Team RWBY prepares. "Let's do this!" Ruby shouts out as they ready themselves as the Grimm jumps on them. Together, they smite all in their sight.
They slashed through grimm after grimm, cutting many down, and cutting off tendrils that attempted to reach them. The higher they went, the bigger the grimm, the more there were. Soon they would reach a room full of mind controlled White Fang, who was altered and enhanced by dark grimm parts. They'd charge wildly, thirsty for blood. Blake led the way as she used her weapon to bring widespread havoc on them, with her new and improved Gambol Shroud. Weiss helped Ruby slice her way through with her glyphs while Yang took down the more large ones with her own brute strength, with a few assists from Blake's long range slashes. Meanwhile with Irad and his team, they fend off the Grimm army… Irad skillfully fended off multiple Grimm, but one of them was going to hit Irad, but then Winter Schnee came into action, and killed the attacking Grimm,
"Fancy seeing you here, Ms. Winter Schnee." Irad states, sending a volley of fire in the direction of multiple grimm, and freeze-burning them.
"Can't this small talk be saved after the fighting is done?" She said in annoyance.
"Lighten up." He says as he violently kicks down a small grimm, "You can't blame a guy who wants to make small talk while under some stress… Besides, you may become my sister-in-law at some point, so I suppose it's good to get acquainted just a little bit." In a flash he steps aside, and impales another grimm. "And even so… We can handle this easily while the others in the tower end this." He says, as flips and cuts down another grimm, following up with him jabbing his sword at the grimm behind him. He then snaps his fingers, enhancing Winter's glyphs and making her attacks more lethal and effective, much to Winter's surprise. Just as they clean the area of the overwhelming Grimm, they notice Team SSN nearby, Sun showing off his fast skills and power, with Neptune and Scarlet backing him up.
"Hey! What's up?!" Sun casually said, as he smacks an attacking Grimm with his nunchaku.
Winter would then notice more behind them, so she creates ice sickles to stab past the team and through the Grimm easily. Neptune would be startled. "Whoa..." Impressed by her marksmanship and how she made it look easy.
Irad would nod, "Skills I expected from the Schnee family, as usual, very impressive…" He then unsheathes Raven's sword and dual wields both his and her swords, with Raven's blade tip being as blue as his flames. He growls and crouches, "Now prepare… To DIIIIIEEE!" He yells as he rockets himself in a drill like motion with his blades, cutting down even bigger grimm like butter.
Sun and Neptune's mouths were a gap of what they just saw, while Scarlet was minorly surprised. "That man definitely has style."
Winter would also be impressed by his skills. "He's showing off at this point." She then follows him to kill more of the Grimm. With Team SSN trying to catch up.
Ironwood looks at the scene below him with his arms behind his back in an Atlas ship. He felt unsure on what he was about to do… But he knew it was for the protection of Atlas.
"Sir, shall we proceed with the plan?" A soldier asked.
With a bit of silence, he eventually makes his decision. "Yes."
Ironwood remembered what transpired some time ago… He had been approached by the demon in a dream. He could feel the raw power emanating off of him… And the demon showed him the end cause, where he has killed everyone in Atlas… But then the demon offered to spare Atlas in turn for a favor… To bring every person who wields the maiden's power in one place: at the top of the tower.
In the present, Raven was in a medical bay in a ship that had both Irad's and Atlas' soldiers. A nurse from Irad's realm had injected something into her, and the nurse nods,
"Well dear, in a week or two, your arm should grow right back and be as good as new!" The nurse cheerfully said. Raven would give a slight smile, thankful for her kindness… But felt undeserving. Raven's eyes widened though when the nurse was shocked and knocked out, and two Ace-Operatives came to apprehend Raven.
"You're coming with us." One of them coldly says, as alarms begin to blare.
"What...?" She shows worry.
She was then grabbed, and bagged. It wouldn't take long until she had a bag off of her face, as she is now face to face with the General and Headmaster of Atlas, Ironwood. "James Ironwood...? What's going on here?!" She said with outrage.
James Ironwood looks tired, and dead inside, "You have no right to ask me anything… Criminal..."
Raven would grit her teeth and look to her side, to see another woman… She looked old, and wore blue… She could sense the Winter Maiden within her.
"Set a course for the top of the tower… We've gathered what we have, including the relic. The last Maiden is already within the tower." Ironwood blankly said, and this makes Raven realize what's going on,
"James, do you know what happens if that demon gains all that power?! The things he would be capable of?! The DEATHS?!" She exclaimed
He glares at her in anger, "And what about the deaths you caused? I'm only saving whatever I can." Convinced himself that he is doing this for his country.
She grits her teeth, "You are a fool if you think he'll keep his end of the bargain... He'll kill a hell of a lot more than I ever have." She seethes. Ironwood would ignore her though, and continue to look down as they ascended towards the hellscape above to reach the peak of the tower. Back down below with the battle, Irad would be contacted by one of the soldiers, and told of the news.
"WHAT?!" Irad said in anger. He'd then look up at the tower with a furrowed brow, and would turn to Winter,
"Winter!" He called out, and after finishing another grimm, she looked at him,
"Ironwood has betrayed us. I just heard news that he had the Ace-Ops infiltrate one of my freighters and kidnapped Raven. I'm going to go up the tower. RWBY and JNPR should be arriving at the top soon... I have a feeling I know what Ironwood intends to do, and it involves the maidens..." Irad says, turning, and then nodding to Winter, "Stay strong and hold the line, I'm counting on you." He says with a serious expression as he jumps around grimm and goes towards the tower entrance, leaving Winter to watch him leave. Winter would grit her teeth, unsure of why Ironwood would betray them. her thoughts would be interrupted though with a grimm charging at her, but Olmotack would jump in front of her, making the beast run into his halberd, and he blasted the grimm into dust,
"Ms. Schnee, keep your head together!" Olmotack said, looking at her with a serious expression, and Winter would look at him and nod, as they worked together, alongside SSN, to keep the grimm driven back.
Back with RWBY and JNPR, they would soon reach the top of the tower, and widened their eyes. They looked around, seeing four torch looking pedestals that surrounded the center of the tower. Waiting for them was Nightmare and a weakened Salem.
Ruby would shout out, "Nightmare! Salem! It's over!"
Nightmare looks at the group with a smile, and the others would stare in shock, as Nightmare held a black orb in his hand... And Salem... She looked human once more. Salem looked at her hands, in disbelief
"I'm... I'm cured... I don't..." She says, dumbfounded.
"As promised... I have stripped you of your curse... And now, my other promise to you... Of death."
Suddenly, chains would wrap around Salem's wrists, and Salem would be scared,
"N-Nightmare! What are you doing?!" She says, as below her a rift opened, showing a world below full of fire and screaming. Nightmare would laugh maniacally, as Salem stared off into the world in the rift... She knew what it was.
(Theme: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Echoes of time ost Rakiex /watch?v=woPjATOqT3s)
"What? Did you really think your actions never had consequences? That every murder... Every manipulation... Every lie... Every monster you've made... You thought you could get away with it so easily? No, no-ho ho there are always consequences for you wretched beings. See, each of you are the same. Liars, adulterers, sinners- undeserving of life. Don't worry, I'll kill humanity for you, as per our deal... But you never said anything about other forms of life." He extends his hands, as RWBY and JNPR stare horrified by this insane and deranged dark being, "MY PURPOSE... IS TO CLEANSE ALL WORLDS OF LIFE! AND BRING FORTH A NEW DARK WORLD! TO RID THE WORLD OF SIN, AND CREATE A WORLD THAT IS BUT ONE DARK ENTITY!" He then absorbs the black orb, and his veins grow darker, "I NOW HAVE WHAT I CAME FOR! THE GRIMM... I FEEL THEM YIELDING TO ME!" Down below, the grimm howl and whimper, as their bodies begin to change into stronger, more horrific shapes and forms, with SSN and Winter standing back. In cities all over, rifts begin to form, as dark Grimm begin to pour out of the ground in droves to attack anyone in their path.
"A WORLD OF DESPAIR…! OF ANARCHY…! OF DARK…! IT WILL MATCH- HELL ITSELF! AND I WILL CLAIM MY THRONE, AND BE SUPERIOR TO THE LIGHT, AND CONSUME IT!" The chains begins to pull Salem down, and she begins to scream,
"OZPIN, PLEASE! HELP ME! SUMMER! ANYONE!" And the hellfire began to envelope her body as she was dragged down into the brimstone. Her screams grew louder the deeper she went, until the rift closed, silencing her screams... She would burn for eternity. Nightmare laughs again, as RWBY and JNPR are shocked.
"YOU FOOLS BELIEVE YOU CAN STOP ME?! I AM AN EMBODIMENT OF PURE DARKNESS! AIDEN IS DEAD. ALL THAT REMAINS IS I, NIGHTMARATACK!" He points a sharp finger to them, "AND IF YOU WISH TO STOP ME... THEN YOU WILL DIE HERE!" Multiple incantations form, and monsters arise, and growl at the two teams.
(Battle Theme: Illusionary Dance / Akumajo Dracula - Sougetsu no Juujika - /watch?v=8cda69EXFRs)
Blake was now pissed off. "YOU'RE WRONG!"
Yang clenches her fist tightly. "You are a real piece of shit, Nightmare!"
Pyrrha then gets defensive. "Careful everyone! He has control over the Grimm!"
Weiss readies her own weapon. "This just became a lot more of a pain!"
Nightmare summoned Aiden's blade, but it was more flesh-like and dark, and he would go on the attack, striking down at them, as the other beasts pounced. Tendrils would be summoned to aid Nightmare, and a ring of purple flames circled the tower edge.
Ruby would get in Blakes way to protect her, knowing she's gonna act emotional. She uses her Silver Eyes to glow up the area so they would have weakened Grimm to worry about. Almost immediately, Pyrrha, Yang, Nora, and Blake jumps in to start their attack.
Nightmare cackles as he blocks each of their attacks, using his purple flames to singe them. He'd raise his sword in the air, "FALL!" He says, as he unleashed a flurry of dark lighting, which the teams tried to dodge. A beast would sneak up from behind Juane, and attempt to chomp his head off, but Juane felt the dark aura, and roundhouse kicked it back, before stabbing it through the brain, making it dissolve. He'd look over and see Pyrrha performing strong attacks using the maidens power, but sharp tendrils would begin to creep towards her, and Juane would react fast in time. He slices them fast and hard. Pyrrha would be caught off guard of how ferocious he is, and how hard and true he fights. Pyrrha couldn't be more happier to see Jaune be the hero he is meant to be. Her hero.
The demon charges another attack, but would be interrupted by a time glyph below him, slowing him down, among other glyphs around him. The other members would go on the attack, and charge, and he'd just smile and would teleport away, reappearing above, cocking and aiming the blade barrel, then sending a barrage of large fireballs towards them, which Weiss would deflect with her glyphs, and Ruby used her silver eyes on the demon, who covered his eyes, and Yang would go into the air, and punch the demon back down to the ground. The demon rose once more, and was on the defensive, using the tendrils as cover as a counter for most attacks. Weiss would stab at the demon, and she thought she hit her mark, but would be surprised to see she hit a copy, as multiple copies of the demon sprung about, laughing at them. Blake felt like she needed to reach out to Aiden... She could feel he was still there... He had to be.
"Aiden..." She whispers, but then dashes full speed to cut down every Grimm in her way. With her strength and speed seemingly increased during her mad dash of slashes. Weiss then activates a glyph full of lightning, which Nora jumps in and is filled with tons of electricity. Weiss then bounces Nora upward as she smashes her hammer at one of the Grimm mammoths.
Two of the copies laughed, as they kicked Nora aside, but were dispatched by Weiss' glyphs. They weren't getting anywhere, as the demon was playing games with them. Pyrrha looked around, using her senses to find the dark aura of the demon, and would see the real demon deal a massive attack that pushed Weiss back.
"Well well well… My counterpart will be so heartbroken once I take away his little lover… I'll be sure to give him your regards." He says as he was about to attack Weiss once more, but Pyrrha would send a large-scale attack towards the demon, making the clones disappear from Nightmare losing focus. Pyrrha would point at Nightmaratack,
"Everyone! Attack him all at once!" She exclaimed, and everyone would go on the offensive, beating the demon up, and he struggled to defend himself. Soon Ruby's silver eyes flared, and she had used it on the demon, blasting him back, and remaining on the ground, as the grimm that was aiding him dissolved. The demon grunted, and rose once more. He'd take a weak step forward, weakened by the silver eyes. Blake attempted to reach out once more to Aiden,
"AIDEN! I'M HERE!" She shouts in a panic. She reaches to him. "COME BACK!"
Nightmare clutches his head, backing away. Aiden's yellow eyes showed for a moment, as he talked to Blake in a strained tone, "Blake…! I'm… Here… Help-hahahaha!" Nightmare took back control, laughing,
"You think this is over?! No!" He says breathing heavily, "I already have what I wanted!" A ship would soon rise above, and Raven and Fria were thrown onto the ground before them, and Nightmare held the relic to the summer maiden, "Every maiden… Right in one place… Heheheheh…" Ironwood looks blankly at RWBY and JNPR, whom were furious,
"HOW COULD YOU?! WE TRUSTED YOU!" Ruby shouted at Ironwood.
"My only concern is the betterment and protection of Atlas, child. If you were more patient and obedient, you would have learned this long before." Ironwood coldly said. Nightmare would cackle,
"My victory… Is approaching." He laughs, but his laughs would soon be cut off by a blade being pierced through his stomach, and everyone gasps. Nightmare groaned as Torchwick unsheathed his blade from Nightmare's stomach,
"It seems our partnership is at an end, Nightmaratack." Torchwick said wittily.
"Torchwick?!" Ruby exclaimed, confused.
"Don't get the wrong idea, children… Business will be business… But I can't let a whole world go to waste."
Nightmare coughed, falling onto his knees, clutching his wound, "But… Our… Deal…?"
Roman tsked, "It wasn't that much fun. I like having the thrill. You are just too… Hmmm… What should I call it…" He turned his head to Neo, who shrugged, and Roman perked up, "Ah yes! Brutal- too gore-ey." Torchwick said, spinning his cane and turning his back from the fallen demon, as Neo would aim her parasol at Ironwood. Nightmare though, would laugh,
"Well then, Mr. Torchwick… I suppose you are right… Our partnership- IS- over." He extended a hand, and it extended into a spike, piercing Torchwick's heart. He would gasp, and Neo would look in horror. Torchwick's body would then grow dark veins, and he could feel his aura and life energy draining, and he strained to breathe, the energy going into Nightmare, as Nightmare's wounds healed.
"Ahhh, much better." Nightmare exclaimed, soon tossing the corpse of Torchwick to the side. Neo, in anger, would charge at Nightmare, but Nightmare stopped and choked her midair, before throwing her off the tower's edge. Everyone screamed out, before turning back to Nightmare, "Now then… I will claim, what is mine… You see… This glorious tower has another use… Those beings you fools refer to as "gods" are but a vessel for greater power to be taken… And their power… Is all I've ever wanted… To complete my transformation." Suddenly, pillars of light would come from four torch pedestals of the tower, each pillar being the color of the respective maiden. Pyrrha, Raven, and Fria clutched their chests, and could feel the maiden's power being ripped from them. Nightmare would take out the relic he concealed, and would throw the Summer maiden's relic into the air, as all the essence of the maidens converge into one in the center of the tower. The tower came to life, glowing bright,
"Now… A rift will be opened… And I- Will become… More powerful- than any of you could imagine. You will witness- TRUE horror." He said as he began to rise and laugh, as RWBY and JNPR watched. Everyone watched in fear, with Ruby feeling her anxiety rising. But then grits hard, and unleashes her Silver Eyes again, giving it everything she has before the Maiden powers reach Nightmare.
To no avail though, the silver eyes had no effect, as the maidens power only blocked her attack. Ironwood pulled away from the scene, as the ship wasn't fairing well due to the intensity of the winds. Soon Nightmare would collide, and a bright light enveloped the area, blinding everyone. When the light ceased, they could see they weren't on the tower anymore, but a bright dimension. They could see the light and dark entities being chained and fused within Nightmare, alongside the maidens power.
"Yes… I CAN FEEL THE POWER! IT COURSES THROUGH ME!" He states, laughing, as the bright world around them turns dark, and Nightmare begins to change shape. The area the hero's stand on changes, as they stand on what appears to be an incantation of some sort, and streams of different elemental dust orbits around them, as Nightmare lands, in a bigger, more ferocious form… Nightmare has become the Draconic-Wolf Emperor of Chaos. His head had many features that stuck out, two on each side of his face, and each radiated in respect to the maiden's power. The demon's eyes were different colors, one of light, and one of dark. The scales radiated a dark purple color, and parts of its body were covered in fur. On its ankles, it had metal bands, as if it used to be chained, but was now unleashed.
(Battle Theme: Castlevania Order of Ecclesia - Order of the Demon ~ Arranged /watch?v=wqNCUQYVsuQ)
The dragon sprouted its large wings, and roared ferociously, shaking everyone to their core, as the dragon loomed over them, then went onto the attack.
Everyone was shocked at the size of this dragon. They weren't sure how they could beat it. Yang nervously turns to her little sister. "Got a plan? Ruby? Preferably where we stay alive?"
Jaune was in panic mode, "Guys… We should run..." Like that, everyone scrambles as Nightmare tries to crush them. Yang tries her best to shoot it with her gauntlets. Nora shoots her cannon while running. Everyone else just ran as fast as they could. They try to run for the rift, but their path is blocked by fire, and they split up as the demon spewed fire at where they were. The dragon flew up, and spread its wings, roaring as it sent large dark projectiles from its wings towards the heroes. Ruby had enough and called Blake to get her on the dragon. Reluctantly, Blake throws her weapon and swings up to get Ruby up on the Dragons back. Pyrrha would try to get as much metal from the rift on her side and would throw them to distract Nightmare. As the dragon shakes off the attacks, Ruby climbs up on his back and then uses her Silver Eyes again to slow him down. The dragon roars, and Ruby could sense an electrical current was about to course across the dragon's body, in an attempt to electrify her. Blake notices this and panickedly tackles Ruby and herself off as they fall down. Yang sees this,
"GUYS!" She rushes to catch this both. But luckily, Weiss was there to break their fall thanks to her glyphs.
The dragon would roar, as the team looked up in horror, as the dragon charged up its breath for a final lethal blow, using the maiden's power… RWBY braced itself for the worst, but the demon dragon would be blasted back by a holy blue flame, screeching, as the aggressor that sent the projectile went on the attack. It was the same dragon Irad summoned to aid against Salem… But it looked real this time. It had features of a White fox with blue on the tips of its fur, and looked very huge and ferocious. Weiss instantly knew it was Irad,
"IRAD!" Weiss yelled, and the dragon looked to Weiss, and growled out, and RWBY and JNPR would hear a telekinetic voice echo into their minds: "RWBY, JNPR… The demon is strong, but with our combined might, we can defeat him. Aiden still lives within the demon, bring him out, and the demon will be weakened enough." The fox-dragon would turn back and continue its attack, biting down viciously on the other beast, and doing its best to avoid the other attacks coming his way.
Ruby would be nervous, but nods. "He's right… We gotta pull through somehow!" She knows Aiden can be released, so she'll focus on that first. The demon blasts Irad back using dark fire, making him howl, but he would retaliate by casting incantations that blasted lightning. Weiss would then summon her knight, and would make it as big as she could. Jaune then grabs Weiss's shoulder and powers her aura, making it much more bigger and powerful. The knight walks up to the demon and swings its sword towards its back while Irad is fighting it. The dragon roars in pain, and is pinned in place. Ruby rushes up, her silver eyes blazing, and would reach the forehead of the beast, and would connect her head to its head. There was a flash, and Ruby was transported into a dark abyss… She begins to run around, calling for Aiden,
"Aiden! AIDEN!" Ruby yells, and soon she would see what looked to be a dark prison. She would hold her hand out and blast the gate down. She saw a large set of stairs that went deep below. She cautiously walks through the stairs, trying to find him. "You there?" Eventually she would move a bit faster when it was taking too long.
After twisting and turning a few halls, she would then reach a room, and hunched over and chained stood Aiden, who looked to have had better days. Ruby rushes to Aiden's side,
"Aiden! I'm here!" She exclaimed, making Aiden jolt and rise to hug her. They embraced, Ruby squeezing Aiden hard. She was overjoyed to see her best friend again.
"Don't worry, I'll get you out of here." She exclaimed. She would bring out her scythe, and would cut the chain binding him. The room would shake though, and skittering could be heard approaching them.
"He knows you are here! We have to run!" He exclaimed.
Hands of undead guards jut from the ground, scrambling to rise and attack the intruder, as small bugs begin to crawl in. She gasped, but quickly recovered and brought out her weapon to slice anything near her, and went back to Aiden. "Let's go!" She drags him out as fast as she can. As they run up, the bugs and soldiers run at them. When they were about to reach the surface of the prison, Aiden dragged her away to another path in the prison.
"Aiden?!" She exclaimed as she was being led.
"The maidens! We have to help them!" He said as he ran. They'd go down a set of stairs that led deep into the prison, with many empty cells lining the far walls. It seems the prison was bigger than she thinks, Ruby imagined. Soon they would reach a big room, with four maidens strung up in chains, with strains of their power being fed upwards into an abyss. Aiden would point, "You need to shoot them down! Focus your silver eyes on your shots, and aim for the chains! It will break the dark binds that are around them! I'll catch them as they fall." He exclaimed, as he prepared to catch whichever maiden she shoots first.
She would nod, trying to calm down. "Okay!" She would focus as hard as she could. She didn't do this before, but she would try to control the Silver Eye power the best she can. She aims and without hesitation, starts firing. White beams would come from the barrel, and would snap the chains. One by one, Aiden caught the maidens, placing them down gently and letting them recover. Ruby looks at Crescent Rose with astonishment, surprised she could do something so cool. At that moment, she loved her powers very much.
After a few more seconds of shooting the chains, she rushes to Aiden's side afterwards. "How are they?"
"They'll be fine." He says, as the maidens opened their eyes, and smiled at the two, before turning into glowing spheres, and rushing away. Aiden and Ruby looked on, but their thoughts were interrupted by the undead beasts and monsters, as they were coming after them once more. Giant brutes would arise from the ground now. Aiden and Ruby knew they had to book it.
"Ruby, you need to exit this realm. I'll try to follow suit after."
"But Aiden-"
"No buts! Just get the hell out of here, and break the connection! I'll follow. Just keep everyone back!" He exclaimed.
She felt very unsure, but then steels herself with resolve, "You better..." Her tone almost sounded mad as she ran off.
After getting back to the surface, and killing a few monsters on the way, she would be back to where she came in, and closed her eyes. After a moment, she would be knocked back, and caught by Yang. Irad backed away, as Nightmare shook around, "What have you DONE TO ME?! MY POWER!" He says, as the maidens power left him.
Back within the mind of Aiden, he would approach two chained beings. He would get a blade from a fallen soldier, and would begin cutting at the chains on the beings of light and dark. He struggled, sweating profusely, as the chains were thick, and weren't giving. The beings looked to the boy, observing as he worked. After a minute of cutting, they would be set free, and would loom over Aiden. The light being spoke,
"You are destined for many things, Aiden Green…"
The dark being spoke, "We deem you worthy of our power. Use it well, and defeat the demon- once and for all."
"The universe is counting on you." They said in unison, as they lowered their fingers to touch the forehead of Aiden, who widened his eyes, and was sent back. Back in the physical realm, the dragon shook wildly, the eyes beginning to shine more intensely, and Nightmare screamed out. Suddenly, Aiden came out through its face, and landed in front of everyone. Everyone would gasp, as Aiden slowly rose, gasping. Pyrrha could sense Aiden's aura spiking through the roof, with the balance of both light and dark. The team would watch in awe. Blake would walk closer to Aiden. Aiden looks at Blake, smiling. She noticed his right eye was his normal yellow color, and the other was purple.
"Hey." He said casually, as Blake kept coming closer. She gasped, realizing this is indeed him. Blake jumps on him for a hug and breaks down in tears, as Aiden smiles, hugging her back. He would also begin to tear up, as he buried his face into her neck. It's been so long since he last held her.
"It's ok… I'm here now." He says, so happy to be back from that nightmare.
"Aiden..." She was still crying hard. "I thought… I thought I'd never..."
He strokes her back in comfort, "I thought the same way… I hoped and prayed to the Lord every day to see your face again…"
Irad walks to Weiss, still in his dragon form, and lowers his head, "Don't worry." He exclaimed telepathically to the white heiress, "This is just a temporary form. Nothing permanent, love. I'm more powerful in this form, but it doesn't last forever." Weiss observed the fur and fox features on his body. His wings were very large, and of course, dragon-like. He folded them, and put his head close to Weiss for her to touch.
Weiss rubs his fur with her hands. She couldn't help but giggle. "You are so full of surprises..." He chuckles, which came out as a slight giggle a fox would make.
As everyone was distracted, a large dark form rose from where the demon used to be. It was Nightmaratack! But this time, he looked in a worse state… His fur was in patches, his scales and skin being more prominent on his body. Parts of his body though were armored with a white shell, just like other grimm. Black liquid dripped off his form. The dragon roared loudly, as Nightmare telepathically spoke, "YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME!" He yelled, before going on the attack. He would be stopped by Aiden though, and blasted back by Aiden's new magic. Irad went in front of Weiss to protect her from any harm, and he would stand beside Aiden, and Ruby.
"It ends here, Nightmare!" Ruby stated with determination, as her silver eyes activated on her command. The demon laughs,
"You think you can kill me?! I'll just come back from another universe, BETTER! STRONGER!"
"And we'll be ready for you. Together, we will stop you, no matter what!" Aiden stated strongly, as JNPR and the other teammates of RWBY came together, ready to end the demon once and for all.
(Battle Theme: Soul of Sectonia Buildup Ver. (Kirby Triple Deluxe) - GaMetal Remix Extended /watch?v=Lw12eppYruY)
The dragon roars, "DIEEE!" and the final fight commences, as Nightmare uses dark fire against them. Ruby uses Silver Eyes again, to stun him again. This gives everyone a chance to jump in and attack. Nora stunning him more with her mighty hammer. Ren attacks with an energy filled kick. Jaune and Pyrrha diving down, and hitting the dragon at the same time with their shields together.
The dragon roars in pain, and sends a dark electric current after them, which Irad would take the hit, and counter with his own. Weiss would use enhanced glyphs for everyone to use as grounds, and attack from all sides, and the demon is becoming weaker and weaker. He would use his tail and hit Blake aside, but she would be caught by Aiden,
"Going somewhere, kitty?" Aiden stated to Blake with a sly smile.
She blushes. "A-Aiden!" Feeling like this is barely the time for this.
Aiden would dodge a fireball, and his eyes glowed yellow on one side, and purple on the other, "I'm going to throw you, get ready!" He states, and Blake gets ready, and Aiden throws Blake at the monster, and Blake would land, stabbing into the demon's eye. The dragon would scream and try to shake Blake off, as she sunk her blade deeper into its eye. Aiden would use the powers of light and dark to attack the demon, creating spears and jabbing it into the demon's back.
Irad would open his maw, and would begin to charge an attack "Weiss! Put a glyph in front of me! Everyone gather around me, and channel your aura into me! We need to end this!" Irad said to everyone telepathically.
Weiss would be a bit baffled. "I hope you know what you're doing!" She does so.
Weiss would make a giant glyph in front of Irad's maw, and Weiss would instruct the others to channel their auras into Irad by touching him. As they did as told, Irad's body would begin to glow, as he felt all of their aura flow into him. The demonic beast was recovering from such heavy blows, and saw what was about to happen. Irad spewed a large blast of fire, it would be amplified by the glyph, and everyone's aura would make the glyph even stronger, creating a powerful blast, and the demon would attempt to use his own fire to counter. Irad's fire was stopped by Nightmare's fire, as they fought for dominance. Nightmare's fire slowly crept up towards the Hoky Fox Dragon, but Irad would up the power, and Irad's fire was overtaking Nightmare's, and Nightmaratack would be consumed, shrieking in agony as his body was being burned away.
"IRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaad!" The demon shrieked, as he was eviscerated. The fire receded, and everyone looked at the aftermath… They saw the demon was dust now. The scenery seemed to change back to the tower as well. Everyone was silent, in shock that the demon was gone… Irad turned back to his normal self, and walked to the edge. Down below, all the grimm shrieked and disintegrated. In the cities all across remnant, all grimm fell and disintegrated. Their master… Was dead. Irad noticed that the clouds in the sky of the land of darkness seemed to go from bleak and red, to cloudy and normal. All is silent for a long moment, as everyone looks down. Ruby though, would have the biggest smile.
"We- DID IIIIT!" Ruby cheerfully and loudly exclaimed. Everyone was celebrating. Ruby jumping up and down, Weiss hugging Irad, Blake hugging and kissing Aiden, Yang raising her fists in victory, Jaune and Nora also jumping with Ruby in excitement. While Ren and Pyrrha sigh in relief.
Everyone around Remnant cheered and celebrated, for their troubles were over. Soon though, Ruby would notice Summer wasn't there,
"Wait, where's mom?" She asked Yang.
"Right here." Summer says from the opening of Ironwood's ship as it landed, with a hand on the shoulder on a cuffed Ironwood. "I just had to deal with a few loose ends." She says, narrowing her eyes on Ironwood, who looked defeated and disheveled. Penny would follow suit,
"Yeah, I too didn't appreciate what Mr. Ironwood did to those poor innocent civilians. Hmph!" She stated, scowling at the fallen general.
Ruby was happy to see her on their side, although Yang would cross her arms, smirking.
Irad looked at the scene, sighing. "Penny for your thoughts?" Weiss asked her lover, her arms around his arm.
He chuckles, "I'm thinking I'm starting to get too old for this… I'm joking, of course." At this, Weiss would giggle.
"I suppose we do deserve a break… We've worked hard to get this far." Weiss says.
"Indeed, my little Snowflake… Besides… There's a lot more things to plan out… Such as the party I'm sure Ruby or someone will order… It should be held at Beacon I suppose. My men can set it up in about 30 minutes." Irad says, stroking his chin. He'd then perk up, "Oh yeah, that's right… Since the battle is over… Uh, before the battle began, I got word from your mother. She'd love to have us meet her back in Ragadol when we can. The Schnee Dust Company has been successfully relocated… That is… If you are wanting to see her. She's been doing really good, and from the looks of it, she is looking really healthy." Weiss would be taken aback by the news. After some thought, she would give him a nod with a smile on her face. It made her happy how this man did so much for her. Irad smiled down at his lover, his sweet, beautiful, smart, strong lover. He knew that she was the one he wanted to live his days with. They would share a kiss. The teams would fly down to the ground on Ironwood's ship, everyone below still cheering. Winter would approach Weiss, her hands behind her back, with Olmotack following suit,
"Weiss..."
"Winter."
Both sisters would glare at each other in a serious manner. Only for Winter to sigh, breaking her serious tone. "You've made me proud."
Weiss was caught off guard and would smile on this. And hug her tightly. Normally Winter would scold her but she lets her have this, this time, showing how much she meant her words. Irad smiled at the scene, and Winter would speak,
"You." Winter said in a serious tone at Irad, which made him slightly spooked, until he saw Winter's features grow softer after realizing she was serious again,
"Thank you… For keeping my sister safe. I will admit- I wasn't so sure about you at first, especially with my sister having you as a love interest… But I can see now you are more than capable of keeping her safe, and making her happy." She'd give a small smile, but would glare at Irad, "If you break her heart, or hurt her, I'll demonstrate the true power of the Schnee bloodline." She coldly states, scaring Irad.
"Why are women so scary in this gosh damn realm?!" Irad internally states. Weiss would break from her hug with Winter, and Weiss would stand next to Irad.
"Coming to the party, Winter?" Weiss asked in a formal tone.
Winter was in thought, "I am not sure… There is still-"
Irad would clear his throat, "If- I may interrupt- I already have my men on the works with preparing the aftermath plans… I really do think you should attend the party, at least for a little while." Irad says, with his eyes indicating Weiss, trying to make Winter get the hint, "Hey, she wants you to be there." His eyes said
Winter would give in with a sigh, "Fine… I suppose if Irad already has things planned… I suppose I can come for a little while." At this, Weiss would be happy.
With Blake and Aiden, they are apart from the larger group. Blake's bow had been destroyed during their battle with Nightmare, and her ears were exposed… But no one seemed to care. In fact, she was praised by everyone for her role in stopping the mad demon, despite being a Faunus. Aiden and Blake were sitting on a rock, recovering from the recent events. Blake rested her head on Aiden's shoulder, her hand clasped to his. She gave herself her word she will never let Aiden go again.
"Gee- I missed a lot." Aiden states, looking around at how different everyone looks. "I see Weiss is going out with that Irad guy…"
Blake continues to hold onto his arm. "Yeah. I'm glad you can be with us again."
He chuckles, "I am too… It's been… Hell…" He kisses her head, "But I'm more glad to be with you again… That demon… I don't feel him within me anymore. After I separated, it's like that part of me left me and fused with him… My mind feels clearer now, and my connection with that demon is gone…"
Blake tears up again with a big smile on her face, "Thank goodness… Are we finally gonna live in peace now?"
He smiles, "I'd think so. The grimm seems to be destroyed, and the demon is gone… It'd be nice to start a life with you somewhere."
Blake would lean back with how he phrased that. "Um..." Then she gets close to him again. "Y-Yeah...sure. I'd love that."
He raises a brow, unsure on what the big deal is, but would soon realize what he said, and blushed a bit, "G-good!" He stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
Olmotack stands with Oscar, "Is… Ozpin is still with you, Oscar?"
Oscar nods. "Y-yeah. He wants to say something to all of you."
Olmotack nods, as he asks for everyone's attention. Everyone would look at Oscar, waiting.
Oscar closes his eyes and eventually Ozpin opens his eyes. "I am not good with these talks but… Thank you. And I'm sorry for putting all of you through this. The last thing I will tell you to do, is to live the best lives you can."
Everyone smiles to one another, and Irad speaks, "This does not mean this HAS to be the end of your teams… I have been doing some work.. And I've pulled some strings… Beacon will no longer train hunters and huntresses to fight grimm… But to fight other ghastly beasts such as the demon, and those that succeed will become a special force in aiding in the protection of the innocent… This world will soon merge with mine, and become one nation under my rule. And all hunters and huntresses will have a big role, and Remnant itself will be fully transported, and a new era of peace will arise. No greedy corporations. No corruption. No racism between Faunus and Humanity. No ill." He raises his arms, "All shall share in the prosperity- FOREVER!"
Everyone cheers, liking this perspective, as all have heard about Irad and his realm, and have seen his leadership.
Ozpin would be surprised to hear this, but would smile and nod to this. This is a new time that he feels fortunate to be a part of… He would give Oscar his body back for now. Perhaps for a while. He would rather have the boy live out his life without interference.
"Ozpin…" Irad says while everyone is cheering, "For your work in helping defeat the demon and Salem, a gift for you, sir, is in order… You see, my magic abilities are capable of many things… I have engineered a bio-body for you- a replica of your old one before Oscar. It's only a small bit risky, but I can transfer your soul into it, and you can live out your days using the body I have engineered… Granite, you won't age anymore, and won't need sustenance, granite, you can if you want… But- it's my gift to you, for everything you've done." He says, shaking Oscar's/Ozpin's hand.
Again, Ozpin finds himself surprised. "I… I thank you for this generosity. I'm unsure if I am worthy to walk among you. I am, after all, a relic… Of a soon to be bygone era."
He smiles, "Then your wisdom will be more appreciated… You can share and pass along the stories and knowledge to all generations beyond us. A way for future generations past us to look back, and see how far we have come."
After some thought, Ozpin would accept. "Very well. If you believe I can still contribute, what am I to deny?" He did feel a little melancholy of how things ended up with him and Salem. He would accept that times will have to go on without her influence and his. He still will try to make sure the acts of the past won't be repeated.
Hours later, at Beacon, the DJ (Penny) at the party starts the music, and everyone cheers and dances. Ruby and Yang dance together, and Aiden and Blake dance together, laughing, and Aiden would twirl Blake around, but would be interrupted with the three members of ASSN coming from behind Aiden and hugging him, and catching up, with Blake listening intently with a smile. Pyrrha and Jaune danced with each other, with Jaune luckily not being in a dress this time. And Ren and Nora danced with each other.
Weiss walks in from a limousine with her best white dress for this occasion. Many butlers, including her personal butler that she sees as a father figure, Klein, would escort her. Inside, both Ruby and Yang talk together with fruit punch in their hands. Just then the blonde would notice their partner finally showing up. "Well, look who is fashionably late."
"Irad's been waiting around the punch bowl… I don't think he's a party person, he's been there the entire time." Yang would chuckle, "A lot of girls came around to try to hit on him, and it took me to really help him. He seemed to be a bit of a nervous wreck. Guess he's not into large gatherings around him."
The heiress smiles at her friend. "Thank you, Yang." She walks over to Irad.
Yang would put her hands on her hips while Ruby walks over to get a better look at Weiss.
"Man… I am still not used to her saying stuff like that." This made Ruby giggle.
Irad was standing at the punch bowl, his hands resting on the handle of his cane. He looked around a bit nervously. Weiss came up to Irad, and when Irad caught sight of her, he shook his head, before dropping his jaw in disbelief. Her dress looked so refined, and she looked beautiful.
"W-Weiss… I'm- I-It's good to see you!" He says, trying to hide his blush. "You look so stunning and beautiful." He says, glimpsing at her as he tries to calm down. Irad was in a black suit with a maroon tie. A blue rose was in his suit pocket.
She smiled. "I know. But you look ravishing."
"Oh please." He says, waving a dismissive hand and chuckling. He would take the blue rose from his pocket, and place it into Weiss' hair.
"Perfect." He exclaimed, admiring his work, before stroking her hair, and taking a step back. Weiss felt the rose and giggled,
"So formal and gentlemanly." She started with a sly smile.
"W-Well, my ma and pa did teach me how to treat a lady." He exclaimed, a bit embarrassed. He would clear his throat, "Are you hungry? Thirsty? Or… Are you wanting to dance?"
He exclaimed in a nervous tone. Weiss giggled, amused at how Irad was acting. Usually he seemed collected and cool, but in times like these with her, he always seemed so shy.
"Sure. Lets." Weiss knows he is gonna embarrass himself even more if they keep up like this. So she decides to spare him from that and see how good he is as a dancer. They get to the dance floor, and Irad looks around, a bit sheepish. Weiss can detect his heightened stress, and would gently put a hand to his face,
"Just breathe, and focus on me. Ignore everyone else." She said in a soft tone, and Irad nodded. But would then say,
"I… Do apologize… I haven't really danced too much in my youth, and well… I don't know. I was always made fun of when I danced, ha ha…" He stated, and Weiss would say,
"Well I'm not like the people of your old home world. And if anyone wants to make it a problem, they can answer Weiss Schnee of the Schnee Dust Company… Just relax, Irad, and have some fun. You taught me to live a little… So go on." She states, and he would smile,
"You're right. Just… I apologize if I step on your feet." He says with a chuckle, and they would come together, and begin to dance. Weiss would lead him along at first, but soon he would begin to get the hang of it. As time passed, soon everyone noticed the graceful movements of the two immediately.
Weiss and Irad danced, with Irad either spinning, lifting, and moving with purpose. Weiss and Irad would look at each other and laugh, having fun. At the end of the song, Irad would grab Weiss' waist, and tip her down, with Weiss' leg being extended. They held that pose for a moment, looking into each other's eyes for a long moment, before Irad tipped her back up, and the two would smile at one another. Everyone cheered for their performance, and Irad would look around and smile, before a slow dance song came, making everyone turn their attention back to their partners, and Weiss and Irad would come together, and slowly dance. Weiss would catch sight of a group of girls who looked like they were fuming that the otherworldly overlord was with another woman. Without Irad seeing, Weiss would stick out her tongue, and would pull down the bottom of her eye, silently mocking the group for even trying to pick up her boyfriend, and the group would become even more furious and storm off.
"Something the matter, my love?" Irad asks Weiss as they slowly shift on the floor.
"Oh, nothing." She sang in satisfaction.
As they danced, Olmotack and Yang stood beside each other. Olmotack was looking at Blake and Aiden, as they slowly danced, Blake with a big smile, and Aiden with his own. Yang would look at Ruby, who was awkwardly dancing with one of the guys of ASSN. Olmotack would speak up,
"Hey Yang…" Olmotack says suddenly, and Yang would look at him, "I heard you are really into motorcycles… And well- as much as fath- I mean- Ozpin disagreed- I'm actually a 'motorcycle enjoyer' myself… Would you like to see mine?" He offered, scratching the side of his head.
The blond was interested. "Oh. No fooling? Alright." Nodding to his offer. They would leave together, going to the vehicle section of the school.
Irad and Weiss continued to dance together, and Irad would break them apart and held Weiss' shoulders, "Hey… Can we go somewhere private? I wanted to ask that important question." Irad asked.
"Very well." She wonders what he wants to show.
They walk through the empty and dark halls of Beacon Academy. Irad would ignite a flame in his hand as a way to emit light. The windows would be illuminated by the shattered moon in the sky.
"It seems my men did a good job in the repairs of Beacon…" Irad states as he looks around, "Man, part of me wishes to have come from this realm, and went to this school. It looks really nice. Seeing it with my own eyes is just- something else." He says, in awe of the design and decoration.
She looks at the whole school itself, feeling nostalgic. "You only showed up for a little bit for what I recalled. That felt so long ago… And yet..."
"That was about a year or two ago… But go on." He corrects, continuing to look around the halls, as they maneuvered higher into the school.
"A year or two?!" She was baffled. "So much has changed… I was..." Once she remembered how she was, it made her pause a bit. Not exactly proud of her former self.
He smiled, sensing what she was thinking of, "Hey- it makes you appreciate how far you've come at least… Look at you now. You've broken the chains your father has put upon you, and you are in control of your own life now. You are a mature and responsible woman… I mean, I suppose your team and I were of some help too… But that's besides the point." Irad states, chuckling at the last part. "My main point is: don't look at your past so negatively. Look back, and see it as your starting point, and compare it to your growth from then to now."
Hearing him say this has her feel more sure of herself and happy. "You say the sappiest of things. And yet… I wouldn't have it any other way. Well… Perhaps tone it down a notch." She would bring back her old sass for a laugh.
Irad laughs, "I suppose I could tone it down a notch… Almost makes what I'm going to ask seem a little bit overkill…" Irad states, and Weiss would raise a curious brow.
Irad decided 'to hell with it' and would continue, "Y'know Weiss… We've known each other for- well… More than a year by now, ha. And we've spent so much time together, and I never want to let it go… I can firmly say, as much as Ruby may not like it, but you are my best friend. My most trusted ally. My amazing girlfriend, and my sweet little Snowflake… But… Something has been flying through my mind for a long time…" He pauses, and Weiss tilts her head to the side a bit, Irad would continue, "You haven't really responded to my offer of becoming my personal advisor… Which I suppose you didn't have much time to ponder with all the events happening at once… But now that everything is over… I don't want you as an advisor anymore…" He stepped up, and would go on one knee, the moonlight illuminating his face, as he looked up at Weiss with the most dreamiest look, "Weiss Schnee… I, Alhsom Irad Shual… Would do anything for you. As I've said before, for you, I'd buy this whole world, if need be…" He reaches into his coat pocket, and Weiss would cover her mouth in disbelief with her hands, "I am your White Knight… And you, my little Snowflake… Now I want us to be one. I want my future to be us together… Overlord and Overlordess." He takes out a small box, and opens it, revealing a silver ring with a diamond in the middle, with small designs of lapiz decorated on the ring, "Do you, Weiss Schnee, wish to fight, rule, and live by my side, forever?" As Weiss saw the ring, it shined in the moonlight, and glimmered brIlliantly.
Her eyes were welling up, in her mind, so many positive emotions came up all at once. Before it can overwhelm her though, she gives him her answer, "Yes..."
Irad would smile, but deep inside, he was jumping for joy, and it was taking all he could to keep it together. Irad would take out the ring, and would gently slip it onto Weiss' ring finger, and Weiss would begin to cry tears of joy as he did so.
"Irad…", She hugged and kissed him, as her emotions began to boil over from her happiness. Irad smiles, and would also begin to cry tears of joy, embracing his lover- his new fiancée. "You make me the happiest girl ever…! This is the best night of my life!" She says, unable to control her emotions any longer. Irad only continues to hug her, and kiss her. Her life really began at Beacon… It was where she started her growth. And now, she will turn to the next chapter, starting from where she began in her journey. In that moment, she felt so grateful to herself for defying her father, and attending Beacon. Weiss then looks at the windows to see the party still going on. She also owes her growth to her friends in Team RWBY. They don't know what will happen next in their lives. But they will face it together. Both would catch sight of Olmotack and Yang on a motorcycle, with Olmotack driving. Yang yelled out with joy as they went very fast out of the school grounds.
"Well… Let's hope they don't break any traffic laws." Irad quips, and Weiss, still wiping some tears, would laugh.
A few weeks later…
In SECTOR Z267, it was Ragadol's international prison. Raven lays in a cell on her bed… Albeit, it was a luxurious and spacious cell- which was more like a luxury suite than a prison cell- as per Irad's request due to him casting hope unto her.
"You've proven yourself redeemable. A plan is in place so you can prove yourself. Succeed, and I'll allow you back into society, and you can see your family again, and spend your days with them." Irad had said. Raven though, was consumed with guilt for her actions. She felt she didn't deserve any kindness given, yet Irad persists. She doesn't know what Irad sees in her, but she would just accept it for now… She would hear a ring from the cell entrance, and would hear a voice on the intercom,
"Visitors for you, Ms. Branwen" the guard said, and the door would open, and Summer, Crow, and Taiyang would enter, Tai being hand in hand with Summer.
Raven would be shocked to see what she's seeing. She ran closer until she stopped short in front of them. "Summer...?"
"Hello, Raven..." Summer said with a smile.
"This is..." Raven stutters a bit. "This is impossible!"
Summer smiles, "I suppose it's the demon I have to thank for this… I was fighting Salem, but I was captured by the demon named Nightmaratack… Luckily, my daughter and her friends helped me."
Raven was full of emotions seeing her again. "I don't… I don't know what to say..."
Tai sighs, "You can start with sorry. For the kids. I know things weren't exactly easy for you, but you know how it hurt the kids." He was about to mention himself too, but he can't let his personal feelings muddy up the point. "Summer had an excuse here. What was yours?" Raven turns her head, feeling ashamed. Then he continued. "Don't think leaving again will fix things either. Make up for lost time. Actually be there for them. Qrow did. And his bad luck tends to get in the way, but he still was there for them."
Raven continues to look away. "I don't think I can..."
Summer sighs. "You are still complicating things Raven. If you want to be a part of the family… Why not just be with us? I'm not saying put yourself into house arrest, although that would be kinda nice." She giggled a bit, with Raven just groaning at that.
Summer continues, "I mean, Salem is gone. And so is the Grimm. We can be a family again. As much as you're not my favorite sister in law… You're still my sister..." She said with a genuine smile.
Raven would turn towards Summer's pure eyes and is still speechless, "Summer..."
She would remember what Irad said about redemption… And Raven would conclude that she will do whatever it takes to try to redeem herself for her actions… She would merely nod. This was good enough for them as they happily welcomed her back. After saying their goodbyes, Summer, Tai, and Qrow would leave Raven's comfortable cell, and would be let out by guards. Raven sat down in the chair in her room, and collected her thoughts. She eyes a file that was given to her by Irad- it was a job for her, and a way for her to pay for her crimes. She would take it, and begin to read… She would send word that she accepted the job.
RWBY Remastered: Echoes Of Darkness, END...
Commencing part 2...
RWBY Remastered: Dark Everafter: Ruby and Summer's Quest