Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
The rising sun began to appear on the horizon, coloring the frozen tundras of Solitas orange, which unfortunately was almost completely obscured by the storm of attacking Monstra Grimms. As the storm clouds obscured the orange light of the sun, Atlas' chances of victory and survival diminished.
Ironwood watched the battle from his office window as his army fought bravely and kept it with supplies. Unfortunately, exhaustion and the endless army of Grimm finally got the better of them and not only pushed them back into the city, but managed to split their ranks in two on both fronts.
The city was also completely overrun by the Grimms, the population is safe for now, but if the divided armies on the two fronts don't unite and beat back the Grimms, it will be over for Atlas. All his hope is in the prototype bomb that the Ace Ops takes into one of the Monstras and detonates. This would perhaps slow down the Grimm army and let reorganize the Atlas army.
The trouble wasn't over yet, as the prison was recently broken into and several prisoners have gone missing. Two officers arrived, a man and a woman, standing tensely at the damaged door, which was still damaged in the battle between RWBY and the Ace Ops. They were both tired and worn out from the many overtimes, they had bags under their eyes and could barely stand on their feet. The fear of the general had completely exhausted them.
- Sir, - The female officers reported. - it was confirmed that Dr. Watts had escaped from the military prison with the help of Cinder Fall. - She looked at the man officer nervously. - But the good news is that we still have Jacques Schnee in custody and...
- I don't give a sh*t about Jacques Schnee. - To Ironwood, the man's name felt like a pinprick inside his head. - What about the other two?
- Sir, - The woman just gulped in fear, knowing that she couldn't bring any good news. - Branwen and Hill escaped. But we keep all exits under surveillance, so they still have to be inside the academy.
- Damn it! - Ironwood angrily hit his desk and began to pant nervously. - Look for them everywhere! Do not return to my office until Qrow Branwen is in custody!
- Yes, sir! - The two officers saluted and quickly left the office.
Ironwood was increasingly gripped by fear and doubt, but what annoyed him the most was that the very people he wanted to protect were fighting against him the most.
- What about the... - In desperation, he called the Ace Ops, hoping that the bomb would explode soon.
Boom
A huge bolt of lightning erupted from the largest Monstra Grimm, bursting like a balloon and an immense amount of blinding yellow energy from within swept across Atlas, destroying all Grimms, including the remaining 6 Monstras.
Fortunately, the explosion didn't harm the humans, as Ozpin's protective magic only harmed the Grimm. So the sentients left on Monstra weren't destroyed either, but that didn't mean they didn't feel it.
Mandy was half-buried in the sand left over from Monstra, a cloud of blinding reddish-brown dust everywhere and she managed to stand up and dust herself off with great difficulty. She set off in a daze, hoping to find someone or something that could help her later. She felt very uncomfortable because everything was full of sand, even her panties.
Suddenly, she heard a cough in the distance and quickly hurried in its direction.
- Adam?! - She found the faunus man, who was lying on the ground, angrily hit the ground, took his sword in his hand and then stood up. - Is there sand in your...
- Yes! - Adam didn't even wait for her to finish. - She was in my hand! I almost managed to set her on fire!
- Who? - Mandy shook her head in confusion.
- Yang! - Adam blurted out. - Blake left me for her! I wanted her to suffer!
- It seems that we are suffering more now. - Mandy's head was still shaking from the explosion.
- We have to find them! - Adam started in one direction.
- And where? - Mandy thought this was a bad idea. - We have no idea where they are or where we are exactly. Dust and smoke drown out all other scents. We need a plan, Adam.
- So, what do you suggest?! - Adam put Wilt away impatiently.
Mandy looked around and saw a blue light under a pile of rubble, which she approached and dug out the Lamp of Knowledge.
- This might help. - She grabbed the Lantern. - If I'm correct, there is still one more question.
- Then let's ask it where they went and we can catch them. - Adam wouldn't have hesitated to use the last question to catch Yang and the others.
- Wait! - Mandy didn't even want to hear that the Lamp's power was being wasted on this. - We have to use it wisely! Cinder was sent to find one of their companions who had been captured.
- What do you mean by that? - Adam was annoyed by her slow tactics.
- Let's find her. - Mandy didn't like the idea of having to rely on Cinder again either. - She's not the smartest in Salem's gang, but she's aggressive and persistent enough to have a plan.
- If there's no better plan, then be it. - Adam sighed and they started towards the city.
Hopefully, the people of the Atlas army will be exhausted enough and busy regrouping to easily sneak past them.
The situation at the front was quite hopeless, the soldiers desperately tried to beat back the Grimm army, which were penetrating deeper and deeper into the city. Seeing how many of their comrades had fallen and the fact that the number of Grimm was increasing, it began to undermine the morale of the people.
However, there was still hope, as the Ace Ops arrived with a very powerful bomb, with which they might be able to destroy one of the Monstras, or at least two. This gave the soldiers new strength to make a final charge to the mouth of the largest Monstra. The Ace Ops, not letting the sacrifice of the soldiers be for nothing, headed towards the Monstra with the big, heavy and certainly deadly bomb.
Suddenly, a massive explosion erupted from inside the Monstra, destroying it and all the Grimm on the front. The shock wave of the explosion sent most of the soldiers, but also members of the Ace Ops, to the ground.
When they came to and stood up, they didn't see any Grimm around, only the two Monstras that were vaporizing and would be gone in a few minutes. It was the same with those in the air, which fell vaporized and lifeless towards the tundras of Solitas
Although the explosion stirred up a huge cloud of dust, it also erased the unnatural storm brought by the Monstras and the light of the morning sun finally shone and gave them new hope.
- Is everyone okay?! - Winter wanted to make sure no one died in the explosion.
- There are no injuries here. - Vine assured, stretching out his arms.
- What?! - Elm, who was half-deafened by the explosion, shouted, Harriet also standing next to her unharmed.
- They... - Marrow was fine too, but he looked desperately at the largest steaming whale. - They were still in there! - He quickly ran to the remains of Monstra, hoping to save the young ones.
In vain, there was no trace of life in Monstra's huge, steaming body. He felt like a failure by not being able to save them. Winter just stood next to him in shock and her words stopped.
- All targets destroyed. - On Winter's radio, Ironwood spoke. - Excellent work. But there is no time to celebrate. Return to the academy, immediately. We had a new problem. - Winter didn't answer even when the broadcast ended.
- But... - Marrow still didn't understand what could have caused such an explosion. - it wasn't us.
- Then we'll tell him personally. - Winter turned back to the rest of the team and looked at the bomb. - Take it back, we're leaving!
The Ace Ops obeyed and took the huge, cylindrical bomb back into the plane, which they took off and headed for the academy.
The explosion also had its effect in the city, the huge dust cloud even spread there and the steaming bodies of the huge Grimm whales could be seen beyond the wall. The morning's growing sunlight broke through the storm clouds and covered the city of Atlas in golden light.
Cinder, after freeing Watts, could hardly believe her eye, the strongest Grimm army and the most powerful creature that existed on Remnant was simply destroyed. She knew Salem would come back, but even so, this level of destruction among the Grimm was simply unimaginable to her.
She was forced to go down with Watts to the roof of one of the tall buildings and call the others who remained here.
- Has anyone answered? - Even for Watts, this explosion that destroyed the Grimms, but didn't harm the buildings or the people, was incomprehensible.
- No. - Cinder already sent out the call five minutes ago and no one answered yet.
- Well, - Watts and Cinder knew Salem and her immortality well. - she'll be back, soon. - He confidently put his hands in his pockets. - In the meantime, we need a plan.
- A plan? - Cinder stared sternly at the doctor. - The plan hasn't changed. I'll get the power of Winter Maiden from Penny Polendina, - She confidently raised and clenched her Grimm hand into a fist. - so, bring her here.
- And how exactly do you expect it from me? - Watts shook his head in confusion.
- You said in your message that you control Penny! - Cinder reminded.
- I said I had Penny under my control. - Corrected by Watts. - Not that I can telepathically force her to do anything I want.
- What? - Cinder didn't like the man's attitude or what he said.
- I planted a virus in her, you very stupid. - Watts gave the answer, although he was annoyed by Cinder's incompetence. - You seem to have no idea how electronics work. She's just completing a specific program. - He remembered Penny's resistance, from her human part, which was able to fight the virus. - At least, she should do it. - Slightly annoyed, he walked to the edge of the roof and looked down at the city. - As much as I hate to admit it, there seems to be a part of her that can resist. Although regardless of this, - It made him confident that Penny's body is more machine than human. - it's only a matter of time before her mechanical body gives in to the virus. She'll open the Vault, then destroy herself and our little Penny problem will be gone.
- What do you mean she'll destroys herself?! - Cinder grabbed Watts by the throat with her Grimm arm and pulled him to her. - How do I get her power if she's dead?!
- You know, it's quite surprising that you haven't figured it out yet, - Watts wasn't at all horrified as he tried helplessly to pry Cinder's claws from his throat. - but I don't work for you. Salem told me to get the Staff and get Penny out of the way. I just did what she asked.
Cinder's eye blazed yellow with anger, she held out her Grimm hand, which was also holding Watts, out to the edge of the roof of the building. Watts' life was literally in her hands.
- Come on, - Watts, even though he was scared, still didn't panic and instead held onto Cinder's arm. - you can't threaten me like anyone else!
- You think you're very smart, Arthur? - Cinder slowly started walking towards the doctor.
- I'm definitely smarter than you! - Watts wasn't intimidated. - Salem sent you to save me and take back! She needs me to fix the Amity you wrecked!
- Salem isn't here now, - Cinder didn't back down and stepped closer to Watts. - then I'll say that Ironwood found you too much of a risk and executed you before I could do anything. We can come up with a plan while you get your act together. - Watts saw in the woman's eye that she wasn't interested in anything but Maiden's power and didn't care at all about what would happen after that. - Or, I'm gonna watch you fall into the depths, into an unmarked grave. - As she got closer to the doctor, her grip on his throat grew stronger. - Then, I'll make my way straight to the Vault, where I will wait to tear her to pieces, - She stretched out her arm again and Watts hung there, several meters high, at her mercy. - that wretched magical doll to claim what's mine. - He summoned a fireball into her human arm, which she aimed at Watts and smiled evilly.
Cinder's smile wore off when, upon hearing the threat, Watts just laughed and even the fire in her eye went out.
- Oh, of course! - Watts was still not afraid of Cinder, who literally held his life in her hands. - You always do this! - He bravely let go of Cinder's arm and, defying her anger and strength, looked into her eye. - Tell me, how has this worked out for you so far? You stormed into Fria's room, with a very tough Bounty Huntress on your side, because you thought you could take on Ironwood's strongest warrior and war machine! - Cinder well remembered the pain she felt when Winter cut off her Grimm arm. - But you couldn't defeat them. Then that machine became the Winter Maiden! Oh, and don't forget the deal you made with Raven Branwen. - The memory of Cinder still tormented her when Raven froze her and spent at least two weeks at the bottom of a lake. - Gather all your enemies in one place, just to have a chance to take revenge! - Cinder became more and more angry at his words and her eye started to burn again. - I wish there had been someone who had warned you about this very bad idea! - He continued while stroking his mustache. - Wait, I did! Then, Salem gave a firm order not to do anything, but you still went to Amity, which Salem needed, which you messed up, and that's why you need me to fix your mistake! But you didn't care about the order! You pushed forward and lost, when all you should have done was do what she told you! - Cinder already summoned a tornado of fire around her out of anger. - Do you think you can claim everything just because you suffered?! But you are not the only one in the world who has suffered! It's not enough to be strong, but you should also be smart! Looks like you've lost half your mind along with half your eyes in Beacon! It's not enough that you deserve it, but you also have to be worthy of it! BUT YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A F*CKING HEADACHE!
Cinder, having had enough of Watts' scolds, let out an angry snarl, pulling him back and slamming the doctor to the ground.
Watts looked up at Cinder, the tornado of fire around her starting to go out. It was as if the woman had been shocked to realize the many mistakes she had made in the past. For the mistakes that caused her to suffer so much more and for which she missed the opportunity to gain even more strength so many times.
- You're right. - The fire in Cinder's eyes went out, she didn't say anything, she just walked to the edge of the building, where she sat down, with her head down. She clasped her trembling hands and even a tear fell from her eye.
- Are you... Watts was relieved after Cinder spared him, but he could hardly believe what he saw. - crying? And now I should feel sorry for you? - The man didn't feel a spark of empathy for the woman who had just nearly killed him.
Suddenly, Cinder's Scroll started ringing and the one-eyed woman picked it up.
- Cinder, tell me you're there and you didn't get caught! - Mandy was on the other side with Adam.
- I'm here. - Cinder answered. - What happened?
- Those kids were here, Hazel betrayed us, Genna left and one of them blew up Salem and her entire army with some magic. - Mandy reported and held up the Lamp. - Adam and I managed to find shelter and found the Lamp, and we have the password.
- Excellent. - Cinder smiled. - Are there still some questions left?
- Just one. We were hoping you had some plan to destroy Atlas.
- I always have. - A new opportunity opened up for Cinder. - I'll give you the coordinates of our meeting. Bring the Lamp and we'll come up with something together.
It was easy for Emerald to get out of Monstra Grimm, even with a wounded Yang. Salem was waiting for them at the exit, but managed to sneak past her and the Grimms with her Semblance.
On the front's side, they limped past the Grimm, who were more focused on the Atlas army and found shelter in a trench where Yang could finally get some rest.
- We have to go further, Blondie, - Emerald was worried, as she knew that the trenches weren't a safe place. - they will find us soon.
- It's just... - Yang could barely stay awake, but she knew they had to go on. - give me a minute.
- Maybe we don't have a minute. - Emerald anxiously looked out of the trench and saw that a pack of Grimm had gone ahead of them. - Your friends would kill me if I go to them without you.
- Oh, that's all you're worried about? - Yang only contemptuously asked the girl, whom she still didn't like.
- I was just saying... - Emerald just rolled her eyes when she saw a group of familiars. - Here they are! - She emerged from the trench and signaled to their companions, Jaune, Ren and Neo. - Hey, here!
The team immediately ran to the girls' hiding place, where they were relieved to learn that they had both survived.
- Hey, you're welcome! - Jaune jumped into the trench to help Yang up.
- We're not safe yet. - Ren found out.
Boom
The massive explosion that swept across Atlas, wiping out the Grimm, had just happened. The massive yellow light that erupted from the Monstra Grimm, destroying all of its kind, saved Atlas, for a time.
- What was that? - Jaune could hardly believe his eyes, all the Grimm on the front were killed, the Monstra Grimms, lying on the ground and vaporizing. The Monstras in the air just fell, also vaporized.
- Oscar must have done something. - Guessed Ren.
- What happened? - Emerald looked over the team and noticed that two were missing. - Where are the rests, Oscar, Roman and Hazel?
- Hazel sacrificed himself to buy us time. - Oscar approached the moat while sadly clutching Ozpin's staff. - Salem was taken care of for a short time, but she will be back in a few hours at most.
- And Roman? - Yang was still looking for the last member of the team, but Neo's sad, tearful face was enough to know that something bad had happened to him too. - Is he...
- No, - Jaune spoke up trying to dispel her sorrow. - he was kidnapped by the Bounty Huntress after Salem locked him in a crystal block. - The two girls, Emerald and Yang, just blinked.
- This...
- Yeah, - Jaune realized that what he said sounded a little crazy. - it may sounds quite weird when I said.
- No, - Yang shook her head. - that definitely sounds weird.
- The point is that Roman is still alive! - Jaune was sure of that.
- Guys, we should go back to the city, - Ren saw that after the Grimm disappeared, the Atlas army started to gather. - I'm afraid the general still wants us.
- Good idea, Ren! - Jaune jumped up. - Yang, can you walk? - He looked worriedly at the injured girl sitting in the trench.
- With a little help, yes. - Yang held out her arm to indicate that she needed help, which Jaune gave her.
He stood the girl up, putting her arm on his shoulder to lean on. Suddenly, Yang's Scroll started ringing and she immediately picked it up.
- Blake? - Blake appeared on the other side, who was worried and didn't even notice that Yang picked up the Scroll.
- Yang! - Blake's face lit up when she saw her girlfriend's answer, but the smile immediately froze on her face when she saw Yang's bruised and swollen right eye, bleeding nose, battered and tormented face with scars and cuts. - What happened to you?! Are you ok?! Where are you?!
- It's okay, Blake. - Yang tried to calm her girlfriend down. - I'm fine, as are the others.
- Unfortunately, - Jaune delivered the bad news though. - we didn't survive without loss and lost Roman. Is everyone okay over there?
- We... - Blake didn't sound confident. - we're alive. That means something. - She suddenly turned to the side to tell the others. - Guys, they are fine!
- What do you think, - Oscar put Ozpin's wand away and looked at Emerald. - what should we do with her?
- Hazel... - The girl, Emerald, was still unable to comprehend Hazel's death. He sacrificed himself for her and the others, she cannot let his sacrifice be for nothing.
Emerald swore that day that she wouldn't let Hazel's sacrifice go to waste and that she would do everything to make up for the many bad things she had done so far.
- I'm sending you a map. - Weiss joined the conversation. - You are just in the agricultural area. - She also sent the coordinates and the direction of where they can go. - Just go to this point where you can reach the red subway tunnel, then follow the route I drew.
- Got it! - Jaune was happy to acknowledge his girlfriend's help. - See you soon. I love you. - Jaune said goodbye, hoping that this wouldn't be the last time he saw Weiss after Yang put the Scroll down.
The team didn't waste any time, they set out to leave the front, following Weiss' instructions in the city, which led them to the subway network. It was dark, the power was out, but they were able to shine with their Scrolls.
- You're not serious, are you?! - Yang, still leaning on Jaune's shoulder, turned to the boys. - Do you want us to work with her?! - She clearly looked towards Emerald, who was walking in front of them with her head lowered and her hands raised, while Neo pointed at Hush with one hand, while in the other hand there were her weapons, which she made disappear with her Semblance.
- Just because it makes the most sense. - Oscar explained. - We are all Salem's enemies, including her.
- No, - Emerald just shook her head. - I agree with Blondie. You didn't like me and I don't like you either. - She didn't want to cause more harm to the world, when they reached a crossroads, she thought that maybe she could disappear so she wouldn't harm others. - What if we simply parted ways and never saw each other again.
- You're not going anywhere! - Jaune warned as he and Yang glared at her. - Not after what you did.
- We cannot let all our actions be guided by fear. - Ren interrupted. - If she could help, then we should at least consider it.
- She's also one of the reasons why I need this, - Yang showed her robot arm, since Emerald was also part of Beacon's fall, where she lost her arm. - and look at me! - She showed her injuries. - She also had a part in why this happened to me! I won't just forgive her! Everything that happened in Beacon! She lied to us! She tricked us! She's dangerous!
- And what about Neo? - Ren looked at the girl with the multi colored hair. - She also had the same role in everything you just listed.
- Neo... - Yang also looked at the girl, who showed less remorse for her past crimes than Emerald, but she trusted her more. - she proved that she's with us! She saved my life!
- So does Emerald. - Ren reminded.
- You don't have to forgive her. - Oscar added. - You have every right to feel that way. But maybe... you could give her a second chance. We've had enough help from someone today, - He remembered Ozpin, who had helped with the spell that destroyed Salem's army. - who we don't really trust.
- You mean Ozpin? - Ren's question surprised the boy. - I had a feeling.
- Wait, what?! - Yang was completely shocked.
- Oz is back?! - Just like Jaune and Neo.
- I know how you felt about him, - He raised his hands defensively. - but he saved my life! When I was tortured, he took my place so I wouldn't have to endure it. - He took out and opened his cane. - He entrusted this to me. And the vast amount of magical power he stored inside. More specifically, the kinetic energy he had accumulated over several lifetimes in the cane he had built.
- So that's how you made the explosion? - Jaune asked as he looked at the cane. - Have you used up all of his accumulated magic?
- Not all of them, - Oscar answered. - but the most of it. We have to be careful what we do with the rest. - He closed it and put the cane away. - He trusted my judgment and that saved us. And I want to return that trust. Yes, he has a lot of explaining to, but Oz is really with us and wants to help.
"Thank you Oscar.", Ozpin was grateful for standing up for him.
Suddenly, in the distance, they heard a baby crying and immediately rushed in the direction of the sound. As they continued on the subway tracks, they heard the crying more and more and in time, they saw light from the tunnel, but it wasn't yet the light of the exit.
The entire population of the city of Atlas was crammed into a large subway station where the wealthy city's civilian population had been evacuated. There were a lot of children and unarmed civilians here, who waited in terror for the end of the battle. Hoping that the army would be able to defeat the Grimm army that suddenly came upon them.
- Whole Atlas is down here. - Jaune stated as they put away their Scrolls, since at least there was lighting here.
Several explosions could be heard from the surface, the tremors of which could also be felt in the subway tunnel.
Seeing the terrified children, crying and hiding behind some boxes with their mothers, Emerald remembered her own childhood, when she too was terrified. These children are lucky to have a mother who loves them and would do anything for them. However, it also broke her heart that she was also part of those who were so feared.
- I've seen what you're capable of, Emerald, Neo. - Oscar remembered the Semblance of the two girls. - No matter how this fight ends, we really need people like you.
Ironwood was constantly issuing his orders on his computer, reorganizing the army, treating the wounded, repairing machines, tracking down fugitives and more. A huge stone fell from his heart when, accompanied by that huge explosion, unexpectedly, all the Grimm were destroyed. In the present situation, he examined the list of their losses.
He didn't even notice the returning Ace Ops until Winter cleared her throat.
- Huh?! - The general turned to the team in surprise. - It's about time. We dealt a heavy blow to Salem today...
- Actually, that wasn't our bomb, sir. - Winter interjected. - We brought it back.
- But then, who could... - Ironwood's eyes widened in shock. He didn't even say anything, just stroking his beard and walking and thinking. - Then we still have it. It might still be useful. Penny is still not at the Vault, - He finally stopped in front of the team and pulled himself out. - which means Watts was either made a mistake or betrayed us. At this point, we'll never know. Cinder Fall attacked HQ and took him. And that's not all we've lost.
- Sir? - Winter was worried in advance about what the general was going to do.
- Both Qrow and Robyn escaped. - The general turned his back to his people and looked at the computer screen again.
From the anger that Harriet felt towards the man, yellow lightning began to spark around her and she would have started to hunt down the fugitives without a word, but the general signaled her to stand down and Harriet obeyed.
- We destroyed Salem's creatures, but that doesn't mean we stopped her. - The general continued after he turned back and started walking towards them. - She will return and attack with everything she has until there is nothing left of this kingdom. - He stopped at the exit and lowered his head worriedly. - And I'm afraid we're dangerously close to that. - He put on the most serious and strict face possible to make his men feel the seriousness of the situation. - I need Winter Maiden, now! - He went back to his desk. - This is the only way for Atlas to survive! - He stopped, again with his back to his men, took a deep breath and clasped his hands behind his back. - Schnee, bring Arc, Ren, Xiao Long, Torchwick and Politan.
- For what purpose, sir? - Winter became more and more afraid of the general.
- Qrow was in my hands, - The general finally turned and clenched his only remaining human hand into a fist. - and I didn't do what I should have done. I won't make that mistake again. - He didn't even notice the terrified shock on her face when he approached her with a smile. - I know, - He laughed with a smile and mixed the fear with the incomprehension on Winter's face. - it's a shame I didn't think of this earlier. - He was still smiling as he put his hand on her shoulder. - If we threaten to kill her friends, it might make Penny think better.
Winter didn't say anything, she just stared in horror into the man's eyes and she could find the slightest remorse in them.
- Sir, - Harriet interjected. - I'm sorry, but we don't have them. - He clearly resented the woman for her earlier decision. - Agent Schnee released them.
- What? - The general's eyes widened upon hearing the news.
- Winter allowed them to go inside one of the creatures to save their friend and they never came back. - Harriet continued.
Ironwood's eyes filled with anger and he removed his hand from Winter's shoulder in disgust and looked at her like a traitor. Winter was the one he trusted the most and her betrayal hurt the most so far. He turned back to his desk, leaning on it.
- They were our last chance. - The general sighed and closed his eyes. - Now... - His eyes popped out and he angrily raised his fisted hands. - Now I have NOTHING!
With a single, angry blow, he smashed his table, pieces of which flew across the room. The machines built into the table spewed sparks as the general panted wearily above them before turning off.
- Sir! - An officer came on the radio. - We detected non-military planes on the radar, dozens of them!
- Airplanes? - The general rushed to another spare computer to see what was going on. - Whose plane are they?
- They appear to be freighters for the Schnee Dust Company, sir. They're heading straight for Mantle.
The surveillance system was connected to Ironwood's computer and he saw on the recording that dozens of SDC planes were heading for Mantle.
- Weiss, - The general understood who launched the Company's planes and why. - I understand. - Harriet looked contemptuously at Winter, whose sister might have a hand in the matter. - They're still trying to save Mantle. - He sat down, clasped his hands in front of him with a devilish smile and laughed. - It's always been about Mantle, hasn't it? - With a push of a button, he removed the protective plates from his office window, which caused daylight to illuminate the entire office and look out over the said city. - I have a call to make.
The joy in the Schnee mansion was immeasurable when the two teams met each other again. Ruby, Weiss, and Blake were overjoyed when Jaune, Ren, Oscar, Yang, and Neo appeared at the door.
- Yang, - Ruby was horrified when she saw her sister's condition. - you look terrible!
- I missed you too, sis. - Yang just laughed but was happy to see her sister again.
- Yang... - Blake also went closer and could hardly stand it without crying when she saw her girlfriend suffering from dozens of wounds and missing one of her fingers.
- Am I still hot? - The girl laughed, but it was clear that she was in serious pain.
- This... - Blake knew exactly who did this to her girlfriend from the cuts. - Adam did it?
Yang clenched her trembling hands into fists as she thought of the man.
- Damn… - Yang nearly cried when she thought of when Adam almost set her on fire. - that psycho beast.
- Don't worry. - Blake hugged her and started stroking the back of her head, consolingly her. - She can't hurt you now. - She whispered in her ear. - We'll take care of you. - She breathed a kiss on her lips, which caused Yang's trembling to subside and Blake was glad to be able to give her girlfriend some peace.
- He beat me up, cut me several times, cut off one of my fingers and... - Sobbing, Yang listed Adam's horrors. - wanted to burn me alive.
- You don't have to be afraid. - Blake took Yang's robot hand. - You are safe now.
Jaune and Weiss hugged and kissed each other.
- Your heroic knight has returned, my lady. - Jaune laughed.
- Never do that again. - Weiss just snuggled up to him and almost burst into tears.
- Where's Nora? - Ren was happy to see his friends, but he really missed his girlfriend.
- She's okay, just come. - Weiss understood how the boy must be feeling, since she almost died of Jaune's absence too, so she led him upstairs.
Ruby was overjoyed to see her friends back safely and hoped that Yang didn't suffer any permanent damage other than her finger, but someone was missing.
- What happened to Roman? - Ruby looked at the sad face of Neo, who was heartbroken when she saw that the lovers had found each other again. - Is he...
- Don't worry, - Oscar reassured. - he's alive, just kidnapped and taken to Mistral.
- Oh, - Ruby hugged Neo and couldn't imagine what she must be feeling. - I'm so sorry. He helped us a lot and became a valuable member of our team. I promise, as soon as we save Atlas, we will help him.
Neo just looked to the side doubtfully, it's clear that she didn't look like much of these kids and she didn't understand why Roman trusted them so much.
- Oscar, did they... - Ruby was about to hug Oscar, but as soon as she saw Emerald, she immediately reached for her schyte.
- No! Wait! - Oscar immediately came to her defense. - She's with us! I can assure you that...
Suddenly, Ruby's Scroll started ringing, which she picked up.
- Kids. - It was May and she was clearly very nervous. - the planes you sent will get here soon, but they're not alone!
- May, what are you talking about? - Ruby didn't understand what the problem could be.
- Oh my goodness... - May turned completely pale on the other side as she looked up at the sky. - RUN! IMMEDIATELY! EVERYONE, INTO THE MINE!
The broadcast was interrupted and everyone could only guess what might have happened.
- Are those... - Blake, before she could finish, everyone's Scrolls started chirping loudly, which was already hurting their ears, especially Blake's.
They all took out their Scrolls and saw the symbol of an Atlas news station on them.
- This is an emergency CCT broadcast. - A mechanical voice sounded, then Ruby projected the recording in front of the mansion's entrance.
Unarmed SDC planes were launched, which were attacked and shot down by Atlas army planes.
- What does that mean?! - Yang could hardly believe her eyes.
- Those planes wanted to save people. - Weiss also put her hands over her mouth in terror, but Jaune put his arms around her to calm her down. - Why would...
The broadcast ended and Ironwood appeared on the screen, in a dark room with only a spotlight shining from the ceiling. He stood there like a bloodthirsty beast about to pounce on its prey.
- I promised that I will always protect this kingdom. - The general began. - Your technological future from those who want to destroy it. Our enemy has weakened, - He raised one of his index fingers to emphasize what he was saying. - but one person still stands in the way of Atlas' prosperity. Protector of Mantle. Penny, wherever you are, you and your friends, I want you to listen. I know how much Mantle means to you. That's why I'm giving you a choice. - He clasped his hands together. - You come to Atlas Academy and do your duty, help save Atlas as much as possible and leave Mantle alone. Or you can watch as I destroy it. - This announcement shook all the viewers to their core. - I have a bomb. That's all I need. If there's no more Mantle, you'll have no reason to work against me. None of us want to get to this point, but one of us has to give in, and I assure you, it won't be me. If you try anything else, Mantle is over. You have one hour to answer. I hope you will be worthy of the title I have given you.
The broadcast ended and it was clear to everyone that the general wasn't joking. Penny either brings him the Staff of Creation or destroys the entire town. Unfortunately, Penny was still unconscious from the fight with Hound.
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