards.

Just then Yang lands in front of the hurt Blake. "Remember me?" She said with confidence and slight anger for what was done to her friend.

Adam growls. "You..."

Yang smirks. "Yeah, me." She is ready for combat.

"Yang..." Blake tries to get back on her feet. "He's too strong..."

The blonde would then flare up with flaming hair and red burning eyes. "I'll hold him as long as I can. I always wanted to punch him in the face anyway..."

"I'LL MAKE YOU SUFFER AS ALL THE OTHERS OF YOUR KIND WILL!" Adam yells, as he goes on the attack using chaos magic.

Yang jumps out of the way and shoots as many shotgun shots as she could. He swings around a destructive wave, which Yang blocks, but it was almost too much for her. But the pain was enough for her to power herself thanks to her Semblance Burn. She roars out with more power than she has ever had, then makes a mad dash to a baffled Adam and punches him hard, causing him to stumble. After that, Yang begins to breathe heavily out of exhaustion.

Adam would be stunned by the mighty blow. In anger he roars out loud enough to push Yang down to the ground. He jumps up and then dives down to crush her. Blake managed to pull her out of the way using her ribbon from her broken Gambol Shroud in time.

Olmotack jumps in, flipping his halberd, and striking at Adam, and any other of his minions that dared intervene.

"Tell us, WHERE IS AIDEN?!" Olmotack demanded as he locked eyes with Adam.

Adam then roars again, blowing him away and landing where Blake is. He slides back on his feet, and grunts, "Olmo! Are you okay?!" Blake said with a worried tone.

"I'm fine… But I'm pissed!" He says as he teleports and reappears, going faster and using his reality warping abilities to further enhance his agility, as he attacks the corrupted White Fang leader continuously. Adam's speed allows him to dodge and parry his furious attacks. His demonic energy is a lot more stronger than any other corrupted they witnessed. Olmo would be kicked back, he would stand ready in a defensive stance.

Yang walks up next to them, ready to continue the fight. Blake would stand tall. "You said something about me being alone? Well you're wrong. Cause I'm not alone."

Adam growls in rage, losing his senses slowly. Blake puts a hand on Olmotack's shoulder. "You ready?" She asks him.

He nods, "Let's end this shit." He says, gripping his weapon tightly.

Yang would tap into her power again and would start blasting explosive shells all around Adam. He blocks his face as the smoke surrounds him. He looks around, wondering where his targets were, only to see Yang parting the smoke as he sees Blake swinging her around with her ribbon and gives Adam another huge punch with as much speed built up already while he was distracted. The force of that hit would send Adam being scraped on the ground for a few meters.

Olmotack would follow up with his own punches and kicks, whilst almost beheading him with his halberd quite a few times. The trio would keep attacking, using teamed attacks, and was slowly overwhelming Adam, despite him having his minions.

Yang would jump in to handle them, as she unleashes all of her fury on them, punching their faces that no doubt shatter their jaws or skulls. Her speed beyond even any of their upgraded minions. She begins punching one of their heads over and over again, faster and faster until she completely shatters his whole head with black liquid exploding. She turns around to see the remaining ones with her burning red eyes.

Adam would see both Blake and Olmo surrounding him. "You couldn't beat me alone! What makes you think you can beat me now that I have the advantage?!"

Blake begins running around. "I don't have a choice! I have people who ACTUALLY care for me!" She jumps up with the gun part of her broken weapon. "So I'm not dying now!" She starts shooting.

Olmo grabs Adam and then slams him down on his knee, making him stumble. He groans in pain, but chuckles, feeling his face, "She made a promise to me once… How do you know she won't leave you too...?"

"Because I have faith in her, and I am her friend! And unlike you, I have morals!" Olmotack says, as he punches his face, and Adam would start laughing like a maniac, his sanity slowly slipping due to his chaos magic.

"YOU TOOK HER FROM ME! HAHA! I'LL TAKE EVERYTHING FROM YOU!" He then breathes dark flames that have both Olmo and Blake running around until they converge behind a rock large enough to hide in.

Adam then whips his head around, as he hears whispers in his mind, telling him to retreat, that the end draws soon, at this he would grumble, and wants to stay and take his revenge.

Blake holds his shoulder again, she looks at him, showing that she has a plan. "Do you trust me?"

Olmotack looking at the distracted Adam would nod, "As Aiden would."

They rush out, as Adam blasts the two together, only to be revealed to be both clones. As Blake uses the last of her semblance to make multiple clones to distract Adam, as he angrily blasts all of them. Just then, Blake grabs her broken shard of Gambol Shroud. Olmo shouts as he stabs Adam with his blade. Adam roars out, which Blake jumps up, does the same with all of her rage, and throws it, through the mouth and exits the back of his head.

Adam slumps down, dead for a moment, and the two would land, heaving a sigh, thinking it was over…

But then, a few remaining minions come to him and cover him, dissolving in black sludge, as he regenerates, but he looks more inhuman and twisted. Gone is the remaining humanity he had, and all that remained was a husk of what he once was, with his semblance, and chaos magic being the only thing left. He retreats after hissing at them with a monstrous shriek, disappearing in a dark mist, escaping their grasp, leaving them dumbfounded. Olmotack only looks up,

"We killed Adam… But a beast has taken his place…" He clenches his fist, "The demon corrupts those he can get his hands on… Oh I'll make him pay." Olmotack states. Blake was beyond exhausted as she fell on her knees and began to break down, unable to process the person she looked up to turn out like this. Olmotack comforts her the best he could, silently swearing that he will do his best to put Adam out of his suffering… One way or another…

Yang rushes in to see her friends. She would help Blake up, "It's okay..." She whispers to her close friend.

Just then they hear a roar from the distance. They notice it coming from the direction where everyone else should be.

Back with the others, it's pure chaos as the Grimm starts attacking Argus, with everyone in a panic. "This is your fault! DO YOU HEAR ME?!" Cardovin shouts at Irad and Weiss.

Irad narrows his eyes, "If you woulda gotten off your fucking high horses, I WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU FORCES TO COMBAT THIS! BUT NO, YOU JUST HAD TO REFUSE MY HELP, ALL BECAUSE OF YOUR DAMN PRIDES! YOU WANNA BLAME SOMEONE, BLAME YOURSELVES!" He then accesses his watch and barks orders, commanding forces into Argus and Atlas.

"Irad!" Just then they turn to see Olmotack, Blake, and Yang run in.

"You guys!" Ruby runs in to greet them, but they are more distracted by the mayhem in front of them.

Yang speaks up on it. "Is that a giant Grimm?"

Weiss winces, knowing what they have done, "Yes… And we crippled the means to stop it..."

"Not yet!" Irad says angrily, "No way in hell am I gonna give up so EASILY." He states, readying his weapon, "My forces are on the way now… But we have no time…" He grits his teeth, wanting desperately to spare the world from chaos, wanting to do something to protect the innocent.

Ruby chimes in. "We can't wait that long, they are already attacking!"

They then notice Maria riding along the ship they tried everything to defend. "I suppose I have to be the bad guy and say it, but we gotta converge with the relic at Atlas. We won't have another chance like this."

Yang replies to this easy way out. "No way."

Weiss crosses her arms. "We can't leave, not like this."

"Isn't it a Huntsman's job to protect people?" Olmo said.

Irad would be thinking, his mind racing miles a minute. Weiss could sense growing anxiety in Irad, and would frown. With their small numbers for the time, Irad struggled to formulate a perfect plan at that moment. The giant beast terrorizing was also enhanced by darkness, making it a little more challenging, and Irad knew he could only do so much in this situation, and hated it. Ruby could feel the anxiety in everyone. She feels there has to be something she has to do. Just then, she remembered something. What Maria said, "All squadrons fallback to evacuation procedures. Disengage Leviathan!"

"No wait!" Ruby would grab the communicator. "We can stop it!"

"Who is this?! Identify yourself!"

Ruby replies. "I'm a Huntress. My team and I are heading to the Leviathan and can weaken it for you to attack!"

This gets everyone staring at her in confusion. "We can?" Jaune asked.

Ruby turns to Jaune. "I can."

Maria knows what she is talking about. "Ruby, when I said trial by fire..."

Irad steps in, "You aren't going in without me, Ruby." He says, collecting himself more.

Ruby smiles at his response.

Weiss was confused, since she and everyone didn't get the memo of Ruby's silver eye abilities.

"Ruby, what can you even do?"

Her leader breaths in and out, feeling all kinds of pressure, only to bring back her confident front. "Just watch."

The communications are still on though. "Manta 51, your ship is currently flagged as hostile. Y-You'll receive no support. Over."

Irad growled at how they are this stubborn. "Well fine! We don't need you to save the people!" Caroline overhears him.

Ruby would then turn to her allies. "Hold them off for us!"

"Ren!" Jaune nods to Ren as he masks the whole ship with his semblance.

Yang looks around. "Whoa… How did..."

Ren would reveal his power as the ship has no problem traversing towards the Leviathan as it aims its power to the force fields protecting the city. They try to reach there, only for it to break the last line of defense, leaving the city defenseless. With no time left, everyone begins shooting while Ren masks their presence, annoying the giant monster.

Weiss would use her summon of the Lancer Wasp that rides both Ruby and Irad to the distracted monster's direction. "I can do this… I can do this..." Ruby saying to herself, trying to get herself in the right mind to activate her trump card.

"Well, let's see what you got, Ruby. If you have any plans, I'll let you decide." He'd stretch his neck to pop it, "But… This ought to be a little scary, but fun, nonetheless…" He states, then he would say in a mock England accent, "So, let's give em' 'ell and a bloody show, eh?" Irad said playfully, despite the situation.

She would move the Lancer in front of the monster while it focused on the attacking ship. She tries to focus on herself. Yang keeps on yelling her name, asking what she is doing, but being too distracted, Ruby just throws the ear communicator away and heads deep into her mind, recalling her past memories, while Irad stays behind her in case the monster notices her. He looked to Ruby, nodding, knowing what she was doing, and would focus his own mind to be ready for what came next. She closes her eyes, and begins to remember everything positive about her past. The memories she had with her family and friends. Everything tunes out to Ruby's point of view. Irad notices the monster turn to them, feeling Irad's own negative emotion.

Irad would breath, trying to calm himself, and would crouch down into position, a hand over the sheath of his blade. He closed his eyes, becoming focused, and would open his eyes with a determined look. He knew he wouldn't let this beast defeat him, and he'd fight with everything he has.

(Battle Theme: Rules of Nature (Platinum Mix) | Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Soundtrack) /watch?v=FOrPd81RicU)

Irad then opens his eyes, jumping off, much to Weiss' shock, and unleashes a flurry of attacks, casting large projectiles. The beast would roar and fire dark breaths at Irad, and he would dodge at high speeds with his wings. It would then shoot homing projectiles from its back, which Irad would use as leverage to get closer to its face. Irad could feel the intensity of the situation, the heat from the leviathan, the fury... He was determined to quench it immediately, and save everyone's lives the best he could. After getting very close, the beast would hit its tail on Irad, sending him back sliding on the ground, as the beast would attempt once more to send giant fireballs at him, which he would cut through or dodge. Irad would motion his hands, sending projectiles of his own at the beast, and making it reel back a bit, as one froze-burnt its eye. The beast, in its rage, would raise a large claw, and would bring it down on the Overlord. Irad narrowed his eyes, and held his sword up in a blocking position, and a force field generated by his power would protect him, keeping the fish-like claw away from him. He struggled a bit due to the raw strength of such a creature, and started to sweat, but he knew he could take it. He just hoped Ruby would come at any moment now. The beast would use the other claw after Irad bounced the claw back, and tried to strike again, and he began blocking the other to his right, the beast putting more force into it. Irad successfully blocked it, but he stumbled back, holding it, before deflecting the attack, then running at the beast once more.

During this, Ruby begins to smile. Recalling her favorite moments of her life. From her friendship with her team, JNPR, Irad, Aiden, Oscar, and Penny. She may have been thought to be destroyed, but it's thanks to her new friends that she's fine. She thanks all of her friends. But in the end, she thanks her mother for bringing her to this world, and showing her the light of her loving silver eyes. Which Ruby attends to share with the world, as her eyes finally open, and then pure light covers the oceans and the city. Once it's all over, the beast is completely turned into stone, much to Ruby's shock. Irad would also get a good look at it, starting to ease up as he was just about to slash at the beast again. Everyone back in Argus cheers in celebration of the monster actually stopped.

Irad would sigh in relief, as he went to Ruby, "Most impressive, Ruby. Most. Impressive."

Ruby would be glad she managed to help. Just then there was a crack. Just then to Ruby's shock, the head of the Leviathan breaks free and roars. She watches in shock, as even her best wasn't enough. "No..." Irad sees that unless they do something, it'll completely break free and continue its rampage.

"Oh no you don't!" Caroline uses the weight and stumps of the mech's arms to hold the monster in place. "Finish the blasted thing already!" She knows how tough Irad was in their previous fight.

Without hesitation, Irad gets in front of the beast, staring it down, as he sheaths his sword and gets into a crouching stance, facing the beast, its head facing him. "THOU SHALT PERISH!" Irad yelled, as unsheathe, and seemingly would disappear, as time seemed to come to a stop. Irad would reappear in front of the beast, facing away, in a kneeled position, and slowly sheathed his blade horizontally and bowed his head. Everything around was covered in a fiery blue color, and looked warped, as if reality itself was bending. Once Irad slammed his blade back into its sheath, everything returned normal, the beast would instantly cry out after being cut many times, and disintegrated and burst into dust, falling down from the air like snow, as Irad straightened his back, and adjusted his undershirt, resting his hand on top of the cane handle of his sword.

Ruby rides around Weiss' constructed Lancer to reach Irad. "Are you alright?!"

Irad draws a large sigh, before turning to them, "Yeah, everything's good. Are you all ok?" Irad asks. "Are you hurt?"

"No! I'm good! Thanks to you!" Ruby assures him. As he smiles, the mech walks up to them and opens up the cockpit, revealing Caroline. Ruby would speak up. "Thank you, and we're sorry." Trying to make peace as much as she can.

There will be a bit of tension until the elder would smirk a bit. "The Atlas military will handle the stragglers."

Irad would be confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I don't think anyone will notice if one more ship went missing in my… Lengthy report."

Caroline would then close the cockpit up as the large robot marches out. Ruby felt more relieved that things went well after the fighting that happened between allies against the Grimm.

Irad nods, and turns to Weiss and Ruby, "Now then, shall we go on?" He insisted.

Later, everyone would converge on the ship. "We should have enough fuel to reach Atlas." Maria informs the crew.

"Then let's get a move on already." Irad states, as he enters walking close to Weiss. Weiss would grab his hand and give him her warmest smile. Irad smiles back, with love in his eyes.

Qrow notices Ruby walk up to him as he sits on the front seat of the ship. "Hey kid, you did good. Just don't give me any more heart attacks, okay?" He was about to take a sip on his flask only to stop himself, remembering Olmo's words and how he put Ruby through some trouble drunk. Unable to contain herself, Ruby hugs her Uncle.

"Love you too, Uncle Qrow." She happily says, and he smiles warmly.

Olmotack is next to Yang, and he would nudge her, blushing a bit, "I will say, you impressed me with some of your moves." He said with a chuckle. "I guess what I mean is, your moves were ON FIRE" He said trying to make a funny pun.

Blake was close by and her eyes widened. Yang would begin to chuckle. "No. Just…no…" Blake said.

"Aw come on Blake, that was one to remember!"

"More like one to forget…" Blake said in annoyance, which Yang only pats her friends shoulder while laughing. Olmotack chuckles… He looked to Yang, and Yang looked at him for a long moment, then they both giggled with each other nervously, both blushing a bit. Blake would raise a brow, but said nothing. After waiting around, they finally see it. The floating city of Atlas and the bright city underneath it.

Irad looks impressed, "Now that is a sight to see..." He had said to Weiss. "Was this your birth place? You never did tell me where you were from." He asked her.

Weiss would keep looking at it. "Well… You'll see it first hand." She looks forward to showing her country like he's shown hers. It'll be an interesting experience to say the least in her mind.

Just then, Weiss notices something off. "Weiss? What is it?" Ruby asks.

"The Atlas air fleet?" Weiss and the others notice the ships are covering the sky.

Qrow was baffled. "They're set up like they are expecting an attack..."

Then they hear a woman's voice. "Manta 51? Welcome home." This gives everyone a foreboding feeling, that they have entered something even more complicated than they ever experienced. Irad would tense up from the atmosphere, gripping his cane a bit more tightly.

Pyrrha would walk in to see this. "What's… Going on here?"

Qrow is unsure. "I… Don't know."

Weiss looks carefully. "I've never seen these forces being deployed so aggressively before. The security wouldn't allow us to land with a stolen ship. They might take me back to my father..."

She looks down, very much not wanting that.

Irad would try to comfort her. "Listen Weiss, I-"

"Winter!" Weiss suddenly said, as she quickly went to her phone. "Put some distance between us and the fleet." She says to Maria.

"You don't have to tell me twice." She happily responds. Irad sighs.

The ship moves around the part of the city where there are no guards, and this is where they notice the large screens that shows General James Ironwood making a public speech. "Atlas will remain safe, that is my promise."

Pyrrha watches in sympathy. "He looks… Tired..."

Qrow would look down to see robots and drones roaming around, freaking the people out.

"James… What have you been doing?" He would feel all kinds of emotions he tries to bottle up, knowing Ironwood personally.

Weiss would also feel deep sorrow at the sorry state of Atlas. "This isn't right… None of this is right..."

Irad stares long and hard at Ironwood's face, his overcoat gently swaying as he narrowed his eyes, but kept silent.

Maria then overhears the comms telling them to go to docking bay omega 12, "We're kinda running out of time here."

Weiss would assure them, "I'm telling you, my sister can take us to Ironwood."

"Uuuuh Weiss?" Blake would then show her what she is seeing. And it's Winter Schnee in the screen now.

"A reminder. Failure to cooperate with Atlas military personnel is a punishable offense."

Weiss couldn't believe what she was seeing, "...Winter...?"

"No offense Weiss..." Qrow adds on. "But I'm not sure if that's a good idea anymore."

Weiss gets defensive. "There's obviously something very wrong! If we can just talk to her then w-"

"Look, I'm not even sure if we should be talking to Ironwood until we know exactly what's going on with Mantle."

"Bu-"

Maria interrupts. "Everyone calm down. I know someone who can help with both." She assures them as they land on a safe place to land.

As they land down on Mantle, the city below the floating city of Atlas, Maria leads them the unbusy streets. Most likely the slums of the city at night. Irad would notice some screens and posters that said something about some election going on and that a woman named Robyn Hill is a part of it.

Irad would narrow his eyes at the posters, knowing full and well, but would keep silently following, using his cane. The tapping sounds from his cane echoed through the streets, which seemed almost ominous.

Yang then notices one drone flying around her. She was weirded out at first, but then it flashed her face, which got her kicking it away from her, much to everyone's surprise. "We… Should pick up the pace!" She would nervously say.

"That is some Half-Life shit right here…" Irad said out loud to himself, as he saw the drone.

Jaune would raise his brow. "Half… Life...?"

"Uh… It's a game… Or- another world- just don't worry about it." Irad would state dismissively.

As they continue, they stop to see trucks holding slaves. Blake could tell most of them are faunus. "This place… It seems awful..."

"Yeah?!" Just then they notice a man who is clearly drunk. "You know all I can hear?! There's plenty of space out on the tundra! We tried to help the other kingdoms and this is what we got?! I say let them rot!"

Blake can tell he went through hard times due to the politics going on. "Sorry… I didn't mean to offend you." She didn't want to cause a scene for everyone's sake.

Just then the drunk would spit out of spite. "Stupid faunus like you wouldn't understand..."

Irad felt all kinds of rage overcoming him, until a glyph was formed under the drunk, and bounces him upward and falling to a dumpster. Much to everyone's shock, they turn to see Weiss indeed had done it, "It was worth it." She cheekily said with no shame at all. They all make a run for it.

"Was it really?" Olmotack would be a bit annoyed.

"Ha- I'd say it was. I despise bastards like those. They are one of the main reasons my original homeworld imploded on itself long ago." Irad would state coldly.

Blake would sympathize along with everyone else, "I'm sorry about your loss Irad." After seeing everything that happened back at Menagerie, she can imagine everything that could go wrong did go wrong on his end.

"Ah- both sides did it to themselves... I was just glad I made it out in one piece... Or somewhat." Irad would say.

Maria would then stop and turn to them. "Well, we're here." They notice some people leaving in this small shop. "Ah! Good to see you again, old friend!"

Everyone enters and sees a dark skinned man in a gray beard and a hat, sleeping in front of a pile of papers. He then notices Maria in front of his desk. "Ah yes-yes! Uh… Have we met?"

"Well this is off to a fantastic start." Ren sarcastically said. Olmotack gave a hard nudge at Ren for his sarcasm, and would keep attention.

"My cybernetic implants? You adjusted them? Every ten years or so?" Maria mentions.

The man would squint harder, until he remembered her. "Maria! Cybernetic implants! I adjust them every ten years or so!" He would then reveal his moving chair that walks on four legs.

"Wow, has it been that long already?"

Maria would chuckle. "Would have gotten here sooner if it wasn't for these jokers. At the time, I thought they could use my guidance. Turns out they have much more complicated issues."

"Ahem! And this is?" Qrow said in impatience.

Maria sighs. "So impatient. I didn't think I'd need to introduce Atlas's finest minds."

"Working in a place like this?" Yang asks, as a piece of his ceiling falls.

Maria then explains. "He likes to keep a low profile. Something I came to realize none of you know anything about."

"You can call me Pietro!" He said proudly.

"Finest heart too." Maria said happily. "This pharmacy is just where he volunteers when he's not building the future of Atlas, alongside Ironwood up in the clouds."

Pietro speaks up. "Oh it's stuffy up there. Down here I can get to help the locals, and have a little bit of fun! Actually, I'm currently working on a pair of shoes that makes you dance. If you like to try them on?"

Just then Nora pops in front of an unimpressed Ren. "YES!"

Irad only raises a brow, with Olmotack pinching his nose.

Yang would slip in front of the easily enthused Nora. "Before that… You think you can help us? We've been trying to contact Ironwood but..."

Blake finishes for her, wanting answers. "What exactly has been going on here?"

Pietro would then cough a bit. "Well after the Attack on Beacon, everyone was… Uncertain. You have to understand, someone completely dismantled Atlas' security code. Made it their plaything. Made us look like traitors to some, and buffoons to others. Whoever managed to do that is either a genius or one of our own. I feel the answer may be both. And so is the General." This got everyone wondering.

Irad would ponder, "Could it be...? No He... Hmmm... But it's possible it's following..." Irad quietly said to himself.

Pyrrha would feel sympathy for James. "Everyone couldn't trust James after what happened..."

Nora would try to lighten the mood. "I mean… It could be worse right?"

Ren, however, reminds Nora of the real problem. "It still doesn't change the fact that the best technology was still compromised."

Blake also adds on. "Also doesn't help that they still don't know who did it."

Irad keeps mumbling to himself as he taps his cane in a slow tempo, the gears in his head turning. Weiss took notice,

"Something wrong Irad?" She asked.

"It's... Nothing..." He thinks for a moment, as he brings Weiss aside as the others continue to discuss. Irad would whisper, "Do you by chance know someone of the name 'Arthur Watts'?" Irad would ask Weiss

Pietro would jolt, "Did you just say 'Arthur Watts'?" He assumed he was hearing things due to his old age.

Irad would jump slightly, "Um... Yes..."

Pietro would walk to the nearest window, lost in his thoughts. "Watts… I haven't heard his name for a long time… Why pray tell on why you mention him?"

Before Irad would respond though, there was a siren. Everyone would look outside to see the people have already run inside. That could mean only one thing. They turn around to see the Grimm approach in all kinds of shapes.

Olmotack grits his teeth, "What should we do?"

Ruby would lead her team outside with weapons in hand. "We fight!"

Irad would grumble, "These fuckers really have me peeved…" Once outside, in a flash, he would be gone, and would slice off the heads of two grimm, reappearing and slamming his sword shut, as he continued his assault, as Olmotack and the others attacked as well, and defended. Ruby and Qrow slice with their scythes, while Weiss helps Ren out with her time slowing Glyphs. Irad would flick his hand to the side of him, creating pillars of fire that engulfed some of the grimm, freezing them in place and burning them from within, as Yang would finish them off with decisive punches, shattering them, and Olmotack would expertly cut through grimm alongside JNPR, Juane, and Pyrrha creating a combo that decimated a large number.

Blake would try to catch up with her broken Gambol Shroud, with Olmotack keeping check on her. He felt it was his duty in Aiden's honor to keep her safe… She would shoot one Grimm in front of him, showing she is still able to take care of herself, but one lion Grimm would sneak up behind her, but before she could shoot it too, it would immediately get blasted by a green beam. The rest of the Grimm also gets quickly blasted one by one by green blasts. And out from the sky reveals a familiar face in a brightly ginger hair and green dress. Irad would raise a brow at the new arrival.

She gracefully descends down to reveal her true identity. One Ruby knows too well. "P-Penny?"

"Good to see you in high spirits, Penny." Irad would say with a thumbs up.

She turns around to see everyone. One who took her attention was Ruby as she smiles brightly. "Sal..." Penny then kneels down. Ruby wonders where she is going with this. "... U..." She seems to be readying herself, Ruby now knows what is going on. "...TATIONS!" She starts running and now flying towards Ruby as she begins to panic at seeing a high speed robot about to tackle her, and then it happens. With Penny hugging her tightly. "It is a pleasure seeing you all again!"

Olmotack chuckles, "Aren't you just a ray of sunshine." He states. Penny has never met Olmotack before.

Ruby would recover from that. "Penny?! I-I didn't think I'd see you so soon! You're..."

"Yep. She was hoping she'd see you all again." Just then Pietro 'walks' in. "She told me all about you and your team." He explains, now that he recognizes Team RWBY in particular.

Penny would stand proud. "I know you were all worried for me, but I feel good as new. Better even! And now I'm the protector of this city!"

"That's my girl! We're not gonna let getting ripped to shreds stop us, are we?"

"No sir!" Penny bonks her head with some clanks heard. As everyone was happy to see an old friend, Pyrrha in particular would feel nervous and stepped back a bit. Even with their previous meeting of no hard feelings, she still doesn't feel comfortable around her and her father after what she did back at Beacon.

Irad inspects her closely for a moment, "Ah good, my men did an excellent job putting you back together. Very good." Irad nodded.

Pietro would walk up to Irad. "And I'm truly thankful. Hah!" He'd cough a bit, but tries to keep his positive mood.

"Um… I will say…" Olmotack started, "I'm sorry I uh… Cut you down, Penny… I was in a uh… Controlled-"

"No need to worry, stranger! I understand! You can repay me, by telling me your name!" Penny said, cheerfully. Olmotack seemed shocked for a moment, but would smile, and they would shake hands,

"Olmotack. Pleasure meeting you, Ms. Penny." At this, Penny innocently giggles, glad to make another friend.

Penny would focus on Ruby again, "We have so much to catch up about! I cannot wait!" Just then the same sirens are heard again. "It seems we will have to wait!" She would then blast off to take care of the rest of the Grimm in the city, leaving everyone silent for a bit.

Nora breaks the silence, "I can't tell if I understand what's going on or have like a million questions."

"And thankfully, I have a thousand answers." Pietro said optimistically, "But let's get out of this weather first." As he leads everyone out of the area, with Maria confused on what's going on due to coming in late.

"I have no earthly idea who that child was! Was she important?" Maria would ramble, while everyone else just followed.

Jaune would notice Pyrrha silent and not as optimistic as everyone else. "You okay?"

"Y-Yeah. I am." She lied.

Ren can tell what it is. "Whatever problem it is, it can be sorted out." Knowing Penny, they might meet her again and as he said, their problems can be sorted later. "Just as long as we don't have any more problems..."

Just as he finished saying that though, in a split second, something takes everyone down to the ground. Ruby looks at herself to see a restraining device wrapped around her. Just then, people wearing white, blue, and red walk in. "Good work, team."

Oscar tries to break free unsuccessfully. "Hey! What's going on?!"

Qrow growls. "Hey! I'm a licensed Huntsman! We just helped save everyone!" They don't respond, as they begin to take their weapons and bring in the Atlas robot guards.

"Lets get them loaded to the transport."

Irad grits his teeth as he is led. Weiss knew Irad could break out at any moment… But she wondered why he wasn't saying or doing anything as of now.

Just then, Pietro and Maria walk back in, "Now what is the meaning of this?! What are the Ace-Ops doing down here?!"

Ruby overheard. "Ace… Ops?"

Their leader in brown hair and burly build would reply to him. "Doctor, good to see you. Well we heard a report of an unauthorized ship making an unauthorized landing, followed by an unauthorized use of weapons by unlicensed Huntsmen."

Pietro couldn't argue with it, but still tries to defend them. "I-If we can just talk this out?"

"They'll be able to talk this out once they get to Atlas. Let's move out!" He would leave along with his team.

In no time, the whole group would be pushed to a van that would drive away. Jaune would look at Ren next to him. "You were saying?" As the door closes on them.

Everyone would be silent, although Weiss vaguely notices Irad's silent behavior.

Jaune would be a bit peeved on how easily they were taken down. "Still can't believe that… Guy on the fishing rod jumped on us!"

"Welcome to Atlas..." Weiss would say with tiny bits of bitterness. "Those were Ironwood's Ace-Operatives."

There was one guy with them. The same drunkard they encountered before. "You guys had a run-in with the Ace-Ops? Ironwood must have a bone to pick with you."

Weiss would scoff, "They're not that bad."

The guy scoffs. "Not that bad?! They're only the most elite of elite Huntsmen! And Ironwood's personal lapdogs!"

Nora would look at him skeptically, "So they got you too huh?"

"Please! Like I'd ever allow myself to be captured by them. I'm here because I've been speaking against Atlas's exploitation of Mantle! And Ironwood is trying to silence me!"

"You threw a brick at our ship!" One of the drivers said.

"It's worth it to get people talking about our cause!"

Olmotack grumbles in annoyance. Weiss would hear his rambles of Atlas discrimination and him totally simping over this Robyn Hill, "You don't need to be overly dramatic."

The guy then noticed who she was. "I wouldn't expect the Schnee Heiress to understand…"

Weiss would look away and glare at the only window showing the sky. "… Not anymore…"

"Robyn Hill..." Irad started suddenly, "She has a direct and confident personality, having no trouble being confrontational with Atlas personnel, including the Ace Operatives... Despite this however, from what I've read, she has shown to be reasonable. Her semblance gives her the ability to sense those who are lying. Robyn is dedicated to Mantle and its people, and from what I've read, is a good-natured idealist... However, despite this, she is not below using both legal AND illegal means to accomplish her own goals, thinking back on my reports... She shows no apparent discrimination between humans and faunus, and from what I read, she is rather impulsive with her actions… Although, I'd agree with her on the fact that she doesn't agree with Ironwood…" Irad states, as everyone looks at him shocked,

"Just... How much do you know?" Ruby asks.

"I've seen and read much, and know a lot, and I have the file of your "original" timeline logged. A timeline without Aiden, Olmotack, Nightmaratack, nor I. Much more death, and much darker... Let me just say, without me, Pyrrha wouldn't be here now, and would be dead, Penny wouldn't remember any of you, and Jaune?" He looks to Jaune, "You'd be in a different mindset as of now, as would each and every one of you... It seems- some events- have not changed due to my presence... Despite this, I cannot divulge too much though, as I am uncertain if certain aspects will even come into fruition, or the consequences of revealing events so early. Even so, it's best to insert what I can here and there..." He straightens his back, and stretches his fingers, then clenches his fists, making them pop, JNPR and RWBY slightly unsettled at the tone Irad is giving. "Be not afraid... By the end, everything should go well, if the Lord is in our favor on this one... I- hope you all don't have resentment." They would be speechless on this sudden information. Even Weiss didn't completely know this revelation despite being with him. She heard of other dimensions, but timelines?

"Why… Mention this now?"

"Because anything can happen from here on... Any possibility. As of now I am in uncharted territory, as anything is possible. Instead of the "Fall of Beacon", it is the "Attack of Beacon". Who knows what other changes may occur. All we can do is play our cards like we have been, and hope for the best. Rest assured though, in the end, when I am done here, your realm will usher in a new age of prosperity and peace... But you need, to trust me"

Pyrrha would be the one who would be the most affected by this. She originally meant to die back at the battle of Beacon. "Jaune… I… I was meant to die… In Beacon… Jaune…"

He would place his hand on her own, despite his cuffed hands. Irad just looked solemnly and sighs, shedding a tear from Pyrrha's reaction.

Ruby then shakes her cuffed hands. "W-Wait wait wait wait wait! Let me process this." She hums to herself, doing so. "So… Without you guys… Things go very bad? Like how bad? Pyrrha dies, Beacon falls, the Grimm becomes more dangerous, and… Is there anything else we need to know?"

"I'm afraid that I must be careful with what I say, as one wrong slip, and something bad can happen... What I CAN say though is... RWBY and JNPR would never be the same again, and would drift apart if not for us. In the timeline I saw, it was just Salem and her henchmen. With the addition of Nightmaratack though in this timeline, if not for my own intervention, things would take a possibly even more dark turn, perhaps even victory for Salem… Well, more victory for Nightmaratack, due to his manipulation of Salem." This made everyone even more silent, thinking about what the world would be like if that came to that. If there is any world to begin with. The tension wouldn't last though.

"What the hell are you even talking about?!" The guy stuck with them would let out, completely clueless of what they are even talking about.

Irad would chuckle, "Just crazy fanfiction, you know how us kids are nowadays." He states, hoping the man would be satisfied, and it seems he was right, as the drunk man only said,

"Geez… Kids nowadays are so strange."

Just then he looks out of the windows to see something odd. "This isn't the police station… It's..."

Qrow see's this too. "It's… Atlas Academy..." In a shocked tone. Everyone was in awe of Atlas itself with this far more advanced and flourishing city buildings, which is as close to a utopia in Remnant as they can get. Irad hardened his expression and straightened his back. Weiss would reach over from across from him and put a reassuring hand on his, and would nod, indicating she trusts him, and would retreat back to her seat. Irad would smile, and would turn his attention back to the city.

In no time at all, they find themselves in the elevator, waiting for their meeting with Ironwood. Ruby stated, "Well, looks like we're gonna meet with Ironwood after all… For better or worse..." Not very optimistic about it, considering the context of how they got here.

"Just play your cards right, and remain calm." Irad said, looking straight forwards with no expression.

They reach the top floor and they follow the guards calmly, seeing the academy more. But it wouldn't take long until they saw the man in charge, "I swear if I go through another council meeting..." Ironwood walks past them, along with Winter and Penny. The latter noticed them.

"Yay! You're here!"

This gets the others attention. "Winter!" Weiss would be happy to see her, as her older sister was surprised to see her little sister.

"Ironwood…" Irad states a bit coldly.

Nora would slip in, "Mind if you give us a hand?" Smiling in a pleading manner to be released from their cuffs.

Winter would recover from the shock and would compose herself, turning to the guards, "You have ten seconds to take those off before I start hurting you..." Her tone was completely malicious and threatening. The guards stand confused, until they realize the danger in front of them and do exactly as they say, releasing Weiss, then the rest.

Irad feels his wrist, then meets Winter's gaze with a pleasant smile, "Ms. Winter Schnee! A pleasure of finally meeting you! Weiss has said so much about you, and she has done well in introducing me to your realm!" He offers his hand for a formal handshake.

She would examine him a bit, until Weiss would explain things. "He's helping me and my friends get here."

Eventually she would shake his hand. "Then the pleasure is all mine."

Ironwood would then speak up. "Please, come in." As he leads everyone to his room.

Everyone enters his room. "It's so good to see you again."

Yang would be skeptical. "The reception didn't exactly convey that." Irad sits down, summoning his cane in a flash of fire and resting it on his lap. Ironwood would be surprised at first, but would regain his composure.

"I see you had some friends in high places… I sincerely regret how you were treated by the Ace-Op's. But there were reports of a stolen ship."

Ruby would act nervous. "Stolen?! I ju… Heh heh… Okay, it's stolen..." She said in shame.

Winter would be shocked then mad. "You stole an Atlas airship?!" She walks closer to a nervous Weiss. "What were you thinking?! You might have been shot down! How unbelievably irresponsi-'' But then she would have continued her rant, until Weiss would suddenly hug her.

"I'm sorry I worried you… But we did what we had to do." She regretfully said.

Winter was baffled, but then sighs, and hugs back. "I… I suppose I understand..." She then turns to Qrow. "But I cannot believe you allowed this to happen!"

The dusty crow replies to her accusation. "You try stopping these kids when they have their minds set on something."

Irad would speak up, "I can always buy the ship, it shouldn't be expensive for me."

This got Ironwood raising his brow. But before they linger on that, Qrow continues, "Anyways, we have important information for you that's… Confidential."

Penny chimes in, "Oh! Is it about the relics?"

So does Winter, "Or perhaps the Winter Maiden?"

Qrow was baffled, "You… Told them?"

Ironwood would place his hands behind his back. "Ever since the Attack on Beacon, and Ozpin's disappearance, I need my own team I can trust. Which is why I'm glad you're here." He explains.

"I offered you my services some time ago, Ironwood. I'd be more than happy to provide my men now." Irad stated.

He would frown. "It would make our enemies see what's going on. And I had to make sure I can trust you. You can understand what happened in the Attack of Beacon… But I appreciated your help back then, and now that we're here, I think I know I can trust you. If you helped Qrow and the others for this long, then I have no doubt that you are indeed an ally..." He would raise his hand for him for a handshake. He would begrudgingly shake his hand. Olmotack would just be spectating everything. "For the longest time, we never could get the upper hand against Salem. But now I'm more confident that we can destroy her. In order to do that, we're gonna have to put our full trust in each other. So please, I'd like to know where you put the relics." Ironwood said.

"The relic I am keeping away is in a secure location… Far from any hands, including Salem. But you should have known by now that there is also the threat of the demon Nightmaratack." irad stated.

Ironwood would act calm about it. "I see. And I'm sure you know all about this demon, named 'Nightmaratack'?"

"I do... And I am working on tracking the source of the darkness, and tracing where Salem and Nightmaratack is. After that, I will amass my forces and Remnant's forces to bring down the threat." Irad says in a calm manner that showed authority, clashing with Ironwood's.

He would hum in thought, Winter was waiting for her General's response, while Penny would just wave to her friends again in happiness. James would finally speak up, "I see. If you can help us here in Atlas, I will dedicate everything to cooperate so we can destroy our enemies."

He nods, and sighs in relief, "Finally."

Ruby would be happy to hear this. "Tell us how we can help." She asks Ironwood.

Time passes and everyone would be informed of Ironwood's plan to use Amity Coliseum to build a new tower even higher for the Grimm to reach, and reveal Salem's existence to all whom are not aware- which is very much a risky move as Weiss mentions that Grimm will be swarming everywhere, but Ironwood is confident that Atlas would be prepared, as he argues that hiding the truth will eventually get them all killed. Irad is unsure about this, but he can see Ironwood has good intentions since Beacon was a shock to everyone because of Ozpin's secrets. After meeting with the Ace-Ops, they would get a tour around the academy, with their own dorms. Eventually, they would be given a new mission involving an empty mine with a Geist on the loose there, along with some untouched Dust inside that's needed for the next phase of Ironwood's plan, and be given upgrades to their weapons. Although Ironwood would suggest he do his best to do it, Irad would insist that he and his men do it.

Irad would meet with RWBY and JNPR in an open room. Irad would then be handed two cases by two suited men from Ragadol. He'd open each case after placing them on two tables, and there would be 4 orbs in both cases, each with an inscription of each of their insignia's. Irad would instruct them to set their weapons on the ground, and Irad would take one sphere, and place it next to each weapon. The spheres would begin to dissolve and go into each weapon. For Ruby's, her weapon was enveloped by a silvery substance, and when it was finished, she could notice a few changes. "The upgrades I will give will A: Repair any damage to your weapons, B: Make them more durable by coating them with the strongest metal we have in my realm, which can withstand extreme high temperatures, and is rust proof, and, might I add, smudge and stain proof. C: It will add a few new features to enhance weapon quality and lethality. The feature all of you will have, is that your weapons will now be able to cut through much more hard things like butter, and when you load in dust, the blade edge of your weapon will be coded in the dust element, thus when you cut something, it can burn, freeze, electrify, etc. Ruby, I have upgraded your scope to work to zoom up to 20x, and a dial is provided for however far your target is to adjust the distance of your scope. Another dial is for 3 modes, since you have a sniper: Normal, which keeps things the same as how your weapon was before, Silenced, which silences each shot made while sacrificing power, for stealthy encounters, and Heavy, which carries a lot of power, and makes things go boom. Heavy Mode has high recoil, so do beware, and it is pretty loud, but is strong enough to shoot down tanks, and even take out wings of ships, especially if you use fire dust, then the fireworks really happen." Ruby gawks at her weapon, as the black would be more silvery than before, and would have a clean sheen, with other visual designs being inscribed, even with the name "Crescent Rose" being etched on the scope part.

Irad turns to Yang, as her weapon materializes, she notices it is silver and gold, and it comes with boots with the gauntlets, "Yang, as the muscle, we have incorporated boots to compliment your gauntlets, which do the same thing as the gauntlets. When you enable your semblance, "Burn", your gauntlets and boots will also be charged, and will pack an even heavier punch than before, and the boots will make you much faster, jump higher, and kick stronger.

Yang whistles as she observes her weapons, noting how lightweight they still are. Irad moves to Blake, "Blake, your Gambol Shroud has been fixed, and in addition, the rope that connects is able to be lengthened and shortened to your likings, and coupled with the upgrade I described all of you having of the blade being able to be coated with the dust element, you have a much bigger array of attacks to try. In addition to this, I have put in a charged shot, which you just have to hold the trigger in for a small bit. The longer you keep it held, the stronger and bigger the shot." Blake marvels at her weapon, unable to grasp any words. Irad then turns to Weiss, "For you Weiss, your weapon is already fine. I just gave you the same durability upgrades as the others... Besides... You already have your upgrade." He says pointing to himself, chuckling, making Weiss blush a little.

He'd then turn to JNPR, "For the rest of you, similar upgrades have been added. I'm sure you will grow to like your upgrades... I will say I had fun remastering your hammer, Nora, and I think you'll love the upgrades." At this, Nora waves her new hammer, noting that it looked so cool.

Irad goes on, "Threats will be much stronger from now on... And if you wish to stand a chance against Nightmaratack, who may become whole, you need the strongest tools to finish the job... I hope you like the upgrades I've provided." After admiring their new weapons, they would nod, feeling more ready than they ever had.

Eventually, the two teams would be transported via air ships, and drop down to snowy caves where the mines are. Team RWBY starting first.

Just then, JNPR and the Ace-Ops drop off as well. Clover, the leader of the Ace-Ops, would transmit orders. "This is Alpha Squad. LZ's clear. Proceeding on foot. You've all got fancy new scrolls so don't forget to use them. Keep your eyes and ears open. I want an update if you encounter the target. Alpha out."

Blake would then notice Yang smirking. "What?"

"Your hair. Cut it for a certain someone?"

"I… I'm not! I-"

Yang would raise her hands. "Hey. I'm only kidding. I wouldn't even say it unless I know he's fine. You know me."

Blake would widen her eyes a bit and then smile a little, "Yeah… You're right."

The two Ace-Ops would notice their exchange. "You sure they're up for this mission? I didn't sign up to be a babysitter." The one dark skinned dog faunus named Marrow said.

"Yeah well, the rest of us babysit you all the time." The smaller one, an athletic variant of the Ace-Op uniform named Harriot remarked, much to her partner's annoyance.

Weiss would be walking alongside her team, looking around, and she would think back to something Irad said to her before they went off,

"Weiss." Irad had started when they were in private, "I'll remain here and talk with Ironwood... Perhaps I can prevent even more catastrophes while you are away. I'm counting on you though... But just remember, that no matter what..." He gives her a crystal rose made by his fire. It was a bit warm to the touch, and she could tell it was very sturdy, "I'll always be with you." He hesitates for a moment, shifting nervously a bit, "And I... Well, I sorta had a faded memory of uh, when we were at the relic site, and well… I guess what I wanna say is… Weiss I… For a long time I… I, uh…" He gulps, "Weiss… I-I'm in lo-" She had cut him off and kissed him at that moment, and he stood shocked, before wrapping his arms around her, embracing as they shared a passionate kiss. They'd break apart soon after, and Weiss would say in a sweet tone,

"I feel the same way... I'll come back to you soon, my darling White Knight... Then we can talk." She'd say, caressing his face gently, Irad responding with a nod, smiling wide, his eyes full of love and joy. After she stored away the flower in one of her pockets, he'd see her off and wave goodbye.

She smiled to herself as she walked with her team, a bit embarrassed with herself about how bold she was with that kiss, but at least happy to have done it anyway. Luckily, the others were preoccupied with their own thing to notice her, and she would continue along... Although, she had to admit, a part of her couldn't wait to see Irad again, but she would stay focused on the task at hand. After letting out a sigh, she would also notice a torn piece of metal, which has the letters SDC, which reminds her of the shameful acts done in her family's name. She thinks to herself that now that she's here, can she change it. With Irad's help, she hopes to. But now, saving Atlas is what matters to her now. They continue down the mine, with the Ace-Ops. Qrow and Clover would walk in together, with them surprisingly working well together since Qrow is mostly a loner.

JNPR worked in another part of the icy caves; Nora, being excited more than anyone else, "This is so exciting! It feels like we're actually a Huntsman Team! I um… Like what you did with your outfit, Ren." She complimented Ren in hopes to get a reaction out of him.

"We should probably stay focused on the mission." With Ren not giving her any as he walks deeper.

Nora stands there disappointed. "... Oh, okay."

Jaune would chime in, "I like your outfit too!"

Which didn't make Nora feel any better as she marched on. Jaune notices her attitude. "What?"

Pyrrha would shake her head to Jaune's oblivious nature, "Oh, Jaune..."

Back with Team RWBY, they and Harriot and Marrow would face a dead end, a cave in covering the main entrance. Yang would notice Blake in deep thought, "Doing okay?"

Blake's eyes would widen, "I… Just… Realized where we are… This mine was closed after an explosion… Ilia… Her parents..." She can't help but feel sorrow.

Weiss also realized something. "I remember this disaster..." This gets Blake and the team's attention, "Or rather… I remember how furious it made my father..." She would walk towards the hurt Blake, "I wish I could take back the years of pain my family caused the faunus..." Assuring her friend, "... And my complacency in it..."

Just then Marrow would walk in, "This society is set up for faunus to be at the bottom, and humans are willing participants. They benefit from doing nothing to help us. But there are still those who actively abuse us." He would let out some info, only to change topics quickly, "Anyway, I didn't come over here looking to solve systemic societal issues. Harriot found a gap in the rubble we think one of you could fit through, ideally someone with a knack for seeing in the dark?"

Blake would eventually realize what he means, "Oh! Of course!" She nods as she goes to the dark reaches of the cave, observing as much as she could.

Olmotack looks around, feeling slightly unsettled with the cave. He'd shiver a little from the atmosphere.

Harriot would notice him shivering. "Coat not warm enough?" She quipped. He narrowed his eyes at her, but would remain silent.

Ruby would be covering her arms for warmth. "Hey, he isn't the only one! It's freezing here!"

Weiss then explains, "Without heating or projected aura, the cold of Solitas can kill you in a matter of hours."

Olmo sighs, "I envy Oscar right now..."

Meanwhile, Blake looks around with her enhanced feline vision, "Alright Blake. Any dust around the area?" Marrow asked in her comms.

"Mine carts… Debris… No dust though." Blake confirms.

"Great. Then it should be safe to blast through."

"Okay. Heading ba-!" Then all of the sudden Blake gets jumped by the Geist and starts shooting in a panic.

Harriot would grit, "Damn it, Blake! Stand back!" She then activates her arm-long gauntlets and smashes the whole wall of ice and snow in everyone's way and everyone hurries to Blake's side. Just as they are chasing the ghost like Grimm, new monsters get in their way. Centipede type Grimm known as Centinels burst out of the ground.

Yang noticed them drooling green saliva. "Okay… That's disgusting." With that, Team RWBY quickly starts their attack, showing off their new upgrades.

Each member would notice their attacks were even stronger than before, as they performed incredible feats and cool tricks, defeating the grimm very quickly. Ruby would use her scythe to defend herself, and after keeping one of them out of her space, she immediately snipes them with her new bullets, getting used to the normal ones and the kickback was subtle, but she could tell the difference that it does hold more power. Which can be seen how the insectoid Grimm blew up from heavy mode. Yang goes more up close and personal with hers, as it tries to bite her, but she holds its teeth in place with her hands. Its slimy drool covers her hands and gauntlets as it goes closer for a bite, only for Yang to shoot it point blank with her hands in complete flames. She really did not like that, and expressed it by blasting her way to it and relentlessly punched it in the face, hoping to punch all of its teeth out. Instead, the face would be caved in by the brunt force of Yang, much to her delight, and she would use her boots to make strong kicks towards another that tried to sneak up, decapitating it.

Blake and Weiss would also battle the smaller ones and easily dispatch them. But they would also notice Marrow handling more than one of them. Two of them swirl towards him, until he would merely say, "Stay." And with a snap of his fingers they stop in place, like they were frozen in time. Harriot would dash in, and would grab their heads and slam it down. "This is Bravo, we found the target. But it fled to the mine. Engaging Centinals."

The large woman named Elm heard Harriet's words. "Let's pick up the pace!" She and her thin and pale skinned partner Vine led JNPR deeper to the mines all sliding down an icy slope. Vine would use appendage-like constructs called Aura Vines out of his hands to stop himself and Elm. However JNPR heads towards the emerging Centinals with their new weapons, like Jaune's shield filled with energy that bursts upon contact. Pyrrha stabbing through one with her spear. Ren uses his gun's new hook shots to pull him closer to shoot one point blank. And when it is about to strike back, Nora quickly smashes it down, killing it with an explosion from Nora using electric dust.

Vine and Elm catch up to them. "A very… Head first approach."

Jaune nervously chuckles. "Heh. Well you know… That's kinda our style."

Olmotack comes in, flipping his halberd, killing Grimm with precision, and speed that would match those of the Ace Operatives, with Olmotack finishing one by slicing it in half.

Weiss shouts out seeing one Centinal in the way. "One left!" But Harriet dashes past her.

"Got i-" Ruby started, but just then, Harriet quickly punched the insect. Ruby was clearly impressed. "Whoa! Your semblance makes you super fast! Just like me!"

"Very cool. But judging from your speed reaction, I'm a bit faster."

Meanwhile, Qrow and Clover encounter a Geist, and they would kill it, however it would gain a body from one of the ice blocks and Qrow would warn him before it could crush him and it escaped down below. "Target escaped. Last seen headed east." He communicated with the teams. He would turn to Qrow. "Thanks for the callout. That could have been bad."

Qrow sighs. "I wouldn't thank me. My semblance brings misfortune. Sometimes I can't keep it under control."

"Is that so?" Clover replies. "Well then, don't beat yourself about it." He uses his weapon of choice, a rod, and pulls out some debris and it would perfectly create a bridge for them. "My semblance is good fortune. Lucky you huh?" He confidently said as Qrow would be baffled by this revelation.

Right at the heart of the mine, Clover instructs everyone else to head there as the Geist would be there. Sure enough, they find a whole area full of Dust, which is enough to make the whole area hot enough to burn off the sweat that comes out of the team. "Everyone, use caution." Vine warns them. "This room is highly active with Dust energy. Triggering it will ruin the launch site."

"And vaporize us!" Marrow chimes in. "Why is it always second with you?!"

Nora looks around. "I thought the target was supposed to be here?"

Just then everyone feels a lot of rumbling, and then look up to see the Geist already fill itself with enough ice blocks to tower above everyone. What's worse, it is chalk full of all kinds of dust to make it dangerous to even touch. Ruby notices this as such. "It added Dust to its body?! How are we supposed to-" Before she could finish, Harriet dashes past her as the rest of the Ace-Ops jump into action while everyone else watches.

Vine would use his Aura Vines to pull it, while Elm helps. Marrow notices an opening by the Geist's only exposed spot on its arm, and slices it with his razor boomerang. A piece of the unstable Dust would be sent flying, but luckily Harriet would rush in to grab it in time. Marrow would throw his boomerang weapon, known as Fetch, would cut another exposed limb, only to see another Dust shard is being flung and this time out of their reach. "Crap!"

Luckily, Clover came in time to catch it. "What would you guys do without me?" He gives Qrow the shard as he joins his team to tired the monster out by blitzing around it, until Elm smashes its last arm down for Marrow to cut it. And then Clover hooks the Geist out of the ice body, for Harriet to immediately uppercut it hard, much to everyone's shock. The Dust shards begin to fall everywhere, with the Operatives scrambling to grab them all. "Harriet!" Clover notices one last one, as the speedster of the team rushes to get it before it drops on the floor, only for Ruby to grab it in time.

Harriet would help Ruby up. "I thought you said your semblance is like mine."

"It… Is?" Ruby said in confusion.

"I've seen other speed semblances before. That… That was different. I think there is more going on than you think." She said in a complimentary tone.

Yang remarks. "Just wait till she sees what she can do with her eyes."

Olmotack chuckles, "There's more magic where that came from."

Qrow and Clover would see the others celebrate. "Heh. Lucky catch."

"Hm… No. I'd chalk that up to talent." Clover said.

Eventually, everyone walks out of the cave, and would return to Atlas, with the younger Huntsmen geeking out over their superiors. "You guys were incredible! The way you took that Geist without needing to plan your tactics out! You all knew exactly what to do!"

Clover replies, "Well, Ace-Ops were hand-picked to perfectly compliment one another. So we can focus on our assets, and leave our liabilities behind."

Ruby runs into her fellow speed type Huntress. "Perfect complementary teamwork! Oh yeah! I want to have my friends back just like that!"

Harriet however would tilt her head in confusion, "Friends?"

Elm chuckles, "This isn't a schoolyard, girls."

Yang walks in with Weiss and Blake. "I mean, when you go through so much with someone it kind of changes things, doesn't it?"

The speedy Ace-Op then explains. "We got along well enough, sure. I count on them to keep me alive. They do the same. But that's a job. We don't confuse the two." She coldly says as she walks up to the rest of her team who are going through their own conversation, leaving Team RWBY unsure of what to think.

Clover overhears. "Speaking of the job..." Turning his attention to General Ironwood and Irad talking to a guard. "Duty ever beckons. You all hang back." As the elite Huntsmen walk over to the General.

Once the Ace's were out of earshot, Olmotack would say to RWBY, "They are strong... But in actuality, they are weak on certain important aspects. You all have something they do not." RWBY would raise a brow, curious, and Olmotack would finish blatantly, "You have a team that is a family, and it is stronger than what they have. You all have more of a chance of being successful than they do. They see it as a job, while you all see it as more, and rely and care for each other." Olmotack says, as he inspected the Operatives as they went towards Irad and Ironwood.

Ruby would nod. "Y-Yeah! He's right!"

Blake yawns. "Whatever you say…" She walks out.

Ruby notices her walk out. "W-Wait! You don't want to sightsee?"

Weiss walks out too. "We've already walked around the country."

Ruby shrugs. "Yeah, but it was the boring stuff."

"We almost died." Yang sighed as she left too.

"Pfft, yeah right!" Ruby tries to stay positive, but then finds herself alone.

Just then, Ironwood would call out to Ruby and Jaune. "Can I get the team leaders out here?" He requests. "There is something I like to discuss with you. You too, Qrow." He would finish his talk with Clover to be subtle and not cause a panic by sending in too many Huntsmen.

"New problems in Mantle?" Qrow asks in his usual sarcastic tone.

"More of the same unfortunately." Ironwood replied. He then shows a holographic image.

"Someone has been taking out public leaders who speak out of Atlas. Specifically people who speak against me. It's been the third murder of its kind in the last week."

Jaune recognizes the person. "Hey… That was the guy who rode with us when we were arrested!"

"He died?" Ruby was horrified.

"Doesn't seem like a good look for you." Qrow adds on.

Ruby would look to Irad, as he too seemed to be someone who isn't too keen on Ironwood, as per their conversation... But she shook those thoughts quickly, as she thought Irad could take care of himself.

"We're working diligently to find the cause... But... I have told Ironwood one name in particular..." They were silent for a brief moment, before Irad would say the name, "Watts Arthur..."

Jaune raised his brow. "Who's that?"

Ironwood sighs. "He's someone who invented almost everything in Atlas. But no one has ever seen him in years."

"All I can say is that from the timeline I've seen, he's dangerous, and very cunning. We must tread lightly." Irad states.

Ironwood would already be informed of Irad living ahead of his world, including timelines, yet he is still not used to it. "That being said, we still have no idea where he is. And he's been completely unnoticed lately. Pietro mentioned to me that he could be hacking the cameras to cover his tracks."

Irad nods, "He could also be aware that I could be a thorn in his plans... He may also attempt to have me assassinated if I'm not too careful..." Irad would say.

"That's not going to happen!" Ruby shouts out, which gets everyone's attention. Which she notices. "Um… Cause you can take care of yourself. But… You know. If anything happened to you then… Weiss would..." She mumbles.

Irad would put a hand on her head, "Everything will work out, no worries." He smiles at Ruby. "Besides, I've already survived lots of attempts from the different worlds I've been to. People in power really don't like me, you could say." He says, chuckling.

Qrow would add on, "I'm sure we'll be fine as long as you don't rely too much on the kid."

"Hey!" Ruby was childishly protests.

James keeps things in topic, "At any rate, we have to think of a way to manage Mantle's problems and I believe Irad and you all could do some good here." Just then he gets a call.

"What? Already? Here? No. It's fine. Let him land. I'll deal with him myself."

Qrow wonders what's going on. "More Mantle problems?"

"No..." Ironwood then notices a purely white ship fly towards them. "This one's an Atlas problem."

Irad raises a brow, "In need of my assistance?"

"I doubt it..." Ironwood said with a sigh.

The ship reveals itself to be the Schnee Dust Company's ship. And immediately once it lands, the man in charge of the company starts ranting. "So let me get this straight, James. In addition to this nonsensical Embargo of yours crippling my business, you've also decided you have the authority to commandeer private property?!" He goes straight to James' unfazed face. "When the council hears about this, you will never-"

"Actually, I've already informed them. As this is now the site of a classified military operation, it didn't even require a vote. You might want to brush up on council law before you lose this upcoming election."

The one named Jacques Schnee would make his reply. "Lately you seem to forget who your friends really are. I'm going to take that council seat James, and maybe then you'll-"

"Mr. Schnee…" Irad said, standing tall, "Mr. Jacques Schnee… How fascinating. I've done quite a lot of research on you. A grand business you have built… I am sure you are aware I am very close with your wonderful daughter, Weiss Schnee." Irad would state. Jacque would look Irad up and down, and would realize who he was; the Overlord from a foreign land…

Jacques would be shocked to look behind Irad to see Weiss Schnee there. "So you're the so-called Overlord? And you were the one hiding my missing daughter? What gave you the right to kidnap my dau-"

"He didn't 'kidnap' me!" Weiss would insert herself into the conversation. "It was my decision to come with him. In case I didn't make it clear." Irad would slightly shift himself to be a bit in Jacques' way from her.

"If you think I'm one to forget anything girl then you misjudged the man your father is."

Weiss crosses her arms. "Believe me, I know exactly the kind of man you are." She lets what she said sound as dismissive and insulting as she could.

"How dare you speak to me that way!" Jacque begins to get angry. "I have half the mind to-"

"Half the mind to what Jacques?" Ironwood would interrupt, which has Jacques stop himself and calm down and think about what to say next.

"...You know… Your mother was devastated when you left..." His words begin to get to Weiss.

"Didn't leave her room for days. You know how she gets when she's… Upset." Weiss's face begins to show regret and sorrow.

Irad looks to Weiss, and he'd turn to Jacque with a more stern look, "What you don't seem to understand, sir, is she's been aiding in keeping this world- YOUR freedom- safe from the clutches of evil… So instead of getting on to her, how about you- oh I don't know, be a little grateful that she's doing something to actually help the world… Truly, if this is how you really are, perhaps I may reconsider the offer I have for you…" This would peak Jacque's interest.

He decides to humor him, "And what would that be 'Overlord?'"

"On that, it must be between you, your family, and I. It's an offer I KNOW you wouldn't refuse… Let's just say, it's something big, and it will set you for life." He states, adjusting his shirt collar and jacket.

He would scoff, as he is skeptical. He walks towards Ironwood as he explains why he is actually here. "I am not here for some abandoned mine. I'm here to thank you. For giving me the noose to hang you."

Weiss still feels his words hurt her internally. Until Ruby and Blake hold her hands, showing they are with her, like Ruby said before. He would then notice this. "So these are the friends you threw away everything for?"

"Not friends… Family." Weiss said proudly.

"Hm." He would only let out as he took his leave. When his ship flies off, Weiss feels a major weight finally leave her and takes a few breaths.

"Fear not Weiss…" Irad said in a condescending tone, "Once I am done… He will never hurt you again." Irad said, looking at the disappearing ship, which Weiss would wonder what he meant.

Just then a van drives in, with Winter exiting it. "Oh, now you show up, Winter." Weiss quips. "You've just missed father."

The older sister walks up to her. "I wouldn't say I missed hi-"

Just then all of the sudden, a speeding Penny crashes in, "Surprise!" Letting out confetti with the words 'Congratulations' on top of her. She eventually see's Team RWBY on the floor. "Uh… Did we not start yet?"

Winter facepalms. "Apparently, we haven't." Irad raises a brow

As Nora laughed at this, Ruby got up. "Start what?"

Time passes, and everyone is gathered in the Amity arena. "It goes without saying that this arena holds a significance to all of us. It's only fitting that we should be able to reconvene here. Now. When the world needs to be brought together more than ever. You fought for Beacon. For Haven, and beyond. You faced down terrors people can't fathom. That's not the behavior of students. It's the behavior of Huntsmen and Huntresses." Ironwood ends his speech as Penny begins to press a button in her own scroll.

Ren noticed something in his scroll. "What is this?"

Winter would explain. "You are being granted your Huntsmen licenses, today."

As Penny continues giving the others their licenses, while Ironwood continues. "I know this is coming a little ahead of schedule. But I figured you all deserved it. I only regret that I couldn't do something so… Ceremonious for the occasion."

Irad smiles, Weiss would look at him, and she saw the pride in Irad's face. Blake would look around and frown that Aiden couldn't be here, nor get his own license.

Ruby checks her own license. "Wow… We're… Honored, General Ironwood. But you don't have to-"

"Please. With the threat of Salem and Nightmarack, and with tensions rising in our kingdom, I could use some more trustworthy fighters on my side. I should be lucky to have all of you on my side. And when this tower is ready and communications are back up and running, we'll tell the world about Salem and Nightmarack, and face down whatever comes at us after that, together." Everyone would be silent, taking his words in. Eventually, James would sigh. "That's just about all the pomp I have in me. If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to running this operation. Uh..." He awkwardly pauses and just turns to leave. "Well then, enjoy the cake." He takes his leave.

Everyone would awkwardly stand there while he and Winter walked out. But not before Penny pops in again. "Your speech outros are improving, sir!" Irad would silently snicker at the comment.

Yang would look at hers carefully. "After everything we've been through, I almost forgot this is what I wanted." Recalling her settling down with Team RWBY after Beacon basically stopped the school year after the attack.

Blake would still look at it. "I didn't think we'd get it this soon, after Beacon's attack."

"It almost feels trivial now." Weiss can't help but say it, after staying with Irad for a while.

"You've all grown and proven yourselves worthy over time. Look at all you've accomplished, the lives you've saved. Going against Salem AND Nightmaratack's forces is not an easy task for just any hunter or huntress. You've also aided me in many battles, and have helped me gain an understanding of this world. You've earned every right to wield those licenses. You've earned your title... In fact, you've earned much more than that…" He raises his cane, "I must declare that I, Alhsom Irad Shual, The Grand Overlord of Ragadol, dub thee, team RWBY, and team JNPR, honorary champions to the world of Ragadol. May your hearts remain true, and may your might remain strong... Welcome to the league of Ragadol champions."

Everyone would be surprised by his grand declaration. Weiss recovered first. "You really know how to spoil us, you know that?"

He chuckles, "You all are good friends, and deserve it. Have pride, and be proud of yourselves… But keep your head in the game, for we must still vanquish the darkness within this realm."

Qrow would walk in with a small smile on his face. "Yeah yeah, we heard enough speeches. You kids should celebrate. Enjoy yourselves."

"Finally! Someone said it!" Nora said. "Let's kill some cake! I can eat two slices before Ren even eats one! Who said I can't? Who said it huh?!" She would shout her threat.

Ren however is not playing around with her antics, as usual. "Nora, nobody is arguing with you about this."

Eventually, everyone would take their cake, sliced by Penny with her blades. As everyone enjoys their own piece, Nora would show off her six stacked pieces. Pyrrha would thoroughly enjoy her piece. Penny jumps behind her for a hug, with Pyrrha nervously smiles. Yang surprises a distracted Blake with a selfie. Ruby sits alone on the stands, seeing everyone having fun. Irad enjoys his cake with Weiss, Irad making Weiss laugh

Olmotack sits with Ruby, "Well... Isn't this quite a sight eh? Kinda can't believe we got this far." He says.

Ruby would chuckle. "Yeah… It's… Definitely a lot to take in."

He looks on, "Hey... I wanna say... Good job for getting your team this far. I... Think I understand why Ozpin kept a close eye on you and your team now... Sometimes I wish I was on a team like yours." He says, chuckling. "Father always described these wonderful teams that came through Beacon… Including your mother's."

She would turn to him with a shocked look. "My mom...?"

"Yes... STRQ it was called..." Olmotack said. "Summer Rose, Taiyang Xiao Long, Raven Branwen, and Qrow Branwen... I remember it as if my father told me yesterday..." He sighs, "That's another reason why I was so frustrated with Qrow... But... I suppose you have a right to know about all of this."

"Know about what?" Ruby asks.

"Know about your mother and that she was once just like you." Olmotack replied. "If you wish to know more... You can always ask Qrow and maybe even Ozpin, if he is willing."

She would then remember something all the way back after the Attack on Beacon. Olmo can tell something was in the young huntress' head.

"Penny for your thoughts?" He asked.

Ruby gets a bit nervous. "Well… You're probably not gonna be interested…"

He raises a brow, "Try me."

The red hooded huntress breathes in and out. "Well… You see. When we stayed with Blake's parents, Yang mentioned about the attack happening because Ozpin and the other grown ups were hiding something. She didn't like the idea of being left in the dark. It got me thinking a little bit on what Irad said. On how things went badly. And losing Pyrrha and Penny. Us separated… Would all of this have been prevented if Ozpin told the truth?"

Olmotack would think for a moment, he knew many of Ozpin's secrets for a long while, "Maybe... Maybe so... But it's like Irad said, if he were to reveal key events that may happen, that HAS happened in another world, who knows what could happen... And besides, who knows what could happen with just having this information in general."

"I-I know that. I'm saying Ozpin's own secrets. Before you came and Irad came along. The whole Fall Maiden secret I mean. And… He has been living for a long time. So I have no idea what kind of life he lived. And he barely talked about it." She was a bit nervous saying this, knowing how close he is to Ozpin. "I'm not saying he's suspicious. I just… Have questions. I have a feeling he's hiding something important to us."

He thinks to himself, not even he knew of EVERY secret Ozpin kept, "Perhaps you are right... But I think... Maybe it's best we wait on this for another time. As... Well, there's a small celebration to get to." He says, indicating his friends, as Ruby would see Irad and Weiss sneaking away, Weiss leading the way.

Ruby wasn't sure what to think about Olmo's words, but left it alone. Curious about the two though, she would get close enough to peek and hear what Weiss and Irad could be talking about.

Irad and Weiss are around a corner, and Ruby would secretly peek from around, being sure to be quiet. She would be shocked to see them enveloped in a loving embrace, holding each other close, kissing one another passionately, before they slowly broke apart. Ruby would blush a bit from the display of affection, but would listen intently,

"I'm so glad to see you again... Hearing Ironwood drone on and on was just so... Dull. Ugh, he's just like those other annoying business people you met with me back in my world… On and on about how "Atlas' military is the best", "Do this, do that, blah blah blah", speaking like I'm some mere child or something." He laments, rolling his eyes.

"You thought that was bad? I had to hear stuff like that throughout my childhood. Atlas is the kind of place where high expectations are the norm." Weiss replies with a sigh.

He cups her cheek, "Well... The only thing I expect from you, is just for you to be as wonderful as you have been." He giggles, as he kisses her nose.

Weiss would also giggle, blushing. She'd then ask, "Say... What offer were you going to give my father anyways?" Irad would hum in thought as he inspected her features, holding her chin with two fingers,

"Well... It's a surprise. But... Consider it a true gift to you, and your family, regardless of the outcome. I'm going to free you all, and end it with my own hands..." He looks away from Weiss as he recounts, "I've met many of your father's type in my endeavors of gaining more subjects from different realms; greedy, shady, malevolent bastards... With him though, now that I have you and a few members of your family who are negatively affected by him, and with the strings he has at his leisure, I'm playing things a bit more carefully, as this situation is delicate than the others I've encountered... But your father is falling right into my hands, is all I'll say, judging by his reaction to even the notion that I have an offer for him... So all you need to do is just follow my lead, and trust me, as I have you..."

She would smirk. "Alright…" Although something begins to bother her.

Irad would sense this, "Something the matter, dear?" He asks.

She would sigh again, this time in frustration. "It's just… My mother… After I left…"

He puts his hands on her shoulders, "I have a plan for her, trust me. And once your father is dealt with, it will bring so much weight off her shoulders, especially with my help. In time, she will be happier and healthier. I will schedule appointments for her to get her some assistance with her trauma… And I can't stress this enough… He will never hurt ANY of you ever again when I am done. I've seen this all in the timeline I've spoken of, and have planned two steps ahead of time… Falling in love with you though, was a plus." He says with a wink.

She was surprised to hear this, and just hugged him. Love is something she never counted on when she started, but now that he came to her life, it was almost overwhelming. "I just hope she can forgive me for making her wait..."

"She will… And she will be so proud of what you've become, my little Snowflake." He says, holding her close. Ruby would look at the scene in awe, as it was so adorable. Ruby smiles, as she is so happy for Weiss, and is grateful Irad had come into not only Weiss' life, but everyone else's, and has helped them so much with changing things for the better. Although, Ruby thought, if Irad knew of the timelines… Maybe… Her mind would then drift to something he said in the transport vehicle in Atlas, that now Olmotack, Aiden, and he intervened, and Nightmaratack came along… Could the fate of her mother have changed too? She didn't know, but she knew that if she was somehow out there, she may be able to find her… It was assumed she died by Salem, but who knows at this point.

"Hey Ruby! Weiss! Check this out!" Just then Yang called out to them.

Ruby would dash in while Weiss comes in late, "Is that a mission board? It's an app now?!"

Ruby dashes in to get a better look at it. "Can we ride a Megoliath?! Stop an underground crime ring?! Do I get to go..." She then wraps her hood around her body and acts mysterious.

"... Undercover?"

She then shakes her robot friend. "Maaaaaaybeeeeeee!"

Just then, Marrow and the Ace-Ops walk in. "Hey, you guys smell that? Smells like fresh meat."

"That's odd." Vine replies. "I don't smell meat."

"Hm. Neither do I." Ren suddenly said next to Vine, with the same dry tone like Vine had.

After seeing his words didn't reach anyone he just sighs. "Nevermind..."

"So let me get this straight." Elm speaks up to the newly appointed Huntsmen. "You've only been official for an hour now and you're already looking for Huntsmen work?"

Weiss then points out, "To be fair, we've been official for a whole..." She checks her scroll. "... 57 minutes."

Irad crosses his arms, "Nothing wrong with wanting to do a little work to start."

Elm sighs, liking what she is seeing. "The enthusiasm of youth!" She clenches her fist in excitement.

Marrow, despite his skepticism with the new Huntsman/Huntresses, can't deny their progress. "Well, it's hard to argue with that." He then moves on to the app screen. "Okay, let me show you how it works." He would find something. "Ooh, this is an important one. Who wants to volunteer?" This gets everyone to raise their hands, excited with their first mission. "We need someone to escort children to pre-primary school down at Mantle. There's no real danger, but the parents fret and that attracts Grimm." This gets everyone to bring their hands down, but Jaune wasn't fast enough. "Perfect! Thanks… Jaune? Jwan? Jim?"

Pyrrha would speak up. "It's Jaune."

He didn't seem to mind, more focused on his first mission, despite it not being that grand. Just then, Elm pushes Marrow aside and clicks one mission, very enthused. "Next! A massive Sabyr is loose in the Mantle sewers!" Showing off a sabertooth cat like Grimm on-screen. "We need two brave warriors to flush it out!"

Just then everyone raises their hands again. With Jaune looking in confusion and surprise. "Wha-? Bu-! Why didn't I get a choice for that one?!" Pyrrha comforts her distraught friend while everyone else laughed in amusement.

Irad would whisper to Weiss, "There's work that must be done… I give you the choice to do a mission, or join me on my own. I was personally going to first talk with a few people, then investigate a sighting some of my soldiers found, possible dark grimm gathering somewhere, could help us find what we are looking for… And I will also be delving into a few things to get more information on that guy who seemed to 'disappear'. But again, I leave it up to you what you want to do at the moment."

She thinks about it, "I always wanted to be a Huntress, but I do understand what your saying."

"You can go ahead." She would flinch as she turns to see it was Ruby who said that.

.

"How did you…?" Ruby only gave her a knowing smirk.

Irad would raise a brow, but after a bit, would shrug, "I'll be waiting by the limo then, Weiss." He says as he goes.

She would nod, as she wonders what kind of missions with Irad is gonna play out. There are hints of interest as she wants to test herself to the best of her abilities. After all, Winter is with her now.

Unaware that during this, Jacque is currently communicating with his secret partner. Arthur Watts unexpectedly approached Jacque's quarters, with Whitely being the only witness before being sent away. "Whitley, shut the door." The boy hesitates, unsure if this is fine. "I said shut the door!"

Jacque would start. "I… You're supposed to be dead."

"That is what I want people to think. You're right. However I've heard things about you too. For instance, your Ironwood problem.

Jacques would seethe, his shock receding, "That bastard is costing me more money everyday with this embargo. I'd lay off every employee in Mantle if I wasn't trying to get their damn votes for this Council seat!"

Watts would then sit comfortably. "What if I said you can have your cake and eat it too?" He confidently said. As ominous that sounded, it sounded better than Irad's offer, so he listened. A secret camera in the corner of the room seemed to watch the scene as it played out.

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Hey, author, DFO here! I wanted this chapter to be really long, and give out lots of juicy details! Again, if you want, make sure to favorite the story and follow! Godspeed to you, reader! May the Lord bless your day!