Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
The outcome of the election completely pissed off the people of Mantle, which only brought more Grimm to the city. General Ironwood, to prevent another riot, sent more soldiers to maintain order, however, this only frightened the townspeople more. Due to patrolling soldiers and robots, military planes flying over the city, curfews and cruel punishments, people barely dared to leave their houses.
- Citizens of Mantle,- Ironwood addressed the town over the public address system. - following the latest Grimm attack, gatherings will be temporarily banned. No public gatherings of any kind. Please finish your business and return to your homes before the curfew. All this for their own safety.
On the video that Penny, the Protector of Mantle, who is also the super weapon of the Atlas army, slaughtered innocent civilians didn't help people's mood either.
- Although according to the army's official reports, - The events that happened on the night of the election were also reported on the news. - the recordings were faked, many citizens still insist on deactivating Mantle's Protector.
- It's about time you told me what it was all about! - Robyn had had enough of waiting. In an alley, she and her Huntress cornered Roman and leveled their weapons at him.
- Who was that crazy guy? - Although Fiona was grateful that Roman protected her from Tyrion, she also wanted to know the answers.
- If he doesn't talk, we can beat him out! - Joanna suggested excitedly.
- I'll bring the handcuffs and the whip. - May has joined.
- Come on, ladies, - Roman didn't lose his cool at all, even when these 4 determined Huntress pinned him against the wall and pointed a weapons at him. - this is really not necessary.
- Then you'd better explain as soon as possible, - Robyn smiled lightly, but her bow was still aimed at Roman. - otherwise I'll let Joanna and May do whatever they want with you. - The two women just smiled and looked at each other, slightly worrying Roman.
- That sounds scary and dirty at the same time. - Roman was still joking.
- It's just going to be scary at first, - May said, still with a devilish grin on her face. - how dirty will be it's up to you.
- Hm, - Roman still wasn't scared, but the smile faded from his face. - I think I have no other choice. Just one question, - He looked away at the company of the increasingly impatient Huntresses, who were certainly not going to let him go without a meaningful explanation. - do you believe in magic? - The Huntresses looked at each other in confusion and none of them understood what she was trying to do.
- Can I beat him now? - Joanna asked.
- Wait! - Roman raised one hand. - I don't think any of you. I'll tell you that in the beginning I didn't either, and if you don't believe me, that's your business. After the fall of Beacon, I saw and realized things that changed my entire worldview.
- Just spit it out! - Robyn definitely wanted to know the answer.
- Outside the kingdoms lives a super evil... - Roman didn't know what to think of Salem, since she was definitely not human. - thing, Salem, who wants to destroy the world.
- Believable. - May rolled her eyes.
- She sent those who attacked you. They want to destroy Atlas by making the inhabitants of Mantle and the upper city fight each other.
- If this super villain really exists, - Robyn didn't seem to believe Roman. - then why doesn't the general lead his army against her?
- I don't know what Ironwood's plans are. - Roman nailed it. - You examined this with your Semblance.
- True, - Robyn lowered her bow and extended her hand to Roman. - now you either take my hand and answer my questions, or we'll throw you outside the walls of Mantle.
- Hm, - Roman smiled again. - do Huntresses do that?
- Just try it. - Robyn stared menacingly at the man who was forced to do as she asked. Roman took Robyn's hand and they were both covered in purple light again. - How do you know what their current plans are? - Roman knew that he had to be very careful, he couldn't lie, but he also couldn't tell everything.
- I was one of them and they shared their plans with me. - The light that turned red on both of their arms, which was a sign that he caught Roman in a lie.
- Bad omen. - May interrupted.
- This isn't a lie! - Roman didn't understand why the light turned red.
- Really? - Robyn's face hardened and she let go of the man's hand. - Do you know their current plans because you were one of them?
- Sh*t. - Roman grumbled to himself. - Thorough lie detector.
- Will you try again, how much? - Robyn held out her hand to him again. - Last chance. If you lie again, you are no longer of any use to us.
- I think there really is no other option. - Roman was forced to admit that he had no choice but to tell the truth.
- Again, how do you know the current plans of Salem's people? - Robyn and Roman's hands were covered in purple light again.
- There's a spy among them who keeps reporting their every move to me. - The light turned green this time, which means that Roman told the truth. - Their plan is to lure the Grimms here by turning the people of Atlas and Mantle against each other. - The light remained green, which both reassured and worried Robyn.
- You're telling the truth. - She whispered to herself. - Then we need to repair Mantle's wall as soon as possible! - She raised her head. - We need to get weapons and Dust so the people can defend themselves if the general doesn't!
- You can count on us! - Joanna was the first to stand beside her.
- Just like me! - Fiona also made up her mind.
- If we're going to die, at least we'll have some fun. - May didn't miss out either.
- It's a shame that you didn't win the election, - Roman just rubbed his forehead. - you could have done more.
- Are you with us? - Robyn just crossed her arms.
- Unfortunately, I have no other option. - Roman, if only out of necessity, but he was with Robyn.
- Then, - May wanted to know something. - what's the plan?
- I promised the people of Mantle that one way or another, I would protect them either I win or lose?
- What exactly do you mean? - Fiona was afraid of Robyn's answer in advance.
Robyn didn't say anything, just looked at the military transporter passing by on the road, carrying tons of Dust and construction materials out of the city.
- I have a feeling we need to use some force. - It was clear to Roman what Robyn was thinking. To steal Amity shipments.
It didn't take much longer, Robyn ran after the transporter, followed by the others.
- Do you have a plan or are you just running after it blindly?! - Roman shouted after her.
- May, you get in front of it and activate your invisible shroud! - Robyn yelled back. - The others follow me! - Robyn and Fiona were on one side of the street, while Joanna and Roman were on the other side climbing onto the roofs and following the transporter.
May ran quickly, cutting through an alley to step in front of the truck, blocking its path. The transporter stopped and the robot driving it spoke.
- Citizen, you're obstructing an Atlas military operation. - May didn't even pay attention to them, she just turned on the invisible shroud, so the soldiers patrolling there couldn't see or hear anything.
Robyn and the others didn't need any more, Joanna opened the driver door, while Roman opened the door of the other seat and they dragged the two robots out and crushed them with their weapons.
Fiona touched the truck, causing a white light to envelop the vehicle and piece by piece, along with the cargo, it fell into the black hole in her hand as if it wasn't there.
- Useful Semblance. - Roman liked Fiona's ability. - I could have used it in my time.
- You're still thinking, - Robyn just walked over to Roman's side. - that Semblances are overrated?
- I take it back. - Roman could hardly believe his eyes that a whole truckload of Dust and construction materials were stolen from the general.
For the rest of the day, they stole as many trucks and supplies as they could. Robyn was still a hero in the eyes of the people and they knew that even though she had lost the election, she was still fighting for them, not caring about being arrested or risking her safety.
In a few hours, 2 trucks and their cargo were stolen.
- Ironwood must be furious now. - Roman tried to imagine the general's reaction with a cigar in his mouth.
- This is the worst scenario! - Ironwood was furious. He slammed his fist down on his desk, causing the entire office to shake. - A bunch of people are dead, Penny is falsely accused and somehow, Jacques Schnee sits on the Council!
- This is already the second shipment that has been raided to Amity. - Clover reported. - Losing the election seems to have been the final push for Robyn to go from local hero to vigilante.
- I'm afraid the problem is more complicated than that. - Winter also knew that the situation wasn't very bright.
- Looks like, - Ironwood got up from his desk and started pacing up and down. - Robyn encouraged our Mantle suppliers. They refuse to send us more supplies until we repair the city wall. While Robyn distributes the goods her team stole, - He stopped and bowed his head. - the Amity Project is stuck.
- But we are so close! - Ruby despaired. - There must be some other way to finish the tower!
- There is, - Winter offered an opportunity, but her stomach clenched at the thought. - declaration of martial law. - Silence fell on the office, no one wanted to believe that there was no other way.
- How about, - Lance offered an idea. - we compromise and give some of the shipments to Robyn. This way, the Amity Project can continue, albeit more slowly.
- No, - Ironwood didn't want to hear about compromise. - we need to finish building Amity Tower as fast as possible! No time for compromise! - There was silence in the office, sir.
- You... - Nora was the first to speak. - you're not serious about martial law?
Standing with his back to the others, Ironwood looked thoughtfully out the window, directly at Atlas.
- What is more important? - You've already made your decision. - Creating the communication that unites the world or saving a single city?
- Don't say it as if it's that simple, even though you know very well it's not! - Nora refused to accept. - You keep talking about how we just need a little time, but you're not the one who's suffering!
- Everyone must make sacrifices for the greater good. - Ironwood turned back to her. - Mantle has a lot to bear, yes, but . . .
- THEY BEAR EVERYTHING! - Nora freaked out, she had spent a lot of time in Mantle in recent months and she knew very well how the growing dislike, which only attracts more and more Grimm, makes life miserable for the people there. Nora was able to see firsthand, parents mourning their children, or children mourning their parents, she met homeless families who lost their homes simply because the Grimm destroyed them and if it hadn't been for Robyn who protects them, who knows how many more victim would be. - The longer this game of patience lasts, the fate of the people below will become more and more difficult every day! And now you want to send more soldiers there?! You can't force people to follow you! If you do, it will only benefit to the Grimms!
Everyone was shocked by Nora's angry speech, Ironwood didn't say anything, he just took slow but stern steps closer to the girl who dared to speak to him so disrespectfully but honestly. His face softened and he looked to the side, clearly aware of the fact that what he was about to do was evil and cruel. Bewildered, he sat down in his chair and buried his face in his hands.
- Please, General Ironwood, - Ruby looked at the man pleadingly. - at least consider the possibility of compromise. - She stood next to Nora and put her hand on her shoulder.
- Yes, - Lance also joined the two girls. - Ruby just said there's not much left. There must be some supplies we can spare. That would calm Robyn, it would be easier for people down there and the Amity Project could continue.
- This division is only helps Salem's plan. - Ruby added. - That's why Tyrion and Neo are here.
- That's right, - Clover stepped forward with his hands behind his back. - that's why we called you here. - He took out his Scroll and showed Tyrion's police record. - Are you sure you saw this person?
- Tyrion Callows, - Winter explained. - accused of cruel and brutal murders in Anima. A crazed, maniacal killer who fled justice when his prison transport was attacked by Grimm. He has never been seen since, we assumed he was dead.
- Well, - Ruby remembered Tyrion, the crazy faunus man who had run into them on the way to Haven, wanted to kidnap her and almost killed her uncle. - he's here working for Salem.
- And the other one, - Clover showed another police sheet. - Neopolitan.
- She's also very dangerous, - Winter knew her well. - a stealthy, shapeshifter and excellent fighting skills.
- Roman's ex-girlfriend, - Ruby remembered as Neo tried to kill Roman. - she also works for Salem.
- If there was ever any doubt that Atlas was Salem's next target, - Qrow stated the obvious. - now there's not even a bit.
- But now we have the suspects! - Ruby hoped, now that they know Tyrion and Neo are behind the attack, they won't be so helpless. - We can tell people and…
- That a long-lost, crazy serial killer and a shape-shifter have turned up in Mantle and the military has no idea where they are? - Clover swept this opportunity away. - Things would get worse before they get better.
- I'm so sick of these f*cking secrets! - Nora simply couldn't stand all this secrecy and political chess plays. - If only we could tell the people all about Amity, about Salem...
- WE CAN'T! - Ironwood snapped. - If we talk about Amity now, we risk that Salem's people, who we already know are here, sabotaging the work! If we tell them about Salem, we risk being defeated by the Grimm before we can unite Remnant! - He stood up and pointed at the table, not tolerant of contradiction. - We have to finish the tower!
- We're not asking you to stop the Amity Project, just slow it down! - Lance spoke up. - How long until it's ready?!
- Only a week left, if we could keep the schedule. - Clover answered.
- Then if we gave Robyn half of the supplies, would it only last two weeks? - Lance tried to be optimistic. - Can we skip a week?
- He's right, General. - Ruby supported the idea of the Red Knight.
- Salem's people are here and they are trying to destroy us with all their might. - Ironwood reminded them.
- Which is more likely to succeed, - Nora added. - if the people of Mantle suffer and exude more and more negativity!
- James, - Qrow wanted his friend to take the peaceful path. - do the right thing.
Ironwood clenched his fists angrily, because he didn't want to hear about the Amity Project being delayed, but he also didn't want the people in Mantle to suffer unnecessarily. He looked at everyone in the office and saw in their eyes that in their hearts compromise was the solution. He sighed and got his answer.
- All right. Tell Robyn that she can have half of the supplies for Amity, - Ironwood was forced to bow. - if she stops the raids and Mantle cooperates with us. - Everyone looked at each other with relief. - Everyone who isn't busy with Robyn or guarding the shipments, focus on Tyrion and Neopolitan. - He started towards the exit, but in the meantime he gave a few orders. - I want to know who they're working with, where he's hiding, what is he up to, and how did that video of Penny get out all over my kingdom! - He stopped at the exit door, looked back smiling and saw that the others were proud of him for choosing the peaceful path. - Are you happy?
- Yes, sir! - Everyone answered.
The howling wind and blowing snow didn't stop Mantle's residents and construction workers from venturing out to the city wall at night and using Robyn's plundered building materials to patch up the holes in the wall and fill the energy shield generators with Dust.
Fortunately, Robyn and her Huntresses haven't forgotten what the general did a long time ago, to protect the townspeople. The presence of the Happy Huntresses calmed the workers so much that they didn't overflow so much fear and worked in unison to repair the wall.
People and machines worked peacefully and the wall slowly but gradually improved.
- How is the wall? - Robyn was walking while talking to the construction supervisor, not bothered by the blowing snow that constantly blew in her face, nor by the wind that whipped her hair and clothes.
- Bad, - The inspector, a bearded man with a yellow protective helmet on his head and a Scroll in his hand, showed the plans for repairing the wall. - since the election and Jacques Schnee stopped Dust production, the process has slowed down a lot. Our supplies have dwindled terribly, Dust has run out, Grimms have multiplied and Ironwood has also introduced a curfew.
- The losses? - Robyn knew it was bad.
- 2 of our people were caught by Grimms, - The engineer listed her with a bad taste in his mouth. - and 5 were arrested. A container of Dust exploded when Ironwood's soldiers hit us, injuring several. Half of our people are down.
- How long until we're done with it? - Robyn was afraid of the answer in advance, since a quarter of the huge wall has been repaired, but it's worthless as long as the part that surrounds the huge city remains in a deplorable state.
- Are you interested in my honest opinion? - The engineer narrowed his eyes uncomfortably, but Robyn didn't have to speak to know that she wanted to hear only the truth, even if it was wrong. - One year if we keep this pace.
- One year?! - Robyn's eyes widened. - We can't wait that long!
- We do everything, ma'am, - The engineer was angry that he couldn't deliver better news. - but there are too few of us, not enough building materials and Dust, and people are afraid of Grimm and Ironwood's soldiers.
Robyn clenched her fists, doing her best for the people of the town every day, but she felt like she had to drink out a sea with a small glass. She felt helpless.
- You can leave. - She sent the engineer, who, feeling as if he had disappointed her, obeyed.
Robyn just stood still, looking at the crumbling and damaged wall, then turned to look up at the floating city of Atlas. The inhabitants of the city above couldn't even imagine what Mantle had to endure, Ironwood with his huge army doesn't protect his people and arrests those who try to do something about it.
- Is the view nice? - She was called from her side by the voice of Roman, who stopped next to her in a jeep, together with Fiona, and they got out. Roman wore his hat half down to shield his face from the wind, but the strong wind still blew his long white coat and ponytail. Fiona's hair and sheep's ears were also buffeted by the wind, but she did her best to resist the cold.
- Roman, Fiona, tell me you have good news. - Robyn hoped that Roman and Fiona had more luck building the wall.
- I can lie if you want, but I don't think you would want to. - Roman and Fiona stood next to Robyn and started walking together while examining the wall in a terrible state.
- There's a big problem, Robyn. - Fiona's face wasn't cheerful either.
- Don't spare me.
- The western area has been overrun by the Grimms and more and more refugees are arriving here. - Fiona began. - I'm afraid that we won't be able to retake that area of the city.
- Both the southern and northern walls are in a deplorable condition. - continued Roman. - What's the situation here?
- The wall of the eastern part is already in the improvement stage, but it's not enough to keep Mantle safe and we are losing more and more people, either because of the Grimms or Ironwood. - Robyn rubbed her forehead nervously, stopped and sat down on a bench. - The situation is very bad.
- Don't give up, Robyn! - Fiona sat next to her and put her hand on her shoulder. - I'm sure we'll get through this!
- Sooner or later something will happen. - Roman also tried to convince her. - The most important thing is not letting yourself now, because Mantle's fate depends on you.
- Wow, - Robyn just rolled her eyes. - this is not a small burden.
- I'm just being honest. - Roman spread his hands.
- That's quite rare for you. - Robyn laughed.
- Enjoy it while it lasts.
- Look! - Fiona noticed a pair of headlights on the road heading towards them.
- Take cover! - Robyn gave the order.
They all jumped up, Robyn hiding behind a pile of empty containers with Fiona, while Roman jumped through the window of a half-destroyed building and lay in wait.
It was an Atlasian military truck, followed by another and a third. These trucks didn't go towards the Amity project, as it is at the southern exit of the city, and they came to the east.
Robyn and the others were just quietly lurking in their hiding places as the trucks headed towards the wall and stopped at the construction site, then soldiers, robots and a few Hunters and Huntresses got out.
- Robyn Hill! - Clover was among them, the captain of the Ace Ops. - We know you're here! I brought the general's peace offer! - He smiled as if he was really happy with what he was doing. - He's willing to send supplies to Mantle! Come out and listen to his offer!
Robyn and Fiona looked at each other for a while and didn't know if they could trust Clover. Robyn had known Clover for a long time, they were in the same class at Atlas Academy and had participated in several battles. She didn't know him as someone who would try to trap an old friend with a lie. At least, he wasn't like that a long time ago.
- I'm here! - Robyn stood up, hoping that Clover was still the same person he used to be and had come out of hiding.
All eyes were on her, Clover was accompanied by Harriet, Elm, Blake and Yang. Robyn stopped in front of them, showing no fear, instead eyeing the Huntsman and Huntresses suspiciously, who didn't look at all like they had come to fight.
- So, - Robyn placed her left hand on her hip, but was ready to use the crossbow on her right wrist if necessary. - did the general slowly, but turned on his sense?
- Let's just say, - Clover still smiled and crossed his arms. - that your little dedication had an effect. The general is willing to send supplies, stop arresting people, and even provide protection to repair Mantle's wall.
- In return? - Robyn knew it wasn't given for free.
- In return, you must stop raiding Amity's shipments and get Mantle to support us.
- And if I refuse? - It wasn't such a bad situation for Robyn, but she wanted to know her options.
- If you refuse the general's offer, we have been ordered to arrest you and those who support you. - It was clear that Clover definitely wanted to avoid this.
- So, I have no choice? - Robyn shrugged. - I don't think we can get more than that?
- That could save Mantle, - Yang interjected. - you could help people!
- I understand, Fisty-Cop, - Robyn now looked at Yang. - but Ironwood still hasn't given up on his pet project, Amity?
- No, - Clover answered instead of Yang. - but willing to compromise.
- I don't have much of a choice, - Robyn held out her hand. - I accept.
- I'm glad you decided. - They shook hands with Clover and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Pietro's lab was the most modern and best equipped laboratory in Atlas, where he worked on new devices or improved them every day with the best team of scientists and equipment that the most modern and richest kingdom could offer him.
Although the old scientist had created many wonderful and useful devices, none were as close to his heart as the girl standing in a scanning machine and the green lights scanning her entire body for any flaws or injuries.
- How is she? - Ruby, who always had Penny's fate close to her heart, was just as worried about her as her creator. Of course, her friends Weiss and Lance came to visit as well
- Confused and afraid. - Pietro buried himself in his computer, but his voice was filled with concern for the robot girl. - We will receive the visual data soon. That will prove her innocence, - He looked up from the computer monitor and turned to the projector behind him, on which the fake footage of Penny seemingly murdering innocent people was playing. It's clear that Tyrion did these horrible things, but someone was able to fake the footage to make it look like Penny did it. - but the damage is already done. The things people say about her... - He angrily clenched one hand into a fist and hit the arm of his robotic chair. - If Penny hadn't been there, Robyn might have... - He coughed suffocatingly, his health was getting worse, Maria took his hand worriedly to calm him down.
- I don't think Robyn was their target. - Ruby saw the situation somewhat and remembered Qrow's words about Salem. - Salem's primary goal is to divide us. I think Penny was exactly where they wanted her to be, - She remembered the terrible day when, thanks to Cinder's manipulation and deceitful plan, she was torn to pieces before her eyes. - exactly like at the Vytal Festival.
- Then the same as then, - Pietro worriedly turned his robotic chair and realized what had happened. - someone is using our own technology against us! All this footage of Penny working around Mantle as she fought the Grimm was stolen straight from the surveillance system.
- Urgh, - Maria just blew angrily. - hacking, technology... - For her, these things were already too complicated and incomprehensible. - Why can't people do what they used to do?! Fight to the end! Much easier if you ask me.
- I would invite you to this century, - Lance, who was also annoyed by cyber-terrorism, somewhere disagreed with Maria. - but you didn't like the previous one either.
- Well, - Pietro continued to conclude. - if the enemy is the same as at Beacon, hacking the Mantle systems would be easy. Fortunately, - He turned his chair back to his computer. - the rest of Atlas already runs on a further developed network.
- And how can you enter that network? - Weiss thought.
- Well, - Pietro took off and wiped his glasses. - only a few people have permission to do it. Me, Ironwood, the Council, cyber security, surveillance management and maybe a few select individuals who oversee critical systems like sewage and heating networks.
- The heating network is in partnership with the Schnee Dust Company. - Weiss remembered.
- What are you thinking? - Ruby felt that the white haired girl had an idea.
- I don't know yet, but something is wrong.
- underestimation of the century. - Maria added.
- Maybe your father could have done something? - Guessed Lance.
- I'm not sure yet. - Weiss just shook her head. - I don't know.
- And how are you feeling? - Ruby, to change the subject, was more concerned Pietro's health.
- If Maria hadn't offered her help in the past months, I would have collapsed. - He started walking up and down with his chair. - Getting a communication tower into the sky seems impossible in itself, - He walked over to Penny, who was still standing with her eyes closed, turned off, in the machine that it was examining her. - but now that I think about what people want to do with my daughter... - He thought about losing Penny, whom he considers not only his masterpiece, but his own daughter and tears gathered in his eyes, his mouth trembled behind his beard and another fit of coughing came over him.
- Even if it happens, - Ruby tried to be optimistic and calm the old scientist. - you could fix her again, so you shouldn't worry so much about it.
- There's a reason, - Pietro looked at the girls and Lance after the coughing attack ended. - why Penny is the only one of her kind. - He went back to his desk with his chair and took a picture from there. It was him, but he looked much younger at the time and among a group of other white-robed scientists. Every time he looked at this picture, he was always reminded of his favorite time in his career. - When the general first challenged us to find the next big breakthrough in our defense technology, most of my colleagues made the most obvious and predictable decisions, bigger and stronger robots, faster vehicles, more advanced radars and such. - Listed the ideas. - The creation of Penny was inspired by a crazy idea of one of my colleagues, Arthur Watts. He thought that the Hunters should be turned into machines.
- How? - Ruby shook her head in confusion.
- The machines that we plant in the Hunters' bodies would strengthen their Aura, their Semblance and their physical endurance, and he wanted to plant chips in their heads that suppress their consciousness and any spark of defiance or disobedience.
- This is terrible. - Weiss put her hand in front of her mouth.
- He wanted to turn them into monsters. - Ruby also thought it was horrible. - Into weapons and obedient tools.
- Yes, - Pietro rubbed his forehead. - neither the Council nor the others, not even the general, supported this idea and we quickly voted it down. However, this got me thinking, what if we did the opposite of Watt's idea. Instead of turning people into machines... - He smiled and Ruby guessed what he meant.
- You wanted to make the machines more human.
- I was the only one who thought that we should look for the solution inside. - Pietro explained.
- You wanted a protector with a soul. - Ruby was glad that such a brilliant person created Penny.
- I did. - Pietro looked back at Penny, who was still switched off, whom he loved more than anyone else. - When Ironwood saw her, he did too. Much to my surprise, the Penny Project was chosen over all other proposals.
- Why were you surprised? - Weiss was simply fascinated by the story. - you created an artificial Aura.
- Well, not quite. - Pietro just sighed and a pale green flash appeared around him, which meant that his own Aura had just drained and this shocked everyone in the office.
- Is that... - Lance just opened his mouth when he understood.
- Did you give her yours? - Ruby was both fascinated and horrified by it.
- Yes, - Pietro just lowered his head. - once I tried another project similar to Penny, in which I create a twin brother for her, the Denny Poject, but I almost died and we ended up having to cancel that project. When I fixed Penny, I would have accepted death so my daughter could live in exchange. I was in a coma for weeks afterwards, but I survived. I'm afraid I won't be able to do it again. If humans get their wish and destroy her… - His voice trailed off and he began to sob at the thought of losing Penny forever. Maria put her hand on his shoulder on the console table and seeing that young people also supported him, he calmed down and put the picture back on the table.
- We will find those responsible. - Ruby assured him. - I promise.
Thanks to the compromise, Ironwood and Robyn made a temporary peace with each other. The general was willing to slow down the Amity Project and send supplies to repair Mantle's wall and providing protection. In return, Robyn stopped raiding in the supplies and placed Mantle next to Ironwood.
Yang and Blake were protecting the workers ordered to the west wall.
- It feels good that we don't have to fight each other. - Yang, sat on a box and dangled her legs as she watched for possible Grimms. Although she loved to fight, she was glad that they didn't have to count Robyn, a Huntress who only tried to help people, as their enemy.
- Things could have gone very wrong. - Blake, who had just returned from patrol, sat next to her girlfriend. - Something is wrong, - She blew a kiss on the blonde girl's cheek, who was just quietly thinking about something. - I know it.
- Do you think, - Yang, accompanied by a sigh, considered it unnecessary, since her girlfriend knew her too well. - we should have talked to Ironwood about Salem? Before he staked so much on Amity?
- You feel we should have. - Blake began to guess what Yang was thinking.
- I trust Ruby, - Yang said, but deep in her heart, she felt that her sister was wrong. - but I think the general deserves to know what he's up against. All of them. - Blake pulled back and her cat ears fell down. - Don't you agree?
- I don't know, honestly. - Blake just shook her head. - I want to tell the general, and Robyn and everyone else the truth, but... - She couldn't finish because she was afraid to say what she was thinking.
- Then let's do it. - Yang felt that this was the right decision.
- What?! - Blake was a little confused.
- We need to talk Robyn about Amity. - Yang jumped down from the box and took the justice in her hands and started looking for Robyn.
- Is this a good idea?! - Blake wasn't that confident in Yang's plan.
- I don't know, but it's definitely the right move.
The two girls didn't have to do much searching because since Ironwood was willing to send supplies, she spent every day checking on the repair of the wall, just like her Huntresses. She went around the wall in a jeep, which is already being built on a larger scale and with military protection.
- Robyn! - Yang shouted towards her and waved at her. Robyn was talking to someone on her Scroll while she was driving.
- I know and it means a lot, but that's not enough! - She was clearly upset and displeased.
- Robyn, - Clover spoke on the other side. - the general has sent as many supplies as he could, but also the Amity Project...
- To hell with the Amity Project! - Robyn shouted back to the Scroll. - This is about people's lives!
- It's all Jacques Schnee's fault, he stopped Dust production. The General is doing his best to restart it, but since the Schnee Dust Company isn't owned by the government, it will take time.
- We don't have much time! We absolutely need more Dust to repair the wall!
- We also need Dust, so you can trust us that we will really do everything we can to get the Schnee Dust Company back into production.
- Then really hurry, goodbye. - She put her Scroll down and looked at Yang and Blake standing next to her jeep. - What do you want?
- Robyn, we need to talk. - Yang got straight to the point.
- Is there something wrong? - Blake was more worried about the previous Scroll conversation.
- One problem after another, - Robyn just snorted angrily. - the Dust supplies we got from the general aren't enough to repair the wall, because that *sshole, Jacques Schnee stopped Dust production! I got nothing but promises from Clover. - She rubbed her forehead. - Why did I have to lose the election?
- The General needs Dust too, - Blake tried to stay positive. - I'm sure he'll do everything he can to get them to start producing again.
- I really hope what you say is true. - Robyn sighed in frustration. - If I were a Councillor, I could do something. - She looked towards the two girls. - Did you want to say something? - Yang and Blake looked at each other nervously before Yang nodded.
- It's about the Amity Project. - Blake said and this already attracted Robyn's attention.
- Ironwood's project that caused you so much delay in repairing the wall?
- Yes, - Blake continued and knew there was no going back from here. - he... builds a new communication tower. - Robyn listened and thought in shock for a while.
- This doesn't make any sense. - She shook her head.
- With a new tower, the kingdom finally... - Yang tried to explain, but Robyn stopped her.
- I know what the tower can do, Fisty-Cop! - She got out of the jeep and held out her right hand. - One of you, hold my hand.
- What? - Yang didn't understand what she was trying to do.
- I'm not sure I believe it. - Robyn has had to use her Semblance more and more recently to uncover more truths.
- I will. - Blake stepped forward and took Robyn's hand. A purple light appeared around their hands.
- Tell me one more time, - Robyn asked with a serious and stern face. - what does Ironwood build on the tundra?
- A new communication tower. - Blake gave the answer and the purple light surrounding their hands turned green. - She tries to help everyone.
- You are telling the truth. - Robyn doesn't even know how many times the truth has surprised her.
- Pretty handy Semblance. - Yang liked Robyn's ability.
- Why does he keep it a secret?! - Robyn demanded the answer.
- Because he doesn't know who he can trust. - Blake replied. - The people who attacked you and killing civilians in Mantle just want to frame him.
- You mean, Salem? - This sentence of Robyn tripped the fuse for the two girls, who stared at each other with wide eyes and open mouths. - Don't be so surprised.
- Where did you... - Yang was the first to find her voice, but Robyn crossed her arms and looked at them with a smile.
- So Roman was right. - Another jeep arrived, driven by May, but the person mentioned was traveling in the other seat.
- I just don't understand, - Roman was explaining something to May. - if you already have a dozen vampire knights, why do you need a giant gorilla too?
- Maybe because... - May tried to explain, but Yang interrupted their conversation.
- Did you talk about Salem?!
- It's not that he spoke, - Robyn answered for Roman. - but how there is this super villain who wants to destroy all of Atlas and the general didn't tell anyone about it?!
- Did we miss something? - Roman and May got out of the jeep.
- They just told me what's Ironwood's goal with Amity. - Robyn answered.
- Well, that must be good. - May has wanted to know for a long time.
- He is building a new communication tower. - Robyn gave the answer and May and Roman were as surprised as she was before.
- What is that for? - May didn't quite understand.
- He wants to unite the world. - Roman understood immediately. - Into one big army, against Salem.
- I'm getting a little scared of this... Salem. - They could see the signs of fear on Robyn.
- If you met her, you'll be freaked out. - Roman assured. - The fact that the general wants to build Amity Tower so quickly is a sign of how desperate he is.
- Sorry, - Yang still wanted to know something and stared at Roman. - but what made you talk about Salem?!
- I found out that her people infiltrated the kingdom and I was sure that Robyn would be their target.
- In short, - May added. - you used her as bait.
- Something like that. - Roman rolled his eyes.
- If that's what you want to tell us, - Blake took over. - that Tyrion and Neo are here and trying to destroy Atlas, you're already too late.
- Not only them, but a certain Dr. Arthur Watts, who is currently hiding somewhere in Mantle and I tried to find him.
- And why didn't you tell us about this? - Yang crossed her arms angrily, while Roman just smirked.
- Does your sister know you're here? - This question confused Yang and Blake.
- What? - Yang shook her head in confusion. - What does this have to do with the fact that you didn't reveal what you knew?!
- So she doesn't know and I think Ironwood won't be happy either if he finds out that you spit his secret about Amity. - As Roman explained, Yang clenched her fist and wanted to beat the man.
- I think, - Robyn, sensing the tension, stood between them as a peacemaker. - it's too late.
- Please, - Blake also reassured Yang. - that won't help. - Yang calmed down at her girlfriend's request.
- You can't tell anyone. - Yang asked for Robyn. - It's very important that Amity remains secret.
- I won't tell anyone. - Robyn promised. - Now go back to your place.
Yang and Blake did the same and when they got far enough, Roman took out a letter.
- What is it? - Robyn looked at him curiously.
- Either a solution to the Dust problem or a big scam. - Roman explained.
- I'm betting on the latter. - May spoke up.
- Let me see. - Robyn started reading the already opened letter. - Is this serious?!
- You wanted to talk to him, - Roman said. - now is your chance.
- Jacques Schnee invites me, - Robyn explained. - the Council and the general to his mansion, but he doesn't say why.
- Here's your chance to talk to that bastard about Dust production. - May explained.
- I guess, - Robyn sighed. - this is my only choice.
The Winter Maiden's chamber was in a huge, underground hall, where you could get down with an elevator, and when you got down, the whole place was surrounded by light blue, crystal-like rock walls. Exiting the elevator, a narrow bridge led to a larger room, where light gray marble columns held huge metal baskets, in which a blue fire blazed and illuminated the dark chamber.
- It's behind the door. - Ironwood, who came down to the Chamber with Oscar to show the boy what his predecessor had created.
- The Staff of Creation. - Oscar turned his head around the huge hall with his mouth open, but his attention was drawn to the floating rock at the end of the hall, in the middle of which there was only a larger rim, and on it a 5m high golden gate.
- I was hoping that if I brought you here, maybe it would help bring Ozpin out. - Ironwood explained, clasping his hands behind his back and pulling himself out. - After all, it was your idea to use the Staff to lift Atlas off the ground.
- I thought gravity Dust was holding Atlas up.
- This is the official story. - Ironwood stepped forward. - But with the Staff, we seem to have an infinite resource. - He stopped at the edge of the ledge and stared directly at the golden door. - Oz once assumed that we could go as high as we wanted. To be honest, - He smiled at his thought. - this idea inspired the Amity Project. Move a comm tower into the sky, higher than where the Grimm can survive. That way we would never lose touch with each other.
- But why don't we use the Staff to lift Amity? - Oscar didn't understand.
- The Staff can only be used for one purpose at a time. - Ironwood turned back to the boy. - At Amity, we have to use the old method, Dust and building materials.
- It's a strange feeling, - Oscar felt as if he had been here before, even though he had never seen this place in his life. - that a part of me helped in this.
- You'll get used to it, - Ironwood just smiled. - I'm sure. Eventually you won't know who is who anymore. - Oscar was silent for a moment, worried in advance, what will happen if his and Ozpin's soul are united for good.
- I see.
- We often disagreed on many things, - Ironwood remembered his arguments with Ozpin, but most of all, how he knew the right choice so many times and the only mistake he remembered was the one that eventually caused the downfall of Beacon. - but I wish I could ask Ozpin what he thinks of what I'm doing.
- Well, - Oscar didn't feel special, but he felt that the general needed honest advice from someone he trusted. - I can tell you what I think. I think you are doing the right thing, compromising with Robyn was the right decision.
- That's why the Amity Project, - Ironwood turned back to him. - the construction of the communication tower, with which we could unite the world against her, is delayed. - He lowered his head and sighed. - I think it was a mistake to agree with Robyn.
- General, - Oscar tried to speak to him. - if you want to go down a path where you are the only one who knows the answers, who does what you think is right, no matter what, it won't lead to anything good.
Ironwood didn't answer, just turned around with a stern face and headed for the elevator.
- We have to stop Salem, - That was all Ironwood cared about. - nothing else matters.
- I think there is something more important, I think. - Oscar's words stopped the general. - To preserve our humanity. This is what makes us different from her.
- Sometimes I feel, - The general started again. - this is her biggest advantage. - He pressed the elevator control button, which called the elevator down. - Lack of humanity. Does she feel fear? Does she ever hesitate? She's not binded by honor, moral and empathy. - Ironwood while he's both admired and afraid Salem, concentrated heavily on the controller. - When Salem defeated Beacon, she destroyed all my ships and all my soldiers, I didn't stand a chance against him. I have never felt so helpless. - His eyes widened, he still saw the flames of Beacon in front of him, the red eyes of his robots and their weapons against him, he smelled the smoke, he heard the explosions and the screams and he felt himself small, weak and vulnerable again. - And the way she said it, she's there. - What scared the general the most was the black queen crest in red light on the monitors, which was Salem's trademark. This symbol was the harbinger of Beacon's downfall.
The elevator arrived and pulled the general back to reality.
- It's all right to be afraid. - Oscar reassured him. - Just don't let fear rule you.
- I won't end up like Lionheart. - The general turned back to the boy and wanted to know something. - Do you believe in me?
Oscar just rolled his eyes and walked towards the elevator.
- I believe in you, but not only in you. - He got into the elevator and looked towards Ironwood. - I think the best thing you can do is slow down, look around and talk to the people you fear or hate the most.
- Well, - Ironwood just laughed. - now you're really starting to talk like him.
The general also got into the elevator and together they went up to the Academy. As soon as the elevator doors opened, Winter and Penny were waiting for them and neither of them looked happy. Penny looked sad and upset, while Winter looked more angry.
- Winter, what's wrong? - The general stepped out of the elevator with Oscar at his side. Winter didn't say anything, just handed Ironwood a letter with the Schnee family seal on it.
Ironwood unfolded and began to read the letter and as he reached the end his face hardened and he looked up at Winter.
- What happened? - Oscar was worried about the contents of the letter.
- You get your wish. - Ironwood replied.
- My father's first act as Councilor. - continued Winter. - He invited us all to a dinner where the General must defend his position on the Council and as the headmaster of the Academy.
Oscar's eyes widened in fear, but Ironwood's gaze hardened, ready to brutally sideline anyone who stood in his way, friend or foe.
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